The Daily Echo: Our Shielding Story, Day 173

So today was THE BIG DAY! Having a break away – very excited!

I woke up early and did a spot of meditation to prepare me for the day and was just at the end of it when, surprise, surprise, the phone rang and it was Michael phoning from Jersey. All the family were there, so it was delightful to chat to them all – including Thomas, who did lots of smiles and gurgles. They all look well and relaxed for their break – although, to be fair, Michael hasn’t really had a break as he’s been working more or less non-stop.

After the little chat with the Sutton Sleaths, I was up and raring to go. The most pressing thing to do was to run up to the pharmacy to see if they’d had John’s prescription through. So, off I toddled, mask in hand (and on face when I got into the shop, I hasten to add). Yes, they’d got his prescription from the doctor. No, it wasn’t ready. OK, I said, I’ll wait. I waited for a minute or two in the shop then realised several others were coming in and there were too many people inside. I waited outside, where there was a queue of three more people. One chap was complaining. “Look,” he said, gesturing to those inside, “there’s only supposed to two people in the shop at any one time.” I nodded, feeling guilty. I’d added to the number originally. “This is first time I’ve had to queue to get in,” he continued, disgruntled. I shrugged. I really had no idea, not frequenting the pharmacy very often in the last few months. It was quite a long wait. There was a lady in the shop waiting for her prescription too, but, unlike me, hadn’t realised that she really ought to wait outside to let the others in. Ah, well, it was good fun as I chatted to those in the queue. And successful in the end, when I triumphantly brought home the spoils.

Once home, I got on with sorting all the things we were taking with us. John, bless him, was feeling a bit ‘meh’ today so stayed in bed for most of the morning. As a result, he hasn’t a clue as to what I’ve brought with us. When he emerged, his first thought was ‘pharmacy’ – ah-ha!! Job done!! Which he was pleased about as it meant he didn’t have to walk up the road. His second thought was ‘money’. A visit to the Post Office to pay some in. He didn’t look keen. “Shall I go?” I asked. “Well…. if you wouldn’t mind…” So, off I toddled again. No-one in the shop. No-one queuing for the Post Office services. Yippee!! I plonked everything down on the counter, only to be told that money and a paying-in book doesn’t work any more. You gotta have the bank card, too!! Oh. Oh? Yeah. They changed it a couple of months ago. Oh….. home again; rummage in drawers; toddle back up the road and finally do the deed – although this time there were people in the shop and there was a queue.

Would we ever be on our way? John, of course, having done the washing up, was ready and waiting. I was still emptying bins, chucking out dead flowers in vases, bleaching sinks and loos and chasing the cats out for the umpteenth time as they kept escaping into the house each time I left a door open. But finally, finally, we were ready to go. It was two o’clock. Only a half an hour later in departure than I’d promised myself. Not bad…… We got in the car. Clicked on our seat belts and pulled off the drive. “Once round the roundabout?” I asked. John grinned. “Might as well.” But actually, we didn’t need to do the traditional ‘once round the roundabout’ as it turned out, as we hadn’t forgotten anything. At least, we’re here now and we don’t think we did!!

Journey was good – only one packet of Minstrels devoured in the way – and we located the premises very easily. And, well, suffice to say, it’s a very nice barn conversion, thank you. Don’t mind if I do. Thank you for your generosity, Catherine and John. How lucky are we?

There was the most fabulous sunset this evening, too. I sat in the conservatory, with a glass of wine and watched the sun go down. Can’t get much better than that, can it?

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And…… breathe……..

I am not sure what the figures are today in terms of COVID-19 infection rates and deaths. Am using my lil’ ol’ phone to write my diary, and can’t be sure I’ve checked the figures properly. However, I think the figures as the up. Not good.

In the meantime, I am determined to enjoy my holiday and hope that we, and you all, stay safe anyway. God bless.