leukaemia-limbo-dance

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.

To cheer ourselves up we took a day trip today. Where could we go that was safe enough? What could we do? What would we enjoy together?

In the end, I plumped on a visit to the Silverstone Interactive Museum. A big, airy place; unlikely to be too busy; and, according to the website, pretty hot on keeping the venue COVID-safe.

I woke John at eight o’clock to give him a two-hour window to prepare himself for going out and to get himself ready. There’s a lot to do…… so many pills to take, so many inhalers, so much stuff to do…….. and in the meantime, I prepped a flask of hot tea and a picnic lunch to take with us.

Our slot was 11.30, so we had plenty of time to get there and we had a leisurely drive down the M40. The sun was shining brilliantly in an attempt to remind us that winter doesn’t stay for ever, but it would insist on shining right into our eyes and I was obliged to put on my sunglasses.

We had been in the museum for about fifteen minutes, and we were watching a TV display about something or other and I thought that the visuals were particularly poor. Not very bright at all. Oh…… would you believe it? I still had my sunglasses on. Silly me.

We thoroughly enjoyed the displays and took our time looking at everything. John was grateful for bench seating every so often to take the weight off. He even found a chair in the ‘cinema’ area where everyone else had to stand. Lucky boy.

On the way out, we spied a motorcycle at an angle to show just what it’s like when cornering at Silverstone. As it was an interactive museum of course, it meant that you could get on it – so I did. Barry Sheen, eat your heart out. (Yes, yes, I know, if you are under 50 you have no idea who Barry Sheen is…..)

Dismounting the bike was another matter, of course…….but it made me (and John) laugh….

We sat in the car after our visit and ate our picnic. It was lovely – the sun was still shining and we had delicious food to eat. Really enjoyed ourselves. Hoping the uplift in mood lasts.

Numbers: 70,924 positive cases of COVID today; 88 reported deaths and 2,423 people admitted to hospital.

In other news, Mum is better. The member of staff I spoke to seemed to suggest that she was trotting about the care home quite happily again, accessing all areas and back in her own room. No visiting yet. The home has to be ten days clear of a COVID case before that’s allowed. Next week, maybe.

My friend Tim, however, is back in hospital – so prayers or positive thoughts would be most appreciated for him and his family. Tough times, as I know all too well, and any support is welcomed.

Take care everyone. God bless.

We said farewell to Harriet’s father yesterday. As funerals go, it was a very good service, with the celebrant embracing everyone with her words, and Harriet and Jess, Harriet’s sister, paying tribute to their father with beautiful poetry and eulogies.

John hadn’t felt great in the morning, so opted to stay at home, while I went to the service but came home afterwards. Twenty-five people were gathering at Paul and Harriet’s and, although there was no indication of any virus anywhere, we decided not to risk it. According to the reports, the wake was good, too, with Harriet’s Dad being sent off in style with a champagne toast.

John had had a notification that a fourth jab of the vaccination would be helpful, and yesterday morning the surgery phoned to make an appointment for him. I was pleased about that – saved us having to check with the hospital – and so, in the afternoon, he went off down the road to see the nurse. No ill-effects so far.

Meanwhile, I popped round to Pete and Dawn’s to have a look at some colourways for Dawn’s ‘mother of the bride’ outfit. The colours that she has chosen are lovely and suit her very well and we were able to put together a little portfolio of her preference to share with her dressmaker. I can’t wait to see her in the final outfit – she is going to look gorgeous.

Last night, John and I sat up watching TV and didn’t go to bed until well past midnight. On retiring, I said to John, “I’m having a lie-in, in the morning!” And that’s what I did. It was lush.

However, once up, I busied myself in tidying and cleaning the kitchen. I was still, it seemed, digging it out after Christmas…….pottery was still out and waiting to tucked away ready for next year; toys were still adorning the work surfaces; the sweetie tin was still ready and waiting for young hands to delve into; and, of course, the Christmas cake is still inviting us to eat it up – which John is doing very ably indeed.

Meanwhile John was eying up his TV viewing with Wasps versus Toulouse in the Rugby Champions League. We watched the first half together, but weren’t hopeful of a win for the Wasps as one of their number saw a red card. I left John watching the second half and went over to Kenilworth to drop the washing off to the original Kenilworth Sleaths, fully expecting to come back and find John disappointed in the rugby result. But no, they had held on and won, much to our delight.

I hadn’t intended to stay long over at Paul and Harriet’s but Paul was in on his own – the others having gone out for a walk – so I stopped and had a cup of tea. It was lovely just to sit and chat together for a while. Harriet and Jess and the children soon came back from their walk, however, so I had another cup of tea before I said my goodbyes. Nice.

This evening we decided to watch The Hobbit. However, half way through, we remembered that it was a long film. “I think I’ll stop watching in about half an hour, John, and go and do my blog. It’s not due to finish until 10.30.” “OK, let’s stop watching now, then.” he said. Something to look forward to tomorrow.

And that was us: John feeling a bit fed up and me feeling a little bit better but not best. John is hankering after a break away – and I don’t blame him – it’s tough going at times. “Shall we go out somewhere tomorrow?” I wondered. “Good idea,” says John. But where shall we go and what shall we do? Not a clue yet………

99,652 tested positive for the Coronavirus yesterday, Friday 14 January 2022; 270 died; and 2,423 were hospitalised as of 10 January. Today, Saturday 15 January 2022, 81,713 tested positive – which seems to be better news. However, 287 people died and no new data regarding how many have been hospitalised this week.

Take care everyone. There may be sunshine on the horizon – hoping so anyway. God bless.

Today came roaring in with more sunshine all day again. What a bonus! It was rather frosty but beautiful with a