Lockdown life the saga continues.

 Monday March 22^nd 2021

 

A glorious morning spring has definitely sprung. We drive to Hurley for a morning run and both do really well a good distance achieved.

After a shower and some breakfast, we drive (strictly illegal) to RSPB Otmoor. I know it’s wrong, but I had to go somewhere different and it’s not that far, 40 minutes and the destination was outside, remote and very few people there.

We did have a wonderful time. Heard a Bittern booming saw a big flock of Reed Buntings, Linnets and Goldfinches. Chiffchaff song filled the air and one even came and sang to us as we ate our sandwiches in the sunshine. Sadly, we missed out on the Cranes as they had just flown into another field. 

Came home and sat in the summer house for an hour, catching a few rays, although next-door was sawing and hammering quite noisily whist I was trying to get a cat nap in. A gigantic decking area is now in place.

 

Boris has stated that we should be under no illusion that we will feel the effects of the growing cases on the continent.

The president of the EU commission says that the EU could block vaccines manufactured there from being exported to Britain.

 

844,285 people received a vaccine jab on Saturday 20^th March. Nearly 28 million people now vaccinated in the UK, but summer holidays abroad will be a problem and UK holiday places are all fully booked.

 

 

Tuesday March 23^rd.

 

Anniversary of 1^st lockdown.

Got the windows cleaned and Green thumb came to scarify and aerate the lawn.

My friend Sara volunteers in Maidenhead vaccine clinic. It has been operating at 6 days a week  12 hrs a day since December. This Thursday there is no clinic and next week there are so far no clinics scheduled because they cannot get the vaccine. All Pfizer vaccines are being kept for 2^nd doses.

A new law is coming into force which will see anyone trying to travel abroad without good reason fined £5000.

 

 

Thursday 25^th March 2021.

 

 

Morning run at Hurley sets the day off to a good start.

The Blue tits nest is now nicely feather lined.

Jeremy & Nic’s 17^th Wedding anniversary.

Weather turned showery, windy but sunny interval, chilly though.

Talk about there to be a vaccine passport to be allowed into pubs. However, the younger generation are all used to providing ID to go into pubs and clubs already.

Over 50’s urged to book jab before supplies dip.

EU to hold talks over how to improve supply and distribution across the 27 countries. There is still talk of a ban on exporting vaccines to the UK. 

Macron states that the EU did not have foresight to move the vaccination programme fast enough. (or even at all)

Spain has resumed use of the AstraZeneca jab.

We watched the Kate Garraway programme “Finding Derek” what an incredibly brave and positive woman she is. Along with the other programme “2020 The year of US” it was an insight into what this dreadful disease can inflict into people’s lives.

Cases falling steadily or flattening out across the UK. Less than 3 cases in Marlow North and West.

Ian has been sawing up pallets for kindling. Personally, I think his preparation for the winter months is a bit premature haha. At least I hope so. From the lack of sawing noise, I think he must have finished so I will be brave enough to go downstairs as the danger of loss of digits or limbs has passed.

 

Friday 26^th March 2021

 

Next week the “Stay at Home” notice will be lifted, but there is a threat of a 3^rd wave coming in from Europe.

Stay local rule in Wales is lifted from tomorrow but cross border travel is still banned.

Hauliers must expect to be tested upon arrival in the UK. Truckers have been previously exempt.

The Global rollout of vaccinations has been hit as India has banned exports under the Covax scheme. India needs to prioritise it own vaccinations due to an accelerating second wave. The Serum Institute of India has been told to halt exports for 2-3 months according to the Financial Times.

Plans for revaccination campaign in October to protect against variant strains and drive through centres for under 50s.

Boris says we are still on track to vaccinate adult population by the end of July.

 

A wild and windy day here in Marlow. Ian has the cricket to entertain him, I might sneak out between showers for a walk.

FT this afternoon with Helen & Simon, apart from that it’s another boring day. But next week oh my word. A bit more freedom and a lot more sunshine.

 

One year in and we are still doing lockdown life.

 Monday 15^th March 2021.

 

Residents of Hillside road blatantly ignored the lockdown rules yesterday for Mother’s day by having visitors or visiting mothers.

I know this diary is getting boring and as Ian said it’s hard to fill a page. I have pointed out to him that it is the reason I keep doing it just to record how boring life is at the moment if even we do our best to make it not so.

