Covid update. New restrictions loom but not before Christmas Day.

 December 22^nd 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 26^th and WFH is obligatory until Jan 9^th.

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.

Covid Diary Dec 2021

 14^th 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

Covid - here we go again perhaps?

 November 27^th 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 3^rd jab on Saturday 20^th 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 25^th 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.

Chillier days are here.

 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 2^nd 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.

Autumn is knocking on the door.

 This morning I awoke to glorious sunshine and a very blue sky. Quite a strong breeze was blowing from the north east so I was expecting it to be somewhat cool outside. Undeterred I donned my running gear, did some warm up exercises and ventured out into the bright morning.

Oh what a beautiful morning, little calf’s gently moo and stare curiously at me as I trot up the road along the caravan park at Hurley. A mother and 2 children have abandoned their bicycles on the side of the road as they collect blackberries from the hedgerow. Rather early in the day to be foraging but the early bird and all that. I trot on, the large round bales of straw from the barley field have nearly all been collected and I move to the side to allow for the tractor to pass me. The field is a lovely golden colour even though the crop has been cut and gathered in. Trees rustle in the stiff breeze they are still green but signs of autumn are all around. Brown seed heads blow along the road and hazelnuts are falling down from the hedgerow. Apples are lining the road edges in places where the wind has blown them from the trees. We have witnessed a whole year of change along this running route, from the earth being ploughed last year, the crop being sown and the green shoots poking through the brown earth. We have seen hard crisp frosty mornings where the winter barley was tinged with white and warm sunny mornings which slowly turned the crop to a warm and golden hue.

Autumn is nearly here or is it here already and we choose not to acknowledge it just yet?

A great way to start any day, getting out and enjoying the beautiful nature where we live.

And so it continues

 Here we are nearly at the end of August 2021. Coronavirus continues to dominate our lives even though we now have a great deal of freedom. Holidays abroad are allowed but it is the brave at heart (or stupid) that go for it. Even if you can manage to plough through the mountain of paperwork and pay for various and multiple tests, there is still the chance that the country you visit may at any time, without any notice, go onto the red list. If this is the case upon return to the England you will have to isolate in a hotel at your own expense of £1700. Also there is the added worry that you may contract the virus whilst abroad and thereby will not be allowed to travel home until you have a clear PCR test. 

Holidays in the UK are at a premium and Cornwall and Devon are filled to bursting with British Tourists. Subsequently the case rate is through the roof in these counties. Cornwall is today reporting 4650 cases @ a rate of 808 per 100k and Devon 5072 cases at a rate of 625 per 100k of population. Cases are rising throughout the Uk and the Delta variant is running riot in Schools in Scotland.

A plan is being set up to immunise 12 to 15 year olds. News reports say that immunity through vaccination is waning as over 30,000 new cases a day are being reported and the death rate is rising daily in accordance. But a lot more of normal life is going on and as I write this we are watching the test match at Headingly which has a packed crowd. We too enjoyed a day at Lords earlier in the month and survived without getting pinged or catching the virus. Mind you there was so much alcohol around in the atmosphere that I doubt anything would have survived it. Mr F and I were exceptionally well behaved, I think we might be getting old.

Shortages of staff in Tenby and most likely other places too have lead to pubs and restaurants having to close or limit opening days and times. It is a huge shame for the industry that at the height of the season with a captive audience they are still scuppered as they have no staff. Staffing shortages are due to pinging, COVID cases and lack of seasonal staff due to Brexit.

Not really COVID related but worthy of a mention is the lack of supplies getting to retail outlets. There is a lack of HGV drivers to deliver goods as very few HGV licences were issued as no tests were carried out during lockdown. Also many drivers came from abroad and because of Brexit they cannot get into the country. Nando’s had to close all their restaurants as they could not get supplies of chicken and at the Golden Arches McD’s you cannot get a milk shake for the foreseeable future.

This summer, what summer I hear you cry, has been a complete wash out. Whilst the USA and Southern Europe have had sweltering blazing heat, we have been very lucky to get a glimpse of the golden globe. Wild fires have ravaged Greece and Turkey due to the intense heatwave.

