Books by MARILYN L RICE

            

Hello Everyone,

      

 Lady M here. I thought it was time to update you on all of MARILYN L. RICE'S  books.

Way back in 2001she published Time &Tide on her 50th birthday. This book is now out of print but second-hand copies are available on such places as eBay and Amazon.

                                                                    

'TIME AND TIDE' tells the story of Irene Joy Stephenson, born on January 1 1950. The Prologue sets the scene for her fiftieth birthday; chapter one goes back in time to her birth. She realizes that life is cruel at an early age when her mother attempts suicide and her brother dies on his first birthday. When she is ten the family move from a Nottinghamshire village to a country estate, owned by Lord Fordingham, where her father takes up the post of Estate Manager. She, and the gardener's son, Daniel become childhood sweethearts. They plan their future together; they both pass the 11+ examination and take up places at the local Grammar School. They are inseparable until he is killed in a car accident. She returns to school as a sixth-former, takes the 'A' level exams and then attends the local College of Education. In her final year she meets Philip White. They qualify as teachers and marry in 1972 before taking up posts in Birmingham. On her wedding night she realizes that it has all been a mistake. She does not love him but was infatuated by his similarity to Daniel. They drift apart; he has an affair with a sixth-former from his school. He and Irene divorce and he leaves the area with his pregnant girlfriend in disgrace. Irene is left devastated and alone again. Her Head of Department helps her pick up the pieces of her broken life. Their relationship develops; they marry and are happy but it is short lived. He has a tragic accident before he finds out he is to be a father. Irene returns to her parents at Fordingham and gives birth to a son who only lives for a few months. The local vicar tries to help her through the trauma. She becomes involved in the Church and eventually marries him. As the vicar's wife she feels that she has found her true vocation in life. In 1993 the Rev. Alistair Duncan finds that he cannot come to terms with female vicars. Priesthood for him is a male domain. His solution is to tell  the Bishop telling of his crisis of faith and his wish not to be found before disappearing. Irene spends the last years of the nineties just waiting for January 2000 when seven years after his desertion she will officially become a widow. She must carry on with her life in the new century because 'TIME AND TIDE' wait for no one'. Throughout the story, in the form of a diary written by Irene's mother, is a concise history of events, changes and discoveries during the second half of the twentieth century, possibly the most dynamic fifty years in our history.

No Regrets was published in 2003 and Stay in Touch in 2005. They are both available on the Internet or message her! 

                                                               

NO REGRETS

"When we meet the heroine, 30-something Joanna, she is newly divorced and trying to rebuild her life. We share her innermost thoughts, as she realises that she has to come to terms with being an available single woman for any predatory male among her neighbours and at the school where she teaches, a hotbed of professional and sexual duplicity. How she reconciles her new role in life, copes and fails to cope with the challenges, results in a diary-based novel startling in its frankness. Marilyn L Rice brings acute observation to her story which moves along at a pace, fully involving the reader. Many will identify with the agonising decisions facing professional women. This is reality in today’s world."  John Jenkins

STAY IN TOUCH

"Just what can drive a woman to murder? Or even three murders? Men. How can she become a serial killer, undetected and rich on the proceeds of her crimes? It all seems so simple for Christabelle after failed marriages to a homosexual and a bigamist. She confides only so much to her best friend as they recall their youthful wishes and dreams. If you have ever written down 50 things you intend to do before 30,40 or 50 you will understand and marvel at this black comedy.

Marilyn L Rice has written a story which races along with the pace of a thriller yet shrewdly observes the problems facing women today and a terrifying solution of how they can be overcome.

And when you have finished the book the story will stay long in your mind...whether you are a woman - or even more so if you are a man."   John Jenkins

In 2007, she launched her fourth book, Look After Each Other. It became the first in the Sofia trilogy although when she wrote it she was not sure it would work. 

The idea for this book was to interweave three things. The inspiration, came from events in her life. She once had the misfortune to meet a gentlemen whose sole aim in life was to complain and find fault. She  always had a strong relationship with her father and thirdly, had visited clairvoyants/mediums. What if? Could she work with a plot involving these three ideas and a lot of 'what if's?  It worked!

