Lockdown 14

Sunset,  darkness will follow, then sunrise heralding a beautiful new day

Hello Peeps,

I hope you enjoyed the slight change last week and found Lillian's newsletter with my interview a refreshing interlude.

As I write this, here in the UK, most of us are looking forward to phase 3 on our Boris's roadmap. Many places including hairdressers, much to the relief of many, are reopening after three months of darkness. July 4th heralds a new beginning for us. Our own Independence Day.

We are all going through difficult, challenging times but there will be an end to this global pandemic eventually. We will look back on these dark days and realise how we have grown stronger and more united across the globe. Hope always evolves from despair. Stay positive, my friends.

As has become my custom, I'm going to share three of my daily logs with you.

Day 94, Thursday. 6 months to Christmas Day.

Morning Peeps. It’s so, so, so hot here. It’s beautiful. In the 80’s again. Fantabulous. There may be thunderstorms tonight. Who cares? Let’s enjoy the day. I’m trying to get used to my lounge; it looks peculiar now that my old friend ‘dust’ has been removed.

What to to do today? Go out. After brekky, I made my phone call. Alas, the lucky recipient chose not to answer. Next, popped out to the local shop for a few provisions. It’s great outside but I fear it precedes tragedy. The volume of traffic is back to normal. You may remember, peeps, two months ago I described the centre of West Brom as resembling an eerie ghost town but not today. There are buses in the station and lots of human beings. There’s a jubilant air as if the prison sentence is over. To most, it seems as if easing lockdown restrictions means total freedom. It’s not over!

I arrived at McColls and the first thing I noticed… the notice on the door saying only four peeps in at any one time had disappeared. Mind you, there was only me anyway,  but you can see what is happening. I left with provisions, meat, ice cream (for the days when my darling does not visit), fruit and a tv magazine.

Back home it was a pottering afternoon before my siesta. I just love a siesta on a hot afternoon. It’s so European. Reminds me of all those many happy days in Cyprus. This afternoon I heard much screaming and merriment. Ventured to the window. There was a water fight between my neighbours; they both had hoses and were showering each other over the communal wall. Hazy, crazy days of summer. Happiness prevails for now.

Had an email from the Odeon cinema. They’re reopening. They give details of all the arrangements they’ve made to make the cinema a safe place to visit. Alas, as I suspected there are no Silver Screen films for senior citizens. No nice cheap tickets which include coffee and bikkies. However, they are providing specials for kids.

Evening news. Wow! The idiots rule our country. Once again, I cannot believe my eyes. It looks like the entire British population has rushed to the south coast; the most popular destination is Bournemouth. You couldn’t even stick a pin anywhere on the beach. All  police were on patrol. Cars were parked anywhere as madness prevailed through desperation to hit that beach. A reporter interviewed a black man. In the light of current events I have mentioned the individual’s colour. His reply was that he was not bothered about Covid 19, he didn’t have it, it was a nice day, he was happy and enjoying himself; he wasn’t worried about social distancing. So, let’s look at the figures. New cases today, 1,118! Almost double yesterday’s figure. It’s also a month since George Floyd’s death and the beginning of protest marches. It doesn’t need a genius to see what’s happening does it?

There’s much excitement as we prepare for the great opening up next weekend. Will it happen? If so, how long for? Or, are we going into regional lockdowns? Maybe, Boris will continue with his ostrich approach and roadmap.

Dinner time, chicken, jacket potatoes, veggies plus vino. Soon, there will be another bottle to throw into the sea. Then, the highlight of my day Downton Abbey. It’s series 4 now. There are only 6. What will I do when it’s finished?

It’s 8.30 and I’m watching Martin Lewis talking on his money show. Once again, I can’t believe it. He’s talking holidays abroad. Apparently, the U.K. is arranging air bridges with 11 European countries. Insurance companies will be covering Coronavirus and our European Health cards are still operative even though we’ve left the EU.

Okay, enough for today. Bed calls. Goodnight.

Day 95, Friday, 26^th June, Groundhog Day 30,462.

Morning Peeps,

“And lo there breaks a yet more glorious day.” I was happy to leave the boudoir this morning. There were no thunderstorms last night. Guess, we still have that to look forward to. Tv on. Computer on in the library. Emails before brekky. Normality in my humble abode.

