Lockdown life in the Sunshine

 Friday 26^th Feb 2021

 

A gold star to anyone who noticed yesterday was actually Thursday and not Friday, anyone No, I didn’t think so. Who knows what day it is, obviously not me?

 

Well as soon as I had posted yesterday’s entry, I got a phone call from Sue (Martyn & Sue, Sue) and she told me that over 60s can book jabs. She has hers booked for next Friday. I soon got on the website but no joy at the Marlow Centre.

Rhiannon came around for Ian to sign some legal documents, and she also told me over 60’s can now book jabs. How come I have not heard this?

 2 hours later I thought I’ll give it another go and got straight on and got an appointment within 20 minutes of Ian’s and same for the 2^nd appointment booking. Result. Also I must add that when I was trying to book Ian’s appointment I saw a message that 64’s could ring up or go online and book even if they had not be contacted, this is the same for the over 60’s now but it’s not well publicised. Obviously, I am not in the loop.

 

My brother Richard has had his jab, he went on spec to the clinic and got in. Both he & Chris had the Pfizer jab.

 

A thick sharp white frost coated the cars and next doors roof this morning. Sunshine flooded into the bedroom when I drew back the curtains and was greeted by a sky-blue sky and the tweeting of birdies.

With terrible bed hair and possibly still half asleep we both set out for a run. It was so lovely, sunny, warm in the sun and fresh. Somewhat impeded by my own feet I was rather on the slow side today. Kept tripping over myself, hence the still half-asleep bit. Anyway, we both had a reasonable go at it, Jo Whiley was back to give us a helping hand and a bit of encouragement. Ian has done 2 runs this week but I have only managed 1.  Ian did much better than me, but I was less red in the face. He had 2 Noddy type red cheeks.

    

In my defence I have completed a huge amount of gardening and if I say so myself the back garden is looking quite pristine, but don’t look too closely eh?

Also, I have a fit bit challenge in which I had completed the weeks goal in 1 day so perhaps it wasn’t that much of a challenge. Anyway, I am now in the diamond zone with 2 days to go.

 

Winter Hill is still looking vey wintery as the sun starts to set at 5.26, but the sky has a lovely pinkish hue, promise of a nice day tomorrow. Tiny green leaves are appearing on shrubs in the garden and the Blue Tits are still house hunting/pairing up, so no nest building yet.

After our labours today I was very surprised to find it was 4.20. We sat in the summerhouse with a glass of vino to celebrate. 1^st one of the year.

 

Saturday 27^th Feb.

 

Another glorious day. More gardening, laying more bark chippings on the front garden, weeding and cutting back. Really hot in the sun, I was working in just a vest top and caught the sun. It was lovely to feel the heat of the sun on your face.

 

Ian did some painting in the hall, he did a good job and didn’t spill any on the carpet as I had feared however he did manage to get it on various parts of his anatomy, it was a small job who knew paint could spread so far.

The Stay inn was open, The Marlow branch took place in the Bali Tiki hut for part of the call and the Cornwall Branch decamped to the summer residence. Weston Super Mare was sunny too and not windy either. 

England got beaten by Wales in the 6 nations, probably because the ref was a Welsh man disguised as a French man. Some very dodgy refereeing going on there.

I have just got an email from Fitbit to say I have walked 5,500 miles, the distance of the Great Wall of China, no wonder I’m tired.

 

Sunday 28^t Feb.

 

Well we have made it to the end of the worst month of year. With this beautiful spring weather things are feeling very good. However, the good weather is once again causing people to flock to the outdoors in groups larger than advised or allowed. I just hope that this does not start something off again. Jon and Sarah said that Weston sea front was like a normal weekend day yesterday, lots and lots of people about. Reports of hordes of people out in Marlow parks and High Street too. No change there then.

 

Just going to have an easy day, making the most of the good weather and relaxing after our exertions this week.

Off to get our jabs in a while.

More on Lockdown Life

 Friday 25^th February.

 

Exciting news Ian’s got his letter and is getting his jab on Sunday. Mind you trying to book online for the vaccine venue in Marlow was like getting tickets for Glastonbury. Refresh, refresh, refresh. He could have gone to any number of venues ranging as far afield as Hemel Hempstead, St Albans and Oxford. There are several ones local to us but the option to choose them did not come up, they were not even available when we rang up and tried to book. Nothing available, they told us that you can book up to 15 days in advance. But they get booked up pretty fast.

Sara that volunteers at a vaccine centre said they were calling 30 extra people a day but a lot of the time they are hanging about with nothing to do. They also have plenty of vaccine and says it’s just because they are able to process people quicker as they are fitter and able to understand things better.

Just waiting for my turn now.

A lot more gardening being done here, glad to be able to get outdoors, it’s so nice to have something to do each day and perhaps having a better choice in the matter too rather than Walk, Jigsaw, TV, book, cleaning and repeat.

I am feeling so much more positive, I know there is a long way to go and if you take Ian’s 2^nd jab is not until May 16^th it will be the 1^st week of June that he has the full benefit.

