Covid Chronicles 7

 

Hello Everyone,

Hey, guess what? After almost two years in publication and a lot of hassle my next book has a publication date for 10th December, that's next week folks. Just thought I would share the cover pic with you so that you get used to seeing it. It is available for pre-order on Amazon.co.uk but the delivery date is late January apparently. I know, everything is slow these days except Covid which is really, really, speedy.

Okay, the situation in the UK is that we are out of our second lockdown and back in the controversial tier system. So, no change. I will share with you my scribing's for last weekend. Enjoy and have fun. Remember, nothing lasts forever and one day Covid-19 will be a distant memory.

Day 249 27^th November 2020. Lockdown 2/Day 23. Black Friday.

Hey peeps, you know I have an uncanny habit of being correct about things. I am just very clever (smart arse!) or psychic. I am predicting a third wave and that 2021 is not going to be much better than 2020. We have to wait for another couple of years before we have a better new normal. The old things will have passed way, into oblivion, forgotten and not missed. I also said that I feared anarchy in our society as a result of our freedom being taken from us. It reminds me of the old days of highway robbery, (No, I am not that old but I learned all about it in that little school I loved; the one that closed in 1989.)I am thinking of Dick Turpin, “Your money or your life?” with a revolver in hand ready to fire. The 2020 version is, ‘your freedom or your life’! However, it is not society that is causing anarchy yet, but our government that is revolting. Yes, the word, ‘revolting’ is open to interpretation. Boris’s Conservative government are giving him grief over the new tier system which defies both belief and understanding. Yesterday, I said I would not explain it because it was complicated, and I just gave a general summary. Our MP’s are asking for a clear explanation as to why many areas are in top categories when the majority of the area does not have many cases. Why are Liverpool and London in 2? Why has Kent switched from 1-3? Why are 99% of the population still in a strict lockdown? Actually, I would like to know the answers. Although, I am not surprised that my area has gone to 3. We were in 2 and we do have a high number of cases. I can share with you the rules relating to tier 3 from the government website.

Tier 3: Very High alert

This is for areas with a very high or very rapidly rising level of infections, where tighter restrictions are in place.

In tier 3:

·        you must not meet socially indoors or in most outdoor places with anybody you do not live with, or who is not in your support bubble, this includes in any private garden or at most outdoor venues

·        you must not socialise in a group of more than 6 in some other outdoor public spaces, including parks, beaches, countryside accessible to the public, a public garden, grounds of a heritage site or castle, or a sports facility – this is called the ‘rule of 6’

·        hospitality settings, such as bars (including shisha venues), pubs, cafes and restaurants are closed – they are permitted to continue sales by takeaway, click-and-collect, drive-through or delivery services.

·        accommodation such as hotels, B&Bs, campsites, and guest houses must close. There are several exemptions, such as for those who use these venues as their main residence, and those requiring the venues where it is reasonably necessary for work or education and training 

·        indoor entertainment and tourist venues must close. This includes:

·        indoor play centres and areas, including trampolining parks and soft play

·        casinos

·        bingo halls

·        bowling alleys

·        skating rinks

·        amusement arcades and adult gaming centres

·        laser quests and escape rooms

·        cinemas, theatres and concert halls

·        snooker halls

·        indoor attractions at mostly outdoor entertainment venues must also close (indoor shops, through-ways and public toilets at such attractions can remain open). This includes indoor attractions within:

·        zoos, safari parks, and wildlife reserves

·        aquariums, visitor attractions at farms, and other animal attractions

·        model villages

·        museums, galleries and sculpture parks

·        botanical gardens, biomes or greenhouses

·        theme parks, circuses, fairgrounds and funfairs

·        visitor attractions at film studios, heritage sites such as castles and stately homes

·        landmarks including observation decks and viewing platforms

·        leisure and sports facilities may continue to stay open, but group exercise classes (including fitness and dance) should not go ahead. Saunas and steam rooms should close

·        there should be no public attendance at spectator sport or indoor performances and large business events should not be taking place. Elite sport events may continue to take place without spectators

·        large outdoor events (performances and shows) should not take place, with the exception of drive-in events