"Sofia Haslington is a 36-year-old mother and housewife kept under the thumb of her priggish, anal-retentive husband, Derek. Living by a second-to-second timetable and under strict rules enforced by her husband, Sofia decides to visit a well-respected clairvoyant, hoping for a bit of respite from her otherwise dreary existence. But what she is surprised to learn that day not only changes her life...it changes her. "

                                                               

(The hardback cover)

 SOFIA'S LEGACY

"This book answers the question," Is there 'life' after death?" Sofia has died, but come back from "upstairs" to watch her funeral. What a revelation! To be able to see and hear what people were saying about her now that she was dead and they had no idea she could see and hear them. And Derek? Well, if ever there was a hypocrite it's Derek. Her father, Scott was with her and while Derek was, trying to be the centre of attention, reading a passage from 1 Corinthians at the crematorium, Scott blew smoke rings in his face. He tried to shout above the smoke rings. It was hilarious..."

And, completing the trilogy,  book SIX, 

LOVE YOU FOREVER

Five years have passed. It is 2010. The reader sees how dramatic and unimaginable events have changed the lives of everyone Sofia left behind at Haslington Towers. Even more surprising events occur that lead to devastating consequences. You really will have to read it! I am not going to give anything else away!
But to quote from the blurb,
 "This stunning book series delves into karma, the afterlife, and more things in heaven and earth than you have ever dreamed!"

                                                  

All the trilogy are available from the publisher’s website:  http://sbprabooks.com/MarilynLRice  

Amazon, online retailers or paperback copies from the author. Just email for signed copies to marilynlrice@talktalk.net

The first two are in eBook format and the final book will be soon.

LIFE IS...

Published as a result of postings on Facebook! I think that answers a popular question of where do authors get their inspiration from!

                                                        

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' on 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!"

Published as an eBook only on Kindle

 THE SINGING HORSES

                                               

                                 

                                      

"The uproarious saga of the singing horses begins when they leave the paddock in Alabama and travel to Memphis for votes because they all want to win The Best Equine Author of the Year contest. Although they’re competing to win, they work together in the entertainment industry as the famous singing horses’ troupe. They are widely known for their escapades throughout the United States and Europe, causing mayhem wherever they go. Each horse has a number and a special talent, such as #00, the dancing queen, #23, a ballerina and filly friend of #7 who is related to the racing legend, Red Rum. They ride on the Orient Express to Venice, where they face the paparazzi who chase them, so they go into hiding. The paparazzi put up a €10,000 reward for information on them. A McDoodles employee takes a photo of #7 eating chips and sends it to the paparazzi, forcing them to gallop away again. They flee to Moscow, on to Athens and then to the donkey sanctuary in Cyprus, all the while performing and neighing for votes. During the long wait for the announcement of the final ten authors, they travel to New Orleans, where they enjoy numerous cocktails and much merriment. Ultimately, the announcement of the winner is a big surprise to everyone but the judges! The remaining contestants refuse to leave their lovely paddock and stage a neigh-in. Bulldozers and diggers arrive to destroy the paddock, but the paparazzi stand in protest with the equine."

The Singing Horses is a delightful story full of hilarious adventures to delight readers of all ages."   Out of print but copies still available from the author. Please leave a message.

                                                                        

THE SAD LITTLE FOAL

                                                                 

This story was written not by a human but a small orphan foal, #7, who has little legs, is only eight hands high, and loves chips. We think it is based on his life with fantasy as are most stories. Have you ever read anything written by a young member of the equine community? #7 entered his foal story in a competition. He was delighted when Mr. J. invited him to ‘The Paddock’ to take part in a contest for a much coveted prize - a publishing contract and the title, “Best Equine Author of the Year”. The story of that contest is THE SINGING HORSES. #7’s foal story, THE SAD LITTLE FOAL, caused the website to crash as every human and equine wanted to read his manuscript. Now it is published all may read it. It is about a foal meeting his mama for the first time, falling asleep by her side. When he wakes his mama has gone. He is very sad and waits for her to return. Alas, she is in equine heaven. This little foal waits for his papa to come and teach him all the little foal things he needs to know. He’s surprised to discover his papa is a celebrity… In this book, THE SAD LITTLE FOAL  you may read information regarding the author, an introduction about the story before you read it, the foal story, two chapters from THE SINGING HORSES, extra information about the special equine language and etiquette. Finally, and naturally information about the author’s other books. Enjoy.

