Just another little post for posterity and also because of the extreme heat we are shut indoors with very little we can do.
So here is the forecast for this weekend and the coming week.
Oh and by the way Ian has got Covid. Managed to avoid it for 2+ years but some kind visitors who were feeling unwell and didn’t test, infected him.
March 2nd 2022
I feel it is time for me to get recording events again.
Just making a few notes on what is happening and some of its effects.
Coronavirus and its devastating effects on the world were the most unrealistic situation we had experienced in our lifetime. Oh, how little did we know what was around the corner.
Vladimir Putin President of Russia had been amassing troops on the borders of Ukraine for a few weeks, posturing and flexing his muscles. The western world looked on hoping that this was just a big show and it would quietly go away after he had finished showing off.
However as Britain's defence secretary said Putin has gone full Tonto.
On February 24th 2022 Russia launched a large scale military invasion of Ukraine. Today is day 7 of the conflict.
I don’t really know what to write here as the world is possibly on the brink of world war 3. I remember when the CV19 hit and we were fearful for our health and lives. In hindsight my diary looks a bit melodramatic but at the time we had no idea what the virus was capable of or how we would be able to combat it.
As a forty mile long Russian military convoy heads towards Kyiv, Russian Paratroopers are in Kharkiv and Russians have completely surrounded the city of Kherson. There are air strikes, cluster bombs and 874,026 Ukrainians are seeking refuge in other countries. I don't feel I am being melodramatic.
I don’t think that I have ever been so worried and afraid of the future in my whole life. Ukraine’s citizens had their world destroyed overnight, People are literally fleeing for their lives. Men over the age of 18 are not allowed to leave the country, only women and children are being evacuated, many turning to Poland for help.
At present Putin has made no demands and has only issued threats to the rest of the world not to intervene or else there will be retribution like they have never seen.
China have so far not sided with Russia as it was first feared but seem today to be distancing themselves and have offered to mediate peace talks.
It is today reported that the armoured column has made little progress in the last 24hrs due to logistics and lack of fuel and food.
Many sanctions have been put in place, freezing Russian assets. Russian owned Nord stream has gone insolvent after Germany halted the gas pipeline. World shipping lines have stopped Russian deliveries.
Oil prices have soared and are today over $110 a barrel. Petrol here is £157.9 a litre. Remember when CV19 hit it went down to 99p.
Sporting events that were to have taken place in Russia have been moved elsewhere. A host of international football teams have refused to play Russia and it is also banned from many other sporting events, skating, cross country skiing, basketball and some track events. Russians and athletes from Belarus will be allowed to take part as Neutrals in the Paralympics due to start this Friday 4th March.
Not to make light of this dire situation but Russia have also been banned from taking part in the Eurovision song contest.
We can only hope that reports that Putin has miscalculated things are true and as that the rest of the world has turned their backs on him, he will come to his senses. Personally I agree about the full Tonto bit and cannot see him backing down. Somebody wrote the other day.
Please can we just fast forward to the bit where you kill yourself in a bunker! Not wishing anyone dead but there's a thought.
All hail Volodymyr Zelensky for his bravery and actions in the face of adversity.
January 7th 2022.
Happy New Year.
Let’s get the Covid update out of the way 1st. It’s a bit patchy but that’s the way things are at present.
As predicted the infection rates are enormous but hospitalisations and deaths although exponential, they are not as high as with previous waves.
Staffing shortage is the main problem at present with the NHS being hit badly.
Things are changing daily as the rate increases. Travel restrictions are being eased as they say there is no benefit from having a red list as the whole world is suffering with the Omicron variant. Also testing has changed, it a bit of a minefield as to what you do or don’t do now.
If you have covid you must stay at home and self-isolate. (time of isolation changing not sure if its 5, 7 or 10days)
If you test positive on an LFT you now don’t have to have a PCR test.
LFT are very good at identifying high levels of infection, so you can have a neg LFT but still have covid.
If you are not vaccinated and live with someone who has covid you are legally required to self-isolate.
If you are vaccinated, you do not legally have to self-isolate but should take an LFT for 7 days.
Got it?
Travel.
When you arrive in England – fully vaccinated
After you arrive in England you must take a COVID-19 test. This is the test that you booked before travel.
This must be a PCR test if you arrive in England before 4am Sunday 9 January. If you arrive after 4am, 9 January you can use a lateral flow test. You will be able to book lateral flow tests from 7 January.
You can take the test any time after you arrive and before the end of day 2 at the latest. The day you arrive is day 0.
If your test result is positive, you must self-isolate.
