A sorry note to end on but a brighter future ahead.

 Christmas has come and gone, we had a nice couple of days and enjoyed them very much. We did not over purchase food so have very little in the left-overs stakes and back to normal eating after Christmas day.

Our Goose fed us well for a few days and lastly became a hoisin Goose and noodle stir fry.

 We have been out for a few walks, but Marlow is overcrowded, and the High Street continues to be flooded with people. Why do people need to have coffee after a walk (that’s if they have even been for a walk and not just a stroll down the town) and feel the need to queue in the High St for the sacred beverage. I keep saying this is TIER 4 and the message is STAY HOME. Yes, get your exercise but go home for your coffee and don’t linger in groups.  it is getting really really bad out there. Over 50,000 cases reported yesterday and the hospitals are getting overwhelmed.

There are conflicting reports about the Nightingale hospitals reopening and or being dismantled. 

The data below is before any adverse effect of Christmas mingling

 Government statistics show 71,109 people have died of coronavirus, up 357 in the previous 24 hours, while the total number of confirmed cases is now 2,329,730, up 41,385, and hospital admissions since the start of the pandemic are now 257,757 up 2,143. Updated 29th DEC

Loads of people out and about running but it’s too cold for us, fair weather runners.Jeremy & Nic are having to self-isolate after getting pinged on the NHS App, probably from an hour or 2 on Christmas day in the Cornish. 

Snow has snarled up parts of the country but none here, we have had the most beautiful sunrises and the last 2 days have been quite sunny in parts enabling us to get out and about in the countryside away from everyone else.

Our usual walk in Hurley was thwarted the other day as during storm Bella or whatever this one was named a tree was blown down and blocked the road.

30/12

Another briefing this evening and as expected it’s not good news. Infection rates are escalating at a pace. In September 1 in 90 people were positive for CV19 today it is 1 in 70. More places have been placed in T4 nowhere is in T1 and Cornwall move to T3. 78% of population in T4. There is an uptick of the new variant in all areas. Personally, I am annoyed that the Media are calling this variant the English Variant like we developed it, actually we discovered it.

JVT says we are in a very dangerous situation.

Nightingale hospitals are being readied and in Manchester Nightingale some patients are already being treated.

Secondary schools have been delayed in opening until the 18th January and Primary schools are to go back on the 4th but pupils are to be tested beforehand.

A roll out of the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine is in hand as the Vaccine has been approved for UK use. Hopefully this will speed things up and we will all get vaccinated soon, however there is a supply and logistics issue. Marlow has had problems finding a suitable place to administer the vaccine, but I think that has been resolved now.

Martin Tett leader of Bucks council sent out the following email today. (Extract from)

Figures up to 24 December put the number of cases now up at 514 per 100,000 and current projections are expecting this to increase to closer to 800 per 100,000 by next week. This compares to the current average COVID-19 rate in England of 402.6 per 100,000.

Of greatest concern, this increase is also being seen in our older age groups. Our rate in the over 60s population has gone up by over 60% and this is now putting our health services under very severe pressure, not helped by staff shortages through increasing numbers of positive cases and self-isolation amongst staff. The pressure on the Buckinghamshire NHS is mirrored in surrounding areas.

Taking all of this into account, Buckinghamshire Council, in consultation with NHS partners, has declared a ‘Major Incident’, amid fears the number of COVID-19 cases could overwhelm our local health and social care services. For example, hospitals in Buckinghamshire are already having to postpone or delay non urgent treatment.

I completely understand that most people are continuing to follow the government’s guidance. However, frankly some are not. Also, it would be quite tempting to see the announcement of the new Oxford vaccine as meaning that the pandemic is nearly over and we can relax. It is not over and we certainly cannot relax our behaviours. It’s vital that we all continue to play our part in helping to reduce the transmission of the virus by strictly following the current Tier 4 guidance. I would encourage everyone to stay at home as much as possible and help those who are vulnerable, by offering to collect their shopping and prescriptions etc.

Well this is it folks the end of 2020 and the beginning of the end of this situation.

On the bright side its only 12 weeks until the official 1st day of Spring and the clocks go forward, but before that we will have all the lovely Spring flowers coming into bloom to brighten our days. I am hoping that we have as good a Spring weather wise as we did last year.

Happy New year everyone and stay safe.

PS don’t tell anyone but Santa didn’t make it back to the North Pole I think he had too many Mince Pies and Sherry, we found his sleigh abandoned and the Reindeer sleeping off too many carrots, no sign of Santa anywhere though, keeping an eye out for him.

This was 2020

 The year 2020.

Well folks the year is nearly at an end, so I thought a bit of a recap was in order. 

January.

Not much going on just trying to get rid of the Christmas excesses and detox in readiness for upcoming holiday.

1st rumblings about serious flu epidemic in China.

February.

Trip to Miami and cruise to Central America visiting Grand Cayman, Cartagena, Panama, Costa Rica, Mexico and Cozumel.

Rumblings getting louder and a cruise ship is stuck in Japan with passengers on board with Covid.

March.

Mrs F’s diary starts to record events as pandemic is announced and the world struggles.

