Month: January 2022

On Saturday, we planned to shoot over to the Kenilworth Sleath newbies and drop off a pile of stuff that we’d been hoarding on their behalf. So the morning was spent firstly, in bed a-snoozing, then gathering up a variety of things and stashing them in the car.

While we were in bed a-snoozing, Paul phoned. Freddie was keen to see us. He’d not been well with a tummy bug, but was now full of beans and game for a sleepover – of any sort: our house or their house. “How do you feel about coming to us?” Paul wondered. Well, we were game – we’d all do our lateral flows and, subject to them being clear, we’d be on our way.

We called in to the Kenilworth Sleath newbies first and off-loaded all the gear from the back of our car into their garage. Before we were able to tackle the unloading job, of course, we had to play in the garden: “Grandma! Come and see my house!! Come and have a look at the fossils! Freddie and me have found loads and we’re putting them safe.”

Who could resist? Clumps of concrete, aka fossils, were located at various points around the garden and we ‘found’ them to store in the play house. Thomas was there, too, running about and generally joining in – but who knows if he knew what the fossils were? It didn’t matter. We were all having fun.

We stayed for just over an hour with the Kenilworth newbies before setting off to the established Kenilworth Sleaths. Freddie was delighted to see us once we arrived and, after we’d had a bite to eat, more play was required. This time, it needed Grandpa to make – from metal, don’t you know – a portal into Minecraft. Ouch…. for a while, we think Freddie thought Grandpa could make a real portal and really transport Freddie into the world of Minecraft. No such luck, of course, Grandpa may be an absolute genius, but he’s not a magician.

After lunch, Paul and Harriet set off into town in search of sofas, leaving us with darling Freddie for an hour or two. With the Minecraft idea in mind, Freddie and I made a bit of something out of a box but, because we’d had to paint it, we had to let it dry – which meant that Freddie forgot all about the portal at that point, and we moved onto something else.

We played with some of Freddie’s toys for a while and then it was cuppa tea-time…… “Shall we find a TV programme to watch?” Freddie suggested, snuggling down next to Grandpa. And that’s where Paul and Harriet found us all when they got back – all goggle-eyed and glued to a junior programme that had us transfixed.

In the evening, we ordered an Indian Take-Away and drank fizz, Monkey Shoulder and a drop of Brandy. We chatted and chatted, sang to music and then, unable to help ourselves, Harriet and I were up and dancing. Great fun. I think it was two o’clock in the morning before we finally hit the sack and crashed out. Thoroughly enjoyed ourselves, though.

Grandpa was an absolute brick on Sunday, looking after Freddie. We were all lounging in bed when Freddie came through to us. We lay about in bed for a bit before I grizzled that Freddie was kicking me, so Grandpa was up and entertaining the young man before you knew it.

Grandpa did a sterling job all morning while Harriet took the dog a walk – and Paul and I snoozed on. I finally eased myself out of bed at mid-day, just as Paul was preparing brunch. Oooh, it was delicious – a full English, which was lush.

John and I were contemplating what time we should leave, when Paul suggested a dip in the hot tub. Well….. I don’t mind if I do! Paul, Harriet and I were all game, but Freddie didn’t fancy it and Grandpa certainly didn’t so, once again, Grandpa did a grand job with baby-sitting…….oh, and dog-sitting. Mac was constantly barking to go outside, so John was there with the treats in between the child care duties. Gosh, he did work hard.

Just before we emerged from the hot tub, the Kenilworth newbies arrived for an afternoon visit. Freddie and William were delighted to see each other and had a mad moment before charging up to Freddie’s room to make a den.

We decided we’d come home just before tea-time to give them all chance for a get-together and came home very happy that we’d had a lovely weekend.

As an aside and just for fun, but in reference to the goings-on of today, Susie Dent’s Word of the Day is: ‘roundaboutation‘ (19th century): bloviating or evasive talk that focuses on everything but the subject in hand.

Take care everyone. God bless.

Yesterday was another good day with John and I taking a trip into Birmingham – not for a hospital trip, but for a jaunt into the Jewellery Quarter. A little repair to the claw on one of my rings was needed, so we thought we’d make an occasion out of the trip.

As we drew up to park the car, I wondered where the best place for repairs was. I’ve visited this part of Birmingham for many a year – it’s one of my favourite places – but hardly ever taken things in for repair. I’m normally in ‘feast your eyes on those sparkly things’ mode.