It’s second cuppa time. Loose Women are on the screen. Thinking about what to do today. Have fun folks, be back soon.

Hey, he’s delivered. I’m delighted. So it’s almost 4.00 pm. I’m listening to music. Have made my phone call, kept the washing machine occupied. Now, in a position to watch the mountain of ironing growing.

The data. Globally, 9,800,000+. It’s taken six months or so to reach 8,000,000 and just a week to add almost another million! Here, in the U.K. new cases are at 1,380. That’s 200 higher than yesterday. In my local area there are a few new cases each day. These figures are probably lower than the actual ones. Scary! I think the truth is that we are going backwards in this virus not forward. I’m also thinking the R figure is probably higher than 1. I’m not convinced that we are at 3 on the famous 1-5 system where 1 means it has even eradicated in the U.K. Okay, positivity time. There are 28 countries who have all cases resolved. It will be nice when it’s all 215 countries.

Dinner and television. Bonne Nuit.

Day 96. Saturday 27^th June, Armed Forces Day!

Morning Peeps,

I woke up. It was dull, drab and dismal. Pitter patter! Raindrops on the window. Much needed refreshing, life-giving rain. Pour Moi? Stay in bed. Then, sunshine radiated through the drapes. Yea. I’m out of bed and already dreaming of my darling delivering (hopefully) later.

Today is the Armed Forces Day in the UK. Last year, and in previous years, I remember listening to the celebratory music from the park over the road. Cheerful, happiness, memories. Today? Silence. I think Her Majesty will give one of her messages later. Soon, she will have given more messages through this pandemic than through the rest of her lengthy reign.

What is going on around the UK? We’ve had more stabbings. Last weekend there were stabbings in Reading, Manchester, Birmingham and Walsall. Now, in Glasgow. Football  matches started last week and  Liverpool have managed to win the Premier League behind closed doors. This has caused massive celebrations, fireworks and parties in Liverpool. Peeps have gone mad and last night the fire brigade were called to a fire at the Liver Building, started after a firework was thrown at it. So, peeps, we know which city is going to have the next surge of Covid cases, don’t we. I recall Oliver Dowden, a couple of weeks ago, saying how important it was to restart football matches for the mental health and welfare of our society. Pardon? Football is also associated with hooliganism and a win after thirty years of trying has brought the worst out in Liverpool supporters. Please don’t tell me stabbings, parties etc are all down to pent up frustration after lockdown.

I can’t see any protest marches this weekend. Yet! But there’s been a massive moving party in London. Why?

It’s raining again. No! No! Will my darling come later?

Holidays are now being encouraged in order to boost the economy. Staycations are expected to be popular in the next couple of months. I’m thinking of Bournemouth beach a couple of days ago and I hope peeps will be sensible. I’m also thinking of the ever changing pandemic situation. Last week we had an air bridge agreement with Portugal. Now Portugal has had an upsurge of new cases that has gone. So, presumably the agreement that we have with other countries, at present France, Spain and Greece, can change at any time, even mid flight.

Someone on the box is pointing out that the holiday experience will not be as it was before. Why are peeps so desperate to go abroad or for any holiday? It’s clear to me that the hotel on foreign shores will not be as it was. I’m trying to imagine Paphos and the hotel where I’ve spent many happy weeks over the years under new restrictions. Peeps wearing masks, breakfast served in rooms, no socialising in the bars or restaurant, no sharing of lifts, any entertainment at all? Swimming allowed? Will the leisure centre be open? Then, the whole experience will be fraught with wondering about the dreaded lurgy lurking. Has anyone in the hotel got it? Are you really going to enjoy the experience? Be patient and stay safe.

Sunshine! Yea! Temperature today 67, a drop of 15 degrees. It’s supposed to stay fine until 4.00 pm. Hope my darling comes in the next hour. Ice cream is better than going on hols at present. My temperature 36.4. Unusually high for Moi but still classified as low.

