I left John home alone today. He didn’t get up to any mischief, as far as I know, but tinkered with the Lotus for much of the day, on and off. I think it was quite successful – and he wasn’t too tired when I arrived home about four o’clock either. Result!
For me, a lunch date was in order. As I was leaving, I said, “Will you be alright getting yourself something to eat at lunchtime?” Yes, yes – he’d be fine – now off you go and enjoy yourself! So I did. I think he also enjoyed himself polishing off the last Halloween doughnut that I’d bought on Sunday. “Did you have the doughnut for lunch, John?” I wondered when I got home. “Erm…. no, I had it for breakfast!” he grinned. Then he thought for a minute before saying, “No, actually, I did have it for lunch!!” Glad he enjoyed it. It got it out of my way anyway! You never know, I have been known to eat doughnuts occasionally!
I was late setting off to meet up with my friends, but missed the messages that chronicled the tardiness of everyone else and the suggestion that we meet at 11.30 instead of 11.00. Oh……
Having found the messages too late, I arrived just after 11.00 so thought I’d sit and listen to some music while I waited. Not long after, my friend Sue arrived – I recognised her by her blue bag – and she hadn’t picked up the messages about the others arriving late either!!! So we toddled off together to await the other few yet to arrive.
Once everyone was there and the group was quorate, we had a marvellous time. First, we had some teas and coffees. Then we took a walk and visited a beautiful church, which raised all sorts of questions in our minds. It being All Saints Day, we wondered about the Saint for whom the church was named and what he do to be so famous? Then we wondered about the stained glass window. What did it all mean? And finally, we puzzled over the history of the church. When was it built? So we all took home our homework to research the questions and share with the others later. It was so delightful to be in the company of like-minded people. Them’s whats enjoys the beautiful countryside and history…… oh, and a good laugh. Marvellous.
After our walk, we had gained an appetite so we headed back to a pub for a bite to eat. And very nice it was, too. We lingered over lunch, enjoying each others’ company and making each other laugh with our various stories of everyday life, which are not at all amusing in the re-telling, but suffice to say, we laughed like drains about some of them.
True to form for the day, I left John home alone again this evening. It was the little Bible Study group that I go to. At the last meeting, I had been swayed by my peers. I had planned to wear a mask but they were reluctant to wear theirs, so I allowed myself to go bare-faced. I regretted it afterwards but fortunately, there were no ill-effects. This time, I resolved to be strong and wear my mask. I was the only one to do so, but I was glad I had, because the news is that someone in congregation on Sunday has tested positive for COVID. Note to self: Do not be swayed by others!!! Stay strong.
Thoroughly enjoyed the Bible Study though. We are reading a book called ‘Walking Backwards to Christmas’ and it considers individuals in the Nativity story by their personal narrative. Really interesting, because it threw up a lot of questions for us to research. Uh-oh!! More homework!!
Meanwhile, back in COVID-Land, there have been 33,865 people reported as infected with the virus today. The lower figure is likely to be as a result of the half-term lag, so expect to see more cases in the coming weeks, unless the government reminds everyone to wear masks, keep their distance and ventilate rooms. There were 293 deaths today in the community; and 85 in the previous 48 hours in hospitals.
On Twitter, Ben Bradshaw, Labour MP tweeted the following: ‘More than 50 #COVID19 cases in Parliament. U.K. still highest infection, hospitalisation & death rates in Western Europe. Still virtually no mask discipline among Tory MPs. Dwindling on public transport too. #Covid19UK‘
I know I am banging on about it, but I am still wondering why on earth the politicians think this is OK and why they are not leading by example. It is madness of the first order in my opinion.
The JCVI (Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation) has recently published long-overdue minutes from its meeting for the last six months, failing to have published previously. They are troubling reading. The Committee appears to be advocating children be exposed to the virus, rather than offered vaccinations as a first port of call. Apparently, 100 children have now died from COVID and many are suffering from Long COVID. Why, oh why are they playing Russian Roulette with our kids’ lives? It isn’t acceptable – for me, anyway.
Do take care everyone. God Bless. He loves you, you know.
Oh, and before I go…. Susie Dent’s word of the day is: ‘bloviation’ (19th century) – empty rhetoric and a good deal of blah.