However, we were in luck. The shop directly opposite where we’d parked offered ‘Repairs and Restoration’. Now that sounded just right. And sure enough, it was. The young man who served us (‘I’ve been 20 years in the business‘ – and he only looked about twenty as it was) was very knowledgeable and was able to run round to his craftsman for an immediate repair on the ring. So that was good.

“Shall we just have a look at ear-rings while we wait, John?” I wheedled. “I’d like a pair to complement the lovely necklace you bought me last year…..” So we looked and found a pair that were just right. John got his wallet out. Lucky me.

We popped over the road to the café for a cup of coffee and a bite to eat. We sat outside in the sunshine, where it was nearly 18 degrees. It was lovely – we really enjoyed the fresh air and the lovely food. How good it felt to be out together. Roll on the Spring.

Today was another trip out – this time to Solihull – but it was for a hospital appointment. John needed to have a blood test, so I dropped him at the hospital while I shot over to the town centre to buy a gift for baby Arthur’s first birthday. I can’t quite believe it’s a whole year since he was born and created a stir by being several weeks early. What a worrying time it was then. But he’s a bonny, bonny boy now.

We took a detour on the way home via Mum’s Care Home. One of the staff had phoned this morning to say Mum had broken her glasses, so I took her an old pair for the time being while we work out what to do. It looks like the pair she’s been wearing has broken before and we’d glued them together. Neither of us remember that…… oh, look, there’s a great big black hole where the memory should be.

We do a lot of that. Peering into black holes hoping that the memories will emerge, but they never seem to. So far in the last year I have lost vouchers down it – no idea where I’ve put the darn things; new books I am keen to read – now, where did I put it/them once I’d unwrapped the parcel? Clothes – I was sure I had a purple top to go with those jeans, but what did I do with it after I’d ironed it? Keys, gloves, shoes, inhalers, tape measures – down they all go into the murky depths of memory loss. Eeeeeh…… getting old, eh? What fun………..hahahahaha.

We babysat for the Kenilworth newbies this evening. What a quiet night. The boys were in bed and fast asleep when we got there and they stayed that way until we left. We’d like to have seen them of course, but in reality, we’d have excited them far too much and Michael and Danielle would never have got out of the door.

Poor Freddie is still poorly though. He’s picked up the tummy bug that William and Thomas had last weekend but, whereas they were over it in 48 hours, poor Freddie is still feeling very unwell. Fingers crossed he’s feeling better tomorrow. Might have to take him a little ‘get well’ gift, I think, to cheer him up. And maybe a bottle of wine for the parents…… it’s tough looking after a poorly child, isn’t it?

Anyway, it’s the weekend and I am looking forward to the last of the tennis (for now) and Sue Gray’s report…… oh, did I mention Susie Dent’s Word of the Day? Here it is: ‘forwaked’ (14th century): weary from watching and waiting for something that never seems to materialise.

Have a good weekend everyone. God bless.

89,176 people tested positive for the coronavirus today, New cases, that is. 277 people died with the virus and 1,732 people were admitted to hospital. Infection rates in schools is pretty high right now and I am keeping everything crossed that they slow down and stop. I’m really not keen on our grandchildren contracting it……

We don’t often do stuff together – unless it’s a visit to the hospital or to friends and family – especially at home. John does his bits and pieces and I do mine. I suppose that’s much the same for many a household. But today, once I’d winkled myself out of bed and managed to make it downstairs, John suggested going for a walk. “Yes, OK,” I said. The weather was stunning with the sun shining beautifully, so why not?

Except that I felt uncomfortable. I hadn’t planned on going for a walk this morning. I had had other plans. But if John suggests a walk I never really want to say ‘no’. It’s good for both of us and, not only that, it’s something we can do together. But today, I felt squirmy about having said ‘yes’.

We had more chat over breakfast and the walk was mentioned again. I plucked up courage. “John, I don’t really want to go for a walk now.” He thought for a minute. “Well, the sun’s shining and we need to make the most of it,” he suggested. “Hmmm…. but the thing is….. I’d sort of planned to go down the bottom of the garden and sort the wood out for the fire this morning.”

“I mean,” I continued, “I’ll be outside in the fresh air and in the sunshine, so it will be making the most of it, won’t it?” Ah…. yes. He agreed. “Well, I can help you.” he said. So that’s how it came about that actually did something together. And not only that, but I was allowed in the ‘Man Shed’ to boot.