Yes! Yes! I hear him.  I rush to the kitchen door, collect my coins, and go out to greet him and pick up my beautiful, delicious, ‘99’. A neighbour came out and joined me. She had been dubious. Hell no! If/when we go into lockdown again he will disappear. Let’s enjoy his joyous visits while we can. There’s an appropriate proverb, “make hay while the sun shines”. As a farmer’s daughter I know exactly what that means. Memory lane. I remember those summer nights when the whirring of the combine harvester could be heard well into the early hours of the morning.

Had a little siesta,  played a few games and participated in an online party before dinner.

This evening there has been a short service in Reading where those peeps lost their lives last week with family members lighting a candle for each of the victims.

I’ve put it off long enough. Let us face those horrendous figures. The US has seen a surge in cases. Today, they have 20,000+ but yesterday it was 40,000+. Florida and Texas appear to be the worst hit states. They are going back into lockdown. There’s a curfew in Houston in an attempt to get it under control. What is illuminating is that half of the new cases are people under 35. It was thought that youngsters were the least affected. Many have had a cavalier attitude, it won’t affect me. Looks like they were wrong. This virus doesn’t do logic, rhyme or reason. Also the global figure is over 10,000,000. Yes, that’s an increase of 1,000,000 in a week. Could it be the result of protest marches and genuine stupidity of people rushing off to beaches and acting as if the whole thing is over?

Enough, back tomorrow.

Lots of love, stay safe. Lady M xxxx

Lockdown 7

A memory! Afternoon tea at the Tower Ballroom, Blackpool

Hello Everyone,

Today should have been one of celebration, and commemoration as the 75th anniversary of VE Day. Alas, all social events have been cancelled. There are some events on social media, and television. Katherine Jenkins is performing in a solo concert at the Royal Albert Hall to an audience of nil! To all veterans of that war, those who gave their lives, and those who are still with us, and endure the memories, I salute you, and offer you my undying gratitude. Colonel Tom, you are a representative and fine example of those stalwart men of your time prepared to pay the ultimate price for the rest of us. You continue to inspire us. Rock on, Colonel Tom!

We are in our seventh week of lockdown. Above, I've posted a memory. One day, we will be able to do such things again. Enjoy eating out and other experiences. For now, what we have are our memories and we need to treasure them and the time we have with our families. 

Here, in the UK, we are told there maybe some easing of restrictions next week. We live in hopes as we see other countries slowly coming out of lockdown.

This week, I would like to share my daily log from last Saturday. Please enjoy it.

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Day, whatever oh, 40. Saturday!

The sun has returned from its sojourn and now I’m dreaming of who else would normally visit later today. Who am I missing? You’ve guessed. My darling Antonio, his melodic tones as he comes round the corner to my back gate, parks; waits for me, and my neighbours, to rush out. I would grab my two £1 coins from the stash by the kitchen door, and zoom out there for my “99”. Memories.

It’s also the first weekend in May, and traditionally a Bank Holiday weekend with fun, activities, holidays, happiness, traffic jams, airport queues. Oh dear. Me thinks I’m dreaming. Business companies instead of raking in profits, particularly the hospitality industry, hotels, entertainment, restaurants, and aviation are looking at losses and wondering how much longer they can survive. We heard of Ryanair’s plight yesterday. I’m sure we’ll hear of more in the next days.

What makes this disaster even worse is the fact that on May 8^th it is 75 years since VE Day. That is Victory over Europe and the end of World War 2 although in the Far East victory was slightly later August 15^th, VJ Day, Victory over Japan. This year our Bank Holiday was planned for next Friday, 8^th and that weekend. Unfortunately, no one had thought to tell the calendar peeps, and I noticed my calendars still have Monday as a Bank Hols. There are few veterans left from that era, stalwart men like Colonel Tom. Wonder how he is doing today? There were plans to commemorate that day and show respect and honour to those remaining few. I think our Queen will make a speech and probably Boris, who has decided not to take paternity leave at present. Maybe, a few other things will be seen in the media and on the box, but all social activities have been cancelled. Such a shame that those who suffered so much during that time are being deprived of a commemoration. Or perhaps they would rather not have it as a special occasion, from what they say the horrors of that experience live with them everyday. PTSD did not exist in the 1940’s. Those heroes returned from the front to normal lives and got on with it. I am thinking out of the box now, perhaps if possible, some of those events planned for next Friday could still take place on August 15^th VJ Day?

