Month: October 2020

With a yoga class that I was determined to go to, I got up relatively early this morning and took John his cuppa almost before he was awake. We have been a bit lax in recent months in adhering to the supplements that the dietician recommended, so the other day, I thought that if we started them up again there may be an improvement in John’s health. So, not only did he have a nice cuppa today, but also a great big bowlful of tablets too. He probably didn’t need breakfast after that!

I left John in bed and made my way to yoga, which I thoroughly enjoyed, having stationed myself near the open doors for the fresh air and wearing my mask throughout so as to avoid the dreaded lurgy. The only thing was, of course, is that I haven’t been keeping up with any exercise since March and found myself a little rusty. “Engage your core!” Jaime called out to us all cheerfully. Core? What core? Well, I found it when I tried to do the plank – only to find it was pretty non-existent. Not only that, the session included mini-planks, elbow-planks, standard planks and side planks. Nope. Definitely no core there to speak of. I collapsed in a bit of a heap and tottered home. Might struggle to get up in the morning.

Once home, I found that John was up and about. He’d been summoned to the front door by the delivery man putting some aluminium sheets into the porch. John’s plan is to cut them to size for a bespoke repair on his Lotus. Once up, he stayed up, and I found him browsing motorbikes on the computer when I came wandering into the lounge on my return from yoga. New project, I wonder?

We had planned to catch up with Pete and Dawn this afternoon now that we can meet in the garden, and had invited them here as we were waiting for the Sky repair man to call. In the end, the Sky man came across lunchtime and sorted us out quite quickly with a hard-wired link to the router and a booster box upstairs. We are now able to watch TV in three (yes, three) rooms. Pleased about that. His arrival early meant that we could make the trip up to Pete and Dawn’s instead of them coming to us. A change of scenery for us – how nice.

John did a bit of wood-chopping before we went out, and then we walked up the road. It’s not far, probably three hundred yards or so, but John is still out of breath and it’s a struggle to walk even that far without having to stop a couple of times. Anyway, we made it and had a lovely time in their back garden admiring their handiwork and newly-nestled plants to make it really nice. I was particularly jealous of a flaming Japanese Maple and a stunning fuchsia in white, pink and purple. It may be a fledgling garden now, but this time next year it’ll be really well established and it’s going to look glorious.

After we’d prepared and eaten our evening meal, it wasn’t yet time for Bake-Off to which I was looking forward to watching, so we watched ‘Who do you think you are?’ that I’d recorded yesterday. We think we are living through tough times now, but hearing the story of David Walliams’ great-grandfather’s life, as he suffered from shell-shock in the First World War and ended up in a lunatic asylum for forty-odd years, was heart-rending. Why are we humans so cruel as to impose war on each other? It has such a terrible cost.

Had a very very welcome phone call from Margaret M checking on how we are this evening. So very much appreciated to know that people are looking out for us. Then afterwards, we did watch Bake-Off and enjoyed it. Great light relief and some cracking bakes and skills on show.

Thereafter, of course, we watched the news. I really think I need to stop watching the news though. No-one is telling the truth as far as I can tell; politicians are playing with people’s emotional and mental health, as well as their income, promising this or that and then reneging on the deal. I was exhausted trying to make head and tail of the arguments raging backwards and forwards with the Manchester situation and, while recognising that the coffers are empty, found myself siding with the populists and wondering how Westminster can be so callous as to assume people on a low wage can live on a fiver a day. At the same time, I was wondering how it had got to this with Mancunians being offered up for ransom. “There’ll be anarchy,” I growled to John as we watched the stories unfolding. “Well,” he replied, “there’ll probably be civil disobedience at least.”

In the meantime, the virus is having a high old time infecting 21,331 people today and killing off 241 in the community. Hospitals are beginning to creak a little, we hear, in the Tier 3 areas and, overall, there were 63 deaths in hospitals on 18 & 19 October.

Let us pray for truth and trust to be restored in this topsy-turvy world and that everyone may work together in harmony and as one against the virus. That’s what we need now.

Take care everyone. God bless.

Footnote: Thought I’d better mention that it was Danielle’s birthday today. She had lovely day browsing Hobbycraft and going out for lunch. But, (and this is why it’s footnote) she posted a photo of her ankle this evening. A great big, fat sprain. Ouch! Potholes….. they’re the devil.

The treacle from yesterday continued into this morning until, about ten o’clock, I gave myself another talking to and got out of bed and set my face to the day. I set about in a determined way, and thought I’d have a tidy-up before thinking about doing something a bit different for the afternoon.

My main aim was to have a good clear-out of the kitchen, which seemed to have spawned pots and pans, letters, plates, cups and a whole pile of Christmas cards I’d brought home from Mum’s to throw away. She is always reluctant to throw away those lovely cards she’s received, and even the envelopes. Almost every card she has had in the last ten years, has been slotted back into its envelope to ‘keep’. I have thought about why she does this, and can only conclude that cards, back in the day, were very, very precious, and this has lived on into our throwaway society. A mystery to us, a generation that buys and throws so much away.

