So it was my first time out of my comfort zone as I took the plunge to travel down for a weekend away with a friend. 4 hour train trip was a trip worth remembering as it was my first time taking the train in the UK. It was a lot easier than I expected.

So here are pics of everything.

The first night I was in Clyro, I saw a shooting star.

@Rainstorm Fascinating info about Hay Castle!
 
Just an update to say I haven't forgotten about ECIGSSA.

I have been working hard, studying extra hard and dealing with health issues on top of that as well as travelling to Wales every month. I've been dealing with some rather strange ill health issues which is becoming a pain in the @rse and apparently doctors want to send me to the hospital for a colonoscopy as it is sounding more and more like Crohn's Disease. Blood test results came back with me being slightly gluten intolerance and also indicated by very low iron levels on top of that. I've been given iron supplements in the mean time. The flu and tummy bugs are going around, I'm just hoping I don't get the tummy bug, I have already had the flu for 4 weeks which sucked big time.

I'm still vaping as usual. I am still doing DIY juice mixing as usual. It has saved me a lot in the long run. I have also achieved the goal of getting my other half off the analogs too, he is loving his Mod Pod big time to the point he tries to make bigger clouds than I do. It does get pretty funny when he tries to make me laugh while I'm vaping mid way and you know all know how that turns out, with a lot of coughing, spluttering and choking trying to laugh through the clouds because it is too damn funny not to laugh.

Last month I went down to the south part of Wales, which was just over a 5 hour train trip to my other half's home and I finally got to meet his elderly dad. We were worried about how his dogs would take to me because one of them is considered a "special needs" dog, very nervous of strange people and I said not to worry, I've dealt with two of them here every day (both belong to my cousin and uncle). So once the dogs settled down, a day after they took to me very well to the point where the very nervous black shepherd actually jumped on the bed with me and kept begging me for love and attention. So it was a good weekend for both of us and I loved the sheperds, they were quite funny and cute in their own ways.

We also had some flooding due to the amount of rain we had - I had delayed or cancelled trains on my way back to Selby and thankfully I found someone on the train travelling to the same train station so I was able to get back home with little hassle. People in the UK are really nice and super helpful if you ask them nicely. The deaf and disabled awareness is much bigger here and I, for the most part, am grateful for their help. Even the officials working at the stations are quick to help out and put you into the right direction.

We are hoping to make it down to Ludlow in two weeks but with his elderly father's deteriorating condition, we are just taking it one day at a time and will see what happens. I may also have to work over Christmas since I have really got no family to go to except the ones I work with everyday, they're all working on Christmas day too. I will post pics of Ludlow if it happens.

I think that's all for now.
 
Thanks for the update @RainstormZA. Nice read, except for the heath issue part. I hope this improves and works out well for you.
I hope so too, for my own sake. I have lost a total of 22kg due to diet changes to avoid gluten and I"m amazed how much of a big difference it makes. But however it doesn't solve the other issues such as nutrient deficiency and I have to be honest, the healthcare system in the UK is far much better than SA because they push to try and find out what is going on instead of prescribing pills and hoping it will go away. I also am going to be tested for other allergies as I have a bad reaction to food that contain nitrates and sulphites. That also means I will have to avoid all food that contains it - ham and gammon is one of the culprits. Thankfully the UK has strict guidelines on food and safety so there are quite a good few options such as nitrate free bacon and so on but it costs quite a bit to go that way so I only buy as a treat now and then.

Doves Farm in the UK has a lot of good gluten free flour so I am going to try and make gluten free bread for the days when I feel like it (and freeze the rest of it) and also the option to make pizza bases and biscuits. Again not cheap but I have no choice as my health comes first.
 
I hope so too, for my own sake. I have lost a total of 22kg due to diet changes to avoid gluten and I"m amazed how much of a big difference it makes. But however it doesn't solve the other issues such as nutrient deficiency and I have to be honest, the healthcare system in the UK is far much better than SA because they push to try and find out what is going on instead of prescribing pills and hoping it will go away. I also am going to be tested for other allergies as I have a bad reaction to food that contain nitrates and sulphites. That also means I will have to avoid all food that contains it - ham and gammon is one of the culprits. Thankfully the UK has strict guidelines on food and safety so there are quite a good few options such as nitrate free bacon and so on but it costs quite a bit to go that way so I only buy as a treat now and then.

Doves Farm in the UK has a lot of good gluten free flour so I am going to try and make gluten free bread for the days when I feel like it (and freeze the rest of it) and also the option to make pizza bases and biscuits. Again not cheap but I have no choice as my health comes first.

so nice to hear back from you, hang in there girl !
 