My brother has to cut short his trip to South America and makes it back home by the skin of his teeth before everything is locked down worldwide.

March also heralds the start of the walks. Skylarks, March Hares, Bluebells and beautiful Spring days.

On March the 23rd I reported that 335 people had died so far of CV19.

Boris gets Covid.

The Stay Inn is launched.

Panic buying sets in.

Rubbish tips are closed.

Blue Tit nest building starts.

Daily briefings from Downing street.

April.

Clap for carers. (Ian gets mad with non-compliant neighbours and I have to hide my good saucepans)

Waking up very early to do diary.

Streets, roads and airspace deserted.

Feeling afraid, vulnerable and frightened to go shopping. Ian goes AWOL inside supermarkets sending me into a frenzy.

Boris goes into intensive care.

Lambs are in beautiful spring meadows.

Great weather.

Home haircuts.

Blue Tits lay eggs.

The NUFC for sale drama starts.

Shopping only every other week.

 

 

May.

More gardening. Garden looking good.

Blue Tit chicks hatch.

CV testing kit developed.

Lovely sunny walks and lots of them.

Advice is to wear face masks (Not compulsory)

Hedgehogs are benefiting from lack of traffic and population gets a boost.

Marlow gets the bluest sky in the country.

Track and Trace starts.

Stay Inn beer gardens open.

Weather turns very cold and wet and windy.

Blue Tits die because of cold.

Road traffic starts to increase

June.

Lockdown easing starts, a little more freedom but not a lot.

Massive queues outside Primark and Ikea.

Clap for carers ceases.

Dentists reopen.

Marlow introduces one-way pedestrian system which is mostly ignored.

We escape to the Cotswolds for a day out

Neighbours nights in Hillside road kick off.

Glasthomebury birthday weekend.

 

July.

Holiday days start with a day trip to Littlehampton and a long-awaited walk on a beach.

Day out in Arundel.

Portugal holiday cancelled.

Beaches and parks are packed, and warnings ignored.

Trip to Knepp to see Storks that have nested.

Gazebo ordered to enable socialising outside.

Face coverings now compulsory in shops.

Cricket resumes but no one seems to have been to the hairdressers and many wear hairbands.

A very good month socially and weatherwise.

We make plans to spend Christmas in Newcastle with Joyce.

August.

Terrific heat and no rain.

 Joyce manages to get down for a week.

Pubs reopen and virus kicks off again.

Kitchen thermometer reads 31 degrees.

UK officially enters a recession.

Abundance of Blackberries.

Garden looks lovely, firefly lanterns and bunting round the gazebo makes it look very summery.

People have been travelling abroad. 

England introduces quarantine for certain countries 

Football is back on with virtual crowd noise which is just terrible.

Some days of heavy rain and raging winds.

Eat out to Help out introduced.

Neighbours fight over car parking spaces.

My Saab gets a makeover.

Blackberry vodka made.

Visit to Highclere.

Planning ahead in case of another lockdown which is always on the horizon.

SWAT team out on Hillside road with rumours of a shooting.

Pupils from Marlow and other places in the UK went to Zante and many tested positive on their return

Visit to Petworth.

2 visits to Summ Vietnamese restaurant during EOTHO

September.

Covid is on the increase again. 

Rule of 6 introduced.

Pubs and restaurants close at 10pm.

Hands Face Space slogan launched.

Infection rates highest in the Midlands and North of England.

Media claim Christmas is cancelled (Oh how little did they know then)

Stockpiling starts up again with flour and loo roll the main items.

In my September Diary I wrote Stay safe for Santa’s sake, but no one listened to me.

We had a fabulous few days away in Tenby.

Our Couch to 5k starts.

Great morning runs along the beach.

Air traffic slightly increasing.

Fire pit purchased.

First visit of the year to Vanilla pod.

Signs of Autumn appear.

  

October.

Track & Trace enforceable, NHS app is launched.

Wearing of masks in enclosed public places.

Couple of days away in Arundel.

Boris says behave or we will get locked down again.

Donald Trump and FLOTUS have reportedly got Coronavirus.

17-21 yr olds are reportedly the ones spreading the virus as Universities open up.

The nights draw in and the Jigsaws return.

Donald Trump goes mad and claims he is young and fit and immune to the Chinese plague amongst other ridiculous claims.

3 tier system introduced in England and Pubs Shut in areas of Scotland

C25K continues. 

Hotspot lockdowns introduced and Nightingale hospitals put on Standby.

Beautiful Autumnal day walks in Burnham Beeches. Loads of Acorns and Chestnuts litter the ground it is a mast year.

Marlow still in T1 but electronic signs up around Wycombe announcing you are entering a high-risk area.

Logs and coal delivered, and red wine stocked up for winter.

 

November

Downing street briefing saying we are to be locked down from midnight 4th of November.

Pubs shut.

No mixing of households indoors or outdoors.

Non-essential shops to shut.

Furlough extended to March 2021

Weather tuned cold and even a gritter lorry was out.

Ian injures his knee running.

Shelley completes C25K.

Marlow moves into tier 2 but we are in lockdown so irrelevant.

Cases per day in Wycombe are over 1000

Lots of gardening done and spring bulbs planted.