I recognise the instinct, having been brought up not to throw away anything that has been a gift. I can hear her say, when I was growing up, “No, Anne, you can’t throw that away. So-and-so gave it to you. You must keep it. Think of the thought that’s gone into choosing that. And when s/he comes round they’ll wonder where it is if it’s not here.” And so I am a bit stuck, too, with ‘stuff’ that has sentimental value – even ‘stuff’ I don’t like.

Anyway, I went through all of her cards and couldn’t find any that we should keep, (there weren’t any from my Dad, for example) so they have all been put in the re-cycling.

The morning was pleasingly interrupted by a phone call from Dawn. And, boy, did that cheer me up. She empathised with the treacle, and so we were able to share the horrible feeling, and then move onto things more cheerful, ending in an agreement to meet up in the garden tomorrow afternoon.

John was up at a reasonable time, and looks slightly better and, I think, feels a bit better, but still out of breath. He was well enough today, anyway, to be interested in selling the trailer and putting an advert up onto e-bay and then, later on this afternoon, tinker about with the project car in the garage. He is also on a mission to grow trees. He collected a whole pile of acorns fallen from the oak tree opposite, and has nestled them nicely into pots. I shall look forward to seeing them grow. I love an oak sapling or two.

After lunch, I suggested that we might take a trip out to Hatton Country World. John agreed to come with me for a change of scenery. I was thinking that it might not be awfully busy and therefore not so risky, and I am still keen to buy the candles that I have searched for, first at Melbicks, then at Rosebourne’s, only to draw a blank.

I was still focussed on sorting the kitchen before we were due to set off, when I had a phone call from Michael. They were on their way home from Devon and thought they’d call in as they’d be passing. Well, in that case, we are not going to Hatton. Goodness me, we’d far rather see the family than totter about in shops.

Not long afterwards, they arrived. Another day of great excitement on my behalf. My heart leapt as they drew up on the drive. What a treat, three grandsons in two days. Just got to catch up with the granddaughters now.

Had a lovely afternoon together. William was a little chatterbox and great company, as was Thomas. Thomas may only be four months old but he gurgles and gurgles away at us like no-body’s business. It is so cute. Michael and Danielle looked really well and refreshed from their holiday, so I was pleased about that. Apparently, the resort had got busy over the weekend so it was probably just as well we didn’t go down in the end.

As always, the visit was over too soon but it was a much-needed salve to our sore souls. And, unlike yesterday, I wasn’t so down after they left as we were getting ready to SKYPE Dave and Chris in the evening, so it was action stations to get our meal ready and finish clearing up in the kitchen. I didn’t have time to get back to the treacle.

Our evening had a bit of a stuttering start with the internet playing up so our connection to Dave and Chris was intermittent and there were several ‘frozen’ moments. However, John to the rescue and he soon sorted it out, which meant that we chatted for two hours straight – unstoppable.

While we were chatting, John had a message on his phone and, unexpectedly found he’d already sold the trailer. Crikey! That was quick! It was only posted on e-bay at seven o’clock and by ten o’clock it had gone. Not sure how he feels about selling it, but I think it may be a relief to get it off the drive. His next project is to sell the trailer-tent…….

All in all, a better day for both John and me, so things are on the up. Fingers crossed that they stay that way for a while anyway. Can’t be doing with these down days.

The incidence of COVID infections continues to rise, however, with 18,804 people confirmed as having contracted the virus today and 80 people having died in the community. 56 people died in hospitals on 17 & 18 October, and the figures for hospital admissions and those on ventilators is pretty much as it was the other day.

Stay safe everyone and look after yourselves.

It’s a bit like walking through treacle some days, but then you get a wonderful boost that reminds you that treacle can be watered down. Today was one of those days.

I was rather excited because Harriet said she would call in with Freddie today. So I was up and about this morning, getting on and generally facing the world wonderfully well. I had decided yesterday to put anxiety aside for a moment and try to just ‘be’. So, I did the little things that keep the house ticking over and I went for a lovely walk – really relished the greenery and the autumn colours on the trees at the park. Enjoyed a nice lunch of poached egg on toast while I offered John something more ‘paleo’. Watched a bit of TV and then the guests arrived.

Into the garden we all tumbled, all very excited and thrilled to see each other. We can be together in the garden – *does a little skip and dance and woo-hoo!* and there we played with the Marble Run, and then the Frisbee, and then Freddie asked if he could get the Jenga out, which we did. Oh, we had such fun playing with that. Giggling every time the tower fell down – although Freddie did look a bit worried when it nearly fell on him!! He just managed to avoid the downfall and scramble into Mummy’s arms – phew!

