Wednesday 31st October 2012 - Halloween

Oops! Woke up quite early and had a thought. Sent Ken a text message asking a silly question. Forgot it might actually wake him up!! Quite rightly he's not a happy bunny at 0430hrs UTC.

There needs to be an app which works like an 8 day clock, i.e. goes completely silent between user set specific times. but if a phone number rings a specific number of times in a row within a specific time frame (i.e. 3 times in 5 mins) such as for an emergency, a major claxon goes off. Found something called Silent Time App for the Android which might be worth a look. Nothing founf for the iPhone though yet.

Fresh snow has fallen over night and is falling again as I write this over breakfast. Temperature down at -4 degC.

Hopefully getting the contract for the new place today. Need to sort out the car insurance for when I get home.

Those muppets at Team Relocation in the UK still haven't contacted me despite saying they'd do it within 24hrs. Can't stand people who give time limits and then break them. If you know you can't keep to a specific time don't bloody give one. Be vague.

Got into the office without breaking my neck. Walking on the rough ice is better as it at least provides a bit of grip. Apparently, just coz something looks like it has sand or grit on it doesn't mean it isn't slippy. Ice could melted a bit which causes the sand or grit to sink below the surface and then it refreezes nice and clear, so that you can see it but it doesn't provide the grip required.

The best option is to go for spikes on the footwear. They give out free ones at the works reception but they didn't fit my boats. Will need to remember to ask if they have any bigger ones.

The team relocation from the UK did leave a voice mail last night, just after I'd left the office. Technology helps out by placing an audio file in my inbox of Outlook, which I can then play, save or delete as necessary. Not too shabby that.

Got frustrated with the team relocation people.in Asker though. They tried and tried to send me a pdf file which for some reason I couldn't print. Try again in the morning.

In the evening it was of course trick or treat. Didn't quite twig at the time, just thought it was kids plaaying with the buzzers downstairs by the main entrance. By the time I'd heard running up and down stairs, buzzer at my front door and knocking I had to see what was going on. Opened the door and had to explain that I didn't have anything. Sorry.

Should've realised earlier as Eileen had made halloween cookies and cakes in the office. There is definitely a disconnect in my brain somewhere where I don't figure out the connections til after the last event has been and gone rather than as they occur.

Tuesday 30th October 2012 - Halloween Eve

Woke up real early this morning at about 0530hrs.

No new snow by the look of it but the temp is now definitely on the wrong side of zero. Currently showing around minus 4 degC. Brrr. Maybee later in the season I'll be looking back and thinking how warm it was. Not at the moment though.

Off to work, not expecting to get a lot done. Need to get Morteza up and running as soon as possible.

Actually today went a bit better than expected. Some complaints about the AMOS implementation on the vessels but after explaining my plans for help files and movies to a couple of the superintendants it seemed to be better. Mick might not be that impressed. When I sent out an email letting the supers know where they are he sent three replies in quick succesion.

The jacket was a good buy yesterday.

Feeling a bit better today and have cooked supper.

The weather over the next few days is supposed to get warmer which will melt the snow/ice. Unfortunately this will probably result in more slips and slides.

It would appear that I have the apartment I was looking at. Get the agreement signed tomorrow. Not sure yet when I can move in. I would try and do some research for TV's, washing machine & sofa bed, but feel a bit under pressure at work.

Monday 29th October 2012

First real snow of the season fell this morning. Got woken up by the municipal snow blower trying to clear the paths. Tried to take a video on the phone but it was too dark.

Now we'll see how good the shoes are in the snow. Weren't much good on ice. Will probably have to get some spikes. As I'm drinking my tea in the kitchen I notice that the snow is falling. The temperature gauge on the window is indicating minus 1 degC.

Hopefully hear today about the apartment and they'll say yes.

Despite the locals being warned that snow was imminent there was still chaos on the roads this morning. Just outside the office a truck had got stuck on the hill. It happened just by the pedestrian crossing so I'm guessing the Norwegian habit of just walking out without looking may have caused the truck to stop after which it couldn't get going again on a hill start.

Wore a vest for the first time ths morning hoping it'd help with the cold. Unfortunately all it did was cause me to get dehydrated. The office is warm enough to walk around in a thin shirt so a vest is not needed during the day. What I need is a system which can be removed after arriving.

