Covid Chronicles 6

     

Memories! Flowers given to me in Cyprus! Happy days!

Hello Everyone,

I hope you are all safe and well as we approach December, the last month of this horrendous year. At the moment it is sun shining and mild for the time of year which is uplifting for the spirit. I popped outside earlier to feed my pesky pigeons and it felt more like spring, no need for a coat. Vaccines are looming on the horizon which brings hope for many. Will you have one? I am still not sure. I think they have been produced quickly in an attempt to eradicate the lurgy but the lurgy is not in a hurry to leave us. Peeps are looking forward to a better 2021, looking on the bright side it cannot be much worse. Remember, my friends, the glass is always half full!

     And the world looks better through rose coloured glasses. Hence my love of rose wine. Okay, I will share with you my postings for last weekend. Please enjoy!

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    Day 242 Friday, 20 November 2020. Lockdown 2/Day16

Good morning and happy 73^rd wedding anniversary to our lovely Queen and Prince Philip. Wow! They have been married for my entire lifetime and more. They are spending the day together in isolation at Windsor.

Okay I am off out now. Be back later.

Late afternoon. I am back after an exciting day. I have been shopping, my usual weekly trip out to McColl’s for the essential item, a tv mag plus a few other things. It was drab and drizzly out there. Shops closed. Traffic and empty buses. Park with ease. Hassle. Into the store. Collect items. Pay. Leave.

But before that my morning was really exciting. Life is what you make it even in lockdown. I met friends and colleagues in Bristol. Bristol, a beautiful city with such memories of times gone by, in particular the wine fair. It was somewhere my husband and I enjoyed visiting. It is a two hour drive down the motorway. Lockdown? Who cares? I knew my little car needed a good run and would enjoy the journey. We would have a good ride down and admire the sites, the Clifton Suspension Bridge, the harbour and cathedral, the old city, and its streets. Shops closed. Never mind. So, mush history and so much to enjoy when we get there.

Dreaming! It took me less than a minute to walk into my library and set up Zoom for a Society of Authors Meet-up with eh Bristol area. Yes, once again, my friends I gate-crashed a party. There were only five of us this morning and the others were from Bristol. It was interesting to learn of what others are doing during this trying time and to share experiences. One lady has written astrology books. I wanna know about that.

A friend phoned me today which was nice. Then, hey presto it was after 3.00, time for lunch and return to computer to talk to you lovely peeps. The rest of the day? Ancestry. Play games. Dinner. Soaps and celebs!

What is newsworthy? There is a ‘Wags War’ going on and it has reached the first stage in court in a libel case. This one is between two footballer’s wives, Rebekah Vardy, and Coleen Rooney. This is something to do with Rebekah allegedly leaking info from Coleen’s Instagram account to the press. The press is giving the score as 1-0 to Rebekah at the moment as Coleen must prove it was Rebekah who stole the info from her account. Also, there is an on-going court case with Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex suing the press over publishing a private letter to her father. Haven’t these peeps got better things to do with heir lives? Or too much money? It costs a small fortune for a libel case.

Do you fancy driving an electric car or maybe you already do? It has just been announced that from 2030 all new cars will be electric. This has been put forward by a decade. Memory alert. I remember when I put 2* petrol in my tank. My first Honda Civic ran on low octane fuel which was a bonus as many cars ran on 3 or 4* petrol and that was more expensive. In those days, the 1970’s and 80’s peeps would pay to convert to diesel because it was cheaper. Then, petrol changed to leaded and unleaded…then unleaded and diesel… soon no petrol at all.

President Trump still thinks he will serve another term. What planet is he on?

Finally, today the data. Mexico has passed the 1,000,000-case mark and are eleventh in the global league table. USA has passed 12,000,000. Total is 58,000,000. Here, in the UK, we have seen over 500 deaths most days this week and daily case figures are 20,000+. Grim. All hope lies on vaccine. Apparently, our government has ordered enough for all our population and are expecting to start vaccinating at the end of this month. Will it be mandatory, or do we have the ‘decline’ option? Also, it only has immunity for 6-12 months. What happens next winter?