Suitable 8 -99! Only available as an eBook at the moment and from Amazon

The Sad Little Foal: A magical moving horse story for all ages. eBook : Rice, Marilyn L: Amazon.co.uk: Kindle Store

The author frequently sees secondhand copies online! 

Happy reading to all of my followers.

Love Lady M xxxxx

The Sad Little Foal

 

#Amazon #sadlittlefoal, #singinghorses, #foalstory #equine #booklovers, #readers  #shortstory #horses #foals #unique #different #kindle #greatread #whattoread #movingstory #smile #adelight #mustread #AmazonCart 

Hello everyone 

Yea! #10 published. E-book only. #7’s story from the THE SINGING HORSES is available for all, at last. Enjoy.

This story was written not by a human but a small orphan foal, #7, who has little legs, is only eight hands high, and loves chips. We think it is based on his life with fantasy as are most stories. Have you ever read anything written by a young member of the equine community? #7 entered his foal story in a competition. He was delighted when Mr. J. invited him to ‘The Paddock’ to take part in a contest for a much coveted prize - a publishing contract and the title, “Best Equine Author of the Year”. The story of that contest is THE SINGING HORSES. 

#7’s foal story, THE SAD LITTLE FOAL, caused the website to crash as every human and equine wanted to read his manuscript. Now it is published all may read it. It is about a foal meeting his mama for the first time, falling asleep by her side. When he wakes his mama has gone. He is very sad and waits for her to return. Alas, she is in equine heaven. This little foal waits for his papa to come and teach him all the little foal things he needs to know. He’s surprised to discover his papa is a celebrity…

In this book, THE SAD LITTLE FOAL  you may read information regarding the author, an introduction about the story before you read it, the foal story, two chapters from THE SINGING HORSES, extra information about the special equine language and etiquette. Finally, and naturally information about the author’s other books. Enjoy.

Suitable 8+ - 99!

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BRYFTB44?ref_=cm_sw_s_fa_ud_sem_HMCGHQG4V94YS565RQ8Y#_=_

On Your Own Doorstep--- The Library of Birmingham

The Library of Birmingham



       Originally posted on 17/7/2015. Wow! 9 years ago but it’s on my doorstep. I haven’t been for awhile due to Covid and the fact that our trams have not been operating a service to the Library. Summer is coming and time to go out and explore if public services are not on strike! During Covid everyone wanted to work but now they do not. What a strange world. I posted this a couple of years ago and am now giving it a third airing. Look around you and find exciting places to visit on your doorstep.

Howde Folks,

Yes Sofia here, Lady M has summoned me back for one week only to tell you all about her visit to the new Library of Birmingham. At Christmas a friend enlightened her regarding the use of the concessionary bus pass for Senior Citizens. She had never bothered to collect one because buses are not as convenient as her little car BUT she discovered that the bus pass can be used on the Metro and trains in the Central Network area. So, she applied for hers and last week managed to find the tram and had a free ride into Birmingham. She returned on a 129 bus which took the scenic tour round Warley and about an hour to get back to West Bromwich. Since then she has been boasting that she no longer has a virgin bus pass! Really!

The second city, Birmingham is on her own doorstep. It's only five miles down the road but it now costs a fortune to park the car which is why she stopped going into town. However, this new library was a good reason to venture into the city. What did she see? Take a look at the pics below.

Looking up from the Amphitheatre



Vietnamese? No problem

The Book Rotunda

Chinese!

Discovery Terrace




Centenary Square and the War Memorial as seen from The Discovery Terrace





The Shakespeare Memorial Room

There are publishers who say that you should be able to describe your work in 25 words or less, so here goes... The Library of Birmingham in 25 words...

 

 

UNIQUE, INTRIGUING, SCENIC, THE RIBBON ROOM, CAFE, SHOP, INFORMATION, SHAKESPEARE MEMORIAL ROOM, AMPHITHEATRE, MUSIC LIBRARY, BOOK ROTUNDA, DISCOVERY TERRACE, EXHIBITIONS, GLASS LIFT, SECRET GARDEN... BOOKS!



The canal as seen from The Secret Garden

If you can get there, go and see for yourself!

 

Love Sofia xxxx 

 



Pandemic. Plan B

 

Neigh, #7 still here.