Morteza turned up today. He's going to help out hopefully. He's an ex captain. I wasn't told he was arriving this morning. Not happy with the upset to my schedule to be honest. I was expecting to deal with Dag's last week and now I have got Morteza to deal with as well. Didn't get anywhere near the level of work done I expected.

The snow kept falling through the day. I eventually took the vest off in the afternoon.

Now the clocks have gone back an hour it is lighter in the morning but is dark in the evening instead.

After work I went into town and bought a new jacket. Hopefully it'll be warmer than what I have at the moment.

Got back to the apartment and felt rubbish. Had a few sandwiches and then sat around feeling bored before going to bed.

Sunday - 28th October 2012

Saw the temperature gauge last night before going tobed and it was at about -5 degC. Not getting any warmer is it.

Clocks went back over night so an extra hour in bed.  Not a bad idea either. Woke up still fairly full from the curry last night.

The plan for today was to cycle up to where the new apartment is. Should find out tomorrow if I actually have it or not. Either the landlords are trying for more people to see if they can get more money or they're just being extra cautious. Hopefully the latter. Anywhere else would have to be something extra special to get over the disappointment of not getting this one.

The temperature gauge is showing about 2 degC as I'm getting ready for the quick expedition. Trying the warmer of the two tops I bought yesterday and taking the other as a backup if I get really cold. Have a spare hat and gloves as well.

Took a little while to get ready as I was experimenting with the bike gps. Took a little while to load a course into the machine. Found it a bit odd that you need to load two routes for there and back rather than just being able to reverse the 1 route.

It was cold but warmer than expected with the new top. Took about 20mins to find the new apartment location. Not a bad route once I discovered the correct road to take. Thankfully the walk to the office will be mostly downhill at the start giving me time to warm up before heading up the hill towards the office. Same on the way back. After confirming I had the right place I set off on a random  route. Was sort of looking for the lake again, Took me a while without a paper map but sort of got it. Will plan to map out the ski routes over the coming weeks and months as a means of getting out of the house.

Was out for less than hour before I found myself back at the road for the new apartment. Hadn't planned on that but the sweat was starting to get cold again. It would appear that the problem might be with the windproof jacket which isn't letting the moisture out quick enough. Having panniers would allow me to lose the backpack which might reduce the sweating a bit. Hopefully getting my cycling clothes from the UK might also help.

Had a coffee and muffin at the coffee shop. Met Hans-Herman there but didn't chat too long as I wanted to sit outside as part of the experiment for the new top.

It was getting colder. Got back to the apartment about 1500hrs. I was very cold. My skin was freezing. Got undressed and went into the shower to warm up.

After a cup of tea it was time to iron the weeks shirts. Took about 1h40mins for 5. Not sure whether I'm getting quicker or just laxer.

Did Skype with Ken and Anne about 1800hrs.

The temperature in the aparment this evening is cold. Outside, the kitchen thermometer is saying about 0 degC. Ken says Asker is expecting snow tonight of about 3 inches. Brrrr!

Maison missed me while I was talking to Ken and Anne. Nobody else online tonight.

Saturday 27th October 2012

Todays plan is to go into Sandvika and visit the outdoor shop I found last time I cycled there. Wanted to try on some thermal under layers to see if I could stop myself freezing when cycling. It probably has more to do with the out windproof layer not letting the sweat out rather than the under layers but it won't hurt to try something.

After that I'd be going to Drammen for the curry evening.

Walked into Asker. Arranged an appointment for an eye test at one of the local opticians. Hopefully they'll be able to advise me about some specs for use with a computer. This will at least prevent a crick in my neck when using the bloody varifocals. Because they're for use with the PC the company should cover the whole thing. Better bloody had.

After that I popped into the Dressman store near the station to see what they had in the way of clothes for the larger gentlemen (i.e. bat fastards like me). Seems they have quite a bit. Bought a couple of 3XL vests as I was already feeling a bit chilly. Didn't buy anything else there, as I didn't really want to carry it all around Sandvika especially as they have a Dressman as well.

Got on the train and got my ticket stamped. The guard was quite camp, said he was originally from the South of England, and seemed to be coming onto me. Now I'm not the most receptive person with these sorts of signals but it did seem a bit odd even to me.