New imac purchased and set up with the invaluable help of Dr Mac

Trump loses USA elections, Bidens wins.

Ian has to give up wearing shorts as its. Now too cold.

Pfizer vaccine breakthrough announced and could be ready before Christmas.

Tragic milestone of 50,000 deaths announced.

December.

Lockdown ends and we are put back into tiers.

Vaccine roll out commences and the 1st person in the world to receive it is in `Scotland.

Our annual jaunt to Aldeburgh postponed until September 2021.

Our Christmas with Joyce is changed to a virtual one.

Ian completes the C25K.

New virus variant found and is spreading like wildfire.

Tier 4 is implemented across the South / East of England & London.

Marlow moves 3 tiers in 3 days.

The non-workers lunch and the walkers get together was carried out in our garden.

Christmas mixing households in T4 is banned and only mixing on Christmas day allowed in other tiers.

Getting ready for Christmas, house gets decorated and the Reindeer and lights are up outside.

Well that makes for some interesting if not totally pleasant reading.

We have in the main had a very good year, made new friends, discovered parts of Marlow never before visited by us. Got fitter and healthier.  We sure made the most of the times we were allowed to. Holiday days were very special and so was rediscovery of a picnic instead of a pub lunch. People were friendlier and more considerate. We as a nation rediscovered the delight in the simple things in life, nature benefitted from the lack of traffic and the skies were oh so blue and not a plane in sight or hearing distance.

Our homes and gardens have never been so tended, painted, planted and the great ingenious ways of using pallets almost became a competition.

Best of all was the weather is was fabulous and made this year bearable. We still have a way to go with this situation, but we have learnt a lot this year and need to continue to stay safe and be kind to each other.

 Thank you for reading, Merry Christmas and every best wish for 2021.

Willow observing 2 minutes silence on V E day.

Its the DOORBELL !!

Champagne, Tiers and a trip down memory lane.

Saturday December 19^th.

 

Well it happened we are now in tier 3 here are the rules. Ah no there are too many of them to put down, but basically you can go shopping on your own and a walk with a member of your household and that’s it. Until 23^rd December when all bets are off to party and mix with nearly anyone you like, and then in January, we will all be in a total lockdown or in hospital if there is a spare bed! Its best not to think about it too much as its quite depressing to dwell on and the New year is quite a daunting prospect. I am projecting my thoughts to March when all the spring flowers are going to appear, and the baby lambs will be leaping around in the sunny meadows. Ah that’s better.

 

We were going to have a Christmas drinks do (allowed 6 socially distanced in the garden) with our walking friends on the 20^th  However, as it would fall into tier 3 we had to arrange a spur of the moment do, raid the crisp cupboard, take Ian’s sacred sausage rolls out of the freezer, erect the gazebo and light the fire, all in an hour. We all had a really good time, the fire pit kept us lovely and warm and the Champagne lifted all our spirits.

 

Saturday 19^th December although we are in tier 3 and Sarah & Jon have dropped to T2 we have arranged to meet up and exchange presents, at a distance of course. Destination is the Blunsdon house hotel car park, haven’t been there for years it used to be a birthday treat to be taken there for dinner when we were young. We had a quick chat from our vehicles exchanged presents and drove off, well that’s what had to happen and strictly speaking Ian & I shouldn’t have been there.

We had a detour drive home as there was a problem on the M4 so we went via Highworth and Lambourn, nothing to hurry home for so we might as well make the pretty journey home. I pointed out various landmarks to Ian, my grans house and other family abodes, my primary school and Jon’s senior school. A good trip down memory lane it was so lovely driving over the Berkshire downs and when we are allowed will make a day out of it.

That was all so nice and to see Sarah & Jon face to face….. and then the trouble hit.

Boris had called an emergency cabinet meeting and at a briefing from Downing Street we were informed that we (Bucks) along with many others are in a new tier, Tier 4. Basically, lockdown again.

There is a new variant of the virus which is ravaging the South East and spreading like the proverbial wildfire. The rise in the rate of infection is alarming, it is changing rapidly and there is huge concern as they believe it is 70% more transmittable. So, from midnight, Bucks, Berks, London, Surrey, Essex and parts of Kent all in T4.

 

Also, major changes to Christmas rules.

T1-T3 only allowed to gather on Christmas day and T4 no gatherings from outside your own household, no overnight stays allowed in any tier and no one to travel outside T4.

On our Marlow facebook page people who were planning parties or family dinners are now offering spare food (can’t cancel the order) for free. One local pub has offered their 10ft Christmas tree as it is no longer required

 

 

Sunday 20^th Dec

 

It is a warm and sunny day, and time to take the party gazebo down, however it is still wet. We mop the wet off and try to dry it by lighting the fire pit, no joy. We then lowered it and tried to dry the inside of it, herein lies the problem. The inside is waterproof coated, and condensation keeps forming on it. Resolved the issue by wiping it down and then drying it off with the hairdryer, well that took care of a few hours. We then decided to go for a walk and went the Munday Dean route, up the pig track and back down the hill through Munces Wood. With the very recent restrictions it brought back memories of all the walks we did in the Spring. Season wise we have really come full circle, just this last bit of winter to endure.