He was amazingly good at the game though, I have to say. I know Harriet helped a bit, but he was incredibly thoughtful about which piece of wood he was going to pull out, and when he did so, very gentle in his approach. Wonderful to watch. He made me laugh though, as well. He could clearly see when it was getting precarious and was more than willing to let us take our turns in case we knocked it down – in fact, he had a glint in his eye which suggested he hoped we’d knock it down!

The weather held out beautifully too. It was very mild, and with us running round the garden and up and down to the Jenga, we were all nice and warm. Even John didn’t feel the cold today and joined in. Even throwing the ball for Mac on the odd occasion or two.

I so enjoyed their company. I was particularly delighted to be with Freddie as his eyes sparkled with anticipation at the games we were playing, and we chatted together just like old times. I do so miss looking after him, but even a short while together is lovely. But, of course, the idyll was soon over and it was time to go. Freddie wasn’t particularly keen to leave but, bribed with a pack of chocolate buttons, he was happy enough getting into the car.

We had a very nice surprise as well today, and were delighted to receive a beautiful water colour depicting Brixham town and harbour – a lovely gift from Paul and Harriet that they had brought back from their summer holidays in August. Brixham was one of our favourite haunts when the kids were little so it’s a fantastic reminder of happy days. Very pleased with that. Just got to find pride of place for it now.

After the Kenilworth Sleaths had left, I got on with cooking our evening meal – well, I put the chicken in the oven – and we finished watching a programme we’d started a while ago. And that was it then. The treacle was back. A little anti-climax from the thrill of seeing Harriet and Freddie, I expect, and the knowledge that John is still feeling a bit under the weather.

I did manage to rouse myself sufficiently to cook the rest of the evening meal and eat it, but after that, I really couldn’t be bothered to do anything this evening other than sit on my bum all evening. John joined in with the sitting about, and he felt a bit grumpy that his chest isn’t easing. Grrr…….

We did watch some news, but we’re fed up of it being nothing but wrangling and bickering about what we should or shouldn’t do to manage the virus. We no longer trust the government because we know they are not ‘following the science’ and they are seemingly insensitive to the general public mood with regard to the effect their behaviours have on people. More treacle…..

Anyway, still a lot of people infected with the virus today – 16,982 – and 67 deaths. Hospital admissions are still at nearly a thousand, and there are nearly six hundred people on ventilators.

It all feels a bit bleak, but tomorrow’s another day and perhaps I’ll have another go at setting anxiety aside and try the ‘just be’ stuff again. It’s gotta be better than the treacle.

Take care everyone. God bless.

A very relaxed start to the day with a very long lie-in to read my book. There was no getting me out of bed this morning – even John was up before me. This must mean that he is feeling a bit better. He has certainly seemed a bit brighter and less out of breath today when he’s moving about.

Once I was up, I got myself into a bit of a tizz with my brain unable to concentrate on anything for more than five minutes at a time. I ended up with about four jobs on the go, all at the same time, and I had have a strong word with myself to buckle down to at least one of them.

I was getting the washing out of the machine but only did half the job; then I was changing a plug on a heater, and left that half-done; as well as those two things, I was disembowelling the great big box of loo rolls that had arrived from ‘Who Gives a Crap?’ this morning, to put up onto the shelf; and equally, I was looking at bulb replacements for the ceiling lights in the kitchen – all while getting my breakfast ready and baking some pains aux raisins. Honestly, I have no idea what was going on in my head!! How on earth did I think I could do all those things at once? Not a clue. Probably addled from too much book-reading.

However, once I’d had a stern word, I pulled myself together and tackled each job one at a time. I got all of them done, bar the bulb exchanges, which will now wait until tomorrow.

John was enjoying watching a bit of rugby on TV. That’s a relief that rugby is back but he’s wondering what will happen to the Wasps match next week, with half the team down with COVID. He suspects they won’t be able to play, and have to stand aside for the next-best team, Bristol, to play in the Premiership Final. How very disappointing that will be.

While John enjoyed his rugby, I thought I’d better get over to Mum’s this afternoon to take her washing and some loo rolls, so mid-afternoon, I set off. I had a lovely walk there, carrying my bag, which I thought felt quite light. Of course, once I got there, I realised that I hadn’t got her washing. I’d just got the repaired heater and the loo rolls. Definitely away with the fairies today.

As it turned out, she needed some bread, so I wandered back home again and popped into the Co-op to buy one or two bits and pieces, picked up the car and went back again. I arrived just as the carer was there making Mum’s sandwiches for tea. Mum was grumbling that the bread wasn’t right. Very patiently, the carer smiled and said, “Don’t worry, we’ll change it now that Anne has brought a fresh loaf.” I apologised, but the carer was very kind, saying “We just want them to eat properly, don’t we?” I didn’t really have an answer to that, as I thought Mum was just being picky……. naughty me.

