Lockdown 9

Hello Everyone,

Here we are in the ninth week of Lockdown in the UK. Some countries are ahead of us, some behind us. Almost all of the 213 countries, that have declared cases, sadly have to announce some deaths. As I write this, the update is on the television, and despite our case number going down, we still have 35,704 deaths. We are second only to USA. Over 35,000 families here who have lost someone they love to this virus. In the USA, the figure is 92,333. Alarming. My sympathy goes out to all families who have suffered as a result of this pandemic. The total global death figure at the moment is 324,240. Just how high will it go?

I've posted two pics from the archives today. Afternoon tea poster at Langley library, and the Odeon Cinema locally. These were  two places I visited weekly in the pre-Coronavirus days. Memories. I, last visited them both in March, two months ago, but it seems like a decade since normality. I've posted them because I feel we have to hold on to our memories as we look forward with hope of better days in the future. 

I have been sharing some of my daily logs with you through this distressing time. This week, I am going to share last weekend's postings. Please enjoy.

Day 54, Saturday, 16^th May. Half-way through another decade!


 Another weekend has arrived although the meaning is not the same as it used to be, is it? It was a kind of reward for having worked a week; a time to let your hair down, relax, have a drink, go out, meet friends, and enjoy yourself. Mentally, prepare for the next challenging week of enterprise and slog which enabled you to earn a living, a comfortable lifestyle or survival. Thankful that you were not homeless, penniless, and destitute. Well, now we know that all that slog for dosh was a waste of time. Money is like magic beans. The Bank just manufactures it at will.

I have great news for you. This morning I received my new toy, a thermometer. Yea. I wonder if I could get into the Guinness Book of Records for taking my temperature the greatest number of times in a day. It’s digital, like most things these days, and beeps, but great fun. I do not have a high temperature or fever. Interesting that I’ve survived for years without a thermometer, but now, it’s like they’re fashionable, or the ‘must have’ gadget. Sold out in shops but available online.

It’s sunny but still chilly, I live in hopes of real warmth arriving soon. Although, the weather is causing panic at our tourist spots. They fear masses will visit them this weekend now that peeps can drive anywhere in England. There are signs up in places like the Lake District, saying it’s closed to tourists, and go home. Normally, they welcome visitors as it’s their main source of income. Someone was on the box last night pointing out that everywhere was closed, cafes, restaurants, shops, hotels, attractions, museums, and toilets. Don’t come!

What am I going to do today? I’m pleased to say that I’ve completed all the tasks I intended doing this week so that’s something to be pleased about. Now, I’m enjoying the Andrew Lloyd Webber free download of "Cats". It’s 12.20 and I’m on my second cuppa. The rest of the day? Potter. Be happy. Take my temperature. Play. BBL

Hey, peeps, I don’t believe it. It has happened. I almost missed it. I was busy working at the front of my mansion, oblivious to what was happening at the back. I heard a knock at the door, rare these days. I looked down from the upper rooms, and thought I was hallucinating. It was a mirage. It must be. It’s been so long. I never thought it would happen again. My neighbour, and friend, Candice, was standing on the step with an ice cream. So pleased she did not have phone to capture my expression. I rushed downstairs, and opened the door. “Has he been?” “He’s there now,” she replied. “What?” as my eyes popped out of my head, I’m salivating just looking at that delicious ‘99’ with chocolate sauce. Social distancing? Hell, who cares? Grab the ice cream. Say thank you. Don’t know. Too much shock, and excitement. Inside. Through to the kitchen. Look through back window. Yes, he’s there. My darling, Antonio’s little ice cream van, parked by my back gate. Why is he allowed to come round during this time? No idea? Do I care? Nope. Thinking back about two weeks at the Oldbury Retail Park I did notice the burger van was open and peeps were buying them. They were queueing to get into shops at a safe distance but happy to walk right up to a burger van and have a burger, chips, whatever handed to them. Logic during this pandemic? Non-existent. From now on, I’ll collect my £1 coins and I’ll be ready for Antonio. What lessons have been learned from this experience? Do not play music while working you never know what you might miss. And, always keep on good terms with the neighbours!