Masses of Sunday afternoon walkers were about, normally we don’t meet anyone along the way, but we always avoided going out at weekends.

Chaos reigns on the roads as Europe seems to be cutting us off, with French ports shut and countries banning us to travel there.

A mass exodus from London continues with trains packed to the rafters. So, people in the highest infection area (of the new rapid spreading variant) are now unleashed throughout the rest of the country.

 

 Government statistics show 67,401 people have died of coronavirus, up 326 in the previous 24 hours, while the total number of confirmed cases is now 2,040,147, up 35,928, and hospital admissions since the start of the pandemic are now 249,471, up 2,034 

Sorry to end on a bum note but that’s how things are at the present but……

 

Only 4 sleeps to Santa

To party or not to party that is the question.

Let’s talk about the weather, well there’s not a lot else to talk about unless its Covid or Brexit related. We have had some good sunny days and some terrible rain. On Monday Ian ran along by the River at Hurley and the road was badly flooded He had to pullup sharply and has consequently sustained an injury. I did not run as still limping around so had a jolly stroll around the loop, swishing through the flooded road watching a Buzzard soaking up the sunshine and various other birds enjoying a warmish sunny morning. My phone had died so Ian could not contact me, and I was dawdling along waiting for him to come around the 2^nd loop but when I eventually got back, he was hobbling around the car park rather wet and sore, oops. We are coming to the conclusion that maybe running is not that good for you!

So here we go on the Covid front. London and parts of Essex and Kent have moved into tier 3 as the infection rate is growing at a rather alarming rate. Also, they have discovered there is a variant of the virus which may be the reason for the increased spread of infection in the South East. These viruses are clever little nasty things. It appears that it (the virus) has developed a variant so it can spread itself more rapidly as things were slowing down due to lockdowns. Do viruses have brains, how did it work that out?

Infection rates in Wycombe are falling but are going through the roof in Buckinghamshire. This is in the main due to Aylesbury vale and Milton Keynes. It does put us however in jeopardy of going into tier 3 either later today or by the weekend. Bucks council have just sent out an email warning us that this might happen.

It has been discussed that the Christmas easing should be abandoned but Downing street are against this, if they think this is going to help with any re-election voting they need to think again as any good will created by the easing will be wiped out when we are all dying like flies in January (well the party goers anyway). People are being urged to use their own common sense and not gather. A lot of our friends are not visiting families and friends over the Christmas period.

We had our non-workers Christmas lunch yesterday (Socially distanced outside). Strictly speaking it should only be Ian & I as Rhiannon now has a part time job. She says it is so low paid as to not count as work, so we have allowed her a waiver. Jeremy is also allowed a waiver as he has been trying to give up work for the last 3 years. We sat in the garden (only allowed gatherings outside in tier 2) as it was a mild sunny day with no rain forecast. We had some lovely Christmas nibbly things from Aldi and then steak sandwiches. Some Champagne was also consumed. The fire pit kept us warm and even though we had a short sharp shower and the umbrellas came out it didn’t dampen our spirits or determination. We had a good laugh at our own ridiculousness, but it was better than not doing anything the food and wine were good and great to have some face to face company.

Tomorrow is going to be a lovely sunny day; Ian and I are both getting haircuts and maybe get a walk in. At present (Weds 16^th) it is cold and miserable; Ian is watching the shouty cooking programme aka Master chef. Why are all the contestants deaf or is it just Greg Wallace that can’t hear much and has to shout all the time so he can hear himself pretending to be a chef.

 

Talking about food, this week’s menu consisted of the following.

 

Chicken Curry

Sticky braised brisket

Egg Curry (made with left over sauce)

Steak sandwiches with caramelised onions.

Moussaka and salad. I haven’t made one for years and today remembered why, there are so many component parts to it, but it kept me out of trouble for a while and it looks very good even if I say so myself.

As well as the infection rate being high the Mince Pie consumption is on the increase at 62 and its just me that eats them!

As for the title question: well I think we all know the answer to that one. However there is still next year.

 

Stay safe lovely readers.

 

Are we having fun yet?

This years Tree

Willow loves to help out with the decorations

 

Vaccine gets rolled out in UK

 Tuesday December 1st

Another trip to the Spade Oak for a walk and a spot of birdwatching. Well mainly Kingfisher spotting. We were very luck and got some fabulous views. Sadly, the resplendent male Bullfinch still eludes us as does the treecreeper, but we will persevere. It was a lovely sunny day but really cold and the wind cut right across the lake. After a couple of hours, I could feel myself starting to seize up so had to go and sit in the sun a while to thaw out.

Wednesday 2/12

We all came out of lockdown and fell into our respective tiers. Our holiday to Aldeburgh was cancelled at the 11th hour but we have rebooked for September next year. We are going to miss it as we always have such a great time plus we had chosen a different cottage this year and were looking forward to a bit of a change.

Best news is the Pfizer vaccine has been approved and vaccinations could start as soon as next week. This is the one that needs to be kept at really low temperatures so it’s a bit of a logistical nightmare so implement. I think Ian & I will be lucky if we get one by March. It got me thinking that even if we are vaccinated will we be allowed to travel the world if other countries have not started the programme? I certainly hope so.