We are hoping to have an Indian summer as we are off to Aldeburgh in September, this is our postponed Christmas week.

We have had a few days out, explored Lymington on one of the sunny days and Mottisfont on another. It is nice now that we can do things on the spur of the moment, ie not having to book 2 weeks in advance and there being little or no limit on number of visitors.

We had a neighbours firepit party a week or so ago and spent quite a few hours celebrating Adele’s special birthday last Friday. Ian has had a couple of visits to the Brewery tap room that is now open. Jon and Sarah came down for a weekend, the weather was reasonably kind but we had to eat indoors at the Heron on the Ford. My brother came to visit and we had a very nice dinner at the VP.

It’s been quite an expensive time recently we are having to have a new hall carpet as Willow was sick on it while we were away and unfortunately it got badly stained. Insurance does not cover pet damage and the excess made it not worth the effort and bother to claim anyway. Grrrrr carpet was only 2 years old double grrr.

If you know us you know how we love a fire in the winter. Our open fire needs some attention, but sadly for us no one will be able to fix it unless we have a massive air brick knocked into the living room wall. This is due to it being compliant with current health and safety regulations, Which will yes allow air flow into the room but will also be blowing an almighty draught in too. So we have had to go for, at vast expense, an inset log burner which will be installed in October, just in time for the very hot unseasonable weather we are going to get this winter.🥵

Sometime soon I hope our builders will return to extend and repair our patio. I am not holding my breath as due to the aforementioned shortages, building supplies, including but not limited to cement and bricks are also in short supply or basically not available.It will of course be pouring with rain on the scheduled week and the builders will not be available in the forecasted hot and unseasonable winter.

Running is back on the agenda although Ian has got runners knee again so is having to rest up. I have continued to run,but the fall I had severely affected my confidence so I am gradually building things back up, but still getting out there.

Willow continues to live the life of luxury,laps up and blatantly asks for affection from various visitors, sleeps in all the best, cosiest and sunniest places. He announces his presence when he enters a room or comes in from outside and the other day was seen to chase another cat that dared to wander up his driveway.

Nothing out of the ordinary to report on the food front but we have had some wonderful Welsh steaks and lamb cooked on the BBQ. Today we stopped in Amersham old town and had Chorizo and eggs on sourdough with a tomato chutney it was delicious and filled us up a treat.

Other breaking news. Ian has given his work clothes, suits and shirts, to charity but continues to own 4 pairs of black dress shoes but at least it’s a start. I just have to keep him away from the shop in case he buys it all back! Only joking 🤔

Stay safe and well everyone.  

Hands up if you've been pinged recently!

Sunday July 25th 2021

 Well it’s been a long time since I reported on the Coronavirus so I thought I would give a bit of an update. Following a delay of restriction lifting on June 21st most legal restrictions were lifted on July 19th, 2021. This is not to say that the virus has gone way, quite the opposite in fact. The Delta variance is rife in the UK, but the level of hospitalisations and subsequent deaths remain low. This prompted the government to relax the rules and to try to get the economy lifted. 

 Track and trace are still in place and the NHS app is causing havoc with millions of people getting pinged, me being one of the many. As people are getting out and about, going on holidays, having gatherings and generally mixing more the virus is spreading and so are positive cases. Therefore, it is only natural that the amount of people in contact with confirmed positive cases will in turn rise and therefore we are now in a “pingdemic”. 

Food retailers are among the many suffering with a lack of work force with people having to self-isolate. Police forces, lorry drivers, delivery men, food manufacturers and depot workers are badly hit and in turn food on the shelves. A move is being put in place to make some work forces exempt from self-isolation if called by track and trace or pinged by the app. Several shops, pubs and cafes in Marlow have had to close because of either a covid outbreak or the lack of staff due to isolation. 

We went to Brighton for a day and I got pinged. I was with 3 other people and we were together all the time, none of the other 3 got pinged and we were never apart for longer than a few minutes for loo stops. 