From 4am 9 January you can take a lateral flow test instead of a PCR test. If the result of the lateral flow test is positive, you must self-isolate and take a PCR test.
Depending on where you are travelling to at the current time there are no pre departure tests required.
If you are fully vaccinated under the UK vaccination programme, you can prove your vaccination status using either:
· NHS COVID Pass for England and Wales
· NHS Scotland COVID Status app
· COVIDCert NI in Northern Ireland
Paper certificates are also available.
Jan 6th daily infection number was 170,756. Deaths were 231 and people admitted to hospital 2078. 2,031,729 tests were carried out.
Personally, I don’t know what to make of it all, rather confused as I think most people are. I feel like it’s all a bit out of control and no one knows what to do, so it’s a bit like let’s let it all go and see what comes out the other end. Perhaps there is no other alternative now.
One thing is for sure that A. We are all going to get this at least once and B. We’ve got to have a strategy (worldwide) to cope with it going forward. Any ideas anyone? Answers on a postcard to 10 Downing ST please. (Just writing that “Answers on a post card” made me realise that the younger generation will have no idea what I am talking about, I can barely remember myself)
Rates are increasing and will get worse for the next 2 -3 weeks as the after effects of Christmas and New Year are felt. Restrictions are being relaxed to help with staff shortages and LFT’s don’t seem to be that brilliant unless you have a high infection.
LFTs are being issued to key workers who must test every day.
Masks are to be worn in Secondary schools, that is if any schools are fully operating as there is also a lack of teachers as well as pupils.
The MOD has been called in to help with NHS staff shortages. Hospital shortages are up 60% in England.
1. The changes, which kicked in at 04:00 GMT, mean fully vaccinated travellers to the UK no longer have to take a pre-flight Covid test
2. The new rules also mean fully jabbed arrivals do not now need to isolate while waiting for their post-arrival PCR result
3. From 04:00 GMT on Sunday, fully vaccinated travellers to the UK will be able to take a cheaper lateral flow within two days of arriving
4. Arrivals who receive a positive lateral flow result must take a PCR test - which can be a free NHS one
5. Travel companies say bookings have already risen since the rule changes were announced on Wednesday
6. The devolved governments of Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales have confirmed they will follow England’s changes
7. With Omicron now spreading widely in the UK, ministers say the tougher testing rules are no longer necessary
Novak Djocovic has been denied entry into Australia as he is unvaccinated. Currently held in a hotel, perhaps awaiting deportation. It is claimed that he has a medical exemption from having the vaccination, but it is known he is an anti vaxxer. Well everyone is entitled to their beliefs, but you cannot expect to be allowed to do just what you want to because you are famous and or a top sports person. Australia are very strict on on visa rules even without Covid. The papers are making a meal out of it some saying he is being held prisoner with no change of clothes. I despair of the media. Anyway, he should have watched “Nothing to declare” on Sky witness and he would have known the Border Force would be onto him. Hahahaha.
Well we survived Christmas and New year and without getting ill. We did not go out to restaurants/ pubs just to avoid having to self-isolate or get ill over the Christmas period. Although we did have a sneaky Harrow and Hope rose in Grape expectations on Christmas eve. Some fresh air was achieved most days despite poor weather.
Christmas dinner was a great success perhaps due to the temperate consumption of Champagne by both chefs! The magic kitchen fairy cleaned up whilst others snoozed!
Culham house was a nice walk on the Tuesday after rescuing Rhiannon’s collapsed Marquee which had blown down in a freak mini tornado.
We had to give in and venture to a restaurant on the Wednesday to get a break from the cooking and washing up. We had a very nice lunch in Cote before taking Joyce back to Heathrow.
We had just one day to chill before New Years Eve which started off with breakfast at the Old Brewery with Max and Jack. A quick drink in the Britannia at 6pm with Martyn, Sue, Colleen and Pauric turned into a return home at 11. Not in the pub all that time I hasten to add. We had made sure that we ate beforehand as we know how often these quick drinks turn into several hours! Back indoors before the witching hour to save Willow from the Fireworks that went off across the valley from Henley to Bourne End.
We started 2022 with a brunch of smoked salmon and scrambled eggs and a glass of Champagne while watching the News Years day concert from Vienna, bit of a tradition now. Then down came all the decorations, packed away for another year. Ian commentated that the house looked like it had been burgled. Not that we overdo the Christmas theme, but the living room looked quite bare after.
Sunday, we popped over the road to raise a glass and a quick catch up and that’s it all done. It’s been a busy time, but we made the most of it. Other friends have had broken limbs and Festivities curtailed by Covid in one way or another.