 

 

Some other things of note.

 

500,000 people have died of Covid  in the USA.

Teachers are to decide upon exam grades this year.

France v Scotland 6 nations game is postponed on Sunday due to the French team having 11 members down with Covid.

Covid cases in North and West Marlow have risen and are now up to 4 having been down to 0.

A lot of cases are still occurring in High Wycombe. Note – went to Aldi, not happy as very busy, going back to click and collect whether Ian likes it or not.

Portugal is seeing a steady decrease in cases after a surge in January. They had the highest infection rate in the world during this time and the healthcare service was under immense strain. Some patients were being flown to Madeira for treatment and Doctors from Germany were being flown to Lisbon.

Reduction in rates of stamp duty is to be extended and lower rates of VAT for Hospitality industry. More info on this in the budget next month.

Prince Phillip is still in hospital, he is said to have had an infection, this is his 10^th day.

Ikea to launch its buy back scheme. If you bought a desk or home office from Ikea and now are back in your workplace, Ikeas are offering to buy it back from you.

I remember last year when shops reopened after lockdown that winter clothes were the only things for sale. So, when the shops reopen on April 12^th will we just have the option of left-over Christmas jumpers?

 

 

Update from Martin Tett of Bucks Council

I’m pleased to be able to let you know that we’ve also been able to stand down the ‘Major Incident’ that we declared back in December when our local health services were under severe strain. This week’s decision reflects that we are no longer in a crisis situation although I must stress that we still have COVID-19 patients in our local hospitals. Also please do bear in mind that national infection rates are still far higher than when we began the last major unlocking process last year, and overall the number of people in hospital with COVID-19 nationally has very recently been around the same as at the height of the first wave last April

 

Hmm not so good news

Extensive surveillance of COVID-19 has identified a case in the Wooburn Green area of the variant first discovered in South Africa. The person has self-isolated and is following all of the guidance. 

 

It means that, working with NHS Test and Trace, Buckinghamshire Council is encouraging every person over the age of 16 living or working in the Wooburn Green area and parts of Flackwell Heath to take a PCR COVID-19 test regardless of whether they have symptoms. If you live in or close to the Wooburn Green/Flackwell Heath HP10 postcode area please use the online postcode checker to see if you live in the ‘surge testing’ area – it takes in some, but not all HP10 postcodes.

Rapid testing sites

If you have to leave your home to work or volunteer, then please visit one of our rapid testing sites to get a COVID-19 test. We have four sites in the county, in Amersham, Aylesbury, Buckingham and Wycombe. You can find out more information including opening times on our website. You can book your test online at this link too or simply walk in at a time that suits you. I do urge you to get tested if you are having to leave home for these reasons as it will help us to keep families and communities safe and to drive down infection.

 

 

Last night’s dinner was Sea Bream, new pots and Broccoli. Not one to complain about Mr. F’s cooking but the broccoli could have done with another minute or so, bit hard. 

Dinner tonight is Chicken Piri Piri, Chips or jacket pots (Chips I say) and salad.

The road out of Lockdown

 Lockdown Easing. Road Map.

 

There are 4 stages each of the stages will be a minimum of 5 weeks apart.

 

Stage one is in 2 parts.

 

Part 1. 8^th March

Schools and colleges to return. Some pupils will need to wear face coverings.

2 People from different households can meet for coffee on a bench

One nominated person can visit care homes.

 

 

Part 2.

29^th March.

 

• People will be allowed to meet outside, either with one other household or within the "rule of six", including in private gardens
• The stay at home rule will end, but the government will urge people to stay local as much as possible
• Outdoor sport facilities will reopen, including golf courses and tennis and basketball courts
• Formally organised outdoor sports can also restart 
• Parents and children groups can return but are capped at 15 and must be outdoors. Indoor groups can take place for vulnerable children and where parents need the groups to go to work
• Weddings attended by up to six people can take place in any circumstances

 

Hurrah looks like we can travel a bit further afield for a day out, but be sensible. Also will be nice to get some friends round in the garden.

 

Stage 2. 

 

No earlier than April 12th

 

• All shops allowed to open
• Restaurants and pub gardens will be allowed to serve customers sitting outdoors, including alcohol
• Gyms and spas can reopen for individuals and households
• Hairdressers, beauty salons and other "close contact services" can reopen
• UK domestic holidays away from home permitted, with self-contained accommodation able to reopen for use by members of the same household
• Children allowed to attend indoor play activities, with up to 15 parents or guardians allowed to join them
• Zoos, theme parks and drive-in cinemas can reopen
• Libraries and community centres can reopen
• Weddings attended by up to 15 people can take place 

Yay can get hair done. We can go on holiday in the UK but not with others outside of household.