We both enjoyed the activity, which extended into clearing up a few of the leaves that were still strewn about the garden. John was on top form, with the new inhalers still working their magic and breathing made easier. We filled half a dozen crates and boxes with wood for the open fire to be stored near the house, and then put our backs into shoveling the leaves into the green bin.

The sun shone on us wonderfully well and I think I may even had a relaxed face today – not quite a smile, but not far off. We even managed to to get the new water butt moved into place and set up on its legs. Although, once it was in situ, I thought maybe its intended home wasn’t going to be quite right, so we think we’ll have to think again about where to locate it.

We thought we deserved a rest after all our exertions and sat down with a cup of hot chocolate and a bit of cake. I think that’s the end of the Christmas cake now…… “We probably need to make a smaller cake next year,” John observed, “I mean, I’ve made a sterling effort to finish it off. It’s hard work, but someone’s got to do it….”. Yes, we probably do need to make a smaller one, but whether I will remember is another matter, of course.

John has been mending the washing machine, but stalled the other day when it became clear that it was a two-man job to get the spring round the drum and fixed to the rubber seal. After we’d had our little rest, we thought we’d go and have a fight with the washing machine. But….ha! ha! No fight necessary. We did it in one go. Boom!

I toddled off upstairs to set the Quiz for this evening while John put the finishing touches to re-mantling the washing machine. (Is re-mantling a word? As opposed to dismantling?) He came up to let me know he was planning to watch a bit of TV. “Have you done the washing machine then?” I wondered. “Yep. I’ve put it on and it’s working.” he said. Honestly, he’s an amazing man, isn’t he?

A little bit of the Australian Open tennis before our evening meal and then this evening, Quiz Night. Once again, a giggle and good fun. I was Quiz Master this time, which always gives me the willies in case I choose questions that no-one knows and it’s too hard, or questions that everyone knows and it’s too easy. But I think it was OK and everyone enjoyed it.

So, another day which went well and provided some enjoyment. But January is dawdling isn’t it? Dragging it’s feet a bit? Did you know that before the revisions to make it a twelve-month calendar, the Romans considered winter to be month-less? I can see why. And here’s Brian Bilston’s view on it, which made me laugh:

Take care everyone. God bless

In COVID news, there were 102,292 people who tested positive for the virus today according to the government website i.e. new cases. 346 deaths in the community and 1,399 people admitted to hospital. 99 people died in hospitals in the previous 48 hours.

I shall be very interested to see what happens to the figures when they start including re-infections…..

Having been in the doldrums just recently it was nice to have something else to look forward to. A catch-up with me mates….

We regularly get together on Zoom, us college girls, but there’s nothing like seeing your friends face-to-face, is there? Some of our number are far-flung, but one or two are within a few miles of each other with Sue D and Linda being at the heart of it all. So I left John at home this time and met up with Anita, Sue D and Linda at The Dog Inn in Whittington again – all COVID-safe. I think it’s getting to be a habit, having had a lovely Christmas lunch there in December and now a January jaunt!

I had spent the morning faffing about on the computer, downloading some photos of Michael’s graduation – and successfully, as it turned out, before it was time to set off up the motorway. Anita was going to arrive later on, just in time for lunch, as she was taking her car into the garage, but the rest of us had a very pleasant walk along the canal to work up an appetite for our lunch.

The weather wasn’t great, being overcast and rather dull and grey – which reminded me of Susie Dent’s Word of the Day: ‘thwankin’ (19th century), describing clouds that are gathering in thick and gloomy succession – but the brisk walk did us all good. I think we were all feeling a bit low with the post-Christmas blues.

Sue had recognised that a bit of cheering up was needed, so she arrived bearing bunches of flowers for us all – beautiful, yellow roses and white carnations which make your heart sing.

Lunch was very nice and we lingered over it, chatting away to our hearts content, until we realised how late it had got and we’d soon be hitting the rush-hour traffic.

But, boy, we didn’t half enjoy being ‘ladies wot lunch’. Must do it again sometime.

On my way home, I called at Mum’s care home to drop some cash in to pay for her chiropody, but there is still no visiting. Unless there is a further outbreak of COVID in the home, they are scheduled to re-open next week. Fingers crossed I’ll be able to visit then. Meantime, they report that Mum is very well so not to worry.