·        places of worship remain open, but you must not attend with or socialise with  anyone outside of your household or support bubble while you are there, unless a legal exemption applies

·        weddings and funerals can go ahead with restrictions on the number of attendees – 15 people can attend wedding ceremonies, wedding receptions are not allowed, 30 people can attend funeral ceremonies, 15 people can attend linked commemorative events

·        organised outdoor sport, and physical activity and exercise classes can continue, however higher-risk contact activity should not take place

·        organised indoor sport, physical activity and exercise classes cannot take place indoors. There are exceptions for indoor disability sport, sport for educational purposes and supervised sport and physical activity for under-18s

·        you can continue to travel to venues or amenities which are open, but should aim to reduce the number of journeys you make where possible

·        avoid travelling to other parts of the UK, including for overnight stays other than where necessary, such as for work, education, youth services, to receive medical treatment, or because of caring responsibilities. You can travel through other areas as part of a longer journey

·        for international travel see the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office travel advice for your destination and the travel corridors list

 

I think it is lockdown! There’s nowhere to go cos most places are closed.  Presumably I can’t travel abroad. All travel abroad for pleasure as opposed to business is banned until December 2^nd. That’s interesting. Our lockdown was for a month, but it looks like Boris’s month is 27 days.

The Covid-19 data has passed the 60,000,000 mark and that, in September, was my second estimate for Christmas. Germany has passed the 1,000,000-mark making it the twelfth country with more than a million cases.

 

Other news today? Diego Maradona’s funeral has taken place in Buenos Aries. Brexit talks are continuing, and it really is Black Friday!

Okay, peeps I am off to be happy because I choose to be, and give myself festive cheer decorating two more Christmas trees and putting up other décor. Then, because the world looks better through rose coloured glasses, I will open another bottle of rosé wine before I settle down with fajitas for dinner and the goggle box. Goodnight all.

 

Day 250 Saturday, 28^th November, Lockdown 2/Day 24 Another weekend!

Good morning peeps! No, I do not have a hangover. In fact, I am quite happy because I choose to be and wait for it…peeps! I have just been onto Amazon and discovered that my next book is already on it with the facility to pre-order it. The publication date is December 10^th, but you may check it out now, “The Singing Horses”. Wow!! Je suis content!

I have not completed adorning my abode yet. I shall do a little more later. A brown envelope has dropped onto my doormat. Oh dear. My friends we all know I am soixante-neuf and that another milestone is approaching. Trust the DVLA to remind me of the inevitable; they have sent me the reminder to renew my driving licence. Have I really had it for almost half a century? Some of you will remember that I renewed it only yesterday, or three months ago to be precise. Yes, over the years the rules have changed. I had one stolen in August 2000 and consequently purchased a new one. In the UK they only last for ten years before renewal and must be renewed at the age of 70 regardless. From then on, I think it is every three years. Memory alert. I remember my first car, a white mini. VJV 654K. I loved that little car and I remember the first time I drove on the road by myself. It was February 7^th, 1975 and I drove out of the school gate (I was a teacher!), turned right, drove down to the junction. Turned right again, to the island. Round the island. Parked. Went into the bank. Then drove back to work. What an achievement. Happy day!

Okay, it is second cuppa time and time to make my daily phone call. Today, it is my number one fan’s birthday. I could tell you her age, but I won’t. (She reads everything I write!) I dial. No reply. I redial. No reply. Er, where is she? No one is allowed out. We are in lockdown. Try later.

What is newsworthy? Restrictions during the five days freedom during Christmas. No board games. No singing. No dancing. Do not sit opposite people. Be careful about handling cutlery. If possible, have a different toilet for the different family bubbles. So, if we cannot experience a traditional Christmas why are we having the five days of permitted travel and seeing families? I guess kissing under the mistletoe is verboten. Our Asian brethren have had Eid after Ramadan and Diwali. Those two are the main times of celebration in the Islamic and Sikh religions. There were no concessions for those. Does this mean that we will have anarchy from our Sikhs and Muslims because they were not allowed to celebrate in their customary way when Christians are permitted gatherings for the Christmas period? Covid and chaos rule in harmony.