 

Stage 3

 

No earlier than 17^th May

• People can meet in groups of up to 30 outdoors
• Six people or two households can meet indoors
• Pubs, restaurants and other hospitality venues can seat customers indoors 
• Up to 30 people can meet to celebrate weddings or other life events, like christenings
• Remaining outdoor entertainment, such as outdoor theatres and cinemas can open
• Indoor entertainment such as museums, theatres, cinemas and children's play areas can open
• Performances and large events will be subject to limits though. For indoor events they can be at half capacity or 1,000 people, and outdoors they can be at half capacity or 4,000 people - whichever is lower. For large venues (at least 40,000 capacity) up to 10,000 will be allowed to attend
• Hotels, hostels and B&Bs can reopen
• International leisure travel will resume no earlier than 17 May
• Adult indoor group sports and exercise classes can start up again

Stage 4.

 

No earlier than 21^st June.

 

• All legal limits on social contact will be removed
• No legal limits on the number of people who can attend weddings, funerals and other life events. From April, the government will run pilots for events such as large weddings, festivals and work conferences. This will help to determine how measures such as enhanced testing might allow large groups to attend without social distancing
• Nightclubs will be allowed to reopen

 

There are 4 tests that need to be met that these stages can then be rolled out.

 

• The coronavirus vaccine programme continues to go to plan
• Vaccines are sufficiently reducing the number of people dying with the virus or needing hospital treatment
• Infection rates do not risk a surge in hospital admissions
• New coronavirus variants do not fundamentally change the risk of lifting restrictions

More news from Lockdown Life

 Monday Feb 22^nd.

 

Great News yesterday took a turn for the better. I started the day @1 out of 10 very low, tearful and a bit lost. Finished the day a

@ 8.5 focused and in a much better place. It was just having a purpose and doing something useful, meaningful and in the fresh air. At one stage it got warm, so I was gardening in a t shirt. When the sun went in, I donned a sweatshirt and later a coat but carried on. End result was a tidier garden, a nice green well mown lawn and a happier me and nicely tired too. Phew!

 

Later today Boris will announce the Roadmap for lockdown easing we are all anxious for some release and also anxious how it will happen &how people will act, responsible or not responsible?

Talking of not responsible Fegos in Marlow High Street opened a stall right out in the middle of the pavement selling pancakes or as they liked to all the crepes. Well this is Marlow Dahhling. Result of this less room on the pavement for people to walk on and queues of people blocking the remaining space whilst waiting for the crepes to be cooked. How is this allowed, I despair. Complainers like me have been labelled the party poopers but surely is this really in people’s best interest. I really don’t think that it should have been allowed and the café surely was not acting responsibly ££££££. (getting off soap box now)

 

Chicken curry for dinner.

 

Tuesday 23^rd Feb

 

The lockdown road map has been issued I shall do un update about that separately as it is quite lengthy, and I don’t have time at present. But if all goes well, we should be back to near normal by the end of June.

Just been out for a walk with Rhiannon. Beautiful sunny day, blue sky but a blustery wind. Very invigorating and nice to be out and catch up after 2 months or so. Lots of people out and the park was very busy. 

Ian has been for a walk with Max, they did the vineyard walk, rather muddy in places but he said it was good to be out in the countryside again.

As Max has had covid and a vaccine he had been contacted by the NHS to see if he would donate some plasma, which he of course has agreed to.

More gardening done this afternoon very blustery but doable if dressed appropriately.

Things are feeling a lot more positive a, because perhaps the end is in sight and b, because the sun shone today.

Lockdown Life - feeling blue

Tuesday 16^th February.

 

Yesterday’s joy was short lived as we awake to pouring rain again and a grey misty morn.

I decided that Ian’s hair needed another trim so that kept me amused for a while it had grown quite a bit, so I managed to crop a good lot off. Snipping hair is quite therapeutic, well for the snipper at least.

 

Last evenings Downing street briefing saw Boris overjoyed at the success of the vaccination programme so far, but still urged caution and would not be drawn on any hints or dates for lockdown easing. He did say that when the dates were announced it needed to be an irreversible decision and this needed to be the last lockdown. He also said in not so many words not to take heed of what was being written in the papers at the moment as only when we hear it directly from him would it be the truth.

 

I did manage to get out for a run between showers. Running the streets is boring and although I can alter the route a bit I find it hard avoiding hills and crossing roads, neither of which are any good for me.  Also Tuesday Wednesday and Thursday are bins days round here, so I have the added hazard of discarded wheelie and food bins to negotiate it makes for an interesting obstacle course run. Felt better for doing the run although did feel a bit lightheaded when I got home.

 

Ian heard on the news that Mother Ivey’s Bay holiday park in Cornwall is already fully booked for Easter.

I have also read many airlines are removing 1^st class cabins and they probably will not return as the space required is now not financially viable.

 

We have had some Redwings in the garden, they are feasting on next doors holly berries. Food supplies in the countryside must be getting diminished. Nice to see them here though.

 

Wednesday 17^th Feb

 

Another day and another day of rain. Not deterred by it we splosh into Marlow to get some fish for dinner. I saw Rachael my aqua teacher in the queue and have a quick chat. She tells me that before the gyms closed this last time, she was teaching aqua classes with 40 people in them. Indoors, large classes, was that really allowed? I have lost track of what was allowed and what not.