The train I had got on was the express one and the first stop was Sandvika. I was still thinking about the guards actions and completely missed it. Doh! I got off at the next stop and thanksfully my ticket was still within the 1hour validity to get me back to Sandvika.

Got into the outdoor store and found two different tops from Develo which might do the trick. One is for +5 degC down to -10 degC and the other is for +5 degC to -5 degC. Also bought two more pairs of thermal socks.

Visited the Storcentre again to look at the big XXL store they have at the end. Bought two pieces of pizza and a coke for lunch before that. Only found some more socks. Did have a look at some knives but completely forgot about the camp beds as an alternative to a sofa bed. Maybe that's something I could get from GO outdoors in Plymouth and shipped out??

On the way out I stopped at the Dressman store and looked for some more clothes. I did look at a warm jacket but decided not to go for it when the shop dude said it wasn't waterproof. Bought two jumpers which were for work. I decided to try three pairs of undies as they were in better designs than the big ones I could get at M&S. They were only 2XL but might be okay.

It was still quite early for leaving for Drammen but didn't really have anything else to do in Sandvika.

The travel card I had wasn't valid to Drammen as it is outside the travel zone. They'd only cover the trip to Asker. The guard suggested it'd be cheaper in the long run to pay a ticket onboard from Sandvika to Drammen. Wen with that plan.

Got into Drammen but didn't see anything to invite me back really. Bit industrial. Found the King's Arms and went in. Well early. We'd said something like 1800hrs and there I was at 1645hrs. Rather than start on some nasty lager I plumped for a cup of tea. Bad move as the water wasn't boiling and the tea was Yellow Label shit. Actually quite foul. Only had the one.

Martin was the fist to turn up. Tried a darker lager from the local brewery Aass. Was very nice and certainy a lot bloody better than the Hansa rubbish available from Lancelot's. Would be worth coming into Drammen for that alone. Martin is into his home brew in a big way.

After that a few more people turned up. We had a couple more in the King's Arms and then went out to the curry house they said was very good. We had to cross the river. About 15mins walk.

The food was okay but the service tonight was fairly pants. We waited and hour or more before we got anything delivered. I managed to blag a few free beers after making noises about how late the service was. A table that had arrived after us was getting their food first! Our starters never arrived (which wasn't a bad thing actually as I was stuffed) and some bread was missing.

After walking back across the river I headed straight off to the train station to await the next train back. Didn't want to get too wasted in a strange place. The others went off to the King's Arms again.

After getting off the train at Asker I saw Eileen? How the hell had she beaten me to Asker and more to the point why was she there as she lives in Drammen and it should've been a walk home?

Friday - 26th October 2012

The temp gauge is on the wrong side of zero this morning, Brrr! Minus 2 or so.

Work wasn't so ba today. Some people at work organising a drinking session at the Lancelot's in Asker tonight and a curry in Drammen tomorrow. Time to be socialable.

Had another 'sun' break after lunch. Will have to find a small warm padded seat to take out with as the rocks in the sun trap are still bloody cold.

Everybody keeps telling me that the litte bit of wind we're experiencing is very unusual, akin to snow in the SW of UK. Seems odd to me that it is so wind free.

Finished work a little later than expected and headed off to dump my bag at the apartment as it's on the way.

Stopped off at Rema1000 for a couple of lighters for the candles at the apartment.

Got to Lancelot about 1715hrs. Waited a little bit drinking a very expensive bottle of Bulmers and listening to an audio book. Saves going mad.

The regulars were bemoaning the change in the menu and saying they'd be doing more in Drammen from now on, at the King's Arms. I settled on gratinated nachos. Not too bad actually but a bit expensive.

After a third pint I thought that'd be enough and walked home via Rema1000 again. Picked up some more milk, a dish cloth and four cans of cider. 179NOK? Was surprised I could still buy them but it was still quite early.



Just as I was about to exit the lift I got a call from Eileen reminding me I hadn't actually paid for my food. Oops! I'll pay her tomorrow.

25th October 2012

The temperature this morning is definitely on the way down. 0 degC.

Today was actually a good day despite the slow start. Managed to get Dag busy on his tools and documentation and went through some InTouch tickets.

At 0930 there was a general gathering with a person from personnel. Usual rubbish really. We said stuff but didn't really get reassured. SSDD.