Enough for one day. Food and tv are calling. Καληνύχτα as they say in Cyprus!

Day 243, Saturday November 21^st, Another weekend! Lockdown 2/Day 17

Every day is Christmas Day from now until whenever! I can say that because our government has changed lockdown restrictions enabling Christmas Tree Farms to open from today. They are now essential retail establishments.

It’s a pottering day for me with nothing particularly exciting to look forward to. In fact, after yesterday’s trip to Bristol it is a bit of an anti-climax. However, I choose to be happy. (Bus alert… empty red bus heading for the station).

I have been outside, fed those pesky pigeons and added some items to the blue recycling bin. Is this as exciting as it gets? I only go outside to feed pigeons and put waste in bins. No Antonio, no ice cream, no warm sunshine, no leaves on the trees. Next, it is washing up and a wash load on before work and play.

 Many peeps have followed my trend. I always said I was a trendsetter. They have put Christmas decorations up early to make the drab days more cheerful. I shall be putting the rest of mine up next weekend and I am looking forward to opening my advent calendars in nine days-time. There is still much talk of what restrictions there will be over the Christmas period. We are told that when we come out of lockdown, which legally must be December 2^nd according to the laws which passed it, it may only last for a month, we are returning to the three tier system with more areas in tier 3. So, no change really. Most of the country will be in tier 3 which is just a new name for lockdown. It also tells me that despite what Boris said the number of cases and deaths will not have decreased. SAGE have warned that for every day of easing restrictions over the festive period we will need two of tighter restrictions afterwards.

Vaccine(s) seems to be the ‘in’ word now. Many seem to see it as the panacea for the dreaded lurgy and all will be back to normal in a few months-time. Well, I am all for optimism and positivity, but I am also a realist. I still say look out for a third wave and it will be a new normal when this is over but that will not be in 2021.

Brexit? What is happening on that front? Not a lot. In fact, I think it is panic stations for the UK. We leave finally in 39 days and talks with the EU have ceased due to someone having to self-isolate and it is still stalemate! Chaos. It is 4 and ½ years since the Referendum when we were told that we could save a few thousand pounds each week for the cash-starved NHS. What about the billions of pounds spent in the escape route?

In the States Trump is still trying to get the ‘swing’ States to overturn the outcome in his favour declaring that the election was fraudulent. Georgia and Michigan have checked their results and declared no fraudulent activity could be found. President Trump has lost his lawsuits.

The G20 Summit has gone ahead virtually and is hosted by Saudi Arabia. Where would we be without the virtual world?

At home Priti Patel, our Home Secretary, has been a naughty girl and has broken the Ministerial Code by using bullying tactics with her staff. Boris says she may keep her job. He said that about Dominic Cummings after he had been a naughty boy, but he didn’t last long, did he?

Also, here I feel we are approaching anarchy. There have been anti-lockdown protests in Bournemouth, London, and Liverpool. Peeps are congregating and shouting ‘freedom’ as they march through city centres. So, we have a choice, freedom, or death from the lurgy. All those who want freedom, walk towards the ports and board ships to sail to wherever you wanna go and enjoy your freedom. Personally, I would rather accept a temporary lockdown as opposed to death. The problem is that lockdowns become more extensive as a result of protestors wanting freedom without facing reality. Northern Ireland and Scotland are in tougher lockdowns after short reprieves and the numbers are growing. Covid-19 is in control and our only hope is to obey the restriction rules.

Day 244 Sunday November 22^nd, Lockdown 2/Day 18

Morning Peeps,

Temperature? Outside freezing. Mine 35.9̊.

It is “Songs of Praise” day. Very important. Alas, it has been put back by an hour due to a football match. I am sure all fans will be delighted. Football is an institution. Memory alert. My father and grandfather were Nottingham Forest supporters. I remember the year they won the cup, 1959. My father was ecstatic and there was the grand ride of honour through Nottingham. But… but… but… I am appalled that matches are continuing through this pandemic. Football is a contact sport which spells danger. Okay, there are no audiences present, they are played behind closed doors, but it doesn’t stop fans congregating elsewhere and celebrating wins in traditional style of hugging. Have you noticed the teams when they win? They hug each other. What kind of example does that set to the fans? As for Covid-19. It is like an open invitation.