Last Saturday there was a report in the papers of a large exodus of people flying abroad for holidays. Several countries have moved onto the amber list which at present means isolating upon return. 

On August the 16th if you get pinged and you have had both vaccines (doubled jabbed) you will not need to isolate. This might be brought forward or moved backwards. 

On July 18th Savid Javid tested positive, it was announced that Boris and Rishi whom had been in direct contact with him would not have to isolate but take part in a testing scheme. There was a huge outcry and within hours the decision was reversed. We cannot have 1 rule for 1 and another for others but surely with all the testing that is going on and the jab, If you get pinged test every day and test negative get on with life! 

Today the papers say that the infection rate has halved, well that may be that the rate has come down after the rise following the Euro football championship. But they do say it will be 3 weeks after the Grand opening on July the 19th that we will see the real story. There is still a massive push to get the younger generation jabbed before the autumn, but the uptake has fallen in recent days. Yesterday there were 5000 people in hospital and 36, 389 new cases reported.

 Friday saw the opening ceremony of the 2020/21 Olympics which had been postponed last year. There are no spectators and some athletes have tested positive. It is very strange to watch with no crowds. Football, cricket and other sporting events continue to have increased crowd levels here in the UK. Australia and New Zealand have pulled out of the rugby league world cup due to covid concerns. British Lions are on tour in South Africa and had a super win yesterday. 

 Sydney is once again in lockdown following a spike in cases. France has very high levels of the Delta variant and there have been demonstrations about restrictions.

 It is still a case of wait and see how this is all going to turn out. The variants are causing big problems and we can just hope that the vaccines we have offer a good level of protection. However, I do think (and hope I am wrong) that things will get worse again in the autumn and winter.

 What else have we been doing. We had a few get togethers with people for the football. Went to Tenby for a week. Newcastle for a few days and stayed with Liz and ray for a couple of nights. We had a lovely but very expensive meal at Vassu in Marlow for my birthday. Did a bit of a boat trip in Henley and a good night at the “Staying Inn” Ian cooked a Tomahawk steak for my birthday dinner. 

The Staying inn is still going but rather intermittent with people now able to enjoy a bit of freedom.

 It’s been a bit of a typical British summer sometime very hot and then lots of rain and cloudy days. The garden has suddenly grown out of control and I can’t get the enthusiasm to sort it out. 

Willow is OK he was a bit poorly but has seemed to pick up and has put weight on and enjoys sleeping in his chosen place of the day. He continues to leave a trail of fur behind him and bites me if I over groom him so I guess he's ok.

Ian is well although his fingers continue to be a problem, Physio is required but it's a long wait.

Its either been too hot or too wet for any running or big walks, must get back to doing some good exercise! 

St Marys Island Newcastle

Walking back from Whitley bay

Seaton Sluice art

Druridge Bay Nortumberland

Wallington Hall

A little Welsh Robin

Beautiful Caldey Island

A big tick of a day.

 Very dodgy weather is causing us problems. Well in as much as it is curtailing our long-awaited DOING SOMETHING DIFFERENT.

We did manage a day round trip to WSM for Sarah’s birthday. It was rather windy and quite a bit chilly but so lovely to meet up in person and enjoy a nice meal.

Avoiding the showers and high winds some walks have been partaken and some gardening completed. However, the mix of warmish weather and plenty of rain has spurted the growth of weeds, so as fast as you pull them out turn your back and they have grown again.

We lost our small Buddleia in the front garden to the high winds last week, which means we now have a lovely view of next doors bins. So, its thinking caps on to see what we can plant to replace it.

We have booked a little getaway around the end of June and we are both looking forward to that. I just hope it is not curtailed due to the India variant.

I have also got my confidence back and went for a run, however, still have the scabs from the last one. (Nice! sorry to share that.)

Sorry I cant update you on the Blue Tits as the darn wifi thingy is playing up again. Willow is ok  he is a bit needy and follows us everywhere, well when he is not asleep, pulling his fur out or crying for some titbit that he then refuses to eat.