Sara came over to Marlow to see the lights and we did a bit of retail therapy and grabbed a hot chocolate in Strawberry Grove it was delicious. It was nice to get out and the High Street was ok not too busy.

We had a run 1st thing I have decided that I do not like running in the cold weather anything under 8 degrees is not nice even if there is no wind. Ian is running really well and will soon be on the last leg of the C25K weather permitting.

4/12

After various consultations and trips to the Drs for check-ups and follow ups for me , the week was nicely rounded off with a trip to Henley Hospital for Ian who had managed to ram a piece of wood down the side of his nail and it became infected. We had to sit in the car park for over an hour to be seen, it was freezing cold, but better than being inside. Having said that it was very quiet and much better than Wycombe. They had to cut part of the side of his thumb nail out to clean it, nasty but all fine in the end.

5/12

We should have been going to Aldeburgh with Jon & Sarah today. We were all a bit sad about it being cancelled but made up for it by the 4 of us having a good virtual White Hart on facetime, with both parties having a roaring fire, Ghost ship and Adnams Copper House Gin.

8/12

Vaccine roll out commences in UK.

The first person in the world was given a vaccine for Coronavirus today and it happened in the UK. In my opinion this is something we should be immensely proud of as a nation, but there are the continual whingers and moaners about how they are not having the vaccine as it might not be safe, how badly the government have handled things etc etc. It makes me so mad, this is an epic day and something to be proud of.

To counteract my rage, I made the Christmas sausage rolls, baking therapy always works. I was against the clock as I needed to get them done and ready for the freezer before Ian got back from his walk as the stock would then get greatly depleted. I did not manage it, but Ian was a very happy person, hot sausage rolls straight from the oven. Mmmmmmmm.

9/11

Today the tree is getting put up but 1st Ian’s final C25K run which was completed with ease even if he was a tad overdressed for the occasion. No, he was not wearing a Tux in anticipation of celebrating but several layers of thermal wear. His other 2 runs this week have been completed in 0.5 degrees. Today it was a balmy 6 degrees and no wind, so he soon heated up or as it turned out over heated. Congratulations Ian.

Things are rather boring as there is not much going on and we are not seeing anybody or going out anywhere, so I am going to cut back on the diary. You are probably not reading this anyway and I am just talking to myself.

Start of the final run.

 

And the finishing line.

It's all about the running.

 
22/11

A lovely sunny morning, the mist is hanging over the river and the sun is peeping over the top of Winter Hill.
Warm up exercises done, we drive to Hurley and do our circuit run. Ian is still taking it easy, but I am now on the last run of week 8. It is only 6 degrees outside so Mr. & Mrs Bag Lady make a reappearance, but we don’t care. You need to be just the right temperature to run and we have found being cold is no good for the muscles. The mist clings to the fields and the cows mooch around in the eerie glow. We do so love this run, 2 elderly men were outside the village shop as we started off and I waved at them and said good morning, I bumped into them half way round and they shouted “well done” and “keep going”, it made me smile and really encouraged me and spurred me on. 

I am typing this up just back from Hurley and looking out the window I can’t see Winter Hill as the mist clings to the river, but the sun is above the ribbon of mist and it’s a super bright morning.
It turned into a really nice warmish day. Another tick for me as the green bin and other containers were refilled, the garden is looking a bit tidier and I am feeling happier as I have achieved something today, well 2 things really.

23/11 Monday

I forgot to mention Marlow Christmas lights last week. At 4am on the 20th November, Chris Evans and his son Noah with the help of several other people turned on the Christmas lights and lit up the bridge. They made a short film which shows them running around and driving madly up and down the high street, manually turning the lights on. It is very clever and very well done. It is on my face book page if you missed it.

Ian went for a long walk with Max, I went to the tip (oh the excitement of it all) and then walked into Marlow to collect a parcel from M&S a much better experience that last week. Marlow much better organised of course.
Boris is still in isolation but gave a briefing saying that we would go back into Tiers after the 2nd Dec but have to wait until Thursday for the details. I can barely contain myself.
We watched the new Borat film I thought Ian was going to choke with laughter apart from the obvious cringe part it was very good indeed and so nice to have a laugh for a change.

24/11

A stunning morning, the temp has risen a bit, 9 degrees, the sun is shining, and the air is fresh. Today is the 1st of my 30-minute runs and I am feeling a bit wary, no reason why I should but you know how I like to worry about nothing. Ian ran, he is ok but still taking it easy. He did manage to cover a good distance in his time.  I did my best split times and of course ran further than I have managed before.
After a well-deserved brunch we went to the Spade Oak to get our steps in and do a spot of birding. Not long into the walk I spot a small bird flying low across the lake a tell-tale flash of electric blue reveals that my suspicions were correct, and it was a kingfisher. Ian spotted a female Bullfinch feeding on wild hops and later on I saw a beautiful Goldcrest. These were our top birds of the morning. It was so lovely and peaceful; the lake was as still as could be and the light was ethereal, just perfect. The mud however was a different issue but suitably clad in wellies it did not bother us too much. 

