We had to go over to Solihull hospital today and it didn’t seem very much of a ‘lockdown’ to me. Lots of cars on the road. Although, it has to be said, we weren’t in an area where there’d be lots of people so I don’t know if it was busy with footfall anywhere.
The visit to the hospital was for a CT scan – John was in and out in no time at all. They have got these things down to a fine art these days, for which I am ever grateful. The appointment was at seven o’clock at night – which I am amazed at – so thank the Lord for those people who don’t mind working late. In the ‘olden days’ you couldn’t get an appointment much after about four o’clock. It’s a positive change for us, the ‘punters’, but not so good for the staff, I suppose.
I had forgotten that John wasn’t allowed to have anything to eat two hours beforehand, so we ended up eating late this evening at about half past eight. Guess what we had? Pumpkin!! And it were luvverley!!
Earlier in the day, I had got up at a reasonable hour to get on with my painting and, I am pleased to report that the bookcase is finished! I think it looks OK too, so I am pleased with it. Took me all day, mind. As I hadn’t quite finished the first coat on a couple of shelves yesterday, I had to do those first this morning, before starting the second coat on the other shelves. Then I had to wait a little while to allow the first coat to dry on the ones I did earlier on before applying the finishing touches. (You get the gist….) But it’s done. Yay!
I started emulsioning the ceiling too, but we’ve got some weird staining that’s broken through the plaster, and no amount of paint is going to cover it. Not sure what to do about that – although John says he’s got some ‘special stuff’ that might do the job. I’ll try that tomorrow.
John, in the meantime, browsed the internet for a variety of goods today, some of which he ordered and some of which he didn’t. Then he spent some time on the sofa having a little snooze. He really wasn’t in the mood to do anything much, although he did say on a couple of occasions, “I really must get on.” but I am not sure what he had in mind, although it was clear that motivation took a back seat today.
We have been mesmerised by the election in the USA – transfixed by the news which we have had on, wall-to-wall and all day – and stunned by the statements coming out of Trump’s mouth. We all have our own opinions about what is happening and what the truth might be, but really, even his own aides and fellow Republicans are showing signs of exasperation now. It’s a fascinating study in self-belief, owner’s rights and lunacy, as far as I am concerned.
The election has taken over as the main news on every channel it seems, with the COVID situation taking second place. However, there are still concerns about the incidence of infection, not surprisingly, with 23,287 people having been confirmed as infected today and 355 people having died from it. Tragically, three people from the same family in Wales have died within a week from the virus, which is so very, very heart-breaking. 153 people have also died in hospitals over the previous two days. and, of course, more to come.
Our own coughs have abated so fingers crossed we aren’t sickening for anything. I’d be devastated if we caught anything now after all the care and attention we have paid to keeping scrupulously away from others, with mask-wearing and lots of hand-washing. Still, I am not thinking of that. I am thinking of all the decorating I am going to be doing and how thrilled I will be when it all looks lovely, just in time to receive our new three-piece suite. Oh, hang on, Thomas Hearn has just written to say, sorry, furniture might be delayed…….ha! well, there’s a surprise.
Enjoy your ‘stay at home’ time over the next few weeks everyone – I’d be interested to know how you all spend it, if you have a moment to spare to drop us a line.
And in my moments spare, I am trying to think up exciting things to do in lockdown to celebrate John’s ‘big birthday’ next week since we can’t have a party. Suggestions anyone? Oh, and thank you for the pumpkin recipes…..
Take care and God bless.