When I had first arrived at Mum’s she said she wasn’t feeling well and, it has to be said, she didn’t look her perky self. She has been claiming a painful back this week, which is an intermittent complaint every so often. I dosed her up with paracetamol and a cup of tea which seemed to do the trick and she wasn’t so bad when I left. Fingers crossed I don’t get a phone call in the middle of the night though….

It was ‘Strictly’ this evening, which I was seriously looking forward to, but which John was dreading. He very tactfully took himself off to fiddle about on the computer while it was on, and I settled back a bit more comfortably in my chair to enjoy the evening.

However, I didn’t really enjoy it all that much. There was a forced cheerfulness about it and the never-ending references to ‘socially-distanced’ and ‘within the current rules’, while the presenters looked earnestly into the camera, grated on me. I am hoping that, when they get to actually dancing, next week it will improve and be more relaxed. Otherwise, if they continue in this vein, I ain’t watching it. I really don’t want to be reminded of our semi-lockdown situation and the rules every five minutes in an entertainment programme. As you may be able to infer, I am wearing the Mrs Grumpy Gripey outfit today – hope to pick out a more cheerful outfit tomorrow.

In the meantime, I note that 16,171 people have succumbed to the virus today and 150 have died from it in the community. 55 people have died on 15 & 16 October in hospitals and hospital admissions are increasing fast – nearly a thousand admitted today. Locally, there have been 15 cases in the last seven days – only seven other wards are higher (out of the 28 in total) within the Solihull area, and the growth rate is high at 1.8. Crumbs.

And that was our Saturday, folks. Better than some, but not as good as others.

Take care everyone. God bless.

Not a great deal going on today. John has slept for much of the day, either in bed, or on the sofa, although he did do a bit of clearing up in the kitchen this afternoon, for which I was grateful.

I did housework-y things this morning – includng sorting out the washing, then doing the ironing. It had glowered at me for long enough so I thought I’d better get on with it. Pretty much everything is washed and ironed now, but I doubt that it’ll be long before I find more. I am not sure how that happens – it seems to be one long laundry session in our house.

John stayed in bed until lunchtime but managed to rouse himself long enough to down the drinks and tablets I’d taken him about ten o’clock, before slumping back into bed. Not sure if he’s feeling much better yet, but it’s early days, I think. One positive this morning, though, was the news from the department that had been reviewing the situation with his back, which is often painful. The MRI scan showed nothing more than the previous time they’d had a look at it which, as I recall, told us that there was some degradation around a couple of the bones. A referral to the spinal physio is planned, and s/he will do a video physio session as soon as they can fit him in.

I was going to wake John up so he could speak to the doctor on the phone, but she knew all about him having been in hospital and said, no, if he was sleeping, let him sleep. Naturally, she wouldn’t reveal a great deal of detail to me, but promised to send a letter in the post with the results of the scan and the plan of action. Yay. Something else to look forward to.

I went to a prayer group meeting this afternoon up at the church hall and, if nothing else, it was very nice to see everyone. I am currently on a faith wobble, so finding it all a bit hard. However, it was good to share those wobbly thoughts with everyone and be offered some sage advice in return. The theme of the afternoon was to debate the philosophy of good/evil, God/devil and temptation. Hell, I know all about temptation. In fact, it’s the only thing I can’t resist…..

It was so good to be reminded of the goodness of people though. The members of the prayer group are all very good and supportive and kind. So that raised my spirits. It was also good to be reminded that we all face challenges – nothing is unique to me and mine – and it’s how we face those challenges that dictates our lives, to a certain extent. (Rummages in bag for a positivity mask.)

We had a flurry of delightful photos from the Sutton Sleaths today as they explored rockpools in Devon. So lovely to see, and to know that they were still enjoying themselves. It was Michaels birthday today, so I hope he had a good time.

After we’d eaten this evening we watched TV again – that is all we seem to do – there must be more than this? When John is feeling better we may find other things to entertain us. Fingers crossed. Anyway, we went back to an old ‘Inspector George Gently’ and I confidently said he couldn’t possibly be shot because there’d be another programme. Only to find they were all shot at the end as it was the last in the series. Crumbs – that’s one way of killing off a series, anyway. But we enjoyed it.

And that’s it. Another day draws to a close. Another day of people falling sick and dying from this pesky virus. Today, 15,650 people were confirmed as having been infected – which is fewer than yesterday so that’s slightly better news, but still an awful lot of people – and 136 people died in the community. A heck of a lot of people were admitted to hospital, however. In the last twenty-four hours 844 people went into hospital, with 58 people having been reported as dying on 14 & 15 October.

Take care everyone. God bless.

