‘Bubbling’, Day 137

Panic over. Paul doesn’t have COVID-19. Just a cold. Which he probably caught from Freddie, who has also been poorly. Although just having a summer cold can make you feel lousy, I am on top of the world to know that he hasn’t got the dreaded lurgy!! (Does a little skip!).

As you would expect, my thoughts are with all those who do have the virus now, and there seem to be quite a few hot spots, with Sandwell on the brink of a local lock down; Greater Manchester in a local lock down from midnight tonight, as well as some parts of West Yorkshire.

We knew flare-ups would happen of course, but I was keeping everything crossed that it wouldn’t, and that people would properly distance, wear their masks, wash their hands etc to keep the pesky virus at bay. So I am saddened that there are new outbreaks, and pray that each and every infectee gets over it without a fatal outcome or lasting side effects.

The government tells us that there have been 38 deaths today in all settings and 4 in a hospital setting, which offers us a glimmer of hope but, there are 846 people confirmed as infected, which seems to snatch the hope away again, as this is the highest figures for weeks. ‘Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water……’

In other news, we were up with the lark, and (particularly John) raring to go. We gathered up all sorts of bits and pieces – me: food and crockery and stuff like that; John: tools and equipment and that sort of stuff. Loaded the car, set the co-ordinates to Sutton Coldfield and……. baby-minding and ‘man-shed’ building, here we come! Bubble, bubble, bubble.

Thus, the day was spent using some of our respective skills. John got on with the ‘man-shed’, ably supported by William, who asked a lot of ‘why?’ questions, and generally gave a running commentary on every activity undertaken; and I got on with ‘keeping house’ and baby/child-minding to ensure Danielle had the rest she needed for her recuperation, and Michael had the space he needed to work upstairs. And it was a great, and very rewarding, day.

The ‘man-shed’ work was physically hard, mind you. Nevertheless, John gritted his teeth and determinedly shifted planks of wood from one end of the garden to the other and began building. I helped to shift one or two of the heavier pieces for a nano-second, but for pretty much all of it John managed it on his own. So I was pleased for him. See? He’s not past it after all.

Michael emerged from his office at about half past four, declaring that he wasn’t doing any more work, having been closeted there all day with not much more than a twenty-five minute break. So the pair of them carried on carting pieces of wood from front to back of the house, then building and building. In the end, I had to drag John away. He’d have been there all evening if I’d let him! I mean, he’s got to go back and do some more tomorrow. No peace for the wicked. Tee-hee.

The day whizzed by for me and I am not sure exactly what I achieved, except that I know all members of the household were happy, cheerful, entertained, well-fed and watered, and had rested as much as they needed. That’s a result – no?

We’ll be back tomorrow – more ‘man-shed’ work and more respite for she who is convalescing. And it threatens to be a glorious day, albeit a touch hot, so we might get the paddling pool out.

Take care everyone – remember: ‘Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water……’ and may God bless you all.