Covid Chronicles 2

                                                      

Autumn colours!

Hello Everyone,

Lady M here. The Covid situation is far worse than last week but we must remain cheerful and hopeful. I have selected the top pic from my pics because the autumn colours are bright, vivid and help lift the mood. Today, we hear that herd immunity is unlikely to be an option as tests have shown that peeps who had the virus earlier in the year are no longer immune. What next? Wales is in lockdown. Scotland has a different tier/level system from England and more areas of our country have been put in tier 3, very high, with severe restrictions. Personally, I have reached the stage where I don't want to go out anyway. It is not FOGO but just a case of I don't fancy it. However, on Monday I had a RED LETTER day and I am going to share it with you. Stay safe, folks.

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

Day 216, 25^th October, Sunday (First day of Greenwich Mean Time… winter)

Good morning. I have put two of my clocks back, and onto wintertime. The rest stay on summertime. I stayed up late last night savouring every last moment of summer. This morning I see there are very few leaves left on the trees. Tonight, it will be dark at about 6.00. Yuk! What am I doing to stay cheerful? I am putting my first Christmas tree up this afternoon and it will remain in position until after my birthday in February. Also, you know my friends I have two advent calendars with exciting pressies in to keep me amused during December. I choose to be happy. We all owe it to ourselves to be happy and ensure we survive these trying times.

I admit, this morning, it was difficult to move myself from a horizontal position to a vertical one, and push those covers back before swinging my legs out of bed. They really were objecting to movement, but I am not a hibernating creature, so I made it. Out of bed. Look out of windows. Sunday, so no visiting cars on our street. Tesco’s car park is free on Sundays. Dressed. Downstairs. Alarm off. Tv on. Andrew Marr and politics.

Brekky, iPad, coffee. There are four main topics of conversation. Brexit. School Dinners. America’s election. Covid-19. Yes, I mention school dinners. This has been a topic of concern since lockdown when schools closed. You may be forgiven for believing that school is about receiving an education. It is about so much more. Feeding children and providing them with computers and laptops. When schools closed those who were receiving free school dinners were left starving apparently. The footballer Marcus Rashford started a campaign calling on the government for more of those magic beans to prevent child hunger. In some areas individuals and businesses stepped in to provide food for the needy. I believe the government did make some provision, not to sure of the amount or how long it lasted. Now, more businesses have signed up to cater during half term. I, and some are thinking, wait a minute whose responsibility is it to feed these children? What used to happen during school holidays? Why is this a sudden emergency? Additionally, when schools close all children are expected to work from home via the Internet. Many have access to neither the Internet nor computer. The government must provide. Schools are complaining they do not have enough for all children. Has it reached the stage where peeps just expect the government to provide? I am talking about those who were receiving government funding prior to lockdown not those who the government have prevented from working and have always provided for their families without state handouts. What have I just heard? A Councillor in Birmingham, I think, has said that they will be texting all parents regarding where they can get their free meals. So, let me get this right, parents who cannot afford to feed their children can afford smart phones! This reminds me of an occasion when I purchased a copy of “The big Issue” off someone I assumed was homeless and later, I saw her chatting on a smart phone. I guess she could have borrowed it.

Brexit? I think this is going nowhere fast. A big disaster. My prediction is a wake-up call to reality on January 1^st when the transition period is over, and things really change. Will Brexiteers be lynched? Feel embarrassment? Deny their choice? Or, for all our sakes let’s hope I have this one wrong, and everything goes swimmingly well. We can live in hope. Just thinking of earlier ramblings and predictions. I predicted FOGO, the second wave and high suicide figures amongst the young.

America’s elections. Will Trump make it? Will Biden pull it off?  Democrats or Republican? America will decide. Both candidates will be playing their ace cards as they approach the day. Baruch Obama is supporting Joe Biden. President Trump has his family and empire behind him. The polls are placing Joe Biden in the lead. I am thinking, how many of the population will not vote and we already have 37% of the population’s votes. Maybe that is already more than half.  Watch this space.