What is the total score on Covid-19 front this weekend? How many more cases in the last seven days? 58,815,000. Last Sunday 54,621,689. An increase of 4,193,311. And people are protesting about restrictions! Okay, let’s be fair it is about 100,000 down on the week before figure but…

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   Wishing you all a safe week ahead. All my love, Lady M💓💓💓   

                                     

                                                                                                                                             

Lockdown 3

Hello Everyone,

Well, we are now in our third week of lockdown. Sadly, some have not survived it and I send my sympathy and condolences to those who have lost loved ones. It is our Easter weekend and normally we would be excited and looking forward to sunny days ahead and much activity. Churches will be empty this Friday morning, the time for remembering Christ's crucifixion, and on Sunday for his resurrection. If there was ever a time to look after or look out for each other it is now. If there was ever a time to be positive, smiling, happy and hold on to hope it is now. My pics this week are of my book showing the apt title and a candle. I would like to ask you all to join me this Eastertide and light a candle for all those who are suffering. We must also remember those front line soldiers who are still working and putting their lives at risk for the rest of us. They deserve our respect and our weekly applause. I am going to post a section telling the Easter story and two of my Lockdown passages. I hope they will help you or maybe even inspire you to do something positive through these Groundhog days.

The Easter Story

Today is Good Friday in the Christian Religion. It is the day when Christians remember how Jesus died on the Cross outside the Jerusalem City Wall. 

On Sunday the church  will celebrate the Resurrection of Christ. That first Sunday morning, when the women went to the tomb where Jesus had been hastily lain only to find the stone removed and the body missing, is celebrated. The women were anxious to anoint the body, in accordance with Jewish tradition, at the earliest opportunity. Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and other women arrived at the tomb, expecting to find it secured by a stone. Imagine their surprise, the stone rolled away and the tomb empty. Inside, a young man, wearing a white robe, spoke to them, "Do not be amazed; you seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen, he is not here; see the place where they laid him. But go tell his disciples and Peter, that he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him as he told you."

(Mark ,Chapter16, vs 6 & 7.)

Lockdown

Day 14,

Hey, we are almost at the end of week two in the UK. Other countries are further into this. After our monarch’s inspiring address yesterday we can do a few more if we have to. Maybe, we should see each day as an adventure. This is different from anything we’ve ever known before, horrendous as it is, if we look at it as something exciting and with new opportunities it will seem easier to endure.

It’s 12.19 and I’m on my second cuppa. Yep, late today but I was reading until the small hours and was still awake at 3.00 am. These things don’t matter now do they? Night and day have become kinda synonymous. Oh it was a Sophie Kinsella book.

I know some peeps are getting bored. Well, bored peeps are boring. If you’re bored you need to do something about it. Take this time to learn a new language, take up a new hobby, catch up on reading, catch up on odd jobs. The choice is yours and with the Internet you don’t even have to go out.

I’ve just been sent a message about prayer. If ever there was a time for prayer it’s now. Whatever your religion or beliefs never underestimate the power of prayer.

What am I doing today? Not sure yet but I will not be bored.

Now, let’s take a look at the figures. Be brave. Locally, the number has risen to 316. Not good. The UK number of cases is 48,000 where as USA is at 336,000+. Worldwide the figure is 1 ¼ million. Deaths 70,000+. It wants me wanna have a lot of duvet days but we must be positive. Always remember good will conquer evil. We will win this war.

Will watch the goggle box for a while and then maybe face the mounting dishes in the kitchen. Have fun. Normally, I would be going to the library for afternoon tea on Monday. Yes, it’s deffo Monday, yesterday was Sunday! Routine had disappeared but not down the black hole. It’s just taking a rest and will return. I’ve also noticed that library books have all been dated for return on June 30th. Do they know something we don’t?