How blessed we are with glorious weather at the moment. The sun was shining beautifully again this morning which prompted me to sit outside on the patio to eat my breakfast. Admittedly, the sun was low in the sky and there were long shadows but, nonetheless, it was balmy and beautiful. I even had Shadow for company, stretching out alongside me, purring loudly at the warmth of the sun. This is what I like. Listening to the birds in the trees, turning my face to the sun and, for a moment, feeling carefree.

I had slept well. John had suggested that I might like to use the spare room last night as he had lively legs. I didn’t need telling twice. To be woken up with a start in the middle of a deep sleep, having been kicked in the back or the legs is something I can willingly forego. So I had an undisturbed night’s sleep and felt the better for it when I woke up this morning.

John on the other hand, had had a ‘divil’ of a night. His lively legs had kept him awake too. As I went through to wish him good morning, his first reaction was, “It’s a good job you didn’t stay here last night. I was all over the place.” He was exhausted, poor man. I took him a cup of tea and some tablets but let him sleep on.

We were in a dilemma, of course, as to what to do about picking up on our planned getaway down to Devon. Should we still go, just for the weekend? I was doubtful. John is still not very well, and we didn’t want to be spoiling anyone else’s fun if we couldn’t join in. Equally, what’s the point of spending hard-earned cash on a trip away if you might just stay indoors all day? We mulled it over and, having thoroughly thought it through, we decided against the trip after all.

So we are here at home – but we had fish and chips for tea as a nod to the fact that we should be on ‘us ‘olidays’.

As it was such a pleasant day, I managed to go for a walk today. Something I had promised myself yesterday but I was too lazy to do then. Had a really great time wandering round the local park in ‘Katherine’s Wood’. So peaceful and enchanting. I snuggled up to inviting trees and gave one or two of them a hug; I crouched down to inspect the wondrous fungi emerging from the earth; and looked up through the canopy of leaves towards the sun to revel in the great outdoors. Smashing.

Just as I was nearing the end of my walk, Michael phoned to chat about whether we were planning the trip down to Devon or not. William was there, too, and he wondered where I was. I told him and showed him that I was wandering in the woods. He said he’d like to be wandering in the woods with me too. Yep. Sometime soon, William. Sometime soon.

John got up late morning, still feeling breathless whenever he moved. So, basically, we have both sat around all afternoon, doing nothing much at all. We wore our fingers out on the remote control, flicking through the channels, though. And I threatened to do the ironing which is cowering in a corner. But I only threatened it. Didn’t actually do it. Just kept adding to the pile all day. I don’t know where it all comes from, I’m sure. The pile seems high enough to clothe a hundred people and yet there are only the two of us here. Oh, I know! It was all those jumpers I found in John’s cupboard yesterday, wasn’t it? One of which is now my jumper – shrunk to fit…..

I left John watching a film this evening as it was soon time to make my way upstairs to the computer room to Zoom-chat with the college girls. Had a nice chin wag. So good to see those who could make it this evening. Great to see Linda’s new puppy; to sympathise with Liz and offer advice over her half-sliced off finger (Ray to the rescue!); to extend our sincere condolences to dear Sue, whose cousin has recently died; and to celebrate with Janet now that the kids have moved out and she and Trevor have their house to themselves.

In other news, there have been 18,980 people confirmed as infected with COVID-19 today. 138 people have died in the community. An average of 700 people a day are being hospitalised with the infection, and 48 people died in hospitals of it on 13 & 14 October.

The infection rate is one thing with temperatures rising apace, but everyone is now getting very hot under the collar about how to manage the situation, with Andy Burnham, the Mayer of Greater Manchester, openly opposing the plans for Tier 3 in his area. Anarchy beckons, I reckon, and the warlords are amassing.

Sharpen your swords everyone. And, if you can’t do that, keep washing your hands, keep keeping your distance and wear your masks etc. etc. Take care and God bless.

Another glorious morning. The sun was shining and it really was lovely outside. Unfortunately, I didn’t take advantage of it and go out for the walk I’d promised myself. That was because I got stuck into one of the books I’d ordered, and the time just disappeared from me this morning. Enjoyed myself though.

Not only did I while away the hours reading, but there was a threat that John might come home today. I had promised I’d clear this or tidy that, so I got a bit of a scoot on to do what I’d promised. As it happened, John phoned for a chat just as I was transporting children’s toys upstairs. Clearly, having done absolutely nothing since the beginning of lockdown, I am not at all fit and the ol’ man could hear my heavy breathing as I trundled up and down the stairs. He wondered what the heck I was doing.

I was also on the phone to him as I put away all the washing in the bedroom. Well, that was amusing. John’s cupboard was a bit of a muddle so I thought I’d just tidy it before popping the clean jumpers onto the shelves. Grabbed all the jumpers that were in the cupboard and put them on the bed. ‘Oh, that one’s been worn,’ I noticed, ‘I’ll put it in the wash’. There seemed to be a few like that. Soon, I had a big pile of ten jumpers that had been worn and were ready for the wash. John’s philosophy is that a jumper might do a second or third time, so he has a shelf of jumpers that have been worn but not yet in the wash because he’s going to use them again. Hmmmm…….. nah, I’m washin’ ’em!!