Do you like the pic? It looks a lot like us. I found it in Lady M's archives. We, equine, are happy and relaxed animals. We take life as it comes. Humans have learnt a lot from us over the years. You can read all about us in Lady M's book "The Singing Horses" We are available from #amazon, the Internet, libraries, bookshops. If you live in England, in the Midlands we are on show at the Blue Sheep Books shop in Wednesbury. Pop along and treat yourself. Allegedly, restrictions in England are coming to an end soon. So, this will be the last time I will be neighing you from her Covid Chronicles. Enjoy!

Day 663, Saturday 15^th January 2022, (Day 47, Plan B) The end is in sight. Light at the end of the tunnel!

 It’s the weekend. Apparently, it was very foggy last night and this morning? Really? It was beautiful and sunny when I rose earlier today. Oh, it’s afternoon now. However, When I came downstairs and opened the curtains Mrs Pigeons was looking for me. I obeyed her glare and went outside into the January sunshine. I took seed outside for her and hubby. She flew to the fence and stared. Ah, I understood. Coo! Coo! There was a large block of ice on the top of the water, and she was thirsty. I, being a kind person, removed it for her. I came back into the kitchen for my brekky, and she flew to her table for her breakfast, Hubby joined her. So, all is well in my garden.

It is Saturday. I put the BBC news channel on. What is this? Our Booster Boris has been in isolation since Thursday as someone in his family had a positive Covid test. Is this totally true or is he in hiding? The Labour leader and even Tory supporters are demanding that he must go. More revelations of parties in Downing Street. I am wondering if there was ever a time when they didn’t party during our lockdown. They had ‘wine time’ Friday while Covid rules were in place. It sounds like our country has been run by a load of party revellers or alcoholics. It doesn’t inspire confidence in our government, does it?

 One person was interviewed because he had a bar in his garden. No law against that but during lockdown he was feeling low, like the rest of us. Three friends came and joined him one evening for drinks. Did they social distance? There was plenty of room. I don’t know but a law-abiding citizen phoned the police. They arrived and the four of them were fined. At the time, they thought… fair enough! Now, they are wondering if they should demand their money back. During the first lockdown it was rather like prohibition days. Peeps would have lock-in parties and if caught the fine was a maximum of £10,000. Numerous peeps were fined. How many will demand a refund or insist on our politicians paying the maximum fine of £10,000 each?

 Enough, time to look at essential item…tv mag. Ah, ‘On the buses’, a great comedy film from the 70’s. That suits me for the rest of the morning.

 Okay must make some effort today. Tv off until later. Time to potter and remove the Christmas décor form the dining room. Then, I guess I will have to flitter round with my feather duster and wander round the house until I discover where the vacuum cleaner is hiding. Be back later.

 What is newsworthy this afternoon? Our #1 tennis player is back in detention in Australia. His visa has been revoked. The Judge decided on this action after protests regarding his anti-vaxxer attitude. Will he play in the Australian Open next week? Will he be allowed to defend his title? Your guess is as good as mine.

 There has been a tsunami in Tonga in the South Pacific. We seem to have had a lot of those in the last fifteen years or so. I don’t remember any prior to 2004. Interesting.

 We are excited locally because the Commonwealth Games will be going ahead from the 28^th of July and hosted here in Birmingham. Covid will not stop us. Neither will it stop the plans for our Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Events are planned from 6^th of next month, the day of her succession to the throne. Do you know, my friends, there was actually a King on the throne when I was born but as the only Monarch, I have ever know is our lovely Queen, I find it hard to believe. ‘The Queen’s Green Canopy’ has been in operation since May of last year and was set up, with the aim of planting trees during this period to commemorate her Jubilee and to increase and protect the native tree cover. Nice, isn’t it?

 Playing time. Then dinner and another quiet night in.

 Day 664, Sunday 16^th January 2022, (Day 48. Plan B)

 Greetings, my friends. All is well. I have been out and fed the pigeons. Sunshine. I am having a lazy day. but I will give you my traditional Covid update.

 Oh, Novak Djokovic is on a plane back to Serbia. He has been deported, visa revoked and will not be playing in the tournament. The decision to deport him was made on the grounds of health and good order. His anti-vaxxer principle may well cost him future tournaments.