 

I was a tad disheartened last evening to read that Marlow Medical Group only were able to run clinics on the 10^th and 12^th Feb and a further clinic is being run on Feb 18^th. Depending on vaccine availability they hope to run a further 3 clinics the following week. I thought they were running clinics every day 7 days a week. We do have the pharmacy led clinic as well but as I reported the other day due to supply it is running at 50% reduced capacity. I am not complaining or moaning about it and will be grateful just to receive the jab as soon as I can I just was unaware that centres are not running as often as I thought they were, or we hear about on the news.

 

PM to focus on data not dates for lockdown easing. Newspapers still speculating every day.

Good news we are nearly 2 months past the shortest day and the Cuckoos have started their journey back to the UK from Africa. So Spring is nearly here even though looking out the window right now it’s hard to believe. Winter Hill is disappearing into a rainy mist as I type.

Lying in bed trying to drift off last night we were lulled to sleep by Tawny Owls calling to each other. 

 

Prince Phillip has been taken into hospital as a precaution, he has not been feeling well for a couple of days. It is said not to be Covid related.

 

 

Home-made veggie soup for lunch.

Grilled Sea Bass on Thai style Noodles for dinner.

 

 

 

 

 

Thursday Feb 18^th.

 

Another Groundhog day arrives, we had gusting wind and lashing rain throughout the night and it was still raining heavily when we got up this morning. Its brightened up a bit now at least its not cold.

In an effort to be positive and do something worthwhile whilst unable to go out, I got down on my hands and kness and scrubbed the kitchen floor, it was worth the effort and is shiny and gleaming now.

I then spent ages trying to gather and scan documentation for my impending pension. This was rather like being at work even if the end result will be a nice one, however I’d still rather be in the garden.

Spoke to Liz & Ray last night & they’re both climbing the walls and like us all desparate to be able to go out somewhere different. I hope Boris gives us a little more freedom on Monday just to be able to drive somewhere, I’d take a 50 mile limit right now but 100 would be better.

 

Pork Chops Dauphinoise potatoes and green beans for dinner.

 

Friday Feb 19^th.

 

Absolutely determined that whatever the weather I was going to do something meaningful and useful today. Undeterred by a gusty wind I went down to Age Concern and spent a good couple of hours weeding, pruning and replanting things. It all looked so much tidier when I left and again, I felt I had accomplished something worthwhile, even if there is no one to see it at the moment. Miniature daffs are just coming into flower but there has been a fair amount of damage to some plants from the hard frosts and snow we have had this month. Someone had filled my garden bin with old brochures and rubbish I nearly did myself a mischief trying to relocate them into the black bin, but soon had the green bin full of the correct type of recycling.

It is 10 degrees to days so not unpleasant to be out if you are suitability attired. I am just thinking about tackling our own garden but just watching a flock of Starlings swooping around in front of Winter Hill I notice it has started to rain. Better weather forecast for next week, hurrah.

 

Sausages, the rest of the Dauphinoise and Broccoli for dinner.

 

Saturday Feb 20^th.

 

Happy Birthday Joyce just wait until we start to catch up on all these missed celebrations. 

 

A glorious sunny warm morning. Washing on the line and dry in no time. It has clouded over a bit now and a tad windy. St Merryn and Weston are having a bad time of it 62 mile an hour winds and rain. Earlier on we did think that we might have been able to hold the Stay Inn in the Marlow Pub garden but alas that is going to have to wait for another day.

For some strange reason I am feeling quite low today, no idea why just sad.

 

Coriander Chicken and rice for dinner.

 

Sunday Feb 21^st.

 

I had great plans for today. Gardening, mowing of lawns, pruning things and have a good old weed out. Maybe even plant some sweet peas. Awoke to a wet a dark grey day, my mood plummeted with it. Both Ian and I are feeling low and we had a terrible sleep last night.

Participants of the Stay Inn yesterday were mainly feeling the same, we have all had enough but are reluctant to want things to open up too fast and in 3 months’ time we end back up here again.

Update on the Grenade it was removed by the MOD and safely detonated. No idea why it was there in the first place, note don’t send a man on a fact-finding mission.

Also, on the radio this morning 64-year olds are being invited for jabs. So that’s a bit of good news.

I need to do something to lift this mood from me but what I don’t know. Let’s hope the clouds lift from outside and in my head and I can get out into the garden after all.

 

A better day in lockdown life

 February 15^th 2021

 

Ah deep joy, awoke this morning to a much warmer day however its RAINING so still can’t get out. Well the rain didn’t last for too long and after Ian had finished watching England getting thrashed in India during the 2^nd test we went out for a long-awaited walk.

Sun warmed our backs as we walked up Munday Dene lane. We picked up Max along the way and the 3 of us set off. We had a goal in mind well Max did. There is an incredibly steep hill at the end of Munday Dene nick named cardiac hill which Max wanted to see if he could get up since his Covid attack. Me I was very unsure about it, but I put on my positive head and only needed to stop for a quick gasp ¾ of the way up. It was so lovely to be out and in reasonable weather, in fact I walked the best part of it in a long-sleeved T shirt with my coat tied round my waist.