John was on a promise. He could come home. Just wait for the prescription to arrive and off you go. In the end, it was about three o’clock before he got the green light. I quickly cleared the work surfaces, and checked on the washing and drying before I put my jacket on, grabbed the car keys and set off. The journey to the hospital was via the air machine at the petrol station however, to reflate the tyres. One of them has a horrible habit of slowly, but surely, deflating much more quickly than its sisters and, true enough, it was well down.

All pumped up and ready to go, I set off and had a good journey to Heartlands, despite the flow of traffic building up to rush hour. John was there, at the entrance, ready and waiting when I arrived, so his bags were bundled in the boot, he was bundled in the car and that was it, we were heading home.

Once through the front door it was a nice cuppa and a sit on the settee for a while before John decided he might have a snooze while I cooked our meal. He lay down, wrapped himself in a blanket and closed his eyes. Ah… bliss.

I woke John up about an hour and a quarter later to come and eat. “Gosh, that was quick,” he said. Oh? No. You’ve been asleep sweetheart, so it just seems like that.

After we’d eaten, John opted out of Quiz Night. He was too tired and thought his little grey cells weren’t up to it. I decided that I would join in, and I am jolly glad I did. I am feeling rather meh, and it did me good to have a natter to dear friends.

Mid-way through the quiz, John came up to go to bed and called into the computer room to say hi to everyone. He is still a Puffing Billy and struggled to speak as he arrived. This bothers me, but the discharge letter suggests all’s well, so we’ll see. I am going to keep my beady eye on him.

So, there we are. Fingers crossed we’re on an upward trajectory to better health.

Talking of upward trajectories, the numbers of people infected with COVID-19 today is 19,724 of which 680 were admitted to hospital. 137 deaths in the community. Nearly five thousand people in hospital, with 516 of those on ventilators. 45 people died in hospital on 12 & 13 October.

The government has introduced the new ‘tier’ system today, too. This tells us that the risk in our particular area is high and we are in Tier 2. We can’t see anyone indoors, but we can operate the ‘rule of six’ now, and meet others outdoors, including in our gardens. Yay!!! That makes me happier than I was before.

Locally, the number of cases in our village is now 16 in the last seven days, inevitably higher than before. We gotta keep washing our hands, folks; keep our distance; and, of course, wear our masks. This is now a new way of life – sad, isn’t it?

Take care everyone, God bless.

What a beautiful day, weather-wise. The sun was shining and it was warm. Cheered me up no end. It was so lovely to wander out into the garden, sit on a chair and take some time outside, with no constraints.

I had clung to my bed again this morning, although I had woken up at a reasonable time. I was still in ‘rest’ mode and didn’t want to press the ‘activate’ button at all. John phoned while I was still whiling away the hours betwixt the sheets, and we had a nice bit of a chat, but it didn’t last long as the doctor arrived to see him just then. When he phoned back, he confirmed that they were thinking of sending him home today. So I have been waiting all day, with fevered anticipation, for his phone call saying ‘Come and collect me’.

In the end, the ‘come and get me’ phone call didn’t transpire. The drugs John needs to come home with had failed to be initiated and sent to the pharmacy in time. So, the poor lad has another night in the clink. Maybe tomorrow.

He is feeling a bit better and only out of breath when he does anything. But I think they think that it is just the chest infection that’s causing the problem now (apart from the bronchiectasis, of course) and the antibiotics will sort it out eventually. Apparently, there’s not only a ‘crackle’ at the bottom of his lungs (which always seems to be there), but also at the top, too. I don’t think there’s much room in his lungs for air at the moment. Personally, I think there’s an argument for John to have nebulised drugs for his chest every day instead of an inhaler, but we’ll see.

I did see eldest son today though, instead of the ol’ man. That was wonderful and a breath of fresh air. Very unexpected and very wonderful. Paul was working at his office, but hadn’t got a mug there to drink from, having taken it home for a good wash. As we are only ten minutes or so down the road, he thought he’d call in and take one of ours, just so that he had a sufficient caffeine injection this afternoon.

He stayed for about half an hour and we had a lovely, relaxed and easy socially-distanced natter. It were luvverly. The only thing missing as we said goodbye, of course, was the hug. But you can’t have everything, so I was just grateful for anything. And we did an air-hug and blew kisses so that was OK.

I was grateful for a phone call from George P today too. So lovely to speak to him – he is such a thoughtful man. After he’d spoken to me, he phoned John too, which really gave John a boost. I think John’s fed up of talking to me as I really don’t have a great deal of conversation. He doesn’t have much either, so we’re um-ing and ah-ing at each for a while before we sigh, and say, “Right, then, speak to you later?”