Talking of neighbours. My neighbour of two doors down on Treddles Lane, the one who painted his back wall white a while back, is now turning the front area of his house into a parking space for one of his vehicles. Ah, memories. When I first came to this property, almost forty years ago, all three of the houses on this lane, (Yes, there are only three) had beautiful front gardens as expected for mid-1930 properties. Over the years I have seen those beautiful gardens disappear. I still have one, albeit, changed for easier maintenance, but I still have a lovely hydrangea, beautiful white daisies, blue and pink geraniums plus trees. The grass has gone, replaced with bark chipping making it easier to manage. Next door, one bush left, the rest… Now, two doors down what had been raised, and changed into slabs is at present a mess, while he’s taking it back down to ground level, removing a wall, and making a new parking area. A skip arrived a couple of days ago, and sits in front of the door. It’s the changing times, or the new normal, gardens disappear to be replaced by parking spaces and garages. Although, remember what I said a few days ago? We are all being encouraged to walk or cycle to work, we are not to use public transport for leisure. Will the car become redundant or at least we may return to one per household as opposed to one, per person? These are uncertain times.

Update time. The main topic. Children are due to return to school on June 1^s,t or two weeks’ time, providing five tests are met. Here we go again; those famous five tests. This applies to England only, not Scotland or Wales. Schools are preparing by moving classroom furniture around ensuring social distance is maintained. No more than fifteen in a class. Staggered entering, break, lunch, leaving times. Only Reception, Years 1, 6, 10, and 12 will be returning before September. These years have been chosen specifically because they are transitioning or pre-exam years. The Secretary for Education, Gavin Williamson, was at the helm at today’s briefing justifying his decision. We are following other countries in Europe, particularly Denmark. There were some interesting things which gave rise to comment. For example, children may take their own lunchboxes but not pencil cases. The reason? They are far more likely to share pencils than lunchboxes. The Government have conceded that the final decision, if the schools do reopen, will be that of the parents. They will decide whether they are happy with heir children returning to the classroom.

Just looking at pics. Yes, many peeps have hit the beaches and tourist spots despite the warnings. Also, the figures for today are 468 deaths making the UK total deaths, 34,466. Second only to the USA. Apparently, the ‘R’ figure is still under 1 but only just. I cannot see how places can reopen, and not give rise to a second wave of Covid 19. Looking at those pics again; there’s a kind of ignorance to the disaster. Peeps are thoroughly lackadaisical. There’s a protest in Hyde Park against lockdown. Someone has a poster saying “No” to the new abnormal, forced vaccines, being trapped and chipped, being controlled by fear. “Yes” to Life and Freedom. Are these peeps living in cloud cuckoo land? Are they on a different planet from me? I know I say these figures are fiction but Covid 19 is real.

Okay, downstairs. Time for fodder… sweet and sour, I think. Am I going to cook from scratch. Don’t be silly, it’s a meal for one from a famous supermarket. Has anyone else noticed that these meals are decreasing in size? It’s been gradual over the last few years. I microwave it, and then plate it. There used to be a plate full of food. Now, it’s only about half full. So, you nibble at other things because the meal still leaves hunger pangs. Each time the plastic container changes it’s because the size is slightly smaller. Keep your eyes peeled.


Later, tv, games and bed. One more Groundhog Day down!


Day 55, Sunday. Special Day

I’m downstairs, with my candle burning, watching the morning service. Today, it’s the Sixth Sunday of Easter and the service is coming from St David’s Cathedral in Pembrokeshire. Brought to us from Wales. Guess, if we can’t go there, it can come to us.

