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

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 💓💓💓💓

 

Covid Chronicles 4

Always keep a candle burning for remembrance, hope and life.

Hello Everyone,

I hope you are all keeping well and free from the lurgy. As I prepare this for Friday I note that the global figure has passed 51,000,000 and the USA have passed the 10,000,000 mark. Scary! We have, in England been in lockdown for six days but it is not as restricted as last time. I am puzzled. Either it is a full lockdown or it is not. Wales has just come out of its 'fire breaker' and claim that the number of cases has decreased. However, this is not the main news this week. The USA election has upstaged it. Trump is 'out' and Biden is 'in', we think but as far as Trump is concerned it is not over. He talks of election rigging and is contesting it. Okay, he can afford it. I have an interesting mental picture of next January when Joe Biden is inaugurated and attempts to get into the White House. The cameras are focused on a screaming Donald Trump being forcibly evicted. 

This week I am sharing the weekends postings with you. Enjoy.

Day 229, November 7^th, 2020. Saturday. Lockdown 2, Day 3

Afternoon. I am back. Yesterday has disappeared down the black hole of memories. America is close to a conclusion. Here, it is a fantastic day for November. My car is due for its annual service and M o T on Thursday. Actually, it is its 18-month service not annual, courtesy of Coronavirus. I was pleased in May because I saved dosh, but I have to spend it now. I have been outside and cleared everything out of it ready for Thursday. Hopefully, the collection and delivery service will be operating, or I have a seven-mile drive and a long wait ahead of me.

I have pottered about today, playing, tidying up, wrapping Christmas pressies and even managed a spot of ‘touch up’ painting. I found it all a little tiring considering my soixante-neuf age. Then needed a snooze. Now, it’s almost dinner time but I am doing a spot of work before playing on Clockmaker.

16.40. Breaking news. America has a result. Joe Biden has passed the magic number of 270 in the Electoral College (whatever that means. America please excuse my ignorance.) He is now at 273 and declared President elect while Trump remains on 214 and probably sulking, barricading himself in the White House, and starting his campaign to be reinstated on the grounds of a fraudulent election although there is no evidence to support that. Half of America must be rejoicing but my gut feeling tells me this aint over yet.

Day 230, November 8^th, 2020. Remembrance Sunday, Lockdown 2, Day 4.

Hi there peeps, all this counting is ‘doing my head in’. Yes, it is 230 days since Boris announced the lockdown which lasted for about three months and not the predicted three weeks. Many thought erroneously that it was all over when the first non-essential businesses opened. Well, how wrong were they? And it is day 4 of the present lockdown. If you think it’s gonna be the last one, I fear you are mistaken.

First, I want to talk to you about last night. There was the traditional BBC Remembrance Service from The Royal Albert Hall. Remembrance Day is 11^th of this month and commemorated specifically for all those who have not returned from war. However, a service and ceremony are held on the weekend nearest to the date. There will be another service from Westminster Abbey on Wednesday morning. Last night the service went ahead, presented by Hew Edwards, and in its normal form but without an audience. I believe it had been pre-recorded but that was the only difference. Some World War 2 veterans were present in the Hall including the one and only, Captain Sir Tom Moore! I am beginning to fall in love with that man. He is such a treasure and inspiration. I hope those who are in the ‘suicidal’ frame of mind will look at him, smile and gain positivity and hope from his endeavours and attitude towards life, “tomorrow will be a good day”. I am digressing but that’s what ‘Tom’ does to me. Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall were present and gave speeches. There was music from the late Vera Lynn, (from her news clips obviously). Readings and songs plus a short service. We also saw a recording of the Queen’s visit to Westminster Abbey earlier in the week where she laid a replica of her wedding bouquet on the tomb of the unknown soldier. I hadn’t realised but it is 100 years since her great-grandfather, George V oversaw the solemn event of the burial of that individual. Isn’t it weird how things happen? This year we should have been having great celebrations for the 75^th anniversary of VE and VJ Day. Even the Chelsea Pensioners who would normally walk down the steps to a standing ovation were not forgotten. Michael Ball and Alfie Boe joined them in their home for a special recording of ‘Boys of the Old Brigade’ the music usually played when they make their appearance.

What all this tells me is that our life is continuing regardless of the lurgy. We have adapted to the brave new world. I do not see us ever returning to the old ways of the late 20^th/early 21^st century. Life has changed. We are learning to accept that fact. Peeps have woken up and smelt the roses, learned what is important in life and it is not having the latest iPad. It is kindness, love, generosity, giving and not grabbing. Although yesterday has gone and the rat race has slowed down, I find it interesting that some of the old ways have returned… baking, gardening, growing vegetables, conversation, time with family. We have harkened to the ‘wake up’ call of nature.