It was actually quite sunny today. I had a sun break of ten minutes after lunch, just sitting soaking up the rays. Might be getting quite scarce soon, as it has been the last few days.

Just as it was time to leave it started to snow and the wind picked up quite a lot.

The snow didn't hang around too long though. Obviously the precursor of the winter to come. Will have to start making sure I carry gloves in my bag. Hands were quite cold on just the small walk from the office today. Will also need to buy some serious clothes. Hopefully I'll be able to find stuff big enough. Must be around somewhere.

24th October 2012

Looks like the weather is heading towards the chilly end of cold.

Woke up this morning to see the E18 covered in mist. The kitchen temp gauge saying about 0degC.

Tried to find the advert for the flat I was thinking about going for this morning. Couldn't see it. Bugger. Should've known. Will send an email to team relocation anyway in the hope it's something to do with the browser.

Not looking forward  to going to work today. Don't think I've actually made a conscious thought about that before.

Actually today turned out better than I thought. I now have somewhere more permanent to live. http://www.finn.no/finn/realestate/lettings/object?finnkode=37359692.

The place I wanted was still available and I now have to sign the agreement. It will cost 10,000NOK with heating included, but electricity, internet and cable TV extra, if I want them.

Will have to organise some time in the UK to get my stuff sent over.

Spent the day doing more InTouch tickets. Minggus agreed to drop me off at IKEA for me to look round and see what's available. I tried to find a bus route back on the web.

At the end of the work day, about 1630hrs, Minggus took me off to IKEA. It isn't quite as bad as I thought inside. Wasn't quite the restricted rat run I thought it was going to be. It was possible to go between the different sections if you wanted to. Saw a suitable sofa bed if it can be bought in the right colour. There was also a quite comfortable easy chair. The shelf storage doesn't look to bad either. Will measure the room at FFA to see what'll fit in there before buying anything in Norway. Didn't think much of the bed side tables though. There were cheap cooking utensils and bakeware. Will have to see what I need before I go spending the allowance.

After wandering around the top floor of the store I had a look at the restaurant. The food was very popular as there were plenty of people but the queue was too long for me.

I headed downstairs and looked at the smaller stuff. I bought a couple of candles, which the Norwegians seem to like with a passion, if the quantity is anything to go by. I also bought a large towel.

After using the self service teller I headed out towards the exit. As I still hadn't had supper I bought a cheap hot dog with a drink for 12NOK.

The bus I had planned to find had just left so I went looking for the bus stop for the next one. Unfortunately it being dark I couldn't see anything. The free Oslo bus was outside so I asked the driver where to catch the local buses. He didn't have a clue! I should've asked in the store.

Thinking there wasn't much else to do, I got on the free Oslo bus and would get the train back to Asker. It took 20mins to get into Oslo.

As the train to Asker wasn't going to be for a while I had a Burger King while I waited.

Goy back to the apartment at about 2045hrs. Feeling a little tired today, but at least I have got something done.

23rd October 2012

Last night I couldn't help but think of emergency escape routes as I lay in bed??

Woke up this morning later than expected. Looks cold out there today. Kitchen thermometer is saying about 3degC.

It was dry all day.

Getting a bit paranoid about work. Boss's boss pushing for more vessels using AMOS but there are lots of issues with it that the curent vessels are not happy at all. Don't actually blame them. Doing my best but not sure it'll be enough.

It is taking a long time to get spare parts sorted out. Can I cope? What are people going to say?

Thinking more and more about the flat I saw last week I think I'll go with that.

Gods I am bored this evening. Sat around waiting to go to bed!

22nd October 2012

Work wasn't too bad today. Didn't get an awful lot done in the morning. Less frustrated with the vessels. Just taking the attitude that I am doing my best and what happens happens.

Had a chat with Gordon about this and that.

Went to view two more apartments in the afternoon with Kristin from Team Relocation. Thought we'd be gone for the rest of the day so packed up at the office.

The first 1 wasn't too bad as it did have enough room for all my requirements. It was to be furnished but I'd still need to get my own bed in, sofa bed etc. It wasn't so very dark and looked like it had been recently decorated.The cooker looked old but probably still servicable. Electricity, heating would be extra although he was planning on getting in a small wood burner. The access to the flat looked a bit precarious and I'd be responsible for clearing it away in the winter. Put me off a little bit that. There was only the owner in residence with his kids coming over every other week or so. Rent would be 9500NOK including broadband and basic TV services.