Everything crossed for a better 2022 even though it’s a bit grim at present we are still in a better place than we were this time last year.
We have several holidays booked and are looking forward to travelling again. Bring it on!
Some 2021 highlights.
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| Kayaking in Tenby |
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| Caldey Island |
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| Wally The Walrus |
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Lambs on the running route |
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| New Patio |
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| New fire |
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| Whitley Bay |
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| Orford Ness |
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| Sutton Hoo |
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| Lymington |
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| Bourton on the Water |
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| Culham Court |
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| Steart Marshes |
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| Weston Super Mare |
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| Corsham |
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| Linnet at Greenham Common |
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| Snowshill |
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| Mottisfont |
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| Trout in the Test |
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| Still hanging in there. |
December 22nd 2021.
Covid update.
There are around 90,000 new infections every day in the UK. Omicron cases are spreading fast, but I can’t find any data what % of the 90k they are.
No new restrictions have been implemented before Christmas but reading between the lines, between Christmas and New Year and thereafter will be a different story.
We have curtailed our mixing with others, so we don’t get ill at Christmas or have to self-isolate during the Christmas period. A cancelled event is better than a cancelled life warns WHO.
Several friends have had plans changing as people have tested positive and are unable to attend family gatherings or be able to travel.
Covid isolation has been cut from 10 days to 7 in an attempt to get people back working faster as the Omicron variant has caused staff shortages for business health services and rail services. People can stop self-isolating up to 3 days early if they test negative twice.
Boris Jonson has ruled out any new restriction for England, but Scotland, Wales and NI have all announced curbs on social mixing.
Hogmanay events have been cancelled in Scotland and football matches and outdoor events have been limited to 500 persons.
European nations have also reinstated restrictions.
Spain has reported the highest number of daily cases since the start of the pandemic and France has issued a warning that cases will soon pass the 100k marker.
France also began vaccinating children between ages of 5 and 11 this week.
Germany announced from 28/12, limits of 10 people will be put on private gatherings and nightclubs will close. Football matches to be played behind closed doors from that date.
Portugal has ordered bars and nightclubs to shut from Dec 26th and WFH is obligatory until Jan 9th.
Finland sees bars and restaurants closing at 10pm on Christmas eve as it sees infections at a record level.
Only seated guests will be served in Sweden and again WFH if possible.
Omicron has been detected in 38 of the 53 countries in the WHO European region.
It is still not known how ill people will become if they get the Omicron variant.
Bryan May has reported that he has tested positive and is urging people to get the vaccination.
Carlos Marin from II Divo has died from Covid after contracting the disease twice he was 53.
Well after all that we are set for Christmas. Goose, stuffings, puddings, sausage rolls and mince pies have all been purchased or made.
The tree is up and decorated, presents are wrapped, and all the shopping done. Ian nearly had to be physically restrained upon entering the supermarket as he went into “Christmas food shopping and possible lockdown mode”
If anyone is short of anything, I am sure we could help out but getting Ian to part with it might be another issue. I keep pointing out there are only 3 of us and how much food and wine does he expect us to eat/drink, After all its only 2 days really.
Tempers are running a bit short at times, perhaps we are getting a bit old for all this fuss?? We are nearly prepared so all will be calm by the time Christmas eve arrives.
Willow spends his evenings lying in front of the fire with his Catnip filled Santa sock securely within his grasp. He is a happy chappie.
Its freezing cold here today and really heavy frost this morning but a dullish and overcast day. Christmas day is set to be warmer and there is a strange weather front which will either bring really warm weather or colder weather and snow. Weathermen are heading their bets at present as to which way it will go.
Well unless something happens that needs recording that’s me done for this year. Hopefully 2022 will see the end of this damn virus well here’s to a lot of less restrictions and freedom of choice anyway.
14th December 2021.
Another year is nearly over but sadly covid is not. Omicron the newest variant is increasing at a rapid pace.
Is there another lockdown looming or Christmas restrictions?
Boris made a Downing street announcement on Sunday evening announcing Plan B restrictions to slow the spread of Covid and the Omicron variant. This includes face coverings on public transport and in enclosed spaces including shops. So far, no restrictions have been imposed on the hospitality industry, but people are cancelling bookings. Work from home if you can is also implemented, but some companies are still insisting that staff come to the workplace.
A massive drive to get all adults vaccinated or have an appointment booked, by the end of the year is underway. Walk In clinics have been set up and there are massive queues throughout the country. A million boosters per day is the target.