Anti-lockdown protests are taking place in London again and Arcadia are in administration. Apparently, that is the company that own Topshop, Dorothy Perkins, Miss Selfridge, Wallis, Burton and… actually, I thought that one had already gone under. Must be confusing it with another company because there are so many of them. Enough. Time to try the birthday girl again.

Ring. Ring. Answer. “Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you…” She sounded pleased to hear from me. She had been out to meet a friend earlier, but they practised social distancing, so I do not have to report her to the authorities. I told her that she was lucky to have me as a friend. What surprised me was that she agreed. We had a nice chat about numerous different things, but I won’t bore you peeps because I am going to do a little more decorating and then watch an afternoon film, “Nativity”. After that it will be dinner time and another quiet night in.

Goodnight my friends. Stay safe and choose to be happy.

 

Day 251, November 29^th, Lockdown 2/Day 25 First Sunday in Advent

I looked out of the window this morning as usual and looked for Tesco’s across the road. Alas, it was so drab, foggy, and miserable I could not see the sign. Keep curtains closed today.

Exciting news for me when I checked messages. A dear friend has pre-ordered my book. That must be my first order from Amazon. Yea, you are all free to rush off and add to the pre-order figures.

It is the first Sunday in Advent and our BBC are paying homage by putting on a special church service at 10.30. These services used to last an hour but now curtesy of Covid-19, they only last 30 minutes. I was downstairs with candles lit and brekky when it started. There was singing but the choristers were all socially distancing, and some music had been recorded prior to restrictions. It ended with “Guide me O thou Great Jehovah”. I sang along because I love that hymn. For those unaware of Advent, it means the coming of Christ and it continues for four Sundays leading up to Christmas Day.

An hour later, it was second cuppa time and “Songs of Praise”. This was a programme well away from the original ones. It was the semi finals of the male choristers’ contest or something and five young men sang a song each. I found it a little disappointing but then I am a traditionalist. Sorry, can’t help it.

This afternoon I finished all the decorations and now my humble home feels warmer and seems to glow. Also, I won’t have to dust until I take them down and the last items may well be when Antonio visits again because then it will be summertime! Guess, I’ll have to write the cards next.

What to do now? Work, rest and play until the end of the day.

News? The peasants are still revolting. Sorry, got confused. Meant to say ‘government’. Boris has his hands full. Romain Grosjean, (never heard of him. Sorry. VIP Formula 1 driver apparently) has survived a crash which split his car in half before bursting into flames. He walked away from it. Miraculous. The doctor who was treating Diego Maradona is under scrutiny regarding the footballer’s death. He denies any misappropriation and claims he is being made a scapegoat for the man’s death. President Trump has given his first interview since he lost the election. Anyone else notice he’s been quiet recently? Sore loser! Wow! Apparently, we have signed an agreement with France regarding the migrants crossing our channel. Another miracle. We are on the last stage of Brexit talks after four years. Okay, better make it quick to get a deal cos it is all over in 31 days! Enough for today.

 

Perhaps just one last thing Data! I know you want to know, and I do not like to disappoint. The global figure is 63,036,138. Last Sunday it was 58,815,000. So that is 4,000,000+ which means that it is stabilising as opposed to increasing. Good news and we need good news. Will it stay stable after Christmas? The USA has 13,731,720 cases at present but after Thanksgiving and Christmas what will it be? What is my estimate for Christmas in a month’s time now? 75,000,000 and my first estimate was 50,000,000 so that is a 50% increase. If only all peeps had used their common sense.

Off for dinner, chicken with mushrooms, potatoes and petite pois with vino and ice cream to follow.

Goodnight my friends. Stay safe.

Love to you all, Lady M 💓💓💓💓

 

SOFIA AND THE HOSPITAL FETE.

                                                           

 

 

 

Howde Folks,

 

 

Hope you're all keeping well and having a blast. It's almost the end of August downstairs. Donald and I follow your time although time does not exist where we are. Lady M has booked her Cyprus holiday for later this year. She can't believe autumn is round the corner in 2014. The leaves are falling off the trees. She has collected loads and put them in the bin for recycling. She has been so busy this year finishing writing about us and also those singing horses. She has spent the last two weeks writing that #7's foal story. The one that caused a website to crash. We read it over her shoulder. It is so, so, so funny. A little foal learning to groom himself, visit the bathroom and trot. Hilarious. Lady M has always said that it's her sense of humour that keeps her going (and amuses everyone else).

