🎶…Happy Birthday to me…🎶

We have had a lovely day today. We had no plans, so when Michael suggested they come over and we go out for brunch this morning we were game. I mooched about for a while, cooking and cleaning and so on, before we met the Sutton Sleaths at Oakes’ and John had a little snooze on. He was still tired from his recent exertions in London.

He was looking forward to his day because there was the Grand Prix Qualifying and lots of rugby to watch. I was looking forward to just wafting about with ‘me list of jobs’. But not only did we have a lovely brunch out, but the Kenilworth Sleaths joined in with our celebrations of my birthday this afternoon, too, and everyone gave a great rendition of the ‘Happy Birthday’ song.

Paul had also video-called this morning with Freddie alongside chorusing ‘Happy Birthday, Grandma!!’ That was followed by Freddie wondering, “Did you invite me, Grandma?” Well, I hadn’t invited anyone, because I wasn’t sure if they’d all be busy on a Saturday, but if Freddie was keen to come over, who was I to argue?? So he came, brought the family and a gift which he had chosen – a very swish little shoulder bag, just right for carrying my phone around in. I was very pleased, because the last one I had was a gift from Gail and Graham, probably ten years ago now, and it’s absolutely worn out.

Michael and the family brought me a fabulous bunch of flowers and Michael insisted on paying for our brunch, so I was doubly-spoilt.

We had a lovely time with the family for a few hours before they all shot off to be doing other things and I was delighted that they had been able to come. While they were here, I opened birthday cards and other parcels and was thrilled to have some great gifts. How very thoughtful my friends are. Thank you one and all.

All in all, a very nice day, thank you, topped off with ‘Strictly’ this evening.

Still a lot of COVID cases about, with 40,941 people testing positive for COVID today; 150 deaths in the community and 881 hospital admissions.

And I hear in the news the BMJ reported that in the first global study of its kind: ‘mask-wearing is the single most effective public health measure at tackling Covid, reducing incidence by 53%’. Results from more than 30 studies from around the world were analysed in detail, showing a statistically significant 53% reduction in the incidence of Covid with mask-wearing, and a 25% reduction with physical distancing.

Common-sense tells you that mask-wearing is effective, doesn’t it? But it’s good that data bears this out. Do you think anyone is listening?

Take care everyone. I am grateful for my blessings and wish goodness for you all. God bless.