 Covid! Things are getting better for us, in the UK, both our case figures and death statistics are falling as a result of the high number in our population being jabbed. 70,924 cases with 88 deaths.  However, we are still at #4 in the global league table with total case figure at 15,217,280. France at #5 appears to be in a worse situation, 14,000,000+ total cases and today’s figure 278,129. That is more than India who are in the second position globally. The US remain in the lead with 66,995,553 total cases, almost twice that of India (37,380,253) Then, remember, my friends, I frequently question how accurate these figures are and feel that in reality they should be doubled.

 Tomorrow is Blue Monday. So, what do we have to do? Stay cheerful!

Day 665, Monday, 17^th, January 2022 (Year 2, Week 97, Day 49 Plan B. Whatever)

                                           BLUE MONDAY!

 Greetings from myself, pigeons, and Wheelie Bins. All of my family wish you a happy Monday. I confess I was late waking up this morning and feeling blue. Psychological because I know it is ‘Blue Monday’. I had to give myself a good talking to. I told all my aches and pains to go away. Sunshine was streaming through the drapes. Happiness is a state of mind. I smiled. Right! Out of bed! Stroll into other rooms. Life is good. I am lucky (well, I will be if I win the lottery). Get a move on, girl. Soixante-neuf et deux is perilously close. I must enjoy the life I have left. Things to do.

 Downstairs. Brekky. Gyles Brandreth is on the box talking of happiness and this blue Monday. He is giving advice. Things like create a passion. Go out. Be a leaf. That one fooled me. He explained that leaves stay on tree as individuals but when they fall to the ground they die. Clever. Basically, he agrees with me. It is up to ourselves to be happy. Happiness is from within.

 Why is it ‘blue Monday’ when the sun is shining, the grass is green, buds on the trees, buses are passing by, although not many passengers travelling? Well, I guess some peeps have snow, rain and cold. Anyway, it is because it’s three weeks after Christmas, the bills are coming in, festivities are over, and gloom follows. In addition, these days we have the Covid factor which has resulted in unexpected fatalities, job losses, evictions, financial issues when Rishi’s magic beans failed to arrive.

 Tv mag. Yes, “Guess who’s coming to dinner” is on Channel 51 this afternoon. I shall watch it. Why? It’s got that drop-dead gorgeous guy starring in it. Sidney Poitier. It’s a golden oldie from 1967 and poignant highlighting the racial problem of the day. Oh, wait a minute. No- one has problems now, do they? I should say it addresses the issue. If you haven’t seen it, it is about an eminent man of colour falling in love with a white woman which shocks both families. The language, attitudes etc would not pass the censorship for films these days. It’s fantabulous!

 Okay. Get moving. Routine. Chores completed by 3.00pm. Film. Then, routine, take out Miss Bugsy Blue and Mrs Grisly Grey and converse with neighbour. A good point. The early evening is getting lighter.

 What is newsworthy? Wow! Do I not always say that you get away with nothing in life? Today, the 66 year old, Paul Shakespeare, has been sentenced for the crime of rape he committed over 30 years ago. He moved on with his life, even moved 250 miles away and judging by the look on his face when the police arrived at his home last year to arrest him, he had forgotten all about it. Got away with it. Wasn’t he clever? DNA! A sample was taken at the time, but DNA was in its infancy then and there was no match on record. As a result of another crime and Paul’s DNA was taken and hey presto! A match!

 Princes Harry and Andrew are in the news again and seem to be there more frequently than the rest of the Royals who are still ‘Royal’. Prince Harry is planning on coming back to England with his children this year presumably for the Jubilee celebrations. He is concerned about protection and wants to pay for the Royal protection squaddies to look after him and his children. Alas, not possible. It’s all to do with red-tape and legalities. He is not a working Royal and therefore is not entitled to it. Neither can it be paid for. Is Meghan coming? Doesn’t sound like it. As for Andrew, Jeffrey, and Miss Maxwell. Well, Jeffrey went for sword rather than dishonour allegedly committing suicide in jail. Miss Maxwell is awaiting her sentence. Why? When she is unlikely to see the light of day again. Andrew? Facing a civil court case in New York having been stripped of Royal titles and dignity? He will face the court as an ordinary man and not a prince. Maybe, that is what it is all about. Retaliation. Virginia Giuffre just wanted him to lose everything. Guess we will find out in time.

