Groundhog Day

Hello Everyone,

Yes! So happy. It is September 17th and my personal groundhog day. Traditionally, it is in February but if I could relive just one day for the rest of my life it would be September 17th, 1969.

Groundhog Day is February 2nd and the day when if the groundhog emerges from its burrow and sees its shadow it will be an early spring. If it does not see the shadow another six weeks of winter are in store for all. The film Groundhog Day features this day as the day which is repeated every twenty-four hours. The unfortunate weather man sees this whole thing as doom and gloom but eventually accepts that he will have to go through this miserable day for all eternity.

Why that day? Although, I didn't realise it at the time it was the happiest day of my life. Wedding day? Graduation? The day I gave birth? First job? None of those. It was the day I left home for College.

That morning was the beginning of a beautiful sunny, crisp, early autumn day. I remember the dew on the grass in the orchard next to our cottage. My father did the usual morning feed on the farm. My mother and I had packed the car ready. I had two cases in the boot, a weekend bag, train case and box on the back seat of our little red mini. Four years later, my father had to make four journeys to collect all of my possessions. We waited for father to come in for his breakfast before we left. I clearly remember saying goodbye to him but then while walking to the car I turned back, looked at him, and said, "Are you proud of me?" That is one of my most memorable moments with him. He nodded, smiled and said, "Yes". His glowing face spoke volumes.

We arrived at the College about 10.45 and went straight to my Hall of Residence. The Hall President, a second year student, met us and showed us to my room. By today's standards it was quite primitive but for 1969 it was one of the best. Many colleges had dormitories or students sharing rooms and all facilities were communal. This Hall was only two or three years old and built to accommodate the increasing number of students required to cope with the population increase as a result of the sixties baby boom. It was a single room with private wash-basin plus the best furniture and spacious. Kitchen and laundry facilities were communal. After unpacking we went down to the famous Crewe Station to use the photo booth. I needed pretty pics of me for such items as NSU card and meal card. Yes, all meals and accommodation were paid for by the Government unless you had really wealthy parents and then you would be expected to make a huge contribution. Everything was 'means' tested and parents made a contribution if they earned over a certain amount.

Next, we went up to the main town of Crewe, had a look round and lunch. My mother left about 2.30 and I watched others arrive. Early that evening we had a meeting and were told all about freshers week, college procedure and events before being taken over to the dining room for our first meal. That evening we were getting to know each other and our way around the place. It was so exciting. I could go through it all again and get the same pleasure from it. That College was flourishing then with 900+ students. I've heard that it closed in July 2019 due to falling numbers. Changing times!

So, that was my groundhog day. Which day is yours?

Love to you all on my fav day! Lady M xxxxxx

Lockdown 5

Memories! A beautiful Paphos sunset!

Hello Everyone, 

The world is still a disaster zone. Some countries are easing restrictions but this pandemic is far from over. Please stay safe and well. I know they are all like Groundhog Days but with positivity we will get through this. One day, we will be able to look back and smile, I hope. 

This week, I would like to share my thoughts from last weekend, Easter weekend, with you.

Day 26,

Well, I was thinking that it would be better if lockdown were through the dark, dreary winter months as opposed to the spring and summer until this morning. It’s raining, wet and drab and that just adds to the misery. However, I observed how clean my stair carpet was as I sauntered down the stairs earlier. Looking out, there seems to be more traffic on the roads than usual although our little street still only has the residents’ cars parked on it. I’m beginning to feel as if I’m in a movie where time is standing still or stagnant. Thinking back to Thursday evening. Yes, that was two days ago when we all came out onto the street, practising social distancing, while clapping and chatting. Afterwards, we all went back into our little homes saying, “See you next week”. We were rather like the cuckoo clock; the cuckoo comes out heralds the time and disappears again until the next time.


I’m enjoying my excitement of today and that is watching “The Phantom of the Opera”. This production was the 25^th Anniversary performance, in 2011, at the Royal Albert Hall in London. Like so many things when you reach soixante-neuf it brings back memories. I can’t believe it’s more than twenty years since I saw the stage production at a London Theatre. I still recall the electric part of the drama when the chandelier came down into the auditorium above the heads of the audience in the stalls. I can’t even remember which theatre, but I remember that and the music. Just looked it up. It was “Her Majesty’s Theatre” in the West End. Deffo memorable. Isn’t that what life’s about? Memories.

So, today. Another weekend. I’ve looked at the figures. Not impressive. China is constant at 80,000+ cases which is debatable. UK has passed the 100,000 mark which is alarming and we’re still on target to have more deaths than any other European country. USA is well ahead of everyone at 712,000 cases. President Trump is talking of easing restrictions; he has a strategy and is leaving it to each State Governor to decide when to put it into operation. Globally, 2,256.000 cases.

What’s everyone planning today? I’m about to attack a mountain of ironing and make my phone call. Then, I’ll ponder and fritter away some time. Be back later.

It’s late afternoon and I’m listening to the latest update. My main interest is in Captain Tom. He’s raised £23,000,000 now and he’s making a record with Michael Ball of “You’ll never walk alone”. Inspirational. It just shows you are never to old to achieve something great. I think he will become the stalwart figure of this pandemic in the same way Dame Vera Lynn has become associated with the second world war as the forces sweetheart.