I sang along to two of my fav hymns, "Dear Lord and Father of Mankind" and "How Great Thou Art." It sent me down memory lane to my early childhood days at Syerston, a small Nottinghamshire village. The Norman Church was a centre point in the village, and the vicar took afternoon services, as he was also the rector for other churches. I recall walking up the lane, with little teddy in hand, Mum and Dad on either side of me. We joined the other villagers for those services. We sat together in one pew, I think it was the fourth from the altar and in front of the pulpit. I recall singing my heart out. Such happy memories of my early days, and learning that Sunday was special. I still visit that church, roughly once a year, to clean my sister’s gravestone. And that will be my final resting place, I have left instructions for my ashes to be interred in that grave. I’ve been talking a lot about things going full circle, or back to the past. I guess my life will be like that. I will return to where I spent my early days.

 Nostalgia! Back to the present and work before Songs of Praise. BBL

Taken my temperature. 35.7C. I’m alive and it’s normal. I think I’m like that ‘R’ thing which has to be below 1. It goes up and down from .5-.9, if you believe the figures. Downstairs again, waiting for "Songs of Praise", wondering will my darling Antonio return, and park by my gate again? I’ll be listening today, ready and waiting, coins by the kitchen door.

Aled Jones is introducing "Songs of Praise".  Bye for now.

Hey, was watering the plants when I heard it. No, not the nightingale in Berkeley Square or the cuckoo but those melodic tones heralding my darling, Antonio. Yes, summer is here. All is normal. I grabbed my coins and rushed out. Almost normal. He was wearing mask and gloves. Sad reminder of the times. Such a tonic to hear him again. Oh, the ice cream was good as well!

8.30 pm. The rest of my day. Boring really. So, yes, today I am a boring person. I tackled the mountain of ironing; it doesn’t get much more boring than that does it? Made a phone call. Watched the box and played games. Looked at the washing up and thought, nah! One boring job a day is enough. Had pizza for dinner. About to watch "Killing Eve". Then, I shall retire and prepare mentally for another Groundhog Day, and the beginning of another week in this decade they call "May".

So goodnight. Oh, yes, I’ll take my temperature again just for fun.


Be safe, Lady M ❤❤❤❤

                                                               

Lockdown 6

I burn a candle in memory of those who lost their Covid19 battle

Hello Everyone,

This global pandemic continues and many have lost their lives. Others are mourning and I burn a candle for all of those who are now a number in the death statistics. In my research I discovered that the great Spanish Flu pandemic a century go lasted for two years from 1918-1920. In more recent years we have survived the Asian, Hong Kong and Bird flu pandemics. A century ago the population was 500,000,000 and 50,000,000 lost their lives. I think we all have to stay positive and hope that we don't have to endure this pandemic for so long or have so many fatalities. I'm going to share my logs from last weekend with you. Stay strong and safe, my friends.

Day 33, Saturday, Weekend time

Afternoon Peeps,

Yes I’m still here. It’s another glorious day in lockdown and I’ve spent the morning watching Love Never Dies. The sequel to Phantom of the Opera. No, I didn’t know there was a sequel either. This one was filmed at The Regent Theatre in Melbourne which explains why I didn’t recognise any of the names. It was electric and dynamic with a dramatic finale.

Yesterday, what did I do? Made the phone call to someone I met on hols in Blackpool almost five years. Although we agreed it only seemed like five minutes. That’s age for you. Relaxed. Played. Had roast chicken and jacket potato for dinner. Watched Corrie and Emmerdale followed by a repeat of an episode of  Vera. Guess, it was just another Groundhog Day.

So, on to today. It will be pretty much the same. Gonna be brave and look at the figures. Covid19 is in 210 countries. Most borders and airports are closed apart from repatriation flights. There are still thousands of people all around the world who are desperate to get home but alas were in the wrong place when lockdown arrived. Yesterday, at the update, we were told that at last all those who were on cruises and refused entry to foreign shores when the virus became apparent are now back home in the UK. As for other countries, I don’t know if there are other floating vessels in isolation off foreign shores. What a nightmare it must have been. Anchored off shores and confined to a cabin. Is this the end for cruises?