I know, I know. I have been scarce lately - due to work keeping me busy, studies even busier and then my travelling to Wales every month. I tell you it's been crazy.

Sadly for Ludlow, I already knew that was not going to happen so I ended up visiting my other half and the father for the weekend instead. Still good enough for me and the dogs were really happy to see me. Even one of the cats took a swipe at me so affectionately, trying to grab my arm. Since it was horrible weather with so much rain and freezing conditions, we ended up watching Brittania, my new found love of a TV series which was pretty darn good. So it wasn't a train smash, it was a good weekend for all of us.

My aunt contacted the specialist at the York Hospital and apparently they want me to come into the hospital for a colonoscopy. So I am not exactly sure when I will be going in but by the sound of it, I'll probably go in after the New Year. I've also been summoned for another blood test, which is pretty routine in the UK. So hopefully we can get to the bottom of this and find out exactly what is going on. Oh and it turns out I am actually allergic to preservatives, so pretty much I have been vigilant in reading labels on everything before I buy the items in the shops.

I'm also swamped with paperwork too as I need to apply for my UK license, which means I'm now officially a UK resident being here since June this year. Also brings some surprising news to me too as I just recently found out I am one of the permanent kitchen staff at Scalm Park, meaning I'm entitled to leave and sick days with pay (as opposed to being a contractor with none). Christmas is round the corner, and I am definitely working on Christmas Day. At least my cousin has spread out my work hours for next week so that it's all balanced out and I will have more hours to study on the days that have me working the fewer hours up to Christmas Eve.

We had some sad news last week that one of the guys I work with suddenly passed away from an heart attack - so soon before Christmas, leaving a wife, children and grandchildren. This actually reminded me that life is so fragile and it can suddenly be taken away without a moment's notice. We all don't get out of here alive, we all have an expiry date and we must appreciate life as it is, for it will be gone tomorrow.

I just had a Skype call with my niece and nephew, it was so good to see them. We had a good laugh, pulling faces and making all sorts of crazy noises too. Had a brief chat with Mother who wanted to get the kids fed and bathed before bed time. It was rather refreshing to see the sun setting in the background, opposed to the UK going dark around 3:30pm in the afternoon. I think my parents may have thought I was a little crazy with the kids but it's all good and fun for me and them, so who cares anyway.

Man, it's been freezing our arses off for the past few weeks - everything was just solidly frozen in the mornings and some days, frozen all day long. A few days ago, there was a nice layer of ice on the fish ponds as well.

I also feel a big change coming in the horizon but I am not able to put my finger on what it is. Just a feeling somehow.

So I leave you with some frosty pictures of Scalm Park Leisure

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Sadly I am now on my own, things didn't work out. But however I am still vaping like a steam train. It has been a difficult couple of days but I think I managed to have pull through the hard days and I still don't know what to do with myself at times. It's a huge change for me so I'm just taking it one day at a time, I've also decided to try and finish my novels too, perhaps get my calender lines redesigned and done by next year October for sale. I also have a Raven Tarot card deck that needs to be completed. There is just so much to do and so little time. I've also been trying to keep myself busy so that I don't end up in a depression and feel sorry for myself.

So onwards and upwards, just one day at a time and see where things go from here. Honestly, I think keeping myself busy has helped a lot. I've been working and studying as well. I also worked on Christmas day as well.
 
sorry to hear @RainstormZA only time can heal the hurt, you'll get there

wishing you a happy New Year at least

here's to new beginnings !
 
Sadly I am now on my own, things didn't work out. But however I am still vaping like a steam train. It has been a difficult couple of days but I think I managed to have pull through the hard days and I still don't know what to do with myself at times. It's a huge change for me so I'm just taking it one day at a time, I've also decided to try and finish my novels too, perhaps get my calender lines redesigned and done by next year October for sale. I also have a Raven Tarot card deck that needs to be completed. There is just so much to do and so little time. I've also been trying to keep myself busy so that I don't end up in a depression and feel sorry for myself.

So onwards and upwards, just one day at a time and see where things go from here. Honestly, I think keeping myself busy has helped a lot. I've been working and studying as well. I also worked on Christmas day as well.
Sorry to hear it didn’t work out for you @RainstormZA , the right one will be along at the right time, it happens in a flash if it’s meant to be.

Happy New year to you from SA, May 2020 hold only good things for you, and new excitement and beginnings. Looking forward to seeing your calendar line, didn’t know you did something like that, so please share once you have the concept done. And lots of luck with the studies.