Last, but not least, Covid-19. Not good. Global figure is 43,169,091. That is 3 million new cases in one week and 50% up on last week. If you remember last month, I predicted 60 million by Christmas updating it from 50 million. Maybe, I am still underestimating. I hope not. 8 countries have passed the million mark… USA, India, Brazil, Russia, Spain, France, Argentina, and Colombia. We have 19,000 new cases and 151 deaths. This second wave has taken hold and is far worse than the first, I still think it will get worse and late next year we will be faced with the third wave. Breaking news… Thousands are protesting against lockdown by breaking the rules in London. Guess that means the figures will rise. Brussels is close to lockdown.

Okay, enough. Second cuppa and then I shall put the tree up. 

At 1.15 I will be back for “Songs of Praise”.

Yea. My tree is decorated in the hall. I am seated with cuppa and candles burning ready for “Songs of Praise”. As October is Black History Month this week’s service is from a museum of black history in Liverpool. I confess to ignorance. I did not know there was one. A few black people spoke of their lives, ancestors who came here, and their history. The service began with that lovely song synonymous with Liverpool, and from “Carousel”, “You’ll never walk alone.” I love it and sang along. It is apt for these times. I was not familiar with many of the other musical contributions, but it did send me down memory lane. This programme used to be a religious service and always hymns as opposed to thematic. Alas, again it is the changing times.

For the rest of today? Admire my tree. Work, rest, and play. Pity I do not have a Mars bar. Remember the slogan folks? Phone call. No answer. Never mind.

Dinner time. Tonight, it’s Hawaiian pizza plus vino. Yes, 6.00pm and pitch-black outside. Drapes drawn. Sigh. Hey, where’s positivity gone? There are only 152 days and nights until summertime again and Antonio! That is not too bad.

Tv and later the Olivier awards for theatre performances is going ahead without an audience and in some cases, recipients will be receiving their award virtually. Oh, brave new world!

 

Day 217, 26^th October 2020. (Week 32) RED LETTER DAY!

Yea, I am excited today. My article a “trip down memory lane” goes live. https://www.peak-advertiser.co.uk/ I am on page 26. Do read it and send me nice comments to make my day! Empty bus alert. They are easier to see now the trees have shed their leaves and are stark naked. Isn’t nature cruel? You would think trees would want leaves in the winter to keep them warm! My little sense of humour comes smiling through. Second empty bus alert. I digress as usual.

In these unprecedented and strange times where positivity is essential to keep us going, we need to find red-letter days and I am happy to share mine with you. I choose to be happy and am finding things to do each day. I am not saying it’s easy but…

I wrote this article after a trip back to the little village of Ashford-in-the Water, which I have mentioned several times, a couple of years ago. It was posted on my blog and then stayed dormant. I retrieved it and decided to send it to this paper. Hey Presto. Success. This leads me to think of our youth of today who are seeing their dreams disappear. Please accept these words from a veteran of life, “never give up hope, turn your negatives into positives”.

The rest of today? I am venturing out to Sainsbury’s because I have a voucher. If I spend more than £50, I get a £7.50 discount. I can get a few bottles of wine for £50! First, brekky, tv, iPad and wash up. Back later.

3.30 pm. I have been out, had lunch and made my phone call to another party who did not answer. I fear she and her hubby may be lost or stuck in France. They have a second home there and popped over as soon as they were able to. I thought it was brave at the time.

Trip to Sainsbury’s. What has happened to life when a grocery shopping expedition becomes exciting as opposed to essential? I was observant as usual. Lots of traffic about and empty buses. Maybe that is why there are more cars around. The tram was running but I didn’t notice how many peeps were using it. A lot of peeps out on the street most were wearing masks. Arrive at supermarket. Lot of peeps. Are they queueing? No, or I would drive on. It is half-term which may account for the abundance of people or it maybe stocking up/ stockpiling time again before lockdown again.