That was last night. Now, this morning. First, the gardener arrived. So, now I have two green garden waste bins full of dead flowers, weeds, privet, and leaves. (I borrowed a bin. Must make sure I return it before someone nicks it!) Also, a garden ready for winter. Really need a few more bark chippings but are they essential items? Can the gardener find any? Watch this space.

While he was working, I watched the service at the Cenotaph in London. Again, as normal minus the 10,000 veterans and service personnel who do the march past. It was reduced to 26 peeps. The Royal family were present in force with two exceptions, Prince Harry, and Prince Andrew. The Queen, Duchess of Cornwall, Duchess of Cambridge, Countess of Wessex, and Commander Tim Lawrence were all present at windows watching the laying of the wreaths as usual, but they were social distancing! For the first time we saw Prince Edward stepping up to the mark replacing the missing members of the family. Wonder if they were watching? All the peeps who were taking part were social distancing. We have adapted.

Then, I watched “Songs of Praise”. It is not Sunday without that is it? Led by Aled Jones with the Remembrance theme. Conversations with veterans who pleaded with us never to forget those who gave their lives for us. Those brave men, they fought with and watched die. Once again, I am embarrassed when I think of how appalling my generation were in the sixties. War was over, gone and forgotten. Let’s enjoy life. We messed up. Thankfully, the youth of today have brought us back to our senses.

This morning seemed like a day and a half. Lunch. Play and work. This evening it is chicken chow mein for dinner and films.

Almost forgot. Been so much happening. Covid situation. Grim. Figure 50,387,605. That was originally my Christmas estimate. Last Sunday it was 46,788,146. It had risen by 3,619,000+. Approx the same as this week.

                 

Choose to be happy, have no regrets, and stay safe my friends. Love to you all, Lady M 💓💓💓

 

Covid Chronicles 1

 

                                                                                                                                                                          

Hello Everyone,

Lady M here. Yes, I am back as this awful virus is getting worse. I hope you have enjoyed a respite  here while Sofia and Donald dived into the archives. They left you with a quiz last week and I have posted the answers for you.

I am still scribing my log on the current events. It began as "Lockdown" for twenty-one days; it is now the "Covid Chronicles" and has reached 150,000 words. In real terms it is the length of 1 1/2 novels. I have posted the cover of my book "Stay in Touch" this week because I think the message is very relevant. We need to stay in touch with each other but not physically. I started phoning peeps every day at the beginning of this in an effort to reengage with the Landline telephone as opposed to texting and grunting at peeps. I am pleased to say that my humble effort has encouraged others to do the same. Please think about phoning friends or elderly relatives who are in seclusion as well as using social media.

This week I am sharing my chronicle entries for days 207-209. Yes, it is over 200 days since the UK went into lockdown! Enjoy

Day 207, Friday October 16^th, 2020

Good afternoon Peeps,

I have just had another exciting experience courtesy of the Society of Authors. I have had online meditation. Thoroughly relaxing, comforting, and invigorating experience. I feel I can take the world on now. Brill.

My new blog is up and running. I have been pottering and playing but feeling great.

What is happening today?

Our Boris has commented that if the EU does not change its approach we are going for a ‘no deal’ Brexit. Let me get this right. We are the ones, (well not me, but some) who want to leave the EU, but we expect them to accept our terms? Who put this man in charge anyway? I remember, peeps who heard him utter three words, “Get Brexit Done” and they put their faith in him. I hear Judge Rinder saying, “Stupid”.

On the Covid-19 situation Wales is likely to be following Northern Ireland on the circuit breaker or short sharp shock to control the virus soon. I have neighbours who were looking forward to the half-term hols and a short stay in Wales. Cancelled. As we are in the tier 2 high category, we are banned from going there and the First Minister for Wales (I didn’t know they had one) is looking to tighten things up, more restrictions coming.