 

We hope you enjoyed reading about how I learned to cope in the afterlife in last week's blog. The surprises, etcetera. fascinating. This week we thought we would share one of our 'helping' experiences downstairs. We're going to share our hospital fete experience with you. ENJOY!

 

                                                                   ***

 

Gerald was waiting for them when they returned to the pub. They heard his raucous laugh as they walked through door before they saw him.

“So they’re honouring us with an operating theatre and a ward. It  really was good when I drove you, ‘my dear Lady Godiva’…” he made a mock bow just as he had done last year when she arrived with Derek dressed as her husband, Lord Leofric 111, Earl of Mercia, “in my pride and joy, Victoria. Joanna always said that my Austin Healey sports car would be the death of me. She was right but I’m glad I was by my beloved’s side when I had the heart attack. I mean the car, not Joanna.” He roared again.

“You’ll come down with us to see the tribute to you and Sofia, then.”

“Sure, Scott wouldn’t miss it. It’s still a fancy dress occasion; are we dressing up again? I’d like to see you as Lady G.” He looked directly at her bust and not her face. Men don’t change even here, Sofia thought.

“Well, I’m not going as Lady G! Are you going as Robin Hood, Donald?”

“No.”

“Dad, Friar Tuck?”

“Well, I’d look rather silly as Friar Tuck if you three aren’t joining in the fun, wouldn’t I?”

“So, we’re all going down to see the fun but not taking part in Derek’s brilliant idea of fancy dress.”

“Sweet Pea,” he looked seriously at his daughter, “there’s something you should know before we go down or it’ll be a shock.”

“What’s that? Is Derek parading in the all together this year?” she laughed.

“Worse, remember the beautiful emerald and diamond ring he bought you in Cyprus?”

“Yes, Sophie will have it.”

“No, he’s donated it as the main raffle prize.”

“What? That was my ring, part of my estate and my will states that my estate be divided between the twins.”

“Derek declared that everything apart from your personal bank account was his because he paid for it. You know that he instructed Miranda to take all your clothes and personal items to the charity shop. She has however kept your cross and chain and intends to give it to Sophie later.”

“The swine… sorry Donald but my beautiful ring was supposed to go to Sophie.”

“That’s my brother Derek. He can gain more kudos by donating it.”

“Are we all ready then?”

“I’m coming, too Grandpa.”

“Okay, so it’s five of us going down. Brenda, Barbara, you two coming?”

“No, you know we prefer to stay here now.” Brenda replied, speaking on her sister’s behalf.

 “There he is, with Joanna.” Sofia had seen Derek dressed in his theatre gown with a picture of Christiaan Barnard on the front and the slogan, ‘Look After Your Heart’. Donny had a child’s doctors outfit on complete with stethoscope and Sophie a nurse’s uniform. Miranda was clearly Florence Nightingale carrying her lamp. Naturally, C.U. was next to Miranda wearing a traditional Cypriot folk dancing costume which was getting quite a lot of attention particularly when he started dancing and encouraging others to join him. “Who needs music,” he joked.

“Your dancing is superb like your mouth watering mousaka.” Miranda said while applauding him.

Gerald went pale; there were tears in his eyes as he stood next to his sons and Joanna. Unlike Scott, Donald and Sofia he had not kept an eye on the family he left behind. His teenage sons had grown considerably and were more like young men than boys as they proudly escorted their mother. A sober Joanna was wearing black indicating she was still in mourning for Gerald rather than fancy dress. She remembered all too clearly her appearance as Desdemona last year when everything was so different. Their lives changed the day Gerald died.

The chairperson of the NHS Trust, James McIntosh, moved toward the podium, tapped the microphone, cleared his throat and began,

“Ladies and Gentlemen, friends of the hospital may I thank you all for attending this fête and for your continued support. It is pleasing to see so many of you in festive dress taking part in the competition. I am pleased to tell you that as a result of the numerous activities throughout the year our funds are healthy…” He paused; there was the anticipated laughter and applause.