 

Yesterday we went to a new pub not too far away. It was just an off the cuff thing. Having said that we are fed up with sitting out in the cold eating we (Me) had to get out. What a fabulous meal and afternoon we had. Fantastic food, rather different than the norm for a pub. The sun shone for the most part and we finished it off with a walk around Charvil country park. I was planning on a glass of vino in the summerhouse upon our return home, but the aforementioned wind and rain returned so that took the edge off the idea. A cup of tea was enjoyed just a much.

 I had onglet steak, with watercress fries and Chimichurri sauce. Ian had Pork Schnitzel with a fried duck egg, caper, parsley, anchovy butter, crispy pancetta and fries. There was a lovely sounding Rhubarb and flapjack crumbl’e]]]]]]]pol0 ha ha Willow just stood on the keyboard. That was crumble and custard, but we declined it. We both really enjoyed the food, the venue (its right next to a ford in a river) and the service. Ian even saw a Kingfisher. 

On the way home we stopped at the egg/reindeer place and the first of this year’s homegrown strawberries were out so we bought some. The owner came along to stock up the eggs and gave us a carton of cream to go with them how lovely was that.

Big tick of a day.

Update on how some parts of the world are currently coping with Covid 19.

 

 

Update on the Pandemic across Europe.

 

France is easing itself out of lockdown. From the 3^rd May people were allowed to travel further than 10 km from home. Shops and Cafes expected to open again Mid May.

From 19^th May curfew will start later at 21.00.

Germany has set a new law which enables government to impose curfew and shut schools if the infection rate rises. Cites that have a higher ratio of 100 infections per 100,000 inhabitants have to impose the measures.

Italy mostly is now in a yellow zone which means that bars and restaurants can reopen. Some outdoor cultural events are allowed, but there is a curfew between 22.00 and 5.00. Masks are compulsory in all public spaces indoors and outdoors.

Denmark. Shops are open, outdoor eating is allowed with indoors to resume in May. There is a Corona pass for everyone aged over 15, its available on phone or paper and shows if people have been vaccinated, previously infected or had a negative test. People need to show this to gain access to bars restaurants, museums or hairdressers.

Greece From May 15^th Tourists re allowed to visit if they have been vaccinated or have a negative test. Restaurants open for outside seating.

Poland. Shopping centres and hotels and hairdressers are open.

Czech republic. Shops open from 10^th May outside seating in restaurants from 17^th May.

Spain. Tourists are welcome from June but there may be health certificates required at airports. Catalonia has allowed movement between zones and in Valencia the number of persons allowed into bars and restaurants is being eased.

Belgium schools have reopened and a ban on non-essential travel has been lifted. Outdoor dining allowed from 8^th May and you can get your hair done.

Portugal. Museums, hairdressers and café terraces are open. Higher capacity for weddings and baptisms allowed.

Sweden avoided imposing rules, but new laws have come into force. Visitors to shops are limited also in cafes and restaurants.

Densely populated regions have been asked to impose a personal lockdown. Masks are required in public places and transport.

 

England from 17^th May.

 

Outdoor gatherings to be limited to 30 and indoor to 6 from 3 different households.

Meeting friends, we are asked to exercise caution and consider guidance on risks.

Cinemas, theatres, bowling alleys, concert halls, casinos, museums etc are allowed to open with covid secure measures.

Restaurants, pubs, bars and cafes can reopen.

Gyms and organised sports classes can take place.

All holiday accommodation will be open including hotels and B&B’s. Groups of up to 6 or 2 households.

There will no longer be a legal restriction or permitted reason to travel internationally. There will be a traffic light system for international travel and rules for when returning to 

England depending whether you have been to a green, amber or red list country.

Face coverings are still required in indoor settings.

Rapid lateral flow testing in available and you are requested to test yourself 2x a week.

 

Summary of coronavirus in the UK. Updated 

Testing

There were 955,467 tests reported on 10 May 2021. This shows an increase of 6.4% compared to the previous 7 days.

Between 4 May 2021 and 10 May 2021, there have been 6,619,909 tests.

Cases

2,474 new people had a confirmed positive test result reported on .