After we had managed to get up the hill, we came out onto the Frieth road and walked back towards Marlow. We met Sue Russell, she was on her way home having walked back from Marlow, bit of a long walk I thought then realised that is just what we had done but the other way around. We passed by the Royal Oak and recalled the times last year we stopped for a coffee or beer when we were allowed. No such luck today so we went down through the woods and a little track that brought us back down onto Munday Dene. 

After a well-earned lunch we tackled a plant that had decided to grow in a most inaccessible place behind the Summer house and in between the lean-to. I say we but it was mainly Ian that squished himself into the small gap and dug the thing out. I was somewhat put out when he said that he didn’t think I would be able to get around there. I don’t know what he would be insinuating, no idea at all, but he will pay for it later. Just for the record I did fit behind there.

Just a little bit of good weather and a warmer temperature and my whole attitude changes, got a few jobs done and my head is in a much better place too. Plus, the bedding was washed and hung on the line, it was nicely dry by the time we got home. 

Just realised its 4 O’clock blimey usually it’s feels like 4pm but is actually about 10.30am. We have had a good day.

There are 33 countries on the travel red list, which is a list of counties that people travelling from and entering England will need to Hotel Quarantine.

Anyone flying into Scotland from anywhere in the world will need to hotel quarantine. However you can fly into Heathrow and get a train to Scotland and therefore bypass the airport / hotel quarantine. Scotland are calling for all UK countries to have the same rules.

 

Martyn and Pauric both had their jabs last week. The vaccine centre in Marlow says that it is working at 50% below capacity due to vaccine supply. However, they say it is not fair for one centre to receive more vaccine just because they are able to administer it faster.

 

People are still refusing the vaccine and there is a great deal of propaganda and false reporting about. A lot of work is being done to enable people to have a better idea of the realities of having the vaccine and the realities of not having it. It appears this is mainly a BAME issue. Also, there are the good rumours that the injection places a tracker in you and one that it alters your DNA. Let’s just think about the tracker one, is there then going to be mass control centre where they can track us going to work, supermarkets, the pub and just general boring life, we are not spies or terrorists, well most of us aren’t. Also, what use would any of this data be, unless they are trying to weed out the ones that need the DNA altering jab. LOL

 

“No one is safe until everyone is safe”

 

18155 steps today

 

Still light at 5.25pm

 

I am starting to get lockdown hair again; it needs a cut.

 

Prawn Arriabatia & spaghetti for dinner.

Humdrum Weekend Lockdown Life.

 Saturday Feb 13^th

 

 

Today is the last chilly day in the recent cold weather spate. It is currently sunny but with a strong and biting wind making it feel like -9. We ventured out round the block yesterday, but it was a short-lived affair, even with the sun shining the wind felt like tiny cuts on our faces and we were soon home with our cold faces glowing in the welcome warmth of home.

Again, not a lot to say as again not a lot has happened. Yesterday was Jeremys 61^st birthday, we have yet to celebrate his 60^th, we had a good bash at celebrating this one via FB @ the Staying Inn last night.  The 60^th Cornwall celebration has now been moved to May 2022.

Speaking of cancelled holidays yet another of our planned excursions has become a victim of Covid. We were supposed to be going to Alaska in June, but Canada has banned any ships from entering Canadian waters until 2022 so we are going to move it on for another year, this completely clears our diary for 2021 and if the news and advice is anything to go by that’s it for another year folks and we are only in Feb. Let’s all pray for a decent British summer to raise our spirits and warm our bodies.

Having said that Ian & I both feel that going aboard is the last thing we need to be doing at the present time.

Some good news is that the over 60s are to be starting the vaccine roll out in the very near future and in some areas this has already begun. We are hopeful to have our vaccine by March. The target of 15 million vaccinations by 15^th Feb looks like it will be achieved as more than 14 million had received a vaccine by the 12^th Feb.

Infection rates are falling, and hospitalisations are predicted to be halved in the coming month.

Cricket - Ian is watching the 2^nd test match in India and some supporters have been allowed into the ground it’s nice to see and hear. The six nations are on this afternoon, but no supporters allowed there.

We have after nearly a year just come to accept things like mask wearing now although I do find it strange to see TV sports programmes with team members and support staff all masked up. Social distancing on TV programmes and worldwide mask wearing on reports in the news. Sometimes it feels like it’s just the UK that is suffering, I guess that’s what insular living does for you.

A reasonable trickle of planes is still coming into Heathrow and a BA flight from Islamabad has just flown overhead with another from Kuwait just behind it.

Quarantine hotels have been set up in England at the traveller’s own expense, said to cost about £1700 for the 10-day duration. This starts from Monday 15^th.

A 10-year prison sentence for anyone lying or juggling travel itineraries to avoid quarantine restrictions is in place. 