The rules for Christmas have been announced. 3 households are to be allowed to bubble up but for a limited period of time. Boris has warned us not to throw caution to the wind, we have come so far it will be a great shame to ruin it now. The Scientists are unhappy about the relaxation and are urging people to think carefully about travel and mixing. On another note of doom, we have been warned  that Jan and Feb will be tough. Pubs and restaurants will be open for the festive period, but we are not allowed to gather in 
groups. More people will be cooking at home this year, so the fire brigade had better get some people on standby. Anyway, it’s about time to put the Sprouts on, well if you want them al dente that is otherwise it’s too late!

26/11

Chilly is the word for this glorious misty sunny morning. An absolutely delightful run was completed as the mist snaked around the river and the cows blew frosty air clouds from their nostrils. My runs start off very positive although this morning I worried the cold might seize me up, but all fine. I get halfway through and I am thinking come on you can do this as a little niggle of doubt appears. Then the last 15 minutes it’s all Wahaaayyy until the end. I even manage a good sprint at the end.
Ian has gone out for a walk with Pauric, I hope he does not overdo it as he is back on his running now with no problems this morning. We might have overdone the clothes layering this morning as both felt uncomfortable and very sweaty after the run, but it was freezing when we set off just 2 degrees. Headband and fingerless gloves were added to my running attire wardrobe. We meet very few people on our run it’s a good job, we couldn’t run in Marlow where all the lovely people (who shop in Sweaty Betty) run as I fear we would be plastered all over Marlow Life FB page. “Look what we saw when out running in Marlow Dahhling absolutely hilarious get up”. We might start a new trend “Bag lady running gear” sounds like a money spinner to me.

27/11

The Age Concern Garden has been put to bed for the winter. There was a fabulous frost this morning real hard-core stuff, but it transformed the landscape and gardens into the proverbial Winter Wonderland. Mr. Bobby Robin sat in the pear tree and accompanied my gardening efforts with his loud winter song.

Rhiannon sent me a text to say she has been pinged on the track and trace app and is having to self-isolate until the 5th of December. She went out for Sunday lunch in Tenby with her friend and they got pinged. Which just goes to show that even if the rules say you are allowed to do something it’s not always ok to do. She is less than pleased as she only came back to Marlow on Thursday so she could go to work and earn some money. She is now incarcerated in her bedroom like Rapunzel, Sophie has banned her from all alcohol and Hannah is on watch to make sure she does not escape her incarceration. I might have to rig up a pulley system with a rope and bucket, I can’t see her lasting until the 5th!

28/11

Well the day has finally arrived, and I am pleased to say that slow and steady once again won the race. Yes, I might be a snail or slow jogger, but I completed C25K today and am so very pleased it is a massive achievement for me. (Plus, I did it before Ian, but only because he has been injured) It is a very foggy gloomy sort of day, not how I had romanticised my completion of this major athletic event. I had a nice warmish sunny morning in mind, with a blue sky and gentle breeze as I crossed the finish line. Reality was cold, damp, fog and me bursting for a wee, same old really, but Jo Whiley was there to cheer me on and rain congratulations on me too. Also, just as we were getting back to the car, we bumped into some neighbours (Caroline & Richard) Ian said he had arranged a welcoming party, but they were actually just taking their dog for a walk. Ian was a tad concerned they might be saying what the hell was he wearing as they walked away, he thinks looks like he should be tied to a pole and placed in the middle of a field. I was a tad concerned about any sweaty aroma wafting about thank goodness for the 2 metre rule, every cloud and all that.
The “Stay Inn” is opening early doors today as the Rugby, England v Wales is on at 4. The Cornwall contingent are delighted as they are going to be able to get out to the pub again on Wednesday, whilst the WSM branch is in tier 3 no pub for them. We are in Tier 2 no pub for us. No Aldeburgh holiday either.
If you want to know what the tiers mean check out the government website, however I think the best interpretation is Graham Norton’s version.
Some things are open, but you can’t go. I think that just about sums it up. I can’t believe that retail is open across all tiers, what is the point in that. People will flock to the shops on Wednesday and by New year the hospitals will be full to bursting. So, folks stay indoors and stay safe.

Quotes of the week come from Donald Trump “Feeling sad at the Death of Maradona as I really liked her music”! (not sure if that one is true, but it sounds likely)

Food Glorious food.

Mince and Tatties
Spag Bol
Tuna Steak Niçoise 
Pollock & Chips
Nachos
Chicken Stir Fry

Some naughties.

Crumpets
Mince pies

But for me at least, hardly any alcohol at all, I have just gone off it. Might have a glass of Fizz later today though.

Great Crested Grebe

Lapwings

Bye for Now

 

Mr & Mrs Bag Lady go running.

 WC 16/11/20

Covid diaries November 2020

16/11

Monday morning, we awake to find that Boris is having to self-isolate after being pinged on the track and trace app. He is well with no symptoms.

Grey day weather-wise but at least the terrific wind and lashing rain have ceased. It was a bit chilly, but we walked into Marlow High street which was reasonably busy considering nothing should be open. Bumped into Max so we all sat in the Church yard and watched the river go by, no sign of the Peregrines.