As the situation in England worsens what is our Boris doing? Pondering and dithering. Apparently, SAGE advised weeks ago of the probable second wave and that early action needed to be taken. I think Boris is still pondering over that. “To be or not to be”, “to act or not to act” That is the question. Thinking about it, Boris never really gives a positive instruction, he either advises or suggests things but never clearly. Leaving us as a country in chaos and disarray. Greater Manchester is borderline for Tier 3 and they are protesting and refusing to accept it because there are insufficient funds provided by the government to compensate lost revenue. Boris is sitting back, watching, and waiting, saying that he will intervene if he must. Meanwhile, the gyms in Liverpool are refusing to obey the instruction to close because there is no evidence that they are a danger to peeps using them. The owners have spent a fortune conforming to the instructions given in a lengthy manual and if they close, they know they will not open again. As of midnight tonight, Lancashire will join Liverpool in Tier 3, but not all the rules are the same. Gyms do not have to close there. So same tier, different rules. Can you work it out?

On a more serious note there has been a beheading in Paris. A terrorist attack on a teacher who had been teaching about free speech and using the Charlie Hebdo cartoons of Mohammed. What is the world coming to?

Okay, I am off for dinner and tv. Nice bubble bath tonight and playing games. So, goodnight, stay safe and positive. Remember whether you swim or sink in this crisis is up to you.

 

Days 208 and 209, Saturday and Sunday. Le weekend! Enjoy!

Howde Peeps, it’s the weekend again and what do I see this morning. The total global figure is 40,013,426. My prediction is spot on. Last Sunday it was 37,603,503 and I said it would be passed the 40 million mark this weekend. As winter approaches, we are losing the battle, but we will win the war. On Friday, the total daily case number rose to 400,000+ a record for a one-day increase. In the UK Manchester is still at loggerheads with the government over going into tier 3. We are moving up the league table and are at number 11 with a total of 705,428 case. Yes, we have passed the 700,000-mark including 16,000 new cases and 150 deaths. Spain is still the worst hit European country approaching the 1,000,000 mark. USA, India, Brazil, and Russia have 22,000,000+ cases between them which is more than 50% of the total.

Today, I have succumbed and brought in the last plants from my porch/conservatory. It is now a storage only area for the winter months. Sad. I have also lost my darling Antonio until the spring; he has made his last visit and his little van with melodic tones and ice cream will be like my plants in store for winter. A double whammy today. However, I am still happy because I choose to be. I am still feeling good after my meditation experience on Friday and I am accepting that which I cannot change. The secret of happiness lies within oneself which is why I can still smile and stay positive.

So, my weekend is one of acceptance. I am pottering and playing. I have been down to McColl’s to get those lovely chicken and bacon slices that I love and that meant little car has had an excursion. The leaves on the trees opposite my abode are an orangey colour and they are falling like confetti to the ground. Soon those branches will be stark naked again and waiting for new buds to appear. Yes, positivity means spring is round the corner, with new life and warmth until then we have Christmas and hopefully a better 2021 to look forward to. I am thinking of dear Sofia Haslington in “Look After Each Other”, she said, “look forward with hope but back with gratitude”. That woman inspires me.

Back to reality and the universe. Migrants are still risking life and limb crossing the English Channel for the hope of a better life. Peeps in China, who can afford it, are queuing up to test the first vaccine for Covid-19. Would you risk it? New Zealand has had its general election and Jacinda Ardern has won a landslide victory for labour her labour party. She is held in high esteem by her country after the way she handled the Covid-19 situation putting NZ into early and severe lockdown. Our Boris could learn a lot from her.

So, France has seen its first beheading since the days of the guillotine. (The last person executed by guillotine was Hamida Djandoubi on September 10, 1977 in Marseille.) I Googled it for you. Yes, I am surprised it was as late as 1977. I have images of the days of the Bastille, Revolution and women knitting as heads dropped. Also, Charles Dickens “A Tale of Two Cities”. And we thought times had changed. The present beheading is the action of an Islamic Terrorist. Children were asked to identify the history teacher, Monsieur Samuel Paty, before 18-year old Aboulakh, a Russian national of Chechen origin, decapitated him with a kitchen knife in a Paris suburb. The police shot him but not before he had managed to post his action onto social media. No, I have not seen it and I have no desire to. Once again, I ask the question, what is this world coming to?

Meanwhile, in America election fever continues. I have friends who have taken their ballots in person to the appropriate centres ensuring the votes are counted. There is much fear of rigging the election, votes disappearing etcetera. Trump v. Joe Biden? What a decision. I am still not convinced that President Trump has tested positive for Covid-19 so would I trust him? That’s something to be thankful for today, I am not in America!

On that note, I am signing off for the weekend. Gonna watch my first Christmas Movie as ice cream days are over. Then have dinner, roast chicken with veggies, vino and whatever follows. Then, we shall see. Probably, another quiet night in.

Stay safe, my friends. 

                                                       

 Love to you all, Lady M xxxxxx