.

Friday Night Dinner.

 

Pasty Chips and Beans. Not like us I know but we did rather enjoy it.

 

Saturday – Smoked Haddock Lasagne with Broccoli.

 

 

Sunday Feb 15^th Valentine’s day

 

I recall a lovely Valentine’s day we spent in Wanaka New Zealand, sipping sparkly pink wine overlooking the lake on a lovely warm sunny day. Not that we celebrate V day, but the occasion made it a memorable one.

 It’s another grey day here today, but a tad warmer I think and the wind that was howling all night has dropped and hopefully gone. It must be cold as the weekend walkers are few on the ground today but any out there appear to be less wrapped up.

I might even get down to Age Concern later in the week as its forecasting double figures from Monday.

Whoa! a Red Kite has just swooped in between our houses and about 5ft from below the window.

 

Our Alaska cruise has now been rebooked for June 2022 and we got a much better deal.

 

Right I have a few jobs to do like, cancel car insurance and rebook, talk to British Airways to get a credit for June flights. That’s going to take an hour or so and that will be just holding hahaha. Its

 

Sunday paper headlines are full of lockdown easing. There is a group called the Covid recovery group, they say all restrictions must be lifted by April. Dominic Raab has rejected calls from Tory MPs to put a date on the easing saying the government will be cautious and careful. I also read that people want “eat out to help out” re-instated. Hang on surely it was only a week or so ago that EOTHO was blamed for the start of the 2^nd spike.

Auckland in NZ has gone into lockdown as 3 yes 3 cases were found.

Over 65s to book jabs starting Monday 15^th.

Latest figures indicate 116908 people have died from the Virus in the UK.

Trump has escaped impeachment as the Senate did not achieve the votes required. Nancy Pelosi has gone off on one calling them cowards. Watch this space to see if the evil orange one returns, I sincerely hope not.

 

Roast Beef dinner tonight. I might even get some Yorkshires.

 

DJ Ian is playing Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers whilst preparing the aforementioned dinner and some soup for lunches next week. 

My Smoked Haddock lasagne worked out well.

 

Hopefully next week might bring some more activity to write about.

 

Still no update about hand grenades.

Frozen Lockdown Life

 Wednesday February 10^th, 2021.

 

We have endured 2 days of continuous snow; wow you might think that’s a lot but hardly a flake settled. It was quite strange snow, more granular in structure than flakes, it melted when it hit the ground but did not make to the road wet. This may have something to do with it being 0 degrees with a wind chill factor of -3. The ground is frozen and miniature drifts line the bottom of walls and ruts of earth, Caroline’s car opposite us was covered in it and ours was bare.

Consequently, we did not venture far Monday and Tuesday although I did escape to the pet shop to get Willow some more food and had a quick scoot around Marks and Spencer’s food shop, wow that’s an expensive place to shop. It was full of old folk, same place that I had a bad experience with back in December. They must have very good pensions as the prices were eye watering.

Today Wednesday, a bright a sunny day we walked down to Mark the fish man and purchased some lovely Hake for tonight’s dinner. Sun on our faces on the way down but a cold wind for the journey home. Later we went to the farm for eggs, no Chickens, Geese or Reindeer to be seen they must all be hiding in their stables. Temperature in the car says 2 degrees but the wind chill takes it down to -3.

As we are out, out we stop off at Hurley and walk our running circuit, for a change of venue and scenery. Soooo lovely to be out in the countryside, we thought the wind might be a bit fierce down here, but all was well, and we had a good walk, short but enough in this climate.

Little clumps of Snowdrops push through the greenery and snowy patches on the verges. Puddles are frozen solid, and patches of black ice are on the road, the air is sharp and fresh and feels clean and energising. Hurley cricket pitch is flooded and frozen over so looks more like a skating rink.

A nice bowl of homemade Minestrone soup for lunch, finished off my jigsaw, wrote up the diary and now downstairs for some more of The West Wing a cup of tea and maybe a slice of cake if I am lucky.

 

Liz has got her jab tomorrow.

 

Jeremy and Nic had some excitement the other evening as a neighbour found a hand grenade in a suitcase, like you do! Called to the police who Informed Jeremy & Nic they might have to evacuate their house. The MOD were called in to assess the situation. I don’t know the outcome of it yet only to say Jeremy slept in his clothes in case a speedy getaway was required. Some great fun with a balloon and a pin could have been had that night.

 

Tomorrow is set to get even colder still with the wind chill it is forecast to be -9 no good for Southern softies.

 

Tonights Dinner.

Hake with Chorizo, broccoli and new potatoes.

I thought these flowers were so pretty they deserved a place here and they smell beautiful too.

Lockdown Life Feb 2021

 5^th Feb 2021

 

Yesterday afternoon to keep boredom at bay we watched The Dig on Netflix it’s what I would call a Sunday afternoon film, just nice & cosy, good cast too. We enjoyed it.