Later on there was a briefing from Downing Street which announced that another vaccine, this time from  Moderna was proving very effective in fact 94.5% effective in stopping symptoms but trials are ongoing.

A rather ominous message in my opinion said that 2 mega labs are to open in 2021 for testing purposes. There will also be lateral flow testing which means we can get results within 1 hour.

New cases of the virus are again up on last week’s figures. Hull has 775 cases per 100k whilst the national Avg is 215 per 100k. Matt Hancock (why does he always wear a pink tie) said that it is painfully clear that the virus remains a potent threat. Long Covid is a real problem and 40 special long Covid clinics are to open across the country.

17/11

Another grey day but 14 degrees. I went for a run as I am now back on my C25K and hopefully this time will stay injury free. Ian went for a long walk with Max and I got my steps in later on with a walk down by the river. Exciting eh?

With a lot of help from Jon we have finished setting up the new mac and it is super wizzy, I can’t wait to see Ian’s photos on it.

2 Million people are to be placed in Scotland’s level 4 lockdown this Friday the 20th November.

Spain France and the UK have all reported more than 1 million cases and several others are reporting their highest number of cases since the start of the pandemic.

Just before retiring for the night we received an email to say that our 2022 holiday to South America has been cancelled due to CV19. The cruise company and the centre for disease control have evaluated the itinerary and have concluded for safety reasons it needs to be cancelled. Rather a long way off but I suppose they need to be setting itineraries up for the future. Chile seems to be the problem.

We had a nice face time chat with Tom who was 24 today.

18/11/20

Mainly the news is all about Christmas and how we are going to cope with it. Suggestions at present are that families can meet up from the 24th to the 28th. It all depends on what happens in the next couple of weeks, but I think this is a heads up for us to have the current lockdown extended for another week or 2.

We are currently scheduled to visit Joyce for Christmas but not sure how this is going to play out if infection rates are still high. It’s just a waiting game at the moment.

Traveling into Wycombe today it looks like the message has finally sunk in to stay at home as the roads and streets were extremely quiet.

We have our usual Aldeburgh trip planned for the 5th December. This too looks like it will have to be cancelled as we will either be in lockdown or unable to take the holiday due to the mixing of 2 households. It’s a shame but we all (Sarah, Jon & us) think it for the best in this current climate.

Coronavirus is continuing its spread across the world with almost 55 million confirmed cases in 191 countries and about 1.3 million deaths.

The FTSE closed up today @6385.

19/11

Today was a run day. We did the Hurley route and I managed WK8R2. Ian also managed a run albeit curtailed from his usual distance. However, he still managed to overtake me. I just jog along at my own pace and am quite happy with that. I did struggle a bit at the end as the old leggies got a bit tired. Still tick, tick, 1 more run then I am into the final week. Ian is also happy that he can run again, and he was sensible about taking it easy.

It was much colder today so thermal leggings were required and Ian (not me) said he looked like a bag lady, layered up in strange oddments of clothing. Me? I had some secret shorts on to keep my nether regions warm and layers under my running top and not layers over the top, like some!

 

This is not a picture of Ian, but you get my drift.

 

 What I think I look like

 

The reality. 

Later on, I finished clearing up the leaves at Age Concern and then endured 20 minutes of hell in M&S click & Collect. The hell part was due to some silver surfers, continuously moaning about anything and everything. One minute I was standing in an orderly queue nicely socially distanced when I sensed someone rather close to me, Dotty as I shall call her, was literally a foot away. So, I don’t say anything but politely move out of the way (you may remember I got snarled at in Aldi for being too close to a Dotty before) Dotty immediately takes my place in the queue pushes forward and waves a pieces of paper frantically right in the assistants face. Funny thing is she is wearing 2 masks so is more than aware of current rules. Then she proceeds to take both masks off her face, wafting them around and readjusting them, all the time the incessant moaning continues. By this time, I have moved about 20 feet away from the pair of them. Just over the aisle is Mavis who joins in the moaning and berates the staff as she (Mavis) is unable to work the self-checkout. A man then removes his mask to answer his phone whist standing in another checkout queue, unbelievable and I have to tell you all these people were in the same age bracket and quite honestly didn’t seem to give a damn about anyone else. Note to self, don’t go out to M&S at that time of day again and when older don’t be a Mavis or a Dotty. (Might be too late for the last one)

20/11

Today’s headlines read “Jab Joy” as Astra Zeneca’s vaccine is proving to be especially effective in the over 65s.

UK is preparing to carry out the 1st vaccinations against Covid19 as Pfizer seeks clearance for a roll out. It is reported that 40 mass vaccination centres will be set up across England and NHS on standby for military style operation. They are hoping to start immunisations in mid-December.

It was a cold a miserable day so we lit the fire and watched the last of Queens Gambit and caught up on the Crown.

FTSE closed this week @6351.

21/11

 Back to the Opticians today to collect the new glasses. Rugby is on the TV, the sports bar at the Stay Inn maybe open for a limited time later. Nought else to report.