And that’s all the report for the day – except to say that John was busy comparing the solar panel quotes for most of his waking hours, having had a lovely long lie-in this morning and a bit of telly this afternoon.

In COVID news, we are advised to check out the ONS figures rather than the daily positive test reporting on the government site now. This is because PCR tests are not being done so much and not everyone is reporting lateral flow test results. The ONS data indicates that 1 in 20 people are positive for the virus in England.

Scientists and reporters on the telly are suggesting we still do those sensible things like wear masks, keep our distance, wash hands, stay away from crowded indoor spaces etc……and generally be on the alert. So we will. But what about the schoolchildren? How can they stay away from an indoor crowded space, eh? And without masks…..

Anyway, we are ‘learning to live’ with the virus. I mean, we have been able to have a walk and a lunch today which wouldn’t have been possible at the beginning of the pandemic, so things are definitely looking up.

Take care everyone. God bless.

Yesterday, being Sunday, I ‘went to church’ (that is, via YouTube) which seemed to set me up for a better day. And so, when Harriet texted to say did we want to have Freddie over in the afternoon, the answer, of course, was ‘yes’.

So we had a great afternoon playing – well, I did, anyway, and Grandpa kept up remarkably well. In fact, Freddie and Grandpa were almost twins, having selected similar stripey garments to wear.

Freddie was full of ideas: let’s…… make a den; light a fire; cook marshmallows over the fire; have a picnic; find treasure; create a treasure box; play in the garden….. and so on. And we did it all…… the only thing we didn’t do was go to the park. “Maybe later,” said Freddie – which I knew meant ‘well, actually I’m not that keen, but I’ve learnt the art of diplomacy…..’

As is usual with the children, we were up and down the stairs, in and out of the garden and round and round the houses. Loved it. Mind you, we were caught out when the parents came home. We had not long sat down for a rest and I’d suggested Freddie could have half an hour of TV while we had a cuppa. About ten minutes in, Paul and Harriet were at the door…..and not only that, but I’d selected an episode of Minecraft from YouTube that was forty minutes long. We hated it, but Freddie loved it.

But there’s nothing like looking after your grandchildren to remind you that there’s life left in the old dogs yet. Our spirits were certainly higher in the evening than they had been in the morning – and as far as I’m concerned, that was all down to a gorgeous little boy coming to visit.

We were looking forward to today, too, as we met up with Dave and Chris at Kingsbury Waterpark. It was a slow start as I couldn’t winkle myself out of bed, and I was eating my breakfast when we should have been setting off. However, we finally got there about half an hour late and we weren’t told off at all.

Naturally, Dave and Chris had got out of their car and had had a wander before we actually arrived, so it was time for a warm-up in the café: “Shall we have a coffee before we set off on our walk?” Coffee and a natter – lovely.

And then we set off on our walk. To my surprise, John managed amazingly well all the way round and we must have walked about a mile. He was delighted with his efforts too, and he puts it down to a new inhaler he’s been prescribed. Well, whatever it is, more of the same, please!

Walk completed and it was coffee time again. More coffee and a natter. Time flies when you’re enjoying yourself doesn’t it? It was three o’clock before we said our goodbyes. The good company and the fresh air had boosted our spirits no end.

Once we were back from our trip out, I got ready for a tea-time yoga session. When the term started, I had decided that the high incidence of COVID was too risky to attend class, so planned to give this half-term a miss. However, Jaime had got in touch to say there were only three participants and how did I feel about that? I thought it wouldn’t be too risky after all. Windows open, masks on when moving about and so few people in a big hall? I’d go. And I really enjoyed it. The only thing was, after our fresh air today, I was in danger of dozing off…..

January blues? I think they might be edging purple now…..

And if the figures are true, it looks like COVID infections are coming down with just a few hotspots. 88,447 people tested positive today; 56 died and 1,967 people were admitted to hospital. I am not sure of the narrative surrounding these figures, so make no other comment!

Take care everyone, God bless

Pinched this pic from Twitter…..not quite sure where it came from originally, but it’s apt isn’t?

I learnt a new expression today: The Mubble-Fubbles. Well, at least, I think I did. I may have known it from before and shared it with you previously, but who remembers?