 The Netherlands is the latest country to pause the AZ vaccine because of the blood clot scare. WHO says the vaccine is not linked to the clotting.

The hospitality sector is kicking off that they are the last on the list to reopen and rumours of suing the government are in the news.

The wind has stopped but it’s a kind of grey day not very inspiring for gardening or walking. This afternoons forecast is better.

 

Tuesday 16^th March 2021

 

Early morning run at Hurley. Really good run took it steady but managed 25 minutes. Groin a bit iffy afterwards. Ian did really well, took it steady too, as usual he got a lot further than me in the time. We can both already feel the benefits of running again.

Watched the T20 again this time there are no spectators. The past 2 matches there has been 70,000 in the crowd and surprise surprise there is now a spike in the area.

Had a quick walk round the block late afternoon to get our steps in a lovely sunny evening.

 

 

Wednesday 17^th March.

 

Up early, frosty but grey and misty, cold too. Plans to go to Otmoor were shelved.

 

I had a hospital appointment for a field of vision test all looks to be ok.

 

Prince Philip left hospital yesterday after 28 days, he returned to the Queen in Windsor castle.

The EU AZ saga continues, 11 countries have now paused the AZ vaccination programme. I think there is more to this than meets the eye. Although I cannot believe that the EU would hold back vaccines and there are reports of vaccines going to waste and or being stockpiled which does not make any sense at all. Cases are rising in France, Italy and Germany.

Both Nic and Rhiannon get jabbed tomorrow.

Started out for a walk but had to return home as the heavens opened.

Joyces May holiday to Croatia has been cancelled.

 

Kidneys turbigo for dinner.

 

Thursday 18^th March 2021.

 

Another early start for hospital again. Eye drops for pressure testing and dilation, everything’s really blurry. Eyes OK but need further tests.

Can’t do anything as can’t see very well and not allowed to drive. Hopefully it will wear off soon. Although the optician said sometime this afternoon.

Main topic of news today is a shortage of vaccines, supplies coming in from India is the problem. I predicted there would be a problem when 2^nd jabs were due and people still waiting for 1^st ones. Hopefully most of the over 50s have been done.

EU plans to roll out a travel certificate for the summer to kick start foreign travel.

 

Chicken, salad and chips (homemade skinny ones)

 

Friday 19^th March 2021

 

Jon and Boris get jabbed today.

 

Paris is going into lockdown as cases spike amid fears of third wave.

AZ vaccine is declared safe.

EU to resume AZ vaccines.

 

The Blue Tits are going in and out of the bird box, but the TP link is playing up again. The piece of twine made 2 reappearances to my knowledge before being finally removed. Not sure what is happening in there at the moment but will let you know as soon as I do.

Managed to get bird box online and you should see what has been accomplished in just a few days. No sign of the twine but a lot of nice soft moss.

 

I went for a good run and a walk out with Rhiannon, Ian went for a massive walk with Martyn Max and Pauric, highly illegal. They went to Pauric and Colleens afterwards for a beer even more illegal. I have locked him in the lean to for punishment for 72 hours.

Whilst Ian was engaged in criminal activity, I nipped out in the Saab with the roof down. Oooh it was lovely, bought some new plants for the pond and then planted them up and put them in the pond and split and re-potted the water lily.

 

Fish and Chips for dinner.

 

Saturday 20^th March 2021

 

Today is the Spring Equinox where day and night are both the same length. It is also the 1^st anniversary of the Covid diaries. Yes, been doing this for a whole year. 117 posts including this one.

 

So many scare stories flying about regarding the vaccine. Rhiannon was convinced she was going to be ill with it as many of her friends have had to take to their beds. One person says that her husband’s nose changed colour right after having the jab. When I pointed out this was highly unlikely to have anything to do with the vaccine and why was the vaccine blamed for every sneeze, ache or headache it was met with scorn. I just point out that we didn’t hear all this rubbish from the older generation who were just glad to be vaccinated. I am sure that there are people that suffer some side effects but at the moment the things I am hearing are ridiculous.

 

 

A surge in Coronavirus cases across Europe is threatening Britain reports the Times this morning.

European holidays in May and even the summer are becoming doubtful and tougher travel restrictions may be imposed.

Cases rise in France Germany Spain and Italy. France and Poland have re-introduced lockdowns. Most of Italy is in lockdown too.