Todays run postponed due to inclement weather and on the plus side the leggings might not have to make another appearance as its going to be warmer tomorrow.

Consumables.

Chicken Curry, veg curry (enough for 2 days)

Veggie Lasagne & salad

Lamb Koftas

Roast Chicken

Fish & Chips

Prawn Pad Thai

Making the most of the good weather.

 Covid Diary Saturday November 14th. Lockdown V2

Good morning readers. What a foul day it is today weather wise anyway. Lashing with rain here in Marlow but temperatures on the mild side for this time of year. Well it gives me time to write my diary and escape from cleaning the kitchen floor AGAIN.

It’s been a bit of an up and down week as it started off with me still feeling under the weather, but I soon bucked up and by Tuesday was feeling much better. Another trip to the physio has greatly improved my psoas muscle so I am able to once again increase my level of exercise. Ian is till suffering and we are both religiously doing our exercises in an effort to improve things. Well it keeps us busy too.

We have been out in the fresh air as much as possible. Ian managed a walk to Hurley and back with Max. It’s nice for both of them that they are allowed to go out together and it did Ian a world of good to get away from me for a few hours. I ventured down to age concern and filled the green bin with fallen leaves. Not a lot to do there but as it is so quiet there it was nice to escape reality myself for a while.

Ian has been on Kingfisher watch again this week but no luck. We also went to the Spade Oak yesterday in search of a Bullfinch and Treecreeper which many of the local photographers have been lucky enough to see. We were needless to say were not so lucky. It was also very muddy, and wellies were required it was very nice to get out and do a spot of birding. I saw a lovely little Goldcrest among a large flock of long tailed Tits and my first Redwings. Building of the Star Wars film set continues and is now quite visible as the leaves fall from the trees.

Friday afternoon we set off to find some wonderful sculptures up at Harleyford golf club they had been reported on Facebook. I soon checked out how to get there on the public footpath and a new walk was discovered. Walking down the track opposite where the Hare & Hound pub used to be following it along until it bends towards Temple go straight over into Harleyford estate and follow the footpath until you get to the clubhouse. It was eerie up there as no golfers around and the whole place was closed up but the sculptures were stunning. The light was getting bad so the photos I took on Ian’s phone are not so good but hopefully the ones he took will be better. I just loved the Lions up the dead tree, it took a while to notice all of them and the sharks that seem to float in the air. So very very clever.

Marlow continues to be busy. The high street is full of cars and people, what they are up to is a mystery. Several shops are open in the high street. 2 opticians, food shops, cafes and pharmacies and W H Smiths. Other places are doing takeaway food and beer too. I have heard that White Stuff are doing click and collect and any excuse to call yourself essential or key worker is used to enable any sort of trading. Well if that’s what local traders need to do, I’m all for it but it does seem excessive. So, it does not feel like there is a lockdown at all here. Only one thing, at night it is very quiet again, hardly any traffic and still limited air traffic.

Speaking of opticians, I thought I was being covid safe and went to the Marlow branch of Boots Opticians instead of Wycombe where I normally go. Bad move, as they did not have my records or anything to compare with, it set alarm bells ringing and the flaming woman has scared the living daylights out of me with talk of diabetes, high blood pressure and enlarged optics nerves. Well I know my optic nerves are odd, but I have been to the hospital and it’s all ok. My blood pressure is fine (well it was) and I really don’t think I could be diabetic. Anyway, the silly moo went and referred me to the Drs before getting any data from High Wycombe to check things out. I am less than impressed to say the least, but I will get another MOT and hopefully she is just reacting impulsively. On top of all that in my state of shock they stung me for another pair of glasses that I am not sure I really need. Grrrrrr.

 We passed the tragic milestone of 50,000 coronavirus deaths this week and this is a stark reminder of what we still have to face this winter. Cases continue to rise although there are report of levelling out in some quarters. There has been a 15% rise in Buckinghamshire in the past week.

Vaccine or no vaccine that is the question that people are now asking.  Would you have it? For months the cry has been vaccine will be our saviour and now there is a glimmer on the horizon its hmm I’m not sure.  Someone I know who has been clamouring for a vaccine since the get go, told me she is definitely not having one as it could be very dangerous. I think she is of the injecting you with false DNA school.

Strictly has also fallen foul of the virus as one of the professionals is asymptomatic and one of the judges is having to self isolate.

A massive drug and cash raids were carried out at dawn by Police on the 12th November in High Wycombe, Flackwell heath, Bourne End and Marlow. A total of 19 houses were searched following a yearlong operation. Drugs, cash and goods were seized.

Mr. Trump has gone to ground although he did make an appearance yesterday, he is like a deflated balloon but has yet to concede defeat.

Christmas lights have gone up in Marlow high street and today is Diwali. Ian is cooking a Rendang for dinner tonight.

Other meals.

Halibut Basque style (Tomato, pepper, paprika) Delicious.

Sea Bream, green beans and baby pots.

Cold beef, Potato and parsnip mash with sprouts and carrots.

Stir fry.

Toulouse Sausages mash, cabbage.

Must away now as I have to hack into Rhiannon’s Amazon prime account to watch the rugby.