 A more serious problem has hit the headlines tonight. Life in Kabul under the Taliban ruling. The reporter showed us families homeless, in financial despair and without food for the winter. Snow on the ground and children with bare feet. Dismal. Aid should have got through to these people. Alas. No. One man is even selling his daughter because he cannot care for her.

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

Aw, that is so sad. A papa selling his daughter because he cannot look after her. Sad. We neigh you a happy week ahead. Brighter days are coming. Stay positive and happy. The Singing Horses love you all.

                                        The Singing Horses | Book | Austin Macauley Publishers 

                                                         

 Neigh, #7!

Covid-19 one year on.

                                                                

Hello Everyone,

Believe it or not we have been in this pandemic situation for twelve months. How things have changed. I thought I would share with you the first couple of days of my journal. When I began I expected it to be for the initial twenty-one day lockdown in the UK. How wrong can you be? 

“Lockdown time

Good morning. It is 11.23 Tuesday morning, 24^th March 2020. I am reclining on the sofa with my cuppa, (no not wine, well in a week or two, maybe) of coffee and watching Holly and Phillip on television. ‘This Morning’ they tell us has been declared essential in these trying times. The sun is shining, soon I shall go out and collect the bins. I heard the bin men come earlier and that is about all that is normal in this unprecedented situation.

 

Last night at 8.29 Boris Johnson, our PM, made an announcement. He explained the dire Coronavirus situation and desperate measures of isolation which must be taken in order to save lives. We already had restrictions in place, working from home where possible, self isolation, public places where peeps socialised advised to close, parks and open spaces staying open for exercise but we must stay 2 metres a part. Sadly, we have idiots in our community who decided to see the pleasant weekend as a holiday. They rushed to holiday spots and got as close to each other as they could. So now, we are in lockdown. Pretty soon, I guess most countries will be in the same situation. Some already are.

 

As many of you know I am a night owl. I rise late and am awake until the small hours. So, it was 10.30 when I strained myself to get out of bed on auto pilot. I walked into my library and looked out on to our little street which by this time of day is normally a car park. Today, just residents’ cars. No cars on the distant Tesco car park and very few vehicles on the road. At last peeps have heeded the warning and are forced to conform. Once dressed I visit the computer for email and games on FB. Was there a life before social media? Where would we be now without it?

 

Then, I staggered down the stairs, something which is getting harder with age. Breakfast time and turn on downstairs television and iPad. The first thing I do and have done for a week is look at the updated number of Coronavirus cases locally. Depressing and frightening. Today, it’s 31. What will it be tomorrow?

 

Before the second cuppa I decided to go out at the back of my property and bring the bins in. I looked down the street and someone was taking the opportunity to clean her car but too far down to engage in conversation. Then another vehicle came round the corner, an opposite neighbour. Apparently, he had been out for essential items like milk and found it extremely difficult to find any. One of the supermarkets had an unimaginable queue of peeps clinging to trolleys at a safe distant apart. He eventually bought milk from a corner shop. Yes, we had social intercourse but were two metres apart.

 

After the second cuppa I returned to the library and worked at the computer while admiring the outside world. It was like being in that parallel universe I frequently talk of. So few vehicles and I observed two buses pass both without passengers. I guess the usual ones are senior citizens with passes and they are all in self isolation.

 

Later, I came back downstairs and opened up my porch/conservatory for the summer. During the winter months I only use it as storage. Soon, it will be full of beautiful plants with room for a chair so that I can sit in it and enjoy our glorious summer which will come at the end of this insanity.

 

For the rest of the day I have played games and watched television. I made one phone call. Part of my survival programme is to phone one person each day. I predict the telephone will make a come back and peeps will actually talk as opposed to texting. Right now, I’m watching a rerun of ‘Midsomer Murders’ with a glass of wine. As of yet I have not succumbed to the chocolate but tomorrow who knows?

 

Soon, I’m going to enjoy a bubble bath before retiring. Hey we’ve survived day one of lockdown and to quote Scarlett O’Hara , ‘tomorrow is another day’.