I am also thinking of a television programme I watched a couple of days ago. It was a project to transform a whole street into accommodation for todays veteran soldiers returning from tours of duty in such places as Afghanistan and Iraq, and suffering from various physical, and mental issues because of their experiences. They had looked for volunteers with essential expertise, and were rather short in number. The host commented, who would want to give up their hols for such a working project. One man answered, and I paraphrase, “after all they have done for us, our safety, our country and the horrors they have been through this is the least I can do for them. I’m just giving up my holiday and feel honoured to be able to give something back.” Well, it was something like that. It left the host feeling emotional, me too!

So, what are my highlights for today? The Andrew Lloyd Webber Royal Albert Hall Celebration, and my phone call.

Second cuppa time, and let the show begin. Back later.

Hey, I’m back and it’s almost 4.00. Update time. A cyclist has just passed by my window wearing a mask. There are rumours that we are all going to have to wear some form of facial covering soon. There is also talk of schools being opened in phases. Yesterday, a wise person asked if after this, parents would still be fined for taking children out of school during term time. There was no definite reply. Yes, folks, in the UK to crack down on truancy and emphasise the importance of education a law was passed which gave fines for parents who removed their children from education during term sessions.

There’s further talk of some relaxation of restrictions at the end of next week or May 7^th, the date given for a review of the situation. Many businesses are preparing in hope. Leisure centres and gyms are moving their equipment to allow social distancing.

What have I done this afternoon? Enjoyed the music. So relaxing. Now, I am going to give you a treat. Just a minute. Behind me I am hearing loads of figures from someone named the Communities Secretary, don’t recognise the face. More testing. More cases. Figures. Just numbers but there’s emphasis on the fact that we have passed the peak. Now, we are getting a thank you for helping to turn the tide by staying at home and obeying the new rules. Alas, there are others who have suffered… domestic violence figures have risen. This is a serious problem. We must defend the rights of those women and children who are suffering. There’s a new domestic abuse bill going through parliament. Only forty years too late for me. Ah, there’s more money being found from nowhere to support this area of society through the pandemic. £76,000,000. Where did that figure come from? There is support. You should not stay at home if you are in danger. Call 999. There is safe accommodation available.

Just checking the figures. We are still in fourth position but with 182,000+ cases, 28,000+ deaths, and 4,000+ new cases. These deaths and new cases far exceed Spain and Italy’s figures. How can this dire situation be getting better?

Oh dear. What did I say about businesses in trouble? Rolls Royce have just announced job losses. This is a knock on effect from the aviation industry who are not placing orders because most planes are grounded and their future is uncertain. Well, you learn something new everyday. I thought they only made posh cars! They manufacture engines for planes.

Now, my treat. I told you earlier this week that I was pleased with my cameo role in the sequel to my novel. “The Singing Horses” was written because of a contest where authors submitted manuscripts in the hope of winning a publishing contract. It was on Facebook and a page was opened for us to chat with each other. I felt as if we were horses in a paddock waiting for the race to start and then we could start getting votes for our work. Many joined in with this idea and decided to take a stall number (I’m #5) and a horse identity; a new story developed. I did bulletins on FB throughout the four months of this contest. We, as horses, went round the world, having many adventures and singing as we neighed for votes. When it was all over, we didn’t want to leave our lovely paddock and stalls, so we had a “neigh-in”. We were going to stay forever. Alas, our lovely paddock was sold, and we spent some horse time in a luxury stable in Los Angeles while our new home in Oklahoma was being built. This book is with publishers, and I hope will be available before I die. Positivity and enthusiasm led me to write the sequel, “The Singing Horses go to Oklahoma”. Whether, it will ever see the light of day remains to be seen. But for now, I would like to share the following extract with you. The talented equine have been neighed that their new home is ready, and before they leave their host, Sire Percival, (Papa 2) has organised a Skype session with all of the friends they made on that first epic ride… Skippy and the kangaroos, Nellie and her elephant herd, camels, horses and several others. There is one last surprise for them… Me!