Cases and deaths in the UK continue to fall but the outbreaks in Europe are concerning as it is the younger UK generation that are likely to spread the virus and they have not yet been jabbed and with the supply and Europe blockings it is unsure at present when they will receive it.

I was going to cease doing this on this anniversary but it looks like we are far from the end of it.

Here are my diary postings for 20^th and 21^st March 2020 Interesting reading perhaps. One thing of note is how much further on spring was. The magnolias in full bloom, they are still in tight bud this year not a flower ion sight.

 

 

March 20^th Friday. 2020

 

 

In an effort to record some of the things that are happening at the moment I have revived my diary. It also keeps me from getting bored and hopefully might amuse a few of you.

 

Well here we are in a situation that we have only ever seen at the cinema or on TV. Its still hard to believe that it is really happening and that its here for the long haul. Things in Marlow are definitely changing but there are the few selfish and irresponsible ones that don’t think. Well actually only think about themselves and are putting other lives at risk.  I know of several situations where people are blatantly ignoring advice, as they don’t think it will happen to them or they haven’t got it. Well hold onto your hats folks there’s a storm coming.

Rant over.

 

Mr. F and I are trying our best to stay as fit and healthy as we can. We are social distancing from humans and also attempting reasonably to distance from the Gin, Wine, Beer and Biscuits. Yeah right I hear you say. Actually I can hear the wine cooler being stocked up as I write this.

We actually have no crisps or nibbles in the house in an attempt to keep control of our figures, which if abstaining from the Gin Wine etc fails might cause some looting of the larder for other alcohol-induced nibble craving suppressants. This might also cause infighting as to who gets the last cream cracker.

This morning we have been on a walk round Marlow’s beautiful countryside. Just walking up from the house we are in Marlow woods and then out in a beautiful valley. The views are spectacular so green and peaceful, the sun is shining intermittently and despite a keen easterly wind we divest ourselves of jackets and breathe in the cold clean air.

We come across a mother with 3 children. 1^st day of no school and they are on Forest Friday. Its amazing how resourceful and what clever ideas people come up with. The kids were highly delighted as Ian pointed out the Llamas in a nearby field. Our designated minutes of talking to others were up so we move on. Ian is struggling to abide by the 2-metre distance rule and is told to back off by an older lady further on. He is such a sociable chap. She only wanted to know where the road we were on went to.

Once down the hill back into the town we stop at a local hostelry no not for the aforementioned alcohol but a wee and a coffee. There is only 1 other in the pub we take all precautions hand washing, holding your breath, crossing fingers and not looking anyone directly in the eye etc and sit outside all on our lonesome. Still it is very pleasant and a nice break from the doom and gloom. Going back inside there are more customers and we make a hasty exit and douse ourselves in sanitiser and continue with the walk.

Along the river we go, its getting a bit chilly and I who suggested the extension is now wishing I had not. Mr. 3-4 walks a week is fine and striding out. The last mile home was a bit painful to say the least but I managed it and enjoyed it. 6 miles in all were completed

Delighted to say further expeditions into the wilds of Marlow are planned for tomorrow.

 

Keep safe and keep your distance folks.

Quote of the day.

Allegedly a Mr Trump said "People who have never died before are dying"

Willow is self-isolating.

 

Saturday 21^st March 2020.

 

 

I am woken up by Willow jumping on the bed and staring into my face. Err what’s the time? 6am 6? What the hell? Having been awake a fair amount in the night with varying stages of panic, fear and not being able to stop my mind from racing I am really quite tired. Ian is downstairs making tea he obviously was struggling to sleep too.

 

We ring around a few people and go to a local shop for a few bits for an older gentleman who couldn’t get what he needed at 7am from a local supermarket. People still panic buying and pushing and shoving, it’s completely shameful.

 

Well with last evenings news that all pubs, restaurants, cafes and bars are to shut indefinitely the UK has finally lost it. Despite Boris pleading with people to stay indoors many went out to the pub for the last hurrah. Spreading this killer disease has huge consequences but some still appear to not hear the message and are in packed pubs and clubs.

 

We have a good walk; dropping off the food enroute and circle back round to the house. The roads are eerily quiet although lots of people are gardening. The magnolias are stunning in full bloom and make a beautiful sight against a blue sky. It is cold and windy but bracing and clean air.