I had threatened a walk today, but the day wore on and I hadn’t ventured outside. I was still catching up on the TV programmes that I know don’t appeal to John this afternoon, as well as browsing through the books I’d ordered. Two of them arrived today – one of them, called ‘Wordperfect’, is by Susie Dent, the wordsmith. She provides a word or phrase, with explanation, for every day of the year. It’s interesting and amusing and informative all at the same time. And she has certainly kept me amused during lockdown with her ‘word for the day’, usually poking fun at the latest government cock-up. ‘Mumpsimus’ being one of my favourites. ‘A five-hundred-year-old epithet for someone who insists that they are right, despite clear and incontrovertible evidence that they are not.’ Love it!! And I think I might have told you that all before….. oooh, but it’s such a good word that I can’t help but share it again!

Eventually, I roused myself as the day was drawing to a close, and finally dug myself out of my chair at about five o’clock to go for a walk. It was lovely, because at that time of day the light was changing into twilight, and the clouds were all sorts of shapes and sizes. Walked for longer than I thought I would, taking the reverse route on the Yellow Brick Road and across the fields. Nice. See below.

After my walk, which was a success, I had another triumph. I got out my needle and thread and mended the elastic that kept coming undone on a couple of masks. What with that and knitting, I’ll be domesticated yet….. watch out, I’ll be dangerous then!

While the politicians wrangle with each other and the scientists about what to do for the best, 17,234 people succumbed to the virus and were infected in the last twenty-four hours. 143 people also died in the community during that time period. 54 people died in hospitals on 11 & 12 October.

I know I say it every time – but I mean this sincerely folks – take care. God bless.

We are COVID-free. How about that? I am relieved that John’s illness is not that, although we are still wondering what’s going on.

The doctors have been round and prodded and poked; stroked their chins and chatted amongst themselves. They’ve sent nurses along to take his temperature, oxygen levels, blood pressure, blood samples and swabs from various areas of John’s body (don’t ask). They’ve trundled him along to the X-ray department for a CT scan and dosed him up with antibiotics and nebulisers. They’ve built plastic barriers between the patients, and fed and watered him all day.

So they are researching and checking and monitoring. We await the results. Maybe tomorrow?

He says he doesn’t feel too bad unless he has to get up and walk about, and then he’s very puffed out still. But he’s entertained himself with the TV and chatting to me – although I haven’t been great company. Not feeling awfully motivated, I haven’t done a great deal today, so there hasn’t been much to talk about.

He tells me that it’s not particularly pleasant in the ward with other patients vomiting or soiling themselves there. Poor John. Must be horrible for him. He’s amazingly stoical though, and philosophical about the wait for results, or a cup of tea, or his dinner, or the fact that he was looking forward to his lunch only to be told, fifteen minutes beforehand, that he’d be ‘nil by mouth’ because they’re going to take him for a scan. Bless him.

I am still feeling a bit daft. Can’t decide if it’s fatigue or a bit of shock or anxiety – or a bit of all three. However, now that I know I don’t have to self-isolate any more, I shall go for a walk tomorrow if the weather permits. I would quite like to get out of my own head.

I must confess though, that it was rather lovely to wake up this morning very naturally at half past eight, knowing that I didn’t have to rush around. I am hoping that another good night’s sleep will ensure I am fully refreshed and not quite so ditsy tomorrow. Fingers crossed.

John has a bedside landline at the hospital which he uses to phone me, as it’s free. However, we have one of the call-minders here at home, so if an unusual number phones you have to press ‘1’ to talk to the person on the other end. I first picked up John’s call in the bedroom and programmed the phone to accept the call in the future. What I hadn’t realised is that you have to do that on every hand set. So, when he phoned me this afternoon and I was in the lounge, I had to go through the whole rigmarole again. Then had a bit of a kerfuffle later on when I’d left the phone down the back of the sofa, couldn’t get to it in time and tried to answer on yet another handset. Eeeeh…… first world problems, eh?

Talking of phones, I spent a goodly while on the phone to HSBC this afternoon. Having browsed the Lakeland catalogue the other day I thought I’d order some stuff for Christmas. The total expenditure ran into three figures so, when I tried to pay, the ‘puter said ‘NO’. Tried again, and the ‘puter still said ‘NO’. My phone beeped. It was a text message which I ignored. I was far too busy trying to pay. It beeped again. Ignored. Let’s try one last time…. more beeping. Oh, it was HSBC trying to tell me that they’d detected possible fraud. Someone was trying to buy stuff from Lakeland!! Ah……

A lot of faffing about with the automated system at HSBC. What’s your sort code? Account number? Date of birth? Inside leg measurement? Dad’s father’s mother’s maiden name? Colour of your eyes? “And the third digit of your telephone banking number.” I don’t ruddy know!!! Heavens above!! Put me through to a real human being, purlease.