Anyway, I was doing a Writing for Wellbeing workshop this morning via Zoom and our tutor introduced us to the concept of the mubble-fubbles at this time of the year – meaning a state of depression or melancholy, despondency or low spirits – which she aimed to challenge.

I recognised the state and thought how apt. Naturally, I was eager to get writing if this was going to help. I must say that the writing did help a bit and we got to the end of the morning thinking about ‘respair‘ instead – the idea of looking forward and having hope.

Regrettably, the raised spirits sank a bit when I came downstairs to find that the shopping I’d ordered had arrived and it was time to put it all away. Getting lazy in my old age. It felt such a faff!!

John had surveyed the shopping and thought he’d stuff the frozen goods away but leave the rest to me. He, too, thought it was a faff and too much effort. But to my surprise, he started an even more difficult job in my opinion. The washing machine.

We’d had trouble with it recently as one of the stays had come adrift on the drum. John and I had put it back together again, but not long afterwards, it seemed to drift apart again. “John,” I said, “the drum on the washing machine is making a terrible racket. I think that stay has come off again.” John wasn’t so sure. He thought it was probably a bearing, so he contacted the company who make the drums and they sent him a replacement to fit. Ha! Ha! That was his job for the day. Gosh, it looked awfully complicated to me.

I took the photo too late. I wanted to show you all the bits of the machine strewn about the place, but this is at the stage when the ol’ man has put it back together again with just the finishing touches to do tomorrow.

However, suffice to say, he’d had that bit of concrete out, removed the old drum from the inside, swapped it for the new one, and then slotted the whole lot altogether again…… well, I was impressed, anyway!! Just got to find out if it works tomorrow. Fingers crossed.

While John was busy working, I was busy playing tennis. Not physically, you understand, but I was there, all afternoon, for every stroke of those who were playing in the Australian Open. John will be glad when the tournament comes to an end. Only a week to go….. then there’ll be Paris. Hehehe.

John was worn out after all his exertions and promptly fell asleep in his chair at tea-time. I was in a ‘couldn’t be bothered’ phase of the day and thought that the preparation of an evening meal was too much, so we had beans on toast and planned to go to bed early.

Foolishly, I watched more TV than is good for me and my early night isn’t quite so early after all. Ah, well. Maybe tomorrow. There’s always tomorrow – that’s respair for you.

Meanwhile, here’s a poem for your delectation on said subject:

Respair

respair....respair.....
will repair the broken heart
will breathe and breathe
a newness of life
to salve the soul
so gently
 slowly
caressing the spirit
reminding, remoulding, refreshing
and re-stitching
the golden thread:
Hope 

respair:
restoring
 those 
Broken 

It’s the weekend. Two days off. That means I shall not even look at COVID figures today and spoil what ought to be a carefree few hours.

Take care everyone. Please keep the positive vibes/prayers for Tim and Michelle going, if you are so inclined. Tim had surgery yesterday and is in recovery, but I understand it’s a painful process.

God bless.

Although it was overcast all day, my mood wasn’t quite as black today as in previous days. I was looking forward to something……Paul had invited me over to indulge in the hot tub experience this afternoon. Well, I don’t mind if I do!

Otherwise, it has been mostly more of the same, with us getting up reasonably early to greet another solar panel sales person this morning; then yet another one this afternoon. We’ve nearly got all the gen on it now – just got make a decision. The difficulty for me, though, is that they all sound so plausible. Honestly, I am a sucker when it comes to sales patter. Fortunately, John is a bit wiser.

In between sales pitches, John was doing more research on the computer and I was doing some online grocery shopping and a little rummage through some of the multitudinous papers I have stacked high in the computer room. They are all really important, honest!!! But I didn’t find the one I am looking for…..

I also watched some of the tennis – but not quite all the programmes of tennis I have recorded, so it’ll be bumper viewing tomorrow. Poor John – he’s not getting a look in on the TV stakes at the moment…. my turn!! Hehehe.

We nipped over to Kenilworth to Paul’s just before tea-time. Harriet was in, waiting for us to arrive, but actually on her way out. Like revolving doors, Paul came home from work, just as she was leaving to go to a farewell meal for a colleague, who was leaving the organisation she works for.

John decided against the hot tub experience and sat in the lounge, but Paul, me and Freddie were game. Oooh, it was lovely. What was particularly good was the darkness with glittering lights playing across the sky; the coldness outside in contrast to the hotness inside the tub; and obviously, the company. It was delightful to have gentle conversation with Paul and fun and games with Freddie. Loved it, thank you very much.