Between 5 May 2021 and 11 May 2021, 15,895 people had a confirmed positive test result. This shows an increase of 12.2% compared to the previous 7 days.

Vaccinations

Vaccines are currently given in 2 doses, at least 21 days apart.

35,587,348 people had been given a first dose by the end of 10 May 2021.

18,088,385 people had been given a second dose by the end of 10 May 2021.

Healthcare.

116 people with coronavirus went into hospital on 5 May 2021.

Between 29 April 2021 and 5 May 2021, 767 went into hospital with coronavirus. This shows a decrease of -18.7% compared to the previous 7 days.

There were 1,108 patients in hospital with coronavirus on 9 May 2021

There were 143 coronavirus patients in hospital beds with a mechanical ventilator on 9 May 2021.

Deaths

There were 20 deaths within 28 days of a positive test for coronavirus reported on 11 

May 2021.

Between 5 May 2021 and 11 May 2021, there have been 86 deaths within 28 days of a positive coronavirus test. This shows a decrease of -6.5% compared to the previous 7 days.

India.

A devastating second wave is causing widespread shortages of oxygen, medicines and hospital beds. There have been record numbers of cases and deaths.

There are over 300,000 cases a day being reported this is being fuelled by a new variant and causing over 3000 deaths a day. The true numbers are likely to be much higher. In total India has confirmed more than 18 million positive tests and 200,000 deaths.

The country now has the highest demand for oxygen out of low to upper middle-income countries.

Train carriages have been converted into medical wards. About 4000 carriages are being used to help with mild to moderate symptoms. The trains can be driven to cities and towns where required, they have beds, bathrooms, power points for medical equipment and oxygen. Also, sports halls and stadiums have become treatment centres. Some of the beds used are made from cardboard.

India’s funeral services are overwhelmed, and makeshift facilities are used for mass cremations. One facility in Delhi is building pyres in the car park.

All adults in India are now eligible to be vaccinated. About 150 million shots have so far been given this is equivalent to 11.5% of 1.3 billion people. Despite being the worlds largest producer of vaccines there is an internal shortage and a temporary hold on exports of AZ has been placed.

UK – today (13.05.21)it is reported that we may need localised lockdowns to control the spread of this variant. Sage has called an emergency meeting, and this may cause a push back of the fourth step of lockdown on 21^st June.

520 cases of the variant have been found in 7 areas of the UK. It is officially known as B.1.617 and was first detected in India in October 2020.

PHE say that there is currently no evidence that this is more serious than previous mutations or that it is resistant to current vaccines.

 

A bit of more normal life. Sorry for the delay.

May the 4th (be with you) 2021

 Well folks it’s been a long time since I posted. I got a bit bored with nothing to write about except the same old thing.

 

Below  this post is a diary entry that didn’t get previously posted.

 

Coronavirus in the UK seems to be under control. I am not sure what is the main reason for this. The vaccine or the massive restrictions we have been under for what seems like a very long time, or both. Only one death was reported in England yesterday. Things are still quiet around Marlow; the roads are not busy but there are a few more people around at night. Walking home from goodness knows where in the early hours of the morning.

India is really struggling with the virus at the moment. 20 million cases and a severe oxygen shortage is being reported today. The IPL (Cricket) has been indefinitely suspended due to the virus.

 Things also seems to be settling down in the EU after a very hit and miss vaccination roll out. Holidays in Europe should soon be allowed if you fancy mixing with the masses. I can’t say that I fancy that at present. I need to have a bit more time to see how things turn out. Being outdoors is the answer, indoors with strangers is not advisable in my book.

 

 

Its been a poor bank holiday weather wise with strong winds and rain coming in from the South West, but it’s not really cold.

Our Blue Tits have hatched and looks like we might have 8 or 9 babies. I have spent the best part of 2 days trying to get the TP links working, very frustrating. In the end we pulled the POE wire into the living room and hey presto it works. So, it must be the wiring or interference from appliances in the kitchen. It all worked last year, and nothing has changed so drawn a blank on that one. Downside is we have a wire trailing all the way through the kitchen each time we want to look at the nest. After this year we might be able to get a better solution.