Today’s weather forecast is hit and miss, mainly miss. I am at another loose end and cannot find anything interesting to keep me occupied apart from a hellish jigsaw. I am getting frustrated so decide to go out for a run. It was a massive effort to get myself out of the door but as usual I felt so much better for it both physically and mentally.

The Ateca is in the garage for a service and MOT, they have taken it to Slough (high Covid area) so we won’t be driving it for a good while. I hope it stops raining so I can leave all the doors open too.

Car insurance is due on both cars, this I really hate, we have been with LV for 3 years but now they are quoting some ridiculous price which means I have to compare different quotes. I’m not a small print person.

 

6^th Feb Saturday

 

Wall to wall sunshine this morning. It’s so good I garden out the front and even divest myself of a layer of clothing. In fact, I think I could have got away with wearing a t shirt some of the time. I got loads of work done and filled up the green bin. Neighbours stopped for a chat and one by one we ended up with a small gathering; it was so lovely to catch up and speak face to face with others.

Also, I was able to sanitise the car and leave the windows open to de Covid it. However, it kept locking itself and every time someone walked past it set the alarm off.

Ian went for a little walk with Max, just up Munday Dene lane.

Paul and Donna have a new shed, well it has yet to be assembled and is currently in their driveway. They plan to carry it round the back through next doors garden and over the fence, they have no access to their garden except through the house and the panels are too big. For that We offer to help but they say they are ok. A while later & Ian sees them struggling so goes over to help out. A good hour and a half later he come home, very hot and sweaty. The panels were heavy, large and needed to be carried down a 120ft garden & over a hedge and fence. He deserved a beer, which was allowed as he was already late for the Staying Inn.

What a great day we had; sunshine makes all the difference to everyone plus that’s 1 week of February out of the way and one week closer to lockdown easing.

The Six Nations started today, and England played a poor game, enough said about that.

 

7^th Feb 2021

 

Beast from the East 2 is set to arrive today. We are hoping that we will be on the fringe of it or miss it completely. An icy blasting wind is what we have at present and a teeny tiny amount of snow in the air. The wind is a North Easterly and its perishing cold. Willow is snuggled up in his bed snoring as I write this nice and cosy. Weekend walkers pass by the window, everyone is very well wrapped up. Yesterday it was like Piccadilly Circus along Hillside road with everyone out enjoying the sunshine. All the countryside walks are no go areas due either to flooding or extreme amounts of mud making waking impossible and unenjoyable. Hence the masses walking around the streets and venturing further afield. Given the Marlovians passion for walking with a coffee clenched firmly in their grasp, I ponder the idea of setting up a stall and charging them £5 a throw. Thinking better of that idea I make myself a mugful and sit on the front step and soak up the sun and smile at the poor beggars as they catch a whiff of my delightful brew as they pass by.

 

 

Some not so good news, The AstraZeneca vaccine is at present not showing much protection against the South African variant.

The Death toll is over 112 thousand and daily infections are over 18 thousand. It’s coming down but as we are continually told its still way too high. The NHS say they want daily infections down to 1000 a day before easing lockdown that a 95% reduction on the current count. So still a long way to go. Sarah’s company are starting to make noises about people going back to work in the office, however in the news this morning they are starting to do lateral flow testing in workplaces and even immunisations.

 

Dinners

 

Friday night we had Mushroom risotto

 

Saturday it was Chicken Tika Masala 

 

Sunday Beef casserole, not sure what version we are getting, ie red wine, beer or just ordinary as it is being prepared as I write this.

Sunday morning jazz on the Sonos, very relaxing.

Foul February has arrived!

 02.02.21

I forgot to mention yesterday that there is a great deal of activity with the bird box. Both Mr. & Mrs BT were checking out the accommodation and are active again this morning. 

Sunshine was forecast for this afternoon and I got quite excited about it as the temperature is set to be 12 degrees. The dawn breaks and yet another grey day appears, then a watery sun tries to make an appearance, the forecast is gloomy as the promised sunshine has gone. However, I am holding out some hope as I can make out some blue sky out the back and hopefully the cloud is thin enough to dissipate later on.

Ian went for a walk; I cleaned the house and did a bit of washing and got changed to go for a run that’s when the rain started. So, I had a coffee and a chocolate biscuit and then went for a run accompanied by some sunshine on the way. I am hoping that the sun gets out a bit more as I plan to sit in the garden (Summer House) a while and catch some happy rays.

Matt Hancock did last night’s briefing, mostly it was about the South African Variant which is causing some concern. There is not much of it about at present, but it is about in various parts of the country, they are trying to contain it and households in those areas are being asked to stay home and take a test. A list of postcodes was read out where this applies.

Another Vaccine has been developed and if approved will be manufactured in Scotland. The UK did not have any manufacturing plants for vaccines prior to the Pandemic and now has 3 or 4. We have over 400 million vaccines on order.

The AZ vaccine (produced in the UK) is available worldwide @cost.

We did manage an hour in the summer house getting some sunshine and a welcome change of venue and scenery, all 3 of us enjoyed it too. Willow has an in built radar as to when someone is in the summerhouse and high tails it in there and bags the best seat.