 We see a neighbour who is walking to the brewery and Ian tags along. Under strict instructions to keep a good distance and not to linger. Yes, I know he always listens to my advice where the brewery is concerned, however there are no beer tastings or drinking on site, so he is home fairly quickly. They were expecting the brewery to be busy but there was no one there, too busy down the supermarket stripping the shelves, I guess.

 

We do a bit of gardening but due to the lack of sleep last night we are soon basking in the sunshine in the shelter of the summerhouse and trying to snooze, but the strimmer and mower brigade are out along the street, so that’s put an end to that.

 

Ian is cooking Turkish stuffed Aubergines for dinner while I am writing this, and Willow is once again social distancing snuggled up in his little bed.

 

It was only a week ago that we went out for dinner with some friends, we thought it might be the last hurrah and the stark reality of the events of this week are overwhelming at times.

 

Ian and I are wondering how soon advertisements will change on the TV, how and what will we be lured into buying or doing. I have hardly any spam emails these days. See there is always a silver lining.

 

Oh, and Jon Scott thanks for the quiz – Hmm not sure we are going to be the winners on this one its very tough especially without the aid of the Internet. We haven’t cheated. Yet!

 

Some pictures from our walk. Tomorrow the sun will rise, the birds will sing, and the flowers will bloom.

 

 

Clematis Armandii along Seymour Park road.

 

Magnificent Magnolia Wycombe Road.

 

 

Lockdown life continues, all are bored.

 Monday March 8^th.

 

 

Nice Spring day, sunny.

Schools are back today. Roads are very quiet.

Went running at Hurley.

Cleaned the summerhouse ready for the Season.

Sat in summerhouse for an hour, reading enjoying the sun.

 

Grilled gammon, Mango salsa and pea shoots for dinner.

 

Tuesday 9^th March.

 

Another sunny Spring day.

Ian goes walking with Martyn and Max.

Shelley goes gardening.

Nicola Sturgeon to reveal faster lockdown easing as numbers tumble. Boris remains cautious and so far, sticks to plan.

Chris Whitty urges caution and says a 4^th surge is inevitable as things open up. This is only after 1 day of things just starting to move.

Cases are reported to be rising in Florida after mask wearing ceases.

 

Wednesday

 

Still hard to sift out Covid news from the Harry & Meghan saga.

Storms across the UK, heavy rain & winds in the South west not too bad here wind wise and rain not too heavy. Can you believe that we were sitting in the garden yesterday reading in the sunshine?

It’s still too early to book a summer holiday people are warned.

Went to the Italian shop and egg farm. Yummy Italian sandwiches for lunch.

Blue Tits visited the box this morning but no nest building yet. So far feed and wifi, powerline thingy working fine. All 3 lights on the TP links, I blame them pesky kids next door draining all the power out of everything with their home schooling. Perhaps they have tapped into our electric supply, hmm that might explain a few things.

 

Thursday 11^th March

 

Windy but bright now and again.

Few little jobs done.

FT with the Griffins who are bored as its very stormy in Cornwall.

We managed a quick windy walk but did get caught in a shower.

Finally got hospital eye appointments.

Denmark Norway and Thailand are not using AZ vaccine as there has been reports of blood clots.

Cases are surging in Brazil with 2000 deaths a day and rising.

Wales opens up a bit. Going to the hairdressers and meeting friends in a garden will be allowed from Sunday. Up to 4 adults from 2 households. A warning of lockdown has been issued if providers take bookings from England where overnight stays (one household only) are not allowed 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

COVID-19 Travel

Under current UK COVID-19 restrictions, you must stay at home. It is illegal to travel abroad for holidays. Check the rules in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Do not travel unless you have a legally permitted reason to do so. In England, you must complete a declaration form for international travel (except for travel to Ireland).

Check our advice for all the countries you will visit or transit through. Some countries have closed borders, and any country may further restrict travel or bring in new rules with little warning.

To enter or return to the UK from abroad (except from Ireland), you must follow all the rules for entering the UK. These include providing your journey and contact details, and evidence of a negative COVID-19 test before you travel. When you arrive, you must quarantine and take additional COVID-19 tests. This will take place in a managed quarantine hotel if you enter England from a red list travel ban country, or enter Scotland.

 

 

Friday 12^th March.

 

A rainy and windy start to the day but brightens up.

We have a pavement plod around Marlow, do some cleaning and watch the T20 from India.

Parma Ham wrapped Cod with broccoli, green beans and New potatoes for dinner.