Just remembered. Apologies but I must digress before I forget. A newsworthy item. Wales is in full lockdown and only essential items may be bought from shops. Clothes are considered non-essential purchases at this time, unlike food and drink. One man, deffo thinking outside the box went shopping in his boxer shorts. When asked or told that he could not shop like that replied that clothes, by law, were not essential items. Clever! Has that put a smile on your visages?

Back to my shopping expedition. Park. Prepare. Mask. Gloves. Token. Bags. Trolley. Straight in. Pick up scanner. Scan Nectar card. (Empty bus alert! No, two of them!) First aisle. Advent calendars. Yes, I know I have two but there was a beautiful Ferrero Roche one. I could not resist. On to the other aisles, observing social distance and everyone is polite. A few more tins and packets for my collection, greengroceries, frozen food, milk, and vino. Over £50. Queue at checkout but not for long. Get my discount. Car. Unload. Return trolley. Observe. There is a queue now. I am a trendsetter. Where I go, others follow. Home. Happy. Car happy. Unload and put goodies away. Hide Advent calendar.

Judge Rinder and lunchtime. Upstairs. Work. Play until 6.00pm. Empty bus again. I love my new hobby. Dinner will be an Italian ready meal bought earlier. Ham and mushroom tagliatelle. Yum, yum. Tv soaps and another day draws to a close.

Okay. I have put the bins out and met my neighbour. We have decided to suspend our meetings until the spring. It really is dark out there.

I have two alarming pieces of news for peeps in the UK. Warrington goes into tier 3 this evening and Nottingham is expected to follow soon. Second alarm, I have checked the global situation. The UK is moving back up the league to position 9 and with 894,000 new cases it is going to hit the million mark before the end of the week. Covid does not like us.

Stay safe my friends.

Love to you all, Lady M 💓💓💓

 

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

Lockdown 2

Hello Everyone,

Well, this really is a global mess, isn't it? Most of the world is in lockdown but we have to believe that we will get through this. We need to be positive, stay happy and focused. In my humble attempt at cheering peeps up my little booklet "Life is..." is on free download from tomorrow,  April 4th until 8th at Amazon. Just click onto your local Amazon marketplace and put "Life is..." and Marilyn L Rice in your browser and it should come up with instructions to download to your appliance... tablet, phone, PC, laptop. The blurb...

I, like most people on the planet, have become a great fan of social media and in particular, Facebook. During the last six months I have been posting daily. Firstly, it was 'Words of Wisdom' and then I moved on to 'Life is…' Some of my thoughts were philosophical, others humorous. Sometimes I added photographs and emojis or I dedicated certain sayings to individual people. On a couple of occasions I even added a short story telling the inspiration behind the quotation, for example…'Life is about turning left instead of right and having an adventure!'
I noticed that I was getting a lot of those 'like' clicks and friends seemed to be enjoying my humble daily offering. I had an idea… put all of my posts into a short book and publish them. I have placed one of the 'Words of Wisdom' each page and the' Life is…' quotations follow with some illustrations, either photographs from my albums or downloads from the Net under creative commons licence. All the acknowledgements may be found at the end of the booklet after information on my books.
I hope that those of you who download this will delve into it on the dark days and find that it puts the smile back on your face.
How would I describe it? Humorous, philosophical, satirical, stimulating, inspirational, illuminating, intriguing, thought-provoking, fresh, invigorating and delightful.
Enjoy!

And a comment/review

Quirky and sweet I'll be dipping into this book every morning to get my 'life is' fix. Well done to the author for condensing a chaotic time in the world and giving us hope.

So, feel free to download and hopefully it will put a smile on your face in these dark times.

I'm also  sharing my lockdown ramblings and experiences with you. All of them are on FB but I will just share a couple of them with you, today.

Day 5,

Well hello
Yes, I’m still here although I confess to being a little down yesterday and decided to take a nap in the afternoon. Went back to bed and said goodbye to the cruel world. The sheer numbers are now horrifying, and yesterday it was announced that Boris and other ministers have tested positive. So, a sick man is now running our country. Depressing.