 2,846,000 cases. 197,000 deaths globally. All those mourning families. They never got to say goodbye. The departed one left this world alone. Even deserted at the funeral. Such sad times. Many young lives wasted. USA is getting close to the million mark. 30% of all cases are in America. Will Trump be re-elected after this? Surely not. The UK? 143,000 cases. Still sixth in the league table but getting closer to Germany’s figure of 155,000. They told us yesterday that we are at the peak as the number of daily deaths is decreasing. With this glorious weather will this trend continue or are idiots going to congregate and cause a second wave of this unpredictable virus?

It’s 2.00pm and I’m off to potter through another day. Have fun folks. Make the most of it. Before I go, I would like to share a line with you. It was written by Sofia Haslington in a letter she left for her best friend and sister-in-law before her death in the novel Look After Each Other written by yours truly! Look forward with hope but back with gratitude! Or if you’re feeling morose and sorry for yourself today because you should be on holiday, getting married or at some other event that’s been cancelled I’d like to share another common phrase which my Father frequently used, “there’s always someone worse off than yourself”. If you’re not on a ventilator fighting for your life, then there is!


Hello, I am upstairs now I'm trying to dictate on my PC. Just discovered the microphone is not switched on. I’m fiddling around now and hey it’s working I'm so surprised I just managed to turn the microphone on. Gosh I'm feeling so pleased with myself. Here goes. I wonder how you put a full stop on here. Hey, it worked What I wanted to say is that I have been observing while I've been up here. I have notice cyclists are still riding around normally. I looked out of my back window because I heard a familiar noise. One of my neighbours is getting his motorbike out; he's going to visit his elderly mother making sure she's okay. I have observed another neighbour outside playing a ball game with his daughter. That’s   brought back memories. We all know how good I am with memories. In fact, I think I spend more time in the past than I do in the present or maybe it's because I fear the future.

 I'm now thinking back to those glorious days in the 60s again. The summers, as we know, we're always hotter than they are today and life was better even though it didn't seem it at the time. I remember spending hours and hours alone in solitude with a ball. I would throw it against the wall and catch it successfully. I was lucky to have brilliant coordination. I seldom dropped it I could turn around and then catch it again. I could throw it under my legs turn around and still catch it or round my back and still catch it. I never got bored with ball games or a skipping rope. On looking back I think I was really lucky because we moved to Ashford Hall in 1960 where I had the luxury of a hundred acre estate to stroll around in. My favourite place in those days was the boathouse. First, it was just taking the dog for a walk. I thoroughly enjoyed the solitude of that boathouse on the River Wye and on the estate. It was only a ten-minute walk from the house through a small wooded area. It was peaceful and serene. Sometimes the peace would be disturbed by the sound of a tractor in distance. I knew it was my father at work and that was comforting. From the mid-60s onwards as my GCSE approached I would go down to that boathouse complete with books and revise without a care in the world. The joy of youth which was not appreciated at the time.

Hey, back to the present. I am further baffled while looking out I'm notice a neighbour has painted his back brick wall white. I'm wondering why. Was it just to ease boredom? It looks peculiar. Also outside the beautiful aroma of charcoal from another neighbour’s garden, smells like the family are about to have a barbecue. Why not? My nostrils will enjoy it.

That was fun using the microphone as opposed to fingers. It’s taken me longer to go through, check it and correct it than if I’d used my fingers on the keyboard.

4.30.watching/listening to the update. Shock horror or is it? UK deaths have passed the 20,000 mark and it’s expected to be 30,000 by the end of May. We are one of only five countries to reach that number and our nation is grieving with the families of those who have lost their loved ones. Pessimistic. Were we right originally when we were asking to go into lockdown earlier while Boris said that the time was not right according to science. Looking at other countries with considerable lower death figures, they went into lockdown much earlier. There’s a warning with regard to other ailments; if peeps are suffering symptoms of heart attacks, strokes, cancer or have a sick child or pregnant they should seek medical aid and visit hospitals. There’s also a rumour that it may take up to five years to clear the backlog of delayed routine operations due to Covid19. There’s a kinda nondescripts answer to that.