 

I have been spending a lot of time getting the garden up to scratch again. It was very pretty in. the spring and is currently transitioning to the next stage. Until this week we had no rain at all in April, we had snow but no rain. I have had to water the garden several times and I am fearful that I am losing one of my Daphne’s and perhaps a Clematis, also the Holly tree is looking a bit dodgy. @ hot summers and this very dry spring are taking its toll.

I don’t seem to have been out walking much, Ian is back to his group walking. I think the last big walks I did was when we were down in Tenby.

We were very lucky to have an opportunity to spend some time in Tenby, self-catering. It was a much needed and enjoyed break from the mundane Groundhog Day existence we have all endured. This last lock down was hard to get through, but we managed it hurrah.

There were no pubs or restaurants open, but the weather was fabulous, and we bought local produce and cooked at home enjoying the fabulous ever-changing views of the sea and Caldey island. A walrus has become separated from its herd and got lost. It has ended up in Tenby, which is great for us to see one but very sad. He is a long way from home, and no one is sure if he has the wherewithal to get back again.

We met up with Liz and Ray and had lunch outside, under cover but it was cold, great food but we had to scoff it quickly. We had a firepit get together with Rhiannon and Hannah but had to admit defeat at 8pm due to the cold. On Saturday night we went over the road to Donna & Pauls. Being south facing their garden is very sheltered from the wind plus the fire pit and wood fired pizza oven kept us warm and toasty. It was nice to socialise again.

I forgot last week we ventured out to Greenham Common to see if we could spot any Dartford warblers. No Luck on that count but we did see some nice birds and Ian got some good shots.

 

Willow has been diagnosed with early stage kidney disease. He has done very well for an 18-year-old, classed a geriatric now.

The die hard “Staying Inn” participants still meet up on a Saturday, we have had a couple of sundowner meetings too.

Life seems more normal now, I just wish it would warm up a bit. I think we are at least 3 weeks behind where we were this time last year, gardening wise that is.

 

Here is a list of meals that we have had, as many as I can remember anyway. Just for you Colin & Andrea.

 

Salmon Wellington.

Sea Trout.

Fish platter from the fish shed in Tenby.

Big red Prawns from the same place.

Fish and Chips from a proper seaside chip shop.

Welsh leg of Lamb steaks.

Pembrokeshire pork chops (with the kidney on)

Chilli Con Carne

Liver, onions and bacon.

Cassoulet

We have been enjoying some early season Asparagus’.

John Dory, Sea Bream and Sea bass from the Fish Man in Marlow.

That’s about all I can remember, well apart from the ordinary stuff.

 

 

 

April, 2021 Weekly (ish) roundup.

 

It was announced this morning that the Duke of Edinburgh Prince Philip had died.

 

Kate Garraways husband Derek Draper has returned home after a year in hospital with Covid. He is unable to speak and needs 24hr care.

AstraZeneca vaccine still being investigated as to cause of cerebral blood clots. Under 30s will now get the Modena vaccine as a precaution.

Cases in Chile rise despite an impressive vaccination programme. Relaxed social distancing and increased mobility have contributed to the increase.

People are no longer being advised against booking holidays abroad. Quarantine and cost of testing may be prohibitive to travel though.

Jet 2 have postponed all holidays until June 22^nd.

From midnight tonight all arrivals from Pakistan will need to pay £1750 for government approved hotel quarantine. More than 20 flights from Islamabad were chartered. Beat the red list 4am deadline.

Everywhere is very quiet despite it being school holidays. Roads are empty and even Marlow high street is bereft of people.

We have been walking, running, photographing, food shopping, gardening and doing some household things. Nothing exciting as it has been very cold, and we had snow flurries all day on Tuesday.

We have had no rain at all in April, well maybe a tad at night but our lawn is turning brown due to lack of water. I had to water some of the plants the other day as they were wilting, not through heat either it’s been cold.

Saturday and the news is just all about the Duke even the BBC radio programmes are cancelled and they are just playing sad music.

