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