Our plan was to have fish ‘n chips for tea, but there’s a rather good Cantonese restaurant in Kenilworth so I suggested maybe a takeaway? John agreed, so I phoned to put the order in. It was just before a quarter to seven. “Yes, I can do that for you,” said the Cantonese receptionist on the other end of the phone, “but I am taking the orders ready for 10 past 8 now……” Crikey!! I knew they were good but that’s a helluva long wait, so we went to Paul’s old local instead. It was very good too, I have to say, and we enjoyed the treat.

95,787 people tested positive for the virus today according to the latest figures. 288 people died with the virus today and 1,974 people were admitted to hospital.

And prayers or positive thoughts if you are so inclined please, for my friend, Tim, and his wife Michelle. Tim underwent an operation today to deal with a perforated bowel – may he experience a smooth recovery; and may Michelle find peace at this very stress-inducing time. God bless the family.

Take care everyone. The birds are telling me they think Spring is on its way.

It’s Thursday. Something to get excited about – bin day….. all that lovely trash going off to the recycling and landfill. Heavens, we sure do generate a lot of rubbish – and there’s only the two of us!! This week, it’s cardboard from the new pots and pans – and also the old pots and pans, what to do with them? In the end, I’ve put them in front of the drive and am hoping a scrap man will come and take them away.

We were both up at a reasonable time this morning because we had workmen arriving. It was the annual boiler service this morning so our man, Steve, arrived about ten thirty. John was waiting for another solar panel buff to arrive this morning at eleven o’clock, but no-one arrived at that time.

In the meantime, I fiddled about on the computer, checking accounts and paying bills, and setting up our boiler man to visit Mum’s property for a gas safety certificate. The front door bell went about twenty past twelve. It was the solar panel person.

I had run downstairs to answer the door, but John was there so that was OK and I went to go back upstairs. “Hang on,” said the solar panel person, “you need to be here, too. You’re part of the household.” Yes, well, I was busy and needed to finish what I was doing. She had only arrived an hour and a half late, so I was grumpy. It turned out she’d got twelve in her diary and then had to take a detour coming into the village because of the HS2 works. Ha! Another reason to be grumpy – HS2.

She seemed quite good and fairly knowledgeable and, for once, didn’t assume we were idiots and so didn’t talk down to us.

After she’d left, I declared that I was going to be watching the tennis this afternoon. “Hmm….” said John, “no worries. I think I might have a nap.” So he napped and I enjoyed the tennis. There were some really good matches, although I was disappointed that Murray and Raducanu were knocked out. Ah, well.

This evening was enjoyable too, as it was a chat on Zoom to the college girls. Only five of us this evening as Lizzie and Linda were both feeling poorly – hoping they feel better soon. We enjoyed our chat and we carried on late into the evening – it hadn’t seemed a long chat at all, but it was well past ten o’clock before we said our goodbyes.

Thus passed another day in which the sun shone beautifully but which didn’t galvanise me to get a lot done. I was grateful to John for looking after me – he cooked our tea – and to the kids who checked up on me today. Thank the Lord for a good husband, great children and wonderful friends.

107,364 people tested positive for the virus today according to the government figures; 330 people died; 1,905 people were admitted to hospital And the PM lives to fight another day. He’s not going anywhere, is he?

I rather liked Susie Dent’s Word of the Day on Monday: ‘sparple’ (14th century): to deflect unwanted attention from one thing by making a big deal of another. Hehehe…….

Take care everyone. God bless.

And for fun, here’s a puzzle – What am I?

I live in a hole that travels with me;
My belly is deep,
But if I swallow too much
I get swallowed myself. 

The sun has been shining all day again today – beautiful – but it’s still winter and the blues are still here despite the encouragement of the weather. Poor John – he’s having to try and cheer me up! “What shall we do today, then?” he asked this morning after we’d both lain in bed until about 10.30. I shrugged. Nothing appealed particularly, even though I could see the happy weather outside.

I am doing that thing that Susie Dent suggests in her Word of the Day: I am ‘perendinating’ (17th century) i.e. marking time by continually putting something off until the day after tomorrow.