The death toll in the UK is now more than 15,000. There’s great concern over PPE. For the ignorant, like you and I, that is personal protective equipment; special gowns, gloves and masks to protect those on the frontline from catching the disease. Many health workers have already paid the ultimate price for working on the frontline. I don’t think the epic words from Charles Dickens' novel, “A Tale of Two Cities” is of much comfort when they go onto shift not knowing if they will be safe or not. Are they putting their own families at risk? Those words, “It’s a far, far better thing that I do, than I have ever done.” Spoken by Sydney Carton  as he prepares to face the guillotine in the place of another man. It has been suggested that they can wash and reuse their present personal protection equipment. There has been much disgust at this suggestion. It looks like Turkey is coming to the rescue by sending supplies tomorrow. Now, why are Turkey sending them? Don’t they need them? Is there anything wrong with them? Or were they just better prepared for the emergency than we were?

Further, our government have ordered that all cemeteries are to remain open enabling peeps to visit those relatives already six feet under. Some are closed in accordance with social distancing rules. This reminds me of my father’s words when leaving the church many years ago. He looked at the graves and pointed out that any of those would be happy to swap places. I think my mother had been doing much of her complaining at the time. She was indeed a miserable, unhappy and stone-faced person. I recently looked at the pic of her on the thanksgiving service sheet. There was something strange and then I realised she was smiling. I don’t recall in my sixty-eight years ever seeing her smile. The lesson there is that we need to remain happy, smiling and positive.

There is concern over mental well-being. I don’t recall it existing in my youth. You just got on with it. Personal problems went on the back burner while you got on with work and life. However, to that end there has been a rethinking over funerals and parks. Different authorities are interpreting the new rules differently and some have closed parks and green areas preventing exercise and walks. My local council have left the parks open but closed the car parks so you can only use them if in walking distance and sitting and resting is forbidden. All seats have tape over them. Now, all councils have been instructed to open parks and while social distancing remains relatives must be allowed to attend funerals. I guess that means the restriction on numbers is lifted although there cannot be any form of wake afterwards.

This furlough thing where the government pay peeps to stay at home has been extended until the end of June. Alas, Councils are running out of dosh and in danger of becoming bankrupt, so the government is sending in another £1.6 billion. Dare I ask where it’s coming from?

The Spanish Flu pandemic lasted for two years. This has only been going for four months. What will happen globally if we all stay in lockdown for another few months or longer? Will dosh continue to fund peeps from nowhere? Are we going to see social disorder? There’s already been panic buying. Will we have looting, burglaries and a rise in crime as oppose to the recent drop. As people see their business or employment gradually disappearing are we going to see a tremendous rise in suicide numbers?

Be back soon.

It has just been announced that the Queen has cancelled the traditional gun salute that normally occurs on her birthday which is next week.


Day 27, Sunday!

Hey, today is a special day not just an ordinary Groundhog Day. It’s Sunday and I was downstairs watching the morning service on the goggle box. I sang along to the hymns though I can’t remember what they were now. Remember, I’m ancient at soixante-neuf and my brain has restricted memory capacity. Right now it’s 1.15 and I’m watching “Songs of Praise” with Aled Jones and recorded before lockdown so it is possible to see peeps socialising. He’s at Strawberry Fields in Liverpool. Just gonna sing along to “God be the Glory.” Back later.

Well, here I am again. The sun is out today. It’s still a little chilly, only 13̊ not 22̊ like Thursday or Groundhog Day 24. But I have been outside and finished giving my waste bins the spring clean. Guess, I should make more effort in the house…one boring Groundhog Day and there are plenty more to come.

I have made my phone call today. Alas, no reply. Guess the recipient was out in the garden. I tried a second number but to no avail. Two peeps do not wish to have discourse with me today. Oh well, you can’t win them all.

On Andrew Marr’s programme this morning Andrew interviewed Michael Gove who denounced any hope of schools reopening next month. He also confirmed that the most likely last places to open again would be in the hospitality area. I guess that info tells us that there is a strategy for easing restrictions gradually but only after the peak of the pandemic, and deaths begin to fall. What is even worse news this morning is that the PPE supplies from Turkey have not arrived. They have been delayed for several days. Well, there’s certainly no problem at airports these days is there? So, why are they not here? Also, there is great controversy over the fact that we sent some supplies to China earlier in this pandemic. Why? The answer was given that those particular PPE supplies were not earmarked for the pandemic here. What? Are we just trying to curry favour with foreign countries since our so-called departure from the EU?

Let’s move on to positivity. I just love the pictures of rainbows everywhere. They brighten the place up and are decorative and pretty, particularly when drawn by young children. They have become symbolic in this crisis, a beacon of hope. Wherever there is fear hope follows. That is the human way of coping with dire situations.

Just made that phone call and this time I got a reply. If at first you don’t succeed…

There’s much concern over domestic abuse at present both physical and mental. Although the latter didn’t exist in the days when I would have been considered a victim. Incidents are soaring as lockdown continues. Tensions and tempers are rising as peeps are confined in homes. Some parents are discovering the horror of having to look after their own children. If your children are out of control and undisciplined who’s fault is it? Please do not look over your shoulder and blame the state, society or the school. Children are your responsibility until they become adults. Then there’s this new thing called home schooling. Parents, on this score, if you’re attempting to do a proper job you have all my sympathy.

Prince Harry is suddenly back in the news from Los Angeles. He’s praising the British spirit and Captain Tom. Is he missing home? On their last appearance here I felt he looked annoyed and as if he had been forced into a decision he didn’t really want to make while Meghan looked happy to be escaping from Britain to Canada. Now, she is back home in LA near her mother. Was this all part of her plan? Or have I got it completely wrong?

It’s 6.30 here and I’m about to have a pizza. I’ve been playing and working this afternoon. Tonight, I’ll be watching that box or should I say screen in this day and age? Then, I’ll retire and tomorrow I’ll do it all over again.

However, you’ve spent this special day. I hope you’ve enjoyed it. Until tomorrow stay safe and well.

                                               ************************

Love and blessings to you all, Lady M xxxx