Further, yesterday I heard that Birmingham airport is preparing to be a temporary morgue. Now, I like that airport. I have been through it many times to foreign shores but I am thinking will my next trip be to that morgue? Scary. As a person living alone I’m not in confinement with a family who could be driving me to insanity but if I succumb how will I survive alone? And worst scenario… I could be here for weeks and eventually just my bones found. The rest of me decomposed. So, I’m leaving my Will on the desk, easy to be found. One has to think about these things.

On a brighter note last night I retrieved the Scrabble set and played a solo game. I have decided to have a solo competition by playing many games through this crisis and each time trying to beat my score. Last night it was 500+ and I managed to get 50 points for putting down all seven tiles on one word. Just an idea for both families and singletons. Board games can make a comeback.

Also, last night I ticked three things off my list. So I retired feeling pleased.

Right now, I’m on my second cuppa and it’s 1.28. Yes, really late even for me. However, I have been out this morning. I followed Government guidelines, I was doing my once a week trip for essentials. We all know my essentials are choc, wine, bubble bath and candles and I needed to replace the Easter egg I devoured on Thursday. First, I needed to prepare for the event. That meant gloves, scarf and First Defence. Now, that First Defence is designed to block the nasal cavities from colds and flu. Does it work against Coronavirus? No idea but what have I got to lose?

Anyway, hit the road Jack time. I passed the Aldi store with a overflowing car park. Forget it. Drove on to M & S and Boots at a local retail park. No queue. Fully stocked shelves. Polite, smiling staff. More peeps than usual but still fine. Boots was an interesting experience. A smiling manager greeted me at the door asking why I was visiting. I said for bubble bath, we have to have luxuries in these uncertain times. She directed me to the correct aisle. I observed that half the store was cordoned off in accordance with the law. Cosmetics etc are not essential and could not be purchased. At the checkout there were crosses on the floor, they looked about a metre apart, where you stood waiting your turn. However, there was only one person in front of me. So, no problem. The whole adventure lasted for less than an hour and it was easy. Forget large supermarkets with queues and empty shelves.


I’m back again and it’s 6.21. I’ve made my afternoon phone call to a pleased victim and had a long chat. I’ve spent time watching television and playing on the computer. It is still light and normally I would be celebrating tonight because the clocks go forward on to BST, and I’d  be looking forward to Antonio and ice cream. Dream on! Although, I do feel better than yesterday because I have been out of the house and had a short drive. A change of scenery. Depressing scenery but still a change. Weird for a Saturday. I understand why we are allowed out for daily exercise. I may even do that next week and take a short stroll.


However, with my usual positivity I am thinking of the advantages to this situation. We are under lockdown rules so no one is visiting. There is no need to wash or dress. Stay in bed all day? Or dress but just wear the same scruffy clothes every day. Who cares? No need to clean up or wash up. No need to wear makeup. Hmmm.

Watching the news. We are looking at a deserted Brighton in contrast to crowded beach last week. It seems that peeps have heeded the warning albeit late in the day. I have checked locally and there were no new cases in the last 24 hours but as a nation have passed the first thousand mark for fatalities and we have over 17,000 cases. We are also 8^th globally. The thought that we could make it to the top is frightening. The USA hold that post with over100,000 cases. Italy has had over 10,000 deaths. It seems that there is no correlation between the countries in relation to fatalities. Germany has over 56,000 cases but only 403 deaths. We have more than twice that number but only 17,000 cases. That should confuse analysts. I also find it interesting that when one person tests positive and self isolate with the family. The family do not automatically catch it. It’s not like Chicken pox or Measles. Is it that some peeps or cultures are more immune than others?