“…we are operating within Government guidelines and meeting our targets. The numbers on our waiting lists for surgical procedures is down. We hold a high position in the NHS primary care Trust; our score for quality of service is excellent. Our battle with MRSA has been won as a result of our high standard of hygiene on the wards.” He paused again and looked down, choked slightly, looked up again and spoke in a softer voice, “Unfortunately the hospital has suffered in other ways this year. It is with much sadness that I tell you of the untimely death of one of our highly respected surgeons, Mr Gerald Levington-Hume last November. Another of our surgeons has suffered two personal losses in a short space of time this year; Mr Derek Haslington lost his brother in a tragic accident in January and his wife in another accident in May. Mr Haslington’s sister-in-law Miranda also worked in our hospital in the physiotherapy department. Our sympathy and condolences go out to both families…”

“Look at Derek. He’s really enjoying this.”

“You know him so well, Sweet Pea.”

Gerald was standing behind his wife and sons with his arms around them; he was the one in tears.

“…Many of you will remember both Gerald and the lovely Sofia from last year’s event when Sofia dressed as Lady Godiva and Gerald drove her around the grounds in his vintage sports car. It is out of respect for these families that the hospital has decided to rename Theatre number two, The Gerald Levington-Hume Theatre; that was the theatre where he performed many of his operations. Further, the new Cardiac Ward with twenty beds will be named The Sofia Haslington Ward…”

Everyone applauded. Derek looked round and smiled while Joanna looked acutely embarrassed and uncomfortable.

“…I shall now take the two families to the appropriate places in the hospital and officially open them. With the help of modern technology you will all be able to watch on the screen.”

There was further applause as he left the podium and headed toward the hospital entrance closely followed by Derek, the twins and Miranda with Joanna and her sons further behind.

“Shall we go in or stay here, Sweet Pea?”

“Oh, I think we should go in Dad and it’s time for your smoke rings.”

Donald laughed, “I know he’s my brother but I have to agree he deserves the smoke ring treatment.”

“We’re going in Gerald; are you coming?”

“Yes, Scott.”

So all five of them joined them first at the theatre where Joanna’s sons both held the scissors and cut the blue ribbon declaring the The Gerald Levington-Hume Theatre open. Gerald’s tears cascaded down his cheeks; if only he could have stayed alive longer just for his sons.

Scott patted him on the shoulder, “You know how it works; it was your time.”

They moved on to the new ward where Derek was happy to take the scissors and smile for the people outside until he was aware of that awful odour: Embassy cigarettes. Once again, his father-in-law was around spoiling his moment of glory. His smile changed to a frown much to the amazement of the assembled throng.

The twins held hands supporting each other; Miranda was behind them as Derek cut the blue ribbon, “I declare the Sofia Haslington Ward open.”

They returned to the fête. James McIntosh went to the podium and reminded the people that there were cakes on the cake stall; items on the white elephant stall, tombola, many other things and raffle tickets were still available. The raffle would be drawn at 4.30 p.m. after the winner of the Fancy Dress competition had been announced. He encouraged them to carry on the good work and keep spending.

“Shall we mingle?”

“Okay Donald, we’ll mingle. Are you all right Gerald?”

“I think so.” It was so unusual to see him in tears rather than hear him laughing.

“A piece of advice: stay in touch. If you keep an eye on what’s happening down here it’s much easier to cope with being dead. It’s as if you’re still with them.”

“I think you’re right Scott.”

“I’ve been dead for over five years. I learned that a long time ago.”

Sofia walked over to the raffle stall; her ring was at the centre of the prizes and everyone who bought a ticket had their eye on it.

“I’d like to take it and give it to Sophie.”

“Keep calm, Sweet Pea. This is something that is not beyond our control.”

“What are you going to do Grandpa?”

“Watch us in action later.”