 

Day 2,

 

Good morning! The sun is still shining. First things first, do I have a temperature or cough? No, so thankfully I have not yet succumbed to this virus. Thank you, Lord, for sparing me. If you remember, peeps, I lost my insignificant other to Cancer last September. He was a medium and I recall what he said after the 911 terrorist attack. It was the beginning of many bad things, there would be more attacks, floods, and disease. It was going to be like the plagues of Egypt all over again and when it’s over the world will be a better place. Is this the last of the new plagues?

 

Breakfast time and I check the local number of cases, it is still 31. I guess that’s some good news for now. The breaking news is that Prince Charles has contracted the virus, even royalty is not immune. I wonder what would be on the news if there were no Coronavirus?

 

My plans for the rest of the day? First, second cuppa. Still no wine at breakfast time but I did finish a bottle off last night. Then, I’m gonna get the car out of the garage and clean the interior, maybe the outside. That depends on how energetic I feel. Later, I shall continue repotting or taking cuttings from my plants and put more of them into my summer conservatory. Yes, I’ll be watching television and on the computer. I shall also make my daily phone call. Have made a list and will phone Shirley, someone I met on hols a few years ago. I have decided to plan each evening for what I intend doing the next day. I may not stick to it but it’s worth a try.

 

As a writer I am used to solitude and self-isolation so you would think this lockdown would be easy for me. No. The difference is one of choice. My freedom and freedom of choice has been taken from me. In one sense we are being treated like prisoners. Loss of freedom through no fault of our own or if we are suffering new plagues maybe it is our fault for choosing materialism over humanity during the last decades. We have become selfish and greedy people as opposed to considerate human beings. Just look at the empty supermarket shelves.

 

I’m now thinking about prisoners. Are they thinking, now you know how we feel? Anyway, we must all stay positive and united through this madness.

 

Here I am again. It is 7.15 and I’m watching ‘Emmerdale’. The day has gone pretty well, all things considered. The car has had an interior clean and the surplus grime has been removed from the exterior. Full wash? Too energetic and not essential in these trying times. Yes, more plants are sorted and looking pretty in the conservatory. The birds have been fed. 

 

I made that phone call and, I think, I brightened the day for someone. She seemed to think it was a good idea. I have another victim ready for tomorrow.

 

Today, we have all been aware of the best and the worst of people. Over 400,000 have answered the Governments call for help. At the other extreme there’s profiteering and those trying to steal NHS workers identity badges to get priority at supermarkets. On a positive note, it does seem that the message is hitting home. Fewer people congregating and more staying at home.

 

Somehow, we will get through this. I have plans for tomorrow."

Wow! My friends, this is not over. The third wave has arrived. We have another twelve months of this so brace yourselves. Accepting it and learning to live with it is the only way to survive and thrive!

Stay safe. Love, Lady M xxxxx

Lockdown 3

 

Hello Everyone,

The Singing Horses and I would like to wish you a Happy 2021 despite these trying times. We need to keep smiling and stay positive. Okay, maybe I am getting a little repetitive but you know it makes sense. Misery, worry, anxiety leads to depression and is a downward road. Happiness will keep us going even if, and as I fear, 2021 will not be much better than 2020. It will come to an end and so will this dreaded lurgy. As I write this, we in England are back in lockdown. We are back to square one, exactly where we were last March. How many more lockdowns? I think another two and a third wave. Hopefully, I am wrong but I have been right so far. If I am right even more reason to stay cheerful. Our Boris spoke to the Nation at 8.00pm last night, Monday, and gave us this sad news, not that we were not expecting it. Our 'R' rate is above one, our NHS is struggling. Schools must close. We must stay at home apart from essential shopping, medical reasons, exercise... We have heard it all before. Holiday abroad? Forget it. All foreign travel for pleasure is banned. Boris has a reputation for tardiness but I will say this about him, he has got balls! He has been close to death after contracting Covid-19 but survived and keeps going or thriving on energy from somewhere. He has a positivity and optimism throughout and how did he conclude his address last night? We have a vaccine. We are injecting to full capacity and hope to have the top four categories inoculated by Easter thus summer should be normal. Right or wrong Boris will come through smiling and so must we!

The Singing Horses | Book| Austin Macauley Publishers

The Singing Horses: Amazon.co.uk: Marilyn L Rice: 9781528950251: Books

Stay safe everyone. Lots of love, Lady M 💓💓💓

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 💓💓💓💓