Day 6,


Good morning BST. It is 11.15 Sunday 29^th March. I’ve finished my first cuppa while watching the morning service on the goggle box. It was refreshing. It feels like things are going full circle. Years ago Sunday belonged to God in our Christian society. Other religions do have different days, I know that! For the last couple of decades, since shops opened on Sundays, this tradition of worship has paled into insignificance, ignored by many. Now, church buildings, like other public places, are closed but the service is back on television screens. Maybe, when this is over Sunday will be a proper Sunday again. In the new world established as a result of the crisis there will be a new respect, new kindness, more consideration for others. Lessons will have been learned. Well, we can only hope.

What am I going to do today?

Just checked the data. Locally, numbers have almost doubled. 116. Alarming. The USA is way above other countries at the top of the list, 123,000+ with 2,000+ deaths. This is an interesting comparison with Italy at 92,000+ cases yet 10,000+ deaths. My sympathy to all those grieving families. I’m moving well down the list to Cyprus where I have many friends and hope they all stay safe. Thinking about you all. Only 179 cases and 5 deaths so far.

Today, might do a little washing up. Am running out of plates. A few good programmes to watch. Will phone a neighbour.

It’s 3.40 and I’m back on the sofa. I’ve washed a few pots so have some clean plates. Played on the computer. The weather is chillier so the heating is on and I am not venturing out. I have made my daily phone call to my unsuspecting neighbour. We have arranged to meet. Yes, we will defy the law and meet face to face for a short chit chat tomorrow at 6.00 pm. We will not have miserable faces. We will be cheerful, smiling and socialise. We  have agreed to put our bins out at the same time. Her front door and my back gate are about 5 metres apart so we can have a ‘distant’ short chat and wave. Now there’s a thought. Peeps, you can only chat with a neighbour when you put the bins out. What has society come to?

Considering that Birmingham Airport is preparing to become a morgue I have just checked to see if it’s open for it’s primary purpose or closed. Yes, it’s open for business. A plane landed from Dublin at 2.20. Well, I’m assuming it was one plane but the board stated five different arrivals at the same time from Dublin. I cannot imagine five full planes landing  simultaneously from one place. I’m wondering how many people were actually on board and were they sitting apart? The next plane arrives from Aberdeen and expected at 5.15. Imagine arriving and seeing preparation of a mortuary? There are only four departures today. Well, there won’t be a queue will there?

I’m reminded of the time in the sixties when Castle Donnington, near Nottingham became an airport. My grandparents lived in nearby Kegworth, a village surrounded by green fields then. I remember walking round the area when I was about six or seven and being told that what looked like a long road in the middle of a field was a runway and used in the war. I climbed on to the gate and looked at the forsaken runway with blades of grass sprouting up. I imagined planes soaring up into the sky. It had not been used since the war. Yes, the present East Midlands airport was once a massive field and used for flights during the war. Such excitement when it was transformed into an airport. I was eager to go and see a plane land. My father took me up and I waited with anticipation for three hours to see that magnificent bird fly down from the sky. It looks like things have gone full circle. If I were not in lockdown and able to visit Birmingham Airport I’d have to wait three hours to see a plane land.

I’m now watching the latest update. We’re being told that many peeps have tested negative. Now, my mind is working overtime. Does this mean that they are immune? Can they still get symptoms? If so, can they take another test or are you only allowed one?

Just found all details like Will, solicitor, house deeds receipt and placed the brown envelope clearly marked prominently on the library shelf. I was a Brownie and a Girl Guide. Girls could not be Cubs or Scouts in those days. The motto was to be prepared. I am prepared. Shall not play Scrabble today. Beginning notes on next book, EVIL PERSONIFIED IS THE DEVIL’S DISCIPLE. May be published posthumously.

It’s early evening now. Time for vino and food. Will keep an eye on the appalling figures. Latest prediction for those of us who survive this is a possible six months before we see restrictions are over. I guess it’s goodbye to those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer. No Antonio!