It’s 6.30 pm and the day has sort of drifted by. I went out for a walk. Well, to be more precise I walked about two hundred yards round the block. There was not a soul in sight. A helicopter hovered above. I’m assuming they were monitoring the situation particularly in the nearby Park and Sandwell Valley ensuring peeps were not congregating or sunbathing. I can’t believe peeps are actually doing that. I did notice a change on our Tesco’s car park . No cars. It looks like it’s been set up as a Covid19 testing centre.

I’ve just had the great experience of the week…I put the bin out. I waited all day until 6.00 pm. I took my grey household waste bin out of my back gate and my neighbour brought her bin out at the same time. It was really exciting. I never thought the day would come when putting a bin out would be so exciting or the highlight of the week. Garden rubbish and food waste collections have been suspended so we only have recycling and household rubbish collections now and for the foreseeable.

What next? I shall watch the soaps and then the last episode of 'Liar'.

So, stay safe folks.

Day 15,

Oh dear, our PM, Boris is in intensive care. His symptoms persisted while in isolation and now it’s serious. Should we all learn from this? The virus is demanding. He insisted on working and leading the Government while in isolation. Should he have rested?

Something has just been delivered. Dare I pick it up off the mat? I’ll put gloves on first. Well, it was the letter from the Government on Coronavirus. I guess in about a hundred years time one or two of these remaining letters will be sold for a fortune on a kind of eBay equivalent unless we have destroyed the world by then.

The weather is brill and we’re having a kinda mini summer leading up to Easter. So, this afternoon I’ll be in my little garden working on my potting plants.

I keep feeling my forehead. Do I have a temperature? Well, I could only guess as I don’t have a thermometer. If I tried to buy one they’re probably scarce or cost a fortune now. Anyway, I don’t have a dry cough. Curiosity has got the better of me. Just had a quick look at thermometers at Boots online.. not only expensive but many out of stock, coming soon. We are not only a country in chaos but a world in chaos.

Normally, I would be planning day trips and listening for Antonio’s melodic sound heralding the arrival of ice cream at this time of year. Many would be packing ready to hit the skies for holidays in foreign climes. Recently, a relatively new word became popular…staycation. The idea of holidaying at home as opposed to abroad. People would take a holiday somewhere in the UK rather like the days of my youth when a holiday was an annual event, not a monthly one, and a trip to the seaside. Usually, it was a week. If you could afford two weeks you were really lucky. Now, a holiday or staycation means stay in your home!

Yesterday, I saw an article by Simon Calder on travel. He predicts that overseas travel will take around five years to get back to where it was before this pandemic. Many are still stranded abroad as flights were cancelled and borders closed last month. Are peeps going to want to fly abroad or go on a cruise after this? How many airlines or businesses, hotels, restaurants etc will survive?

So, let’s look at the figures for today. Note, I’ve put it off today. Worldwide, 12,000 new cases. USA well ahead of any other country at 360,000+. Alarming. We have had more than 5,000 deaths.

On that sobering note it’s time for my second cuppa.

Back for the news at 1.30. No, it’s not good. Tremendous noise in the skies… two helicopters going round today. Have sorted some of my plants out this morning. Relaxing for a while. Thinking about what to do next.

Listening to the update on BBC and learn that I shouldn’t take much notice of the statistics. The listed ones here are hospital deaths only. They do not take into account care homes where many are losing their lives to this virus or deaths elsewhere like homes. So that may mean twice the number shown. Also, the case figures may well be fiction. So, I guess when all this is over we’ll just round it up to the nearest million or so.

Something exciting to report today. I’m learning how to post on Instagram. How many people will acquire new skills during this sad time? Ingenuity and creative skills? Afterwards will peeps have learned never to take things for granted particularly as they look at the mountain of toilet rolls stored in the corner of the lounge (the only room in their property large enough to accommodate them).

A car came round today. I rushed to the window. Movement outside. It was only a council van.

Only one soap opera on the box tonight. Then I shall have my third game of Scrabble and attempt to beat my score. Finally, a nice relaxing bubble bath before I retire. Stay safe peeps and well.

And stay safe my friends. Have the best Easter you can and please light a candle.

Lady M xxxxx