 

Saturday 13^th March.

 

Rhiannon’s birthday.

Very very windy but beautifully sunny. The winds are curtailing our running and we are missing our exercise. It drops down to 15 MPH tomorrow so we might brave it but the weekend runners and walkers will be out too.

 

Yesterday we saw that a huge piece of twine had been placed in the bird box.. This morning it had gone. I can just imagine Mrs BT finding. It and shouting “what the hell is that? Get it out now you stupid man do you expect me to lie on that to birth your children, go out and get me some nice soft moss and be quick about it”

 

Not such good news from our European friends.

Italy is going back into lockdown, shops, schools and restaurants will be closed from Monday as the PM warns of a new wave of the virus and Italy is struggling to contain it. Italy has had more than 100,000 deaths 2^nd highest in Europe after us. The stay at home rule will be reintroduced too.

 

Poland registered nearly 19000 new cases on Friday the highest since November.

Germany has also reported a rapid rise in cases among school children.

In France the number of cases in ITU exceeded 4000 the highest figure for more than 3 months.

The EU vaccine scheme set up in June 2020 allows the EU to negotiate vaccines on behalf of its members. Member states do not have to join the scheme, but all 27 counties did. There is a problem with supply due to late ordering, problems with the production of the Pfizer vaccine and the blocking of the AZ vaccine.

A UK day of reflection has been announced to mark the 1-year anniversary of the 1^st lockdown. A national doorstep vigil and a minute’s silence will be held on the 23^rd March.

 

6 nations today. England v France and Wales v Italy.

 

Sri Lankan beef and pineapple curry tonight.

 

I’m sure the Staying Inn will be open at some point during the afternoon. It’s very windy In St Merryn not too bad in Weston but probably too windy for bike rides or running.

 

Only 15 days until we have a bit more freedom.

More on the Lockdown way of life.

 Wednesday March 3^rd, 2021

 

 

Not a very interesting day for diary reports but we had great fun (not) trying to sort out our dropping worktop which involved taking off the kickboard. We had to purchase a special tool to do this which worked ok. Much googling & video watching on You tube we manged to get the damn thing off. However, in the process as the kickboard was so tight to the top it damaged the strip lights, so now we have to have new lights. The worktop is back in position so that’s the good news. Is it just us or does everybody else create another job when they are fixing something else? Feeling quite stressed after spending half the day with our heads and arms underneath the kitchen units.

 

The chancellor delivered his budget today.

Furlough has been extended to September.

Texas & other states in the US have ended mask wearing rules despite Joe Bidens view on the matter.

Isle of Man goes into a 21-day lockdown as 52 covid cases are reported, they appear to have come from a ferry crew member.

As if things aren’t bad enough Dolly Parton was singing “vaccine, vaccine’ to the tune of Jolene as she was given her jab.

 

Haddock Basque style. (peppers, tomatoes, onions and spices) tonight’s dinner.

 

Thursday March 4^th.

 

Jon has got his jab booked and Jeremy had the AZ vaccine today.

Weather turned for the worse cold and miserable. Both went out for a run 1^st thing I can’t say that I enjoyed it and it was only 4 degrees. I was very tired something to do with having very broken sleep for the past 2 nights. Willow decided at 2am to announce that he had just come home with very loud yowling and the demands for Dreamies (which he did not get) he is an old man now do you think senility is setting in or he is just spoilt? Took us ages to get back to sleep and still woke up at 7.30 so a bit weary today.

 

We tried to fix the broken lights but had to get Andrew the builder on the job, don’t like messing with electrics even if it is a low voltage. 

 

Coronavirus infections are falling in all age’s groups in the UK but there is slowing down of the decline.

There is a resurgence of infections across Europe.

Germany is changing its stance on the AZ vaccine and allowing it for the over 65’s.

Italy has blocked a supply of the AZ vaccine to Australia under EU rules to protect its own supply.

Prince Philip has had a heart procedure which is reported to have been successful he has been in hospital for 16 days and will remain there for a while longer.

 

Cottage pie and Spring greens for dinner.

 

Friday 5^th March.

 

Awake early, 6am as went to bed early. Glorious sunrise and a clear blue sky. It did not last long as a layer of cloud from the north is sweeping across the sky. We were hoping for a long sunny spring walk, but it might just be a short dull one. It’s going to be cold today too.