How’s Captain Tom doing today? Only five days until his one hundredth birthday. He’s been given a pride of Britain award. Raised around £29,000,000. 70,000 cards! Wow! Optimism after the update and that’s what we all need.

Right, time to make that phone call.




Day 34, Sunday.

Watching Songs of Praise. It’s Sunday and 1.15. No, I’ve not just got out of bed. I was downstairs, dressed if not washed at 10.15 waiting for the morning service. Now, after two hymn singing sessions I’m feeling uplifted and ready to face another week of lockdown.

What else have I done? Last night I had another of those Italian meals purchased on Wednesday with wine and followed by ice cream and chocolate. Watched Britain’s got Talent. Wondering if they’ll be able to do the life shows next month or not. Then had a nice relaxing bubble bath before going to bed.

I’ve always been a night owl and never been able to face the morning. I think morning peeps should suffer some penance for annoying the rest of us as we slumber on. But like most peeps, I guess, in these unprecedented times I’m finding it easier to stay up and harder to force myself to face another Groundhog Day. It’s nice to know I’m in good company on that one.

So far, today, between services I’ve strained myself to do some ironing and another wash load. To be more precise, a winter blanket is now going round and round in my new washing machine. It’s that time of year when the sun shines, the weather is better, and we all go mad with washing.

The beautiful bluebells are arriving in my garden and the trees are in full leaf. A sign that nature continues whatever. I see the green leaves of other plants slowly emerging forth; soon I will have blue and pink geraniums, lovely white daisies and hydrangeas to admire. I am thankful for small mercies.

Will move on to washing up, working and pottering. Be happy. Think positive. If you’re not on a ventilator count your blessings.

Okay peeps, I’m back. It’s 7.30 pm and we are half way through a family programme of The Chaser. This afternoon the sun kinda disappeared but it’s still warm although the weather forecast says that we are to expect changeable, cooler conditions this week. Not good but we must keep smiling, mustn’t we? I’ve completed the washing up, have a blanket drying now, updated my diary, worked and made a surprise phone call. I pointed out to the recipient that it was not her day but I thought I would phone her anyway. She was a little cheesed off because she had made her Christmas cake but alas had no greaseproof paper and therefore could not bake it until tomorrow. Yes, Christmas cake, you read it correctly. It is always good to bake a fruit cake early giving it time to mature before required. Guess it’s like wine. However, that comment sent me down memory lane. You must be getting used to this by now.

In 1964 I made my first Christmas cake in Domestic Science at school. (Whoops, I digress. It’s raining now.) Anyway, back to that cake. I remember spending my pocket money on the decorations. I purchased a little signpost, robin and two others which I can’t remember from a place call Bloomers in Bakewell and the total cost was about 1s or one shilling in old money. Today one shilling is 5p! Also, that shop is still going. I’m sure four cake decorations would cost more than 5p today.

I’ve had dinner pork schnitzel, jacket potato and salad followed by banana and ice cream. Still drinking the wine. Going to make my listed phone call for today in a few minutes. Then, I shall have more wine with chocolate while watching Killing Eve, series 3.

Well, there goes another a Groundhog Day. Captain Tom is one nearer is 100 mark and I’ve decided to leave my cards up and share them with him on Thursday. So, until tomorrow sleep well. Goodnight.

All my love and prayers are for you all. Stay safe and well. Try and smile through this disaster. Smiles are contagious and make you feel better.

Lady M xxxx

Nostalgic November 4! What a weekend!

Howde Folks,

Yes, we're still here and she's in the sun with Boris! I hope you're enjoying my moments of Nostalgia. For number 4, I just had to remember that historic event of last year which we celebrated upstairs as well. The Queen's Diamond Jubilee! (Originally published on 08/06/2012).

Hello Everyone!

What a weekend we have had in the UK!