Michael and Danielle arrived safely in Devon and sent some photos of the caravan they are staying in. It looks lush. Do hope they have a lovely time and the weather is kind. Not jealous at all. Much rather be at home.

Still, I have been ordering books, so have got plenty to choose from to read over the next few weeks, which I am really looing forward to. A great eclectic mix of stuff so they should keep me on my toes. If only I could locate some grey cells. They are very elusive at the moment. I’ll look for them tomorrow.

In the meantime, horror stories all around the country, I believe, with lockdowns slamming into place in some areas and more threatened. People’s opinions are divided about the best way forward on managing the pandemic in this country, but mostly, I note, not the scientists. They are pretty much united. If only we could listen and ‘follow the science’.

13,972 people have been confirmed as infected with the virus today and there have been 50 deaths in the community. The NHS figures haven’t been updated today as far as I can see, with yesterday’s report detailing 36 deaths in hospitals. A little confusing – perhaps it was the weekend wot did it?

Locally, there are now 10 cases of COVID in the village. So, although I don’t have to self-isolate any more, I think we have to be even more careful than we were, if that’s possible. *Leafs through the selection of books*. Which one shall I start reading to avoid going out, then?

Take care everyone, God bless.

I just need to get my brain into gear. It’s been a fuzzy old day today. Haven’t quite been able to think straight.

I had planned a bit of a lie-in after yesterday’s excitement, but the nurse arrived at seven o’clock despite the phone call yesterday to cancel them. I was sorry she’d had a wasted journey, and she was sorry she’d got me up. I went back to bed and had a little doze but it was fitful and I was soon awake again wondering whether to get up or not.

Michael and William did a video call to see what was what about eight o’clock, and Michael said he’d deliver the forgotten items to John in Heartlands. That, and the phone call with John shortly afterwards, got me out of bed, because John said he didn’t want his dressing gown after all, so I had to unship it from the bag that it was in.

I also wanted to give Michael his birthday present, as it’ll be his birthday next Friday. We had, of course, planned to be with him so I would have been taking the gift with me but, as we’re not going now, I thought he could take it today. So wrapping was at the ready.

Michael called in late morning to collect the bits and pieces. He also took delivery of another item we’d bought for William and Thomas, and one of which we’d given to Freddie the other day. While we were at the garden centre with Danielle last week, we had seen a plank of wood, nicely shaped and marked up with measurements, to hang on the wall to track the growth of your children. In the centre of the plank was inscribed, ‘From little acorns do mighty oaks grow’. It might be corny, but we loved it and thought it would a great keepsake, rather than scrawling the kids’ heights on the walls.

John has phoned through a few times today, and he is feeling a little bit better, although very out of breath again this afternoon until they put him on a nebuliser. He was able to use a landline first thing, as his battery on the mobile was flat. It transpired that he was stuck in a wheelchair until 2.30 in the morning before they found him a bed in a ward last night. They trundled him up to the general admissions ward but, later on today, they have moved him to another ward. We have no idea what sort of ward it is, although John thinks he is probably the youngest one there.

A haematology consultant came to see him, but John wasn’t totally sure what was discussed, other than the fact that there is no more Ward 19 at Heartlands, as all haematology is being moved over the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham. They may move him over there but we’ll wait and see.

I decided to rest today and was sitting watching a programme we’d recorded that I thought John wouldn’t be very interested in, when Michael rang the door bell. Ha! I thought I was sitting watching it, but I was only asleep wasn’t I? I’d nodded off watching the programme. After Michael had left, I sat down to watch a second episode of the programme and found myself dozing off again. Oh, my days.

Not long after that, the doorbell rang again, and it was dear Margaret, calling in to see if there was anything she could do. Well, it suddenly dawned on me that I’d collected some tablets for Mum yesterday and I hadn’t yet taken them round. And I wouldn’t be able to take them round now until further notice. So, yes please. “Would you mind dropping my Mum’s tablets in please, Margaret?” Not at all. How wonderful – thank you, thank you.

The advice on self-isolation is that you can’t take yourself out for a walk. A pity that. It was just the thing I needed today and the weather was so beautiful. I spent some time out in the garden instead. I know we’ve got a big garden, but walking round it isn’t quite the same, is it?

I also watched the men’s tennis final, but only caught the last set. Disappointingly, our TV is a bit on the blink and it had failed to remember to continue the recordings today. So, when I went to watch the ‘recording’ it wasn’t there. Never mind, the last set was good and I enjoyed it.

I am very grateful for all the good wishes we have had today and the offers of help. What wonderful friends we have. Lucky, lucky us.

John has yet to have the result of his COVID test, but others clearly have had their results back, because 12,872 people are confirmed as infected today. 65 people have died in the community, and 37 people have died in hospitals. 9 people have been confirmed as infected in the village in the last seven days. Blimey, it’s ever closer.

Take care everyone. God bless.