Donald had his eye on C.U. he was at Miranda’s side. He heard him offer to take her and the children out for the day on Friday. He had a day’s holiday and thought they might like a picnic in the country. He knew the twins or the lovely Sofia’s legacy as he referred to them liked his car and he would use anything or any weapon in his “Operation Miranda wealthy widow”. On Friday, Donald decided that there would be an extra passenger.

At 4.30 p.m. James McIntosh was at the podium again with an envelope in his hand,

“Ladies and Gentlemen, I have the worthy winner of our fancy dress competition. It is…”

He opened the envelope, “…John Machin, one of our hospital porters. He is also a supporter of The British Heart Foundation.” This gave rise to much laughter as John came forward for his prize; £100 worth of vouchers donated by a local chain store. He was wearing a theatre gown with hundreds of small hearts sewn on it and a sash saying British Heart Foundation; during the afternoon he had distributed leaflets from the BHF.

“Now, we have the raffle draw. The first prize is this beautiful diamond and emerald eighteen karat ring donated by Mr Haslington…”

“It’s time to go to work, come on Dad.”

Sofia looked at Miranda’s tickets. “White; nine-two-seven.”

“Okay.” Scott was by the tombola which now had all the raffle tickets in it. As James put his hand in, it was Scott who put the white ticket with number nine-two-seven on it in his hand.

“… It’s a white ticket…number nine-two-seven.” He looked up; everyone with a white ticket looked down frantically hoping to be lucky those with other coloured tickets sighed.

“I’ve got it.” Miranda held it up to a round of applause. Derek looked embarrassed and said, “We will return it; please draw another ticket.”

“No,” Miranda stared at him, “We will not return it. It was Sofia’s ring I will accept it and give it to my niece.”

The applause turned into a marked silence with looks of disdain in Derek’s direction; the sympathy and respect had gone. Then there were hushed comments, “his wife’s ring,” “disgusting,” “how could he?” “It should be Sophie’s”

The only remaining applause was unheard; it came from Billy, “Nice one, Mum, Grandpa.”

Donald spoke in his brother’s ear, “Serves you right!” he turned to the others, “I hope he heard me.”

Miranda went up to the podium and collected it. James just hoped that people did not think it was a ‘fix’. Of all the tickets why did he have to choose that one? Miranda immediately gave it to Sophie and then there was more applause. Derek’s face reddened; for the first time in his life he really wished the ground would swallow him up. He would have a lot to say to Miranda later. Once again his moment of glory had been stolen from him; he was still aware of the Embassy aroma and knew that his father-in-law had something to do with it.

 It had been a bad week for Derek. First, he had discovered that his wife had embarrassed him by obtaining masses of money from loan companies. Then he had learned that she had no funds left to pay for her lavish funeral and now this. They would leave immediately. He was not going to stay and endure further embarrassment.

“Well, family I think we should be leaving now. Sheba has been left alone in the house for long enough.” It was the only excuse he could think of to justify his departure.

“Got ya again, fooled ya, serves ya right.” Sofia was shouting at him.

Sophie was delighted with the ring but it caused tears to flow down her cheeks and so she was quite pleased to leave. Miranda wanted to stay but common sense told her that it would be more sensible to leave and she would deal with Derek’s anger and annoyance at home. She had told him when she was clearing Sofia’s things that the jewellery should be Sophie’s and now it was. Donny just tagged along. C.U. was left staring after Miranda.

James continued to draw the tickets and the rest of the raffle prizes were distributed.

“Well, our work is all done here. I think it’s time to go back to the pub for a drink. Come on Gerald. You’ll feel better after a whisky or two.”

 

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 Taken from Chapter 7 of Sofia's Legacy. If you're intrigued and have not read the first two books of the trilogy...

Coming soon... LOVE YOU FOREVER,

"It's been 5 years since Sofia died, and she and the other spirits "upstairs" continue and watch the dramatic events and devastating consequences that unfold on the earthly plane. This is book 3 in the Sofia Trilogy."

There's still time to read the first two books, LOOK AFTER EACH OTHER and SOFIA'S LEGACY. Simply send a message on the comments, or they are available from Amazon, other online retailers and good book shops. Don't want to buy them? Borrow them from your local library

HAPPY READING!

Love,
Sofia and Donald