In the end, we got up and breakfasted and then planned to go to the garden centre. I was after some plant food for the indoor plants – including the ones I’ve got ‘in hospital’ – a couple of Peace Lilies that have seen better days and need feeding up.

Before setting off, I faffed about a bit and then sat and watched a bit of the tennis. John fell asleep in the chair. When he woke up, he said, “Are you ready, then? I’ve been waiting for you to finish watching the tennis!” Cheeky monkey. And of course I was ready.

We meandered round the garden centre but I was disappointed in the selection of pots they had for the poorly Peace Lilies. They had lots of lovely Christmas stuff in a half price sale however, and I would have loved to have bought some things, but I already have a loft overflowing with pretty things, so it really wasn’t right to buy more.

We had a cuppa and a piece of cake in the café before we came home again – which was a high treat – and then I watched more tennis while John fiddled on the computer researching the best buy in solar panels – our latest project. Saving the planet, eh?

This evening was Quiz night, which was great fun – and even better, I knew some of the answers! Always exciting when I know a few answers.

And there we are. More of the same.

The political landscape is still whitewash, but with goings-on in the Houses of Parliament as one Conservative MP ‘crossed the floor’, and David Davies – a former senior politician and cabinet minister – quoting Leopold Amery’s comment to Neville Chamberlain at the Prime Minister: “You have sat too long here for any good you have been doing. In the name of God, go.’ He won’t, of course.

108,069 people tested positive for the virus today. The scientists are suggesting this is no longer a true figure, but to be honest, I haven’t been believing the figures for a while with PCR tests no longer being mandatory. 359 people died with the virus – and the debate about whether people ‘die with’ or ‘die of’ the virus has reared its ugly head again…… make your minds up, please!! 1,752 people were admitted to hospital with the virus today, too.

The mitigations currently in place to protect the population from the pandemic are to be lifted on January 26th and masks will no longer be mandatory. Fingers crossed that there’s light at the end of the tunnel for everyone. We just have to find out if John’s recent vaccinations have worked now, don’t we?

Take care everyone. God bless.

Well, the uplift of our outing didn’t last long for me, although it has cheered John up a bit, which is a bonus. I am still ploughing through household chores which are about as inviting as the slow death. And, is it just me, or is anyone else still trawling through all the Christmas stuff and not yet put it away?

I managed to take the last of the Christmas lights down today (required a stepladder) and the remaining Christmas cards that were still stuck to the brick pillar in the hallway, but I haven’t yet removed the banner which is still gaily adorning the porch – it also requires a stepladder.

The landing and ‘what-was-Andrew’s-sitting-room’ is now full of boxes – all still to be sorted and lifted to the loft….. I just seem to be so slow at this stuff these days.

Not only that, but I am still in the throes of washing/ironing the bedding that was used at Christmas. The main guest bedroom is ready for clean sheets but they haven’t made their way onto the bed yet; ditto the attic room. I did manage to change the sheets in the computer room but am only half-way through changing the bedding on our bed – the clean duvet cover is on the armchair louring at us awaiting its transference to the duvet…. (although it has to be said, the bedding has been changed since Christmas in our room, just in case you might think we’re being a bit grubby……).

However, on the plus side, we did trawl the internet today and look for new saucepans – mine having finally bitten the dust, with handles falling off and water leaking through…….but, I mean, is this as exciting as it’s going to get? New saucepans? Probably. I don’t currently have the energy or the interest in anything much else.

We also had a walk out to Katharine’s wood this afternoon. “Come on,” John said, “Let’s go before the sun disappears altogether.” A lovely walk, even if it was slow going with John needing to stop and admire the view every 20 metres. Although taking your time gives you the opportunity to appreciate nature a bit more, doesn’t it?

But it does seem that we’re back down to earth after the excitement of our little trip out yesterday. Ah, well, fingers crossed that the weather is still good tomorrow and I am tempted out into the garden – that might clear my head and invite a more cheerful mood for longer than five minutes.

84,429 people tested positive with COVID today. 85 deaths and 2,357 people were admitted to hospital.

And, while there is still a furore over the ‘parties’ said to have been held at No. 10, we are asked to ‘move on’. Our attention is drawn to the BBC licence fee and the suggestion that the BBC might be sold off. Susie Dent’s Word of the Day is: ‘sparple’ (14th century): to deflect unwanted attention from one thing by making a big deal of another.

Hope your week ahead is promised. Take care everyone. God bless.