Lots of blossom out on the trees in the gardens along Hillside road make a pretty picture

Not deterred by the cold wind we venture out to Hambleden, not been here for almost a year I think and not done this particular walk for years. We park in the Stag & Huntsman carpark which you now have to pay for. How ridiculous and money grabbing is that. It has also had the effect of people not wanting to pay and therefore blocking the village with badly parked cars. Having dutifully paid our fee we set off down the track behind the pub. Just a short way down I am thinking we may have made a mistake as it is quite flooded. We persevere and soon are out of the large puddles and up the track between the fields. Again, it is a treat to be somewhere different and as we are suitably clad the cold is not bothering us. New-born lambs are bleating away in the fields around us and Partridges run around in the lower valley. Hambleden valley is so pretty at any time of year but especially when there are little lambs around. A buzzard calls out as it flies over the hilltop and Red Kites swoop overhead on the lookout for a tasty morsel. The wind blows our cares and thoughts of anything else out of our minds as we just enjoy the scenery. Taking a track over the other side of Rotten Row we continue through some more sheep fields but have to back track as it looks like we will end up on the main road. Walking back down Rotten Row we take the footpath on the right through the fields back towards Hambleden. In the gateway 2 men are laying metal trackways overseen by a security guard. Being Mrs Nosey I ask them what they are doing, and they tell me they are laying a base for a film set.

A stream runs through these fields and as there has been quite a lot of rain recently it has split into 2. One of which runs through the middle of the field and makes the ground quite marshy. The stream itself is really pretty, the water is crystal clear and the chalk stone at the bottom shines bright and white as the water runs over them.

We pass some people out walking but there are very few about, although there are a lot of cars in the village (not so many in the car park).

Back home we notice that next door is lugging great big decking planks up through their back garden. After a quick lunch we go out and help them, wow that was quite a task. The decking is at the bottom of the drive and as you know our drives are very steep, the back garden is steep too and they have very high steep steps up to the lawn. Ian does a sterling job and I manage a few planks, luckily there were not that many left to move.

After all this it is only 1.30 see what happens when you get up early. No what shall we do??

I plant a Camelia and put a bit more mulch down, can’t manage too much as have done enough lugging about today so tidy up the herb pots and sweep around a bit.

Andrew comes around to fix the lights but is unable to fix them, so we need new ones. Part of me is glad that he can’t fix them as it means that we weren’t so pathetic that we couldn’t manage it ourselves.

 

Parents are very happy as home schooling ends today. The missing positive Brazilian variant person has been located in Croydon.

All things Covid are still declining and Matt Hancock announces that 2 5ths of the adult population has been vaccinated.

Cyprus has announced that from May 1st it will accept visitors from the UK I they have had both vaccinations. However, it is illegal to travel abroad on holiday until at least the 17^th May.

 

 

A couple of episodes of the West Wing and then it’s time for dinner. Left over cottage pie and cabbage and carrots.

 

Saturday 6^th March

 

Another bad night of sleep. I am really fed up with this. I thought that with all the hard work and exercise yesterday a good solid night’s sleep would be my reward but alas no. I am not worried or fretting about anything just wake up and can’t go back to sleep, wide awake for hours and then when I do go to sleep still wake up early it was 6.30 this morning.

 

I am going to wrap up and go in the garden now and plant some sweet peas ready for the Age Concern garden. I don’t know what is going to happen there this year but hopefully there will be some people able to come and enjoy the garden & pick the flowers.

Tandoori Hake and salad for dinner.

 

Sunday 7^th March.

 

Had a better night’s sleep but feeling tired and a bit out of sorts today. 

After hours spent trying to pair up the TP links for the bird box yesterday with no joy I managed to do it in about 1 minute this morning. These things appear to have a mind of their own. Today I shall work, tomorrow I won’t. If she tries to fix me like she did before I won’t respond to that, but I might the following day. Today’s modern life little trials and tribulations.

Drinks were partaken at he Staying Inn last night it was a bit later than normal as Sarah & Jon had been our on the “Tour de Somerset” both enjoying life on a bicycle. Good weather was around everywhere but it is rather on the chilly side.

 

We had a little stroll out in the sunshine this morning just down into the town. The sunshine had drawn people out from their houses like Dracula from the tomb and they were queuing up and down the high street for the life-giving draught from the coffee plant.

We sat in the summer house and had our homemade coffee once we had returned, enjoyed the sunshine and read the papers.