Just in case anyone has not heard our Queen celebrated her Diamond Jubilee. She actually ascended to the throne while asleep at Treetops in Kenya during the night of February 6th, 1952. So, the exact time of her change in status, from Princess Elizabeth to Queen Elizabeth II, is unknown. What is even more amazing, for young people to comprehend today, is that she didn't even know for a further day. Communications were very different in 1952 and it took time to make the various connections at the numerous telephone exchanges between England and Africa for a phone call.

The young Queen, with her Consort, cut short the overseas tour and returned home. Earlier this year, she renewed the vow she had made at the age of 21 to 'serve' her people and the Commonwealth for the rest of her life. Now, she is 86, we celebrated her birthday in April. How many people who, if they are lucky enough, to have a job for life would carry on at 86? I can't think of many who would take that option voluntarily when they have money and a choice.

Last weekend, we saw that the Monarchy is thriving, and with the recent marriage of Prince William, it appears to have a secure future. It is a very different situation from the 1990's when it seemed like the House of Windsor was crumbling.

The four day weekend began with an afternoon at the races. On Sunday, there was a pageant on the River Thames, a flotilla of 1,000 boats sailing along. Sadly, it seemed as if our weather was unappreciative of our celebrations. It was more like freezing June, than a flaming one. Apparently, it was extremely breezy and by the end pouring with rain. Despite this, the final barge, had choristers on it singing patriotic songs. Heroically, although they looked like drowned rats, they carried on singing. The Queen and Prince Philip were standing on HMS Belfast for the entire afternoon and the last scenes of the 90 year old Prince were of him 'moving to the music'.

On Monday afternoon he was admitted to hospital and missed the rest of the celebrations. The show went on, in the evening there was a concert with music from all of the six decades of the Queen's reign. It was spectacular, outside Buckingham Palace! It was still freezing cold but at least the rain stayed away. Then, on Tuesday, there was a Service of Thanksgiving at St. Paul's Cathedral and later a traditional balcony appearance of The Queen, Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall, Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry. The Monarch with the next three in succession to the Throne. The crowning glory to these appearances is the 'fly past' of the 'Red Arrows'. They give a spectacular air display of red, white and blue smoke!

The weekend, as Prince Charles said, was the fourth Jubilee and he had the medals to prove it. We have celebrated the silver, ruby and gold. Who has seats for the Platinum? If our Queen is fortunate enough to be able to serve us into her 90's she will be the oldest and longest serving Monarch. The only other Monarch to achieve 60 years was Queen Victoria who reigned for 64 years. Go Ma'am Go!

British subjects and citizens were celebrating around the world. We may have lost the Empire but we still know how to throw a party and celebrate. We had bunting and Union Jack's everywhere. On Monday, there were beacons being lit, the final one lit by the Queen at the end of the concert. Despite the weather street parties were held up and down the land at various times.

Are you wondering why I have photographs of my books and Ice House Pool? Why do I have no pretty pictures of these festivities. Er...I stayed at home, in the warm, watching it all on television. I did go to the party at our library the Monday before and I was around when the bunting was going up at the Farm on Friday but Saturday until Monday, saw me and cheesecake, glued to the goggle box! I had a flag over my mantelpiece; it is now on the fridge. It was left over at the Farm on Friday!

Well, that weekend is over, tonight another event starts. . .Euro football. It's football fever for a few weeks. Then, in England, we are hosting the Olympics and have been preparing for seven years. The torch is being carried around Britain; it is coming through West Bromwich at the end of the month and I am looking forward to seeing it. Maybe, you'll even get photographs! I was concerned about the competitors surviving Heathrow airport I am now more concerned about them arriving at all. We have gale force winds here and tremendous rain with danger of more flooding but still there is the hosepipe ban.


Thought for the week: Do not let it rain on your parade!

Or as Sofia would say: STAY POSITIVE!

Yes, I am saying STAY POSITIVE!

Love to you all until next Friday, Sofia xxx