I think I'm still thinking about the one from last Friday.

The second one today was a hole. It was just along from the temporary flat I'm currently in. We had to wait for the owner to arrive. Didn't like the feel of the outside. Not a good vibe. Wasn't too keen to start with because of the noise from the motorway, E18.

Once we got inside it didn't get any better. Small, dark and miserable. It didn't get any better  when he said the only white good to remain would be the dishwasher! I'd have to buy washing machine, fridge/freezer, cooker, and all the other furniture. I wasn't even polite in this one. I just said it was too dark to Kristin, and went to put my shoes on. Yuck.

Unfortunately it was only 1515 so I got dropped back at work to do a bit more.

Got home and waited for skype but nothing even after a text prompt. I don't mind not being in contact so much but if even a tentative time is made I'd like a 'sorry we can't today'. Watched the usual Mentalist and Bones.

Got bored in the evening. Sat and listened to some more of the HP1 while reading the news on my tablet.

21st October 2012

Well I learnt a few things today, out on the bike.

The plan was to try and find the second apartment  I saw on Friday, to see how far it was by bike and then go find IKEA in Billingstad.

The weather forecast was for better weather in the morning then getting worse in the afternoon so wanted to get it all done as soon as possible. The temperature was pretty low at about 4°C.

I had decided not to use the sweat vest today, just 2 layers. The usual leggings and trousers and the new shoes and socks.

Took me a little while to get out of the flat as I tried to download a map to the Garmin. Didn't manage it. Left anyway.

I need to make sure I have a spare hat. The cycling skull cap is fine when on the bike but does hold the sweat in and when stopped this gets very cold.

Should also keep wearing the sweat vest or some other means of keeping the moisture off my skin. Got damn cold when I eventually found IKEA. The viewranger app on the phone was the most useful. The paper map wasn't that much help in the little roads.

Couldn't get the Garmin to download anything, probably because it didn't record anything. Doh!

Got a few people on the Skype today but did miss a few. Mum was using an old computer which produced some weird effects. Looked like Uluru was behind her but it kept coming in and out of shot. Most odd.

Also had a long chat withTracey-Anne,  Staffs and Maison. Will talk to Rose tomorrow as she was in bed early with a cold or something. Oliver came in while I was on Skype and he looked a typical teenager, even though he's now 18. Cap on backwards with curly hair sticking ouut through the strap. Didn't want to talk and went off to bake a cake.

20th October 2012

Well today has been a bit of a bust.

Woke up at about 0730 but visited the bathroom and went back to bed. Nice. Didn't wake up again until 1100. Very nice.

Noticed that the left foot is hurting again. Thought it might be gout after the wine I had yesterday, but it hasn't been that long since Ken & Anne were here, and we had plenty then.

Feeling too tired to go out, especially seeing as the weather is wet. Don't fancy walking/cycling in that.

The light isn't so good either. Very dull. Have to have the lights on to see anything.

Thought about the second place I visited yesterday. It was on the ground floor so big items from UK wouldn't be an issue. Could get the double bed in no problem. Will need to check if I can stay in the temp flat until the stuff arrives. If nothing is better on Monday I think I'll ask to go there. Probably gone by then I'll bet. Just my luck.

Put yet another light on the front of the bike. I can now light up 4x white lights & 5x red at the back if required. Better a christmas tree than have an accident. Won't use them all the time but they're their should they be required.

Did start to watch a movie on the laptop but didn't hold my attention for very long.

Checked out the local IKEA on the web. Should be able to visit it next week sometime. Ken & Anne didn't sell it last week by telling me it's a warren inside and you're forced to go where they want you to go. Oh well, one visit like the Apple store in New Orleans. If it's scary I'll not go again. Can't do Sunday as they're closed or Monday evening as I will be doing more apartment hunting.

Spending a bit of today catching up on my blog for the past couple of months, by copying from the Evernote to the web.

Drinking a lot of tea. Even though Ken & Anne brought me 2 boxes x 160 bags I'm still using a tea bag twice before throwing it away. As I drink a lot it doesn't have time to get dry.