Marlow vaccination centre is fully booked until Christmas and they are short of people to administer the vaccine. A roving vaccine van came to Marlow yesterday morning and was completely out of vaccine by lunchtime. I know that the age range has changed but some of the over 50s still had not booked when allowed to.
A neighbour caught Covid at a works party and it is spreading throughout the household.
I have read that 2 doses of the AZ vaccine 6 months ago will now only give a 10% protection the booster will however significantly increase that.
Omicron is currently accounting for 20% of cases in England. The Health secretary has warned that hospital admissions will drastically increase.
MPs will vote later today on a set of measures aimed at slowing the spread. 70 MPs are said to be voting against, but the Labour party are voting for.
Scotland are to set new guidelines on social distancing but there will be exceptions around Christmas.
A warning has gone out that the real number of Omicron infections per day is 200,000. 54,000 + was the reported number yesterday.
We went to the Vanilla pod on Friday but were safely tucked into the private dining room with Colleen, Pauric, Martyn and Sue. It was very good indeed.
Tomorrow we are going to one of the walking groups Christmas dinner. Not feeling so happy about it to be honest but there we are. Another get together on Saturday has been cancelled which all concerned are happy about. Then we can keep ourselves safe and well to hopefully enjoy a good Christmas.
As I write this the BBC has just announced that the variant is spreading faster than ever and we are in for a difficult 4 weeks.
Well we are all set for Christmas and hopefully Joyce will be able to come down this year. Time will tell
November 27th 2021
Well it looks a bit like here we go again. Latest news is that infection rates continue to rise in the UK. The really bad news is that there is another variant which the powers that be are very concerned about at present. It has already been given a name OMICRON. Predominantly present in South Africa but has been identified in Botswana, Belgium, Hong Kong and Israel. It’s only a matter of time until it reaches here. The UKs red list is back, and several SA counties are on it. This means that people from the countries are not allowed to enter the UK unless they are Irish Nationals or UK residents. Arrivals will have to pay for and self-isolate in a government approved hotel for 10 days.
Countries across the world have also announced restrictions.
The authorities are tracking people that have arrived for SA in the last 10 days.
Austria is in a 10 day total lockdown as infection rates are very high there. This is in the main due to a very poor vaccination take up rate.
Here in Marlow things are looking rather grim. In North Marlow alone there are 118 cases and the rate per 100k is 1342.7. Great Marlow school reportedly has only 6 teachers working as either they are ill or self-isolating. Kids are SFH (Schooling from Home) again, well that’s if the parents can get them to. Ian & I had noticed a lot of teenagers around in the past week, that’s the reason why. There are not even enough teachers to hold zoom classes or monitor the SFH.
The wearing of masks is a personal choice at the moment, we are wearing ours all the time when out and about. We had to venture into Reading on Thursday and were horrified by the lack of mask wearing. I would say that less than one in 10 people were wearing masks. We were sharply in and out of there.
Despite the raging infection rate in Marlow Dahhling, the High Street was packed to the rafters on Thursday night for Chris Evans to turn on the Christmas lights. He did a count down from 100, I bet that was so exciting. You would think he would have better material to keep a crowd entertained than a 100-1 count down.
Ian and I are fully vaccinated now, having had our 3rd jab on Saturday 20th November. We had the Moderna vaccine it gave Ian a couple of days of feeling a bit off and both of us had very sore arms for 3 days.
Jeremy had the same vaccine on the 25th and had sweats and shivers that night, feeling quite poorly but was ok in the morning.
What will happen, will we have a normal Christmas, will Boris impose restrictions before then or at all?
In the UK 68.8% of the population have been fully vaccinated and worldwide only 42.7 of the population. Yesterday there were 160 new deaths and 7633 people in hospital.
Other news.
I have a cold….. grr.
Rhiannon has broken her Fibula and is in a cast for 6 weeks. Weve had a couple of trips to the hospital and a back seat in the car covered in plaster of Paris.
Our new log burner is lovely we are very pleased with it, especially as the cold weather has arrived.
The patio has been completed and is fabulous, the garden is a complete mess, but it will have to wait.
Terrible weather in the UK today. Very high winds 90mph in the north 58 or so in the South west only about 20 here. It’s very cold and damp we have even had a flurry of snow this morning.
Willow is still here, older and skinnier but still a happy chap, sleeping in the best places most of the day.
I will be keeping this updated now, if there is anyone out there still reading.
6th November 2021
It’s been a long time since I posted not a lot really has changed. The Autumn has been magnificent, lovely and warm in fact some days have been hot. In October we could catch the warmth of the late afternoon sunshine in the garden. Ian has only just stopped wearing shorts it’s been that warm and sunny.