Hopefully I will be able to update you on any nest building activity if the TP link continues to behave, not been able to view anything for a while as they had lost the link. Grrrr Both birds were around this morning in and out of the box. Oh and Red Kites were fornicating in our Walnut tree too. It must be spring. Mind you the female makes such a racket when they are at it, talk about drawing attention to yourself!

A year ago, Cheltenham races were held and 60,000 people a day attended the event. It was only afterwards that they realised what a bad decision it had been to hold it. Patrick Valance also said that the chances of the infection spreading in such an environment were slim. OOOPs.

 

Schools back tomorrow, mass testing is underway and over 21 million people have been vaccinated.

Have a good week everyone and remember to look after each other.

Lamb steak, veggies and pots for dinner.

I am very pleased with my dieting this week, laid off the booze and biscuits and the results were good.

 

I had to copy the front page of the Star Newspaper today, it has become my go to newspaper for a good headline and front-page story. It’s actually more like Viz than a newspaper. (only viewing the front pages on the BBC News)

Also, I copied this cartoon from the Waitrose newspaper as I thought it amusing but very true to current life

Lockdown life continues but it's not quite so boring.

 Monday 1^st March 2021.

 

A year ago, things were starting to kick off, but we were totally unaware of what lay ahead of us. I can’t believe what has happened to the world during this time. It has seemed that we have been playing part in some strange movie. Hopefully we are seeing the end of it coming soon. We had our jabs yesterday no ill effects at all not even a sore arm, Ian says his hurts a bit though.

 

A misty foggy start to the day which soon turned into a nice sunny one even if there was a cold breeze. We visited various garden centres in an effort to buy a birthday gift but no luck. The garden centres which are usually full of all sorts of gifts are strangely bereft of such things, so I am in a quandary of what to do now. Lockdown is hell for birthdays.

Later we drove to Hurley and Ian went for a run and I walked the route taking in the glorious spring weather, flowers, birds tweeting and to my delight little baby Lambs springing about in the fields. It was a real treat of a walk and we spent ages leaning over a gate looking at the new-born tiny lambs with their mothers inside a barn. It really did feel like things are changing and better times are ahead.

 

Jeremy has his jab booked for Thursday.

 

I have managed to sort out the image that was missing from my last post too. Don’t know why sometimes they show on the draft but not on the published article.

 

Some of the Brazilian variant has been found in the UK, but one person that has tested positive has not been located, due to incomplete documentation they are unable to trace them. The hunt for them is now narrowed to 347 households, they seem to be very hot on getting on top of these variants.

Auckland has another outbreak, 11 cases this time and are in a further lockdown. I really hope that things don’t kick off big time for them like it did here when the weather changed.

 

Tuesday 2^nd March.

 

Much cooler this morning, Winter Hill misty all day even when the sun shone, bit of a wintery look but warm in the sun.

 

Ian went for a walk with Max whilst I carried out a few chores and put some mulch down on the garden. We visited another garden centre and were lucky enough to find a suitable gift. Again, there was not the usual tat to be found and a vast area was left empty, this was the same in the GC we went to yesterday. I am wondering if it has anything to do with imports not coming in from China or Brexit. Interesting times.

The lawn got another mow and is looking very good and then we spent an hour sat in the summer house doorway catching the last of the sun before it went behind next doors extension. 

 

Covid deaths are down by ¼.

France will now give AZ vaccine to those aged 65-74.

US officials are warning of a 4^th surge as variant start to spread.

A further 343 people have died with coronavirus in the UK, the government's daily figures show.

This takes the total number of deaths within 28 days of a positive Covid test to 123,296.

There were also 6,391 new infections recorded in the last 24 hours.

On Tuesday of last week, 548 deaths and 8,489 positive cases were reported.

More than 20 million people have been vaccinated so far in the UK.

 

Buckinghamshire

73,403 people aged 70+ in your area have had the first dose of the vaccine to 21 February

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68,566 people aged 16-69 in your area have had the first dose of the vaccine to 21 February

 

I have also marked out on our calendar significant dates in the coming few months.

 

Last night we had Sea trout, broccoli and new pots for dinner.

 

Tonight, we have Liver and leeks.

 

I am trying hard to lose this bit of lockdown weight I have gained, day 2 all going well so far. Being kept busy helps a great deal in distancing oneself from the biscuit tin.