03.02.21

Weather much better than forecast, no rain so we nipped out for a quick walk. Popped into the Age concern garden to see how things are progressing, there are some signs of life but its still quite dormant. I will pop down and weed a bit if it ever brightens up again.

Higginson park is flooded as is much of the river area in and around Marlow and Cookham. Swans paddle around on the cricket area and swim around benches half submerged into the muddy river water.

We sit on a bench (not a half submerged one) for 20 minutes or so watching the comings and goings and manage to feel a bit of warm sun on our faces, it was lovely.

Foul Fourth of Feb 2021.

A heavy mist / fog hangs in the air, no sign of Winter Hill today. I had planned to do some gardening but at present can’t see it happening. In fact, can’t see anything much, visibility poor.

Usually we are bound for sunnier climes at this time of year and I am really missing it. Every day is the same, bad weather and nothing to do except mundane tasks which are requiring an inordinate amount of motivation. I think I might go into hibernation for the next 3 weeks, only wake me up if it's sunny or I get a jab date please.

My friend Sara works on the vaccination project and has had a jab as she is now classified as a front-line worker, she is type 1 diabetic and so is extremely pleased at the age of 46 to have got it. 

Over 10 million people are now reported to have had the jab and Boris last night was visibly relaxed his demeaner was so different and even one or twice rested his leg on the base of the podium in a very relaxed manner. We may have reached the peak in fact got over it, but they are very cautious as the rate of infection is still dangerously high, much higher than the peak in April.

A trial is taking place to see if doses of the vaccine can be mixed for 1st and 2nd doses. When this was fist muted several weeks ago it was not an option.

Isle of Man anyone?

 Monday 1^st Feb 2021

 

Another very grey day, I am feeling fed up and bored. Everybody appears to be feeling the same too. For me it’s the lack of sunshine, the grey days are a killer for me, even though we get out I just need that bright sunlight on my face not this grey gloom draped over everything.

There is always something good to see if you look for it and today, we saw some daffodils in full bloom and 2 doors down has a Camelia which is laden with bright pink blooms. Winter Hill is just visible through the grey this afternoon.

We go out for a walk, I have to really make an effort to do this, it is cold and uninspiring, and we are truly sick of walking round Marlow, so we flex the rules a bit and drive to the Jubilee river. Just as we were getting in the Car we stop and chat to Donna over the road, who too is bored even though she is working 3 days a week. I am watching Caroline over the road doing her front garden as I write this as I say it is not a pleasant day and she is really wrapped up and by the look on her face she won’t be out for too long, although she gardens for a living I can’t think it’s an enjoyable task today.

En route to the river we pass by the Star Wars Film set, which is expanding rapidly. There are a lot of vehicles parked in the fields and huge marquees extend the length of the road.

We are very lucky to nab a parking space, as they are few and far between at Dorney. I’m still a bit grumpy as we set off walking and am quite alarmed as Ian points out a woman getting into the river. She is wearing a swimming costume, no wet suit, and a bathing hat. The river is brown, swirling and swollen, it is right up the banks and spilling over the pathways. She gasps as she enters the river and laughs to see us staring at her. It is 3.5 degrees with a wind chill factor bringing to 1, the water must be freezing. I say to her you are brave or insane, I think a little of both she replies, it is making me shiver just to think of it now.

We have a good walk, spot a few good birds, Cettis Warbler, Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Great Crested Grebes and some courting Swans in a flooded field to name but a few.

I don’t feel really warm the whole walk; unsuitably dressed Ian says. Well I thought it might drizzle so I wore my waterproof which is not as warm as my padded jacket. I noticed we both kept pulling our hats over our ears too. I am glad we went out but also glad to be back indoors now. Ian is lighting the fire so it should be cosy by the time I get down there.

Suzy was out the front when we got back, she has been working since November and is enjoying being at home. Jess is doing well with the home schooling, but Dan is struggling as his school sends them out power point presentations. Last week there was a 41-page PP on Charles Darwin, not really going to grab the attention of a 10-year-old. Another was a 20 pager on plant classification.

Both Jess and Dan are going to be part of the Star Wars filming this week.

 

Nearly 9 million people in the UK have received vaccinations to date. 

10 thousand people in Surrey are to receive home testing kits as 100 cases of the South African variant has been detected in that area.

Total deaths in the UK is now 106,158 daily figures are slowly declining as is the number of people in hospital, the day AVG is 24,245.

The Isle of Man lifts all lockdown rules as pubs, schools and shops reopen as facemasks and social distancing are scrapped after a 25-day circuit breaker as borders remain closed.

Captain Tom is in Hospital with Covid, I was wondering where he caught it, but he had Pneumonia prior to getting the Covid so could have got it from hospital. However, I then read on the BBC that in December he went to Barbados courtesy of British airways.

Yesterday we monitored the planes coming into Heathrow. Islamabad, Hong Kong, Bejiing, Chicago, Hyderabad and many others that I have forgotten. There is