This week we have seen the weather turn much colder with early morning frosts followed by sunny blue-sky days. Leaves on the trees are turning red and gold now and as I look out over Winter Hill it is tinged with gold as the setting sun catches the trees.
This week we went to the Cotswolds for a day out. It was a great decision and the day was a crisp sunny autumn one, perfect for viewing the honey warm colours of the Slaughters and Bouton on the Water.
I am desperate to get into the garden and tidy up but having compressed a disc in my back I am very limited to what I can do. I even had to let Ian loose unsupervised with a pair of secateurs the other day. Seriously I am very thankful for his help as It is tempting to get out there, but I know I will be taking a step backwards if I do. This week has been relatively pain free as I had dry needling (form of acupuncture) done and it worked a treat in relaxing the muscles in my back.
Had a visit to Age concern to apologise for my lack of attendance there and to my delight one of the Friday ladies who I feared had not faired well during lockdown was there. She was just as lively and cheerful as always, I was so pleased to see her, and then to learn that next week she is 100 years old. You would never guess it and such a positive attitude.
In September we had a week in Aldeburgh with Jon and Sarah. It was lovely to be away and enjoy the delights of the town (mainly pubs and restaurants) but the cottage we had left a lot to be desired. Nevertheless, we did have a lovely time even though it was quite busy. We are used to winter and having the place to ourselves.
We also had a cracking sunny and hot October weekend in WSM it was like the height of summer. We won’t mention the fact that we struggled to negotiate our way back to number 26 even without the additional hindrance of alcohol. Lovely weekend.
Our running days look like they might be over, I might try again but having had another fall I am not sure it’s a good thing for me. Ian’s knee is still not right so sadly it looks like he will have to hang up his running shoes. We still enjoy a walk around our running circuit to keep up with the changes in the seasons.
There has been a terrible cold going around it has laid people up for a few weeks. Jeremy & Nic have suffered and so has Rhiannon. We had it but got off lightly I think that possibly it’s because we had our flu jabs before contracting it.
Covid still dominates our day to day living but we carry on as best as we can. There are no restrictions at the moment, but the majority feeling (Friends) is that we should all be wearing masks again. Having said that not many people in the shops are doing this.
Headlines yesterday were that infections rates were at an all-time high and JVT said a hard winter ahead. Booster jabs are very important. Today however one newspaper said infection rates are plummeting. Reports are varied and very confusing. This time last year we were in zones and partial lockdown so it’s nice to see that things have improved.
Even though infection rates are high, Hospitalisations and deaths remain low. Although cases are now rising again in older adults. Some of this may be due to parents going back to work and Granny and Grandpa looking after the kids or picking them up from school as the majority of school children remain unvaccinated.
Anti vaxers outside a school in Marlow were telling the kids that if they had the vaccine they would turn into fish. There will be a lot of fish about then!
We have our boosters booked now and they have brought forward the dates you are allowed to have them from 6 months to 5 months from the 2nd jab.
Still not enough people are getting vaccinated for us to reach a herd immunity state. For this 85% of the population need to be vaccinated and we are just about 67%.
Vax has been named as the word of 2021.
Costa Rica has made Covid jabs for children mandatory.
An anti-viral pill has been produced for the treatment of Covid and results so far are very positive.
The R number here is between 1 and 1.2. we’ve been locked down at that rate before. (Pre vaccines)
We are going back to Aldeburgh for a few days in a week or so and are both looking forward to that.
Willow is still with us despite getting thinner by the day. He still enjoys a good life and is happy and gets out and about. Sleeps most of the time in his various beds around the house.
Our new fireplace and stove are being fitted next week; we are looking forward to that especially as it is turning colder these nights and we are missing our fire.
Ooh the new bird box is up, although we are waiting for a cable extension to arrive before we can get it working. Hopefully we will have plenty of bird news and updates this year as we have changed the box and the camera. This too has not been without its trauma as a simple drilling of a hole through the wall turned into a nightmare job as the handyman decided to smash through the outside wall with a hammer. Leaving us with a massive hole and mess to patch up and make waterproof.
And here’s a bit of a food update.
Meatball Traybake.
Chicken Cassoulet.
Chilli Can Carne.
Sea trout.
Smoked haddock on a bed of cabbage with a poached egg.
Beef casserole.
Rib eye steak with red cabbage, roasted butternut squash and Parmentier potatoes.
Prawn stir fry
Veggie curry and Egg Curry.