                                    
“Papa 2 neighed, “I have a surprise for you. There’s one more Skype session to come.” They all looked puzzled and perplexed. Who was missing from their lengthy list of friends? A female human appeared on the screen. “Who’s that?” they neighed. “She is your creator and has agreed to listen to your neighs and answer any questions.” Slowly, it was dawning on them that this human was none other than Marilyn L. Rice, the woman who had put them all through so many dramas.

#11 was the first to recover from the shock. He rose to his hooves, “Neigh, dame. On behalf of all of us I would like to neigh our thanks for creating us, bringing us together and making us into the celebrities. We are an élite band and are truly grateful for all that you have done for us. Three neighs for our creator.” He raised his glass and the others followed suit. They gave her the customary three neighs and a hoof clap.

 She smiled before saying, “neigh, thank you. It has been an honour and privilege to ride along with you. I’d like to thank Papa 2 for giving me this opportunity to speak or neigh with you. So, do you have any questions for me?”

#7 was the first to neigh, “Why did you let me get foalnapped? I’ve suffered from PDSD ever since.” She laughed and replied, “Neigh. It was your love of chips that got you into trouble. You followed those chips into that house in New Orleans. I create characters. They are then left to their own devices.” So, it was all his own fault after all.

#5 was next, “Why am I always having “bad mane days” and why did you let that #44 take my lovely stallion #6?” This caused fits of laughter and giggles from the creator. “Your “bad mane days” correspond with my bad mood days and it’s such fun to take it out on you. As for #6’s relationship with #44; they are both mature equine and make their own choices.” #5 was not amused.

#23 was next, “I hate getting up early so why do I have to practice every horse morning?” The reply, “You chose to be a ballerina.” #23 looked pensive, “Did I?” A stunned silence prevailed.

Then #55 rose to her hooves, “I, personally, would like to thank you for giving me this beautiful life. I love being posh and I have the bestest of papa’s and a lovely little bro. So, thank you.”

#44 followed her lead, “Yes, thank you for giving me an aristocratic lifestyle. One is very pleased with one’s life.”

Suddenly, jealousy seemed to break out. The others were wondering why they could not have had easier life. #51 groaned, “Why did you give me the onerous task of having to take the “easy” degree. It was a nightwoman. Why couldn’t I have an easier life?” #12 followed her lead, “Why did I have to be paper mare? I would rather have had a more glamorous job.”

The stallions remained neighless. Their creator just sat back in her luxurious chair and laughed. “You are all so funny, but you gel together with your various tasks and characters. Anyway, one of my neighs is that the past determines the present and the future. Your past experiences have placed you where you are today and you’ve been really happy together in this massive stable, haven’t you?”

Well, they could not disagree with that.

“Now to the future. I’ve had a beautiful new massive stable built for you. You will have a great ride back along Route 66 and love your new home. I’ve lots of fun, happiness and adventures lined up for you all. So, pack your saddlebags, get ready to rock and roll and enjoy the good times ahead.”  She waved before disappearing.

“#64 was the first to neigh, “Well, that was unexpected.”

“Did you like it?” Papa 2 neighed.

There was much thought before their glum, perplexed visages changed to radiant happiness and a chorus of neighing, “Yes, great, fantastic, brill. Never thought she’d look like that. She’s not bad for her age.” #5 put an end to the neighing by indicating it was fodder time and they only had a few horse hours left before they would be moving on to the new experiences their creator had neighed about.”

Well, did you enjoy that? Did you even understand it? Never mind. It’s passed a few minutes of time during lockdown. Guess, I should say “watch this space.”

Wow! Latest news. Even though we were told our PM was in good spirits while in hospital it has just been announced that there was a time when they were preparing a statement announcing his death. It was “touch and go”. No wonder he has such praise for our NHS. He is so grateful that he and his fiancée, Carrie have named their son, Wilfred Lawrie Nicholas. Nicholas after the two doctors, Dr Nick Price and Dr Nick Hart who saved his life last month.

For the rest of today? A chicken dinner, a bit of television and a nice relaxing bubble bath.

Tomorrow… see you then. Stay safe and be happy.

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Lady M xxxxx