Really glad they've got internet in the temporary flat so I can listen to radio stations back home. I have a few favourites including radio2, Heart (Plym) & JackFM (Bristol). Some times the data does drop out which can be a bit of bummer. Also listening to things which are apparently in the past!

It feels like a Sunday. Have done the ironing for the week, 5 shirts. Need to get the rest of the washing on as well.

Ken went round the extension at FFA. Hopefully nothing wrong.

Having one of the vegetable biryanis I made a week ago, with some fish fingers.

19th October 2012

Got into work on time this morning, before 0800hrs.

Got through the emails doing tickets etc. Was expecting to go out apartment hunting at 1400hrs after the aborted attempt on Wednesday.

This was changed to 1500hrs by the team relocation people.

Just before 1500hrs got a little wound up by one of the tickets. Probably because I realised it'd take a bit longer than the others I'd been doing and wasn't really in the mood for slowing down.  Decided to leave it til Monday morning, as there's always more to do.

Got packed up and went outside to wait for 1500hrs. While I was waiting for Kari of team relocation, I rang Maison at home to talk about the package I'd sent him. Just after 1500hrs Kari arrived and we discussed a bit about what I was expecting.

The first place wasn't too far from the office but I wasn't happy with at all. It was dark dingy and quite small, though heating and electricity were included in the rent. The main deal killer though was that the bathroom/toilet was only available through the single bedroom. Not good enough if people came to stay. Rental was quoted as 8300 NOK per month.

The second place was the other side of Asker near the lake I'd been to a couple of weeks before. Much nicer place. Brand new, very clean. A bit too clean maybe as I wouldn't want to mess it up. The heating is included, which is great as the flat is quite big. The living area would be big enough for a sofa bed, dining table etc.  Electricity TV and internet would be extra. There isn't a washing machine, which I'd have to buy. There are currently no curtains or locks on the interior doors which might make privacy a bit of an issue. The owner did say they'd look into these issues. The flat was created for the couples young son who is disabled, so there are no steps anywhere inside.  Rent at 10000 NOK per month. Maybe a bit more than I was expecting.

Keri did the translating which I was grateful for, as it gave me the chance to ignore them and poke around a bit.

Didn't commit as I'd like to see something between these two extremes. Kari said she'd try and get somebody else to show me some more places on Monday.

After finishing at the second place Keri took me back into Asker. I headed into Oslo to see if I could find some size 47 shoes from XXL. This was the only place I hadn't tried last week with Ken and Anne, as they'd already been inside by the time I got there.

Took some money out of the Norwegian account as we should've been paid today. Excellent it worked. Should now be able to stop using the Tesco credit card and the extra costs that means.

Got to Asker station not long before the train left. Quite lucky to have lots of trains heading to Oslo. This one was quite busy. So busy in fact that the inspector didn't get round to checking my ticket. Tidy, free ride today.

Stopped at the vinmonopolet at Oslo station to see how expensive the wine could be. Not as bad as I thought. Managed to buy a bottle of Chile Syrah for under a tenner. Spirits are however quite expensive. Will need to ask visitors to bring that over instead of wine. Or more likely 1 bottle of spirits and then as much wine as possible.

Once upstairs at XXL tried to find some outdoor shoes in size 47. Found it difficult to read the numbers on the boxes. Using varifocals and trying to tilt your head on its side doesn't really work.

Tried a few pairs but they were mostly expensive at over £120. Decided to only buy 1 pair this time. They are bright lime with a wire lace system. Apparently they're used for extreme outdoor so should be good for cycling and general winter use.

Found a pair of socks in my size as well at £15 which was a bit of a shock but I do need some more thick ones. Will have to add them to the list of things to buy in the UK and bring back.

The train back to Asker was a lot quieter and I didn't have long to wait.

As I left Asker station I met HansHerman coming the other way heading towards Lancelot. Apparently some of the office guys meet there every Friday night and didn't I know this? No.

I stuck my head in but with the bags I was carrying didn't really want to stay. Decision made easier as they said they'd be going to Drammen soon anyway.

Stopped at the Rimi1000 for some milk. Had the remaining steak with eggs and beans.

Polished off a whole bottle of wine, which was very good but probably should've kept a bit.