Try to stay positive, Love you all, Lady M xxxxx

Sofia's Choice 5...Just Smile

A relaxing place

Just chillaxing

                                                                     Howde Folks,

For our fifth choice we have selected a post from May of this year where Lady M clearly outlines the numerous problems in today's society but concludes with wonderful advice and that is the   message we want to give you... Just smile. Remember, folks, one day you'll be where we are. In a place of love and happiness but wondering why you wasted so much of that thing called 'time' being miserable while you were on the earth. Smile and be happy!

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I recently declared myself the founder member of the TOPO club (Tired, old and pi**ed off). Then I added an ‘L’ (lazy) making it the TOPOL club. The next milestone in my life is 70. I am in the twilight years of my life or, as many refer to these years, the ‘waiting for God’ years. If I am honest I would not like to be a youngster in today’s world.

I look around me and listen to the news, usually in despair, although today there is some sunshine of happiness as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex show the world their new born son; seventh in line to the throne and the Queen’s eighth great-grandchild.

What do I normally see and hear? I recall the 1960’s when my generation wanted to change the world and make it a better place. Alas, it is far worse than it used to be. Where did it all go wrong? Brexit is a disaster, I never thought I would be embarrassed to be British, but that day has arrived. Knife crime is rife. It is no longer safe to walk on our streets. Homelessness is on the increase as rents and property prices soar. Youngsters, if they are lucky enough, stay at home because they cannot afford to move out. I left home at the age of 18 to go to college paid for by a grant from the Government which did not have to be repaid. Today’s youth frequently reject that option because they do not want a student debt around their neck for the rest of their life.

Industries, once the last bastions of society, are failing through rising costs and lacking sales. Who remembers Woolworths? That famous High Street store? It closed its doors over a decade ago and was followed by many others… BHS, MFI, Toys ‘R’ Us, Brantano, Poundworld, Habitat, Comet, HMV, Staples/Office Outlet, Debenhams In fact, an online check indicates that over 470 store names have failed in the last 12 years. The problem? They usually say it’s due to Internet marketplaces. Technology now rules our lives but does not protect our livelihood which leads to insecurity and daily fear of job losses for individuals. In turn, this leads to stress and high anxiety over how to pay the bills.

Recently, two jets have fallen out of the sky due to a malfunction with the software. Apparently, the captains were unable to override the computers on board the new jets. So, are computers now controlling us? Originally, man/woman or in this ‘PC’ age maybe I should say ‘human’ controlled the computers on board and were able to fly manually in the event of computer failure. On these two occasions that was not possible.

Have you ever been at the bank, garage, store, library or in fact anywhere when the computers are down? What happens? Nothing apart from chaos because everything ceases. We are brought to a halt by inanimate objects.

Am I the only person left who does not walk around with a phone attached to my ear? It seems that in this new technological age people are unable to do anything without a mobile/cell phone. Apparently, many are losing sleep because they are afraid of missing an important text. Yes, I know I’m using a computer now. I also am on social media sites and I have iPads, but could I live without them? Yes. On holiday, I frequently do. I only log on occasionally to flick through emails and give updates on FB for those of my readers who wish to share my holiday experience.

Last week I wrote about us being in a third world war. This week I am looking at another problem in our society. In the fifties there was excitement over the new jet age as people began flying around the world. Since, those days everything has speeded up and materialism has become an essential part of life. Everyone seems to want the latest expensive gadget yesterday regardless of whether they are in the financial position to afford it. Money is the commodity by which our society functions. For most, it is acquired by work.

Alas, when work is under threat and redundancies or closures are an every day fear; anxiety, panic and depression creep in. Survival is a problem; despair takes over. Mental health is now a serious issue although unheard of in my youth. Each dawn just brings another headache and something to be endured.

Is there a solution? I’ve no idea but a smile will ease the pain, make you feel better and more able to face the dreary day ahead. Think of each day as a holiday. Give yourself a mantra, “I’m happy”, “I’m lucky”, “I feel great… or whatever.

Wear a smile not a frown. Smiles are infectious. Take it on yourself to smile and make the world a better place.

Just smile! 😅😆😇😉😊😍😎

I've added a few pretty pics to help you.

Lady M