 

April 12^th.

 

Shops open, pubs open outside only. More people around and very strangely it feels quite like a normal day instead of an everyday is a Sunday day.

Ian was supposed to be going on one of his walking groups walk as it’s the 1^st day they are allowed to do it. However, he got up made a cup of tea and got back into bed saying I’m not going walking today. Err why? It’s snowing and it is lying too. Can’t believe it, freezing cold and snow.

However, the sun came out eventually and now we have blue sky.

Willow has been a bit off, so we took him to the vet, and it was weird as they talked to us outside and then took Willow away to examine him. Several dog owners wearing facemasks were pacing anxiously around outside, it was a surreal experience. At least the snow had stopped.

 I don’t know who was more traumatised by the event me, Ian or Willow. They took some blood and soon we had him back rather disgruntled and smelly strongly of antiseptic.

The gym was open this morning and it was packed, very crowded in my opinion and I certainly would not feel safe exercising with all those people in reasonably close proximity, puffing out air. I had been to the osteopath and had to walk out through the gym part. 

Heres Wally.

Treecreeper nest building

Male Linnet

Female Linnet

If you receive emails to tell you that I have posted, Blogger are stopping this from July. Not sure if they are setting up something else but it docent look like it at the moment.

Little bit less of a lockdown this week.

 April 1^st 2021

 

Weekly roundup.

 

England starts easing lockdown as stay at home is stopped but stay local is requested.

6 people or 2 households can socialise outside. Golf and tennis clubs reopen.

France extends its lockdown both in area and time and schools close for 3 weeks.

The AstraZeneca jab is still being talked about causing blood clots.

More than 30 million people in the UK have been vaccinated.

The Queen has received her 2^nd jab.

Shielding for vulnerable people is stopped.

As people are allowed to gather in parks and beauty spots the litter is becoming a problem again.

We had the hottest day of the year so far. Wall to wall sunshine on Tuesday, we celebrated Sues birthday with lunch in her garden.

Bird cam is working again after not behaving for a whole week. I bought some new links, but they are still in the box as the original ones must have got wind that they were getting the heave ho and started to work. (didn’t last long)

Mr. & Mrs BT’s nest is extremely cosy and lined with lovely fluffy feathers. One of them was sleeping in there last night, no eggs yet.

3 runs under our belts this week and I did my best distance ever. Ian’s time is getting better too.

Managed more gardening, walking and yes cleaning. Schools break up for easter today so it will be carnage everywhere this weekend. We are reintroducing the STAY AT HOME rule for the duration.

 

Weirdly quiet everywhere this Easter no reports of traffic jams or excessive traffic on roads. Probably as there are no places open to go and stay.

 

 

Walk in Marlow low grounds and watched a Treecreeper nest building.

Marlow market was on Saturday morning so had a mooch down there, met Rhiannon and Jeremy.

 

Easter Monday following a lovely warm sunny day yesterday where we sat in the garden (despite next door using a circular saw and drilling) today we had snow.

 

The situation in Buckinghamshire update 01/04/21

The number of COVID-19 cases in the over 60s age group in Buckinghamshire has continued to fall which is good news. Overall, however, the most recent data shows that - while at far lower levels than during January and February - case numbers have stopped declining.  Therefore, residents are being urged to continue to exercise a lot of caution, particularly because most COVID-19 cases in this area are the new variant which is more infectious and is thought to cause more severe illness.

 

Twice weekly rapid testing to be available to everyone in England. These are free and are available from testing sites, pharmacies and through the post.

Later today there will be a Downing street briefing where a traffic light system will be announced for resuming of travel.

 

Poland is struggling to cope with the largest number of cases since the pandemic began.

For the 2^nd year the Pope gave the Easter address to an empty St Peters square.

 

Food for thought.

 

Cassoulet

Roast Lamb, courgettes, baby carrots with honey, fondant potatoes and broccoli.

Malaysian fish curry.

Cold pork, garlic and mint courgettes, parmentier potatoes thyme baked butternut squash.

Sweet and sour pork.