Regards
RF
 
Thanks, guys. It's been really tough on me, there are fleeting moments when I feel really lost. However I am now working on my novel and going to finish it this year or as soon as possible. It is a 3 series novel - I have only started the first one and it's 43 pages long now with a word count of 10846.

A little bit about the storyline

A young lady from a middle class small family of philosophers, mathematicians and astronomers. Riella Grace Orestes grew up as an only child, an atheist and philosopher, with the gifted knowledge of that her father bestowed upon her. She was a brilliant teacher to the temple students each day on the subject of astronomy, philosophy and mathematics.

After a big change in her life, she finds out she has magical abilities and uses them for healing the world and changing the people’s future for the better.
 
Whew looking back on this. Somehow I managed to pull myself out of the fire and move on with my life. And about time too.

I've been working some weekend shifts and with the little free time I get, I spend most of my time at home studying, looking for jobs (I'm really not having any luck here on the job front), binge watching Youtube cooking videos. Still working on my novel too. I was aiming to finish that book end of March but looks like I may have to extend that date. It's coming along nicely - I just need a proofreader and perhaps someone who can make some suggestions / changes and spot any anomalies, fill them in. That book has been an exciting journey so far. I've also met someone else but we're keeping it low profile for as long as possible and um, I've lost about 25kg. I feel great. I feel better for it too. I'm also hoping to find a better place soon. I feel things are looking up now. People are starting to take notice of me at work cos I have just acquired my food safety level 2 certificate and am cooking plus cleaning as well. The other day, my uncle came and asked me to cook him a dish that isn't on the menu - I cook healthy food and it's quite professional looking too. It was a simple mushroom omelette. Now I've been told I need to cook up that dish again on Monday and have a photo taken of it - something to do with it going on the menu (I think more of going on the FB page for the business).

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Mushroom omelette as requested by the boss

Even my cousin was impressed and uncle loved it.

However I can't say the same for my vaping mods - for some reason, I'm getting degraded power. Might be a good time to change my batteries for new ones. I have not changed them since I started vaping. Speaking of which, I found an old SA friend who wants to give up smoking. I said I have a spare mod and RTA for her - all she has to do is get her own batteries and coils (I'm giving her the Voopoo RTA, that one I have never used as I went back to my Gear RTA's). I'm consistently using the Gear RTA. They've been the best RTA's and I have not been able to change to anything else. Oh and I offered her some vaping juice. She's struggling at the moment - having come out of a domestic violence marriage and is being safeguarded for her own safety at an unknown location (I know where she is but I am not disclosing any sensitive information, les her ex husband finds her). I'm hoping to meet up with her to show her what she needs to know when I hand over the mod and RTA to her.

Winter has been pretty miserable. Then again, so was Mooiriver too in the winter. Kinda used to it anyway. Bring on Summer!!!

Pictures below are snowdrops in my Aunt's garden. So beautiful

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awesome, more updates, more frequently !

so glad you've met a "skelempie" ...lol

cheers for now
 
Bought these from Two Pound Eliquid online about 2 days ago. Fast delivery.

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However I'm not impressed with the cappuccino donut. Its not bad but it's not great either.
 
https://alltheflavors.com/recipes/141363

Mango Passion Cheesecake
1.5% (LA) Cheesecake
4% (FE) Mango
1% (FA) Passion (passionfruit)
4% (INW) Yes, We Cheesecake

View attachment 159769

So I made this a few days ago but couldn't get the mango so I left it out as I've always been partial to a good passionfruit cheesecake for real. 3 days later it's changed colour and smells soooo good.

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However, I have a little problem. I no longer getting the hit from nicotine. For some reason, I'm craving for cigarettes and fighting against that urge. I need saving grace. Would you maybe suggest something stronger for sub-obm vaping as the 3mg nic isn't doing it for me anymore? Should I move over to nic salts?

In this lockdown, it's more more stressful so I need a bit of a kick to calm my nerves down. I might only go back to work in End of July and running out of things to do. Granted I do have my crochet projects to work on - my sister had twins on the 17th April and the boys are doing very well. Then the unfinished one from a year ago, I'm working on that one with new wool as a patchwork of different squares. I offered to make a friend one as well. So waiting for my wool to arrive in the post.

So any suggestions on the nicotine front? It doesn't help that I'm bunking down with a smoker at the moment and he smokes 10mg cigarettes. He has a vaping device but hasn't used it as often as he should.
 
So I made this a few days ago but couldn't get the mango so I left it out as I've always been partial to a good passionfruit cheesecake for real. 3 days later it's changed colour and smells soooo good.

View attachment 195843

However, I have a little problem. I no longer getting the hit from nicotine. For some reason, I'm craving for cigarettes and fighting against that urge. I need saving grace. Would you maybe suggest something stronger for sub-obm vaping as the 3mg nic isn't doing it for me anymore? Should I move over to nic salts?

In this lockdown, it's more more stressful so I need a bit of a kick to calm my nerves down. I might only go back to work in End of July and running out of things to do. Granted I do have my crochet projects to work on - my sister had twins on the 17th April and the boys are doing very well. Then the unfinished one from a year ago, I'm working on that one with new wool as a patchwork of different squares. I offered to make a friend one as well. So waiting for my wool to arrive in the post.

So any suggestions on the nicotine front? It doesn't help that I'm bunking down with a smoker at the moment and he smokes 10mg cigarettes. He has a vaping device but hasn't used it as often as he should.

Bunking down with a smoker may be contributing to your craving, we all came from there to vaping, and unfortunately it is still something that can easily derail us imho. Nic salts will definitely give you a kick up, but if you are used to 3 mg freebase nic I would just make some 6 mg and go with that. It will give you a heavier throat hit, which is what you may need due to being near a smoker, I think we all “miss” that part in some way or another.

I have been alternating with 6 and 9 mg MTL liquids, although the 9 mg is like getting kicked in the Crown Jewels if you sub Ohm it in my opinion, so MTL on the higher and keep firing the 3 in sub. Good luck and stay strong!
 
Bunking down with a smoker may be contributing to your craving, we all came from there to vaping, and unfortunately it is still something that can easily derail us imho. Nic salts will definitely give you a kick up, but if you are used to 3 mg freebase nic I would just make some 6 mg and go with that. It will give you a heavier throat hit, which is what you may need due to being near a smoker, I think we all “miss” that part in some way or another.

I have been alternating with 6 and 9 mg MTL liquids, although the 9 mg is like getting kicked in the Crown Jewels if you sub Ohm it in my opinion, so MTL on the higher and keep firing the 3 in sub. Good luck and stay strong!
I tried 6mg and it was too scratchy. Made me cough hectic as well. Maybe I should look into an MTL rta or something.

The other day I was just looking into RTAs and they weren't priced too badly. Any suggestions?

I'll try mix a 6mg juice and 9mg and give those a go.
 
I tried 6mg and it was too scratchy. Made me cough hectic as well. Maybe I should look into an MTL rta or something.

The other day I was just looking into RTAs and they weren't priced too badly. Any suggestions?

I'll try mix a 6mg juice and 9mg and give those a go.

@Timwis , as @RainstormZA is on your side of the pond you might be a better option to advise on a MTL rta for her to get that is available there.

I have my Siren 2’s and the Savour, a great flavour MTL rta, and the Fumytech Rose is my favorite and a great MTL option for me, great airflow control and flavour is outstanding.

My go to for high nic at this stage is still my little Smok Trinity Alpha, but commercial coils a pain, got the rba, but still trying to find a wire cotton combo that gives me the flavor and doesn’t whistle. Any reasonable pod system will work great with the higher nic, hope this helps and you will get sorted!
 
@Timwis , as @RainstormZA is on your side of the pond you might be a better option to advise on a MTL rta for her to get that is available there.

I have my Siren 2’s and the Savour, a great flavour MTL rta, and the Fumytech Rose is my favorite and a great MTL option for me, great airflow control and flavour is outstanding.

My go to for high nic at this stage is still my little Smok Trinity Alpha, but commercial coils a pain, got the rba, but still trying to find a wire cotton combo that gives me the flavor and doesn’t whistle. Any reasonable pod system will work great with the higher nic, hope this helps and you will get sorted!
The Expromizer, high end performance low end price or even the Aladdin as a dark horse!

Never tried it but the DotMTL RTA is on clearance at House of Vapes

https://www.houseofvapeslondon.co.uk/collections/rebuildables-clearance/products/dotmod-dotmtl-rta
 
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You need to hurry on the Expromizer though, they seem to be selling out quickly everywhere. Seems the best kept MTL secret is out.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Just down to Covid-19 it's still in manufacture so stocks will be back!
 
Sigh, found another so now I must choose.

If I'm allowed to be picky, I'm actually looking for a low profile rta.

The Littlefoot MTL RTA looks great.
 
Ok I'm a picky.

I don't like tight mtl draws. I don't like bulky looking RTAs. It needs to be SS. Low profile, preferable. Builtable coils, single. It needs to be easy on the juice as well - not a juice guzzler.

My idea of a loose MTL draw is the Voopoo Vinci pod and its not a juice guzzler either. I see they have the 18650 version out for a steal of a price. The only thing puts me off is the replacement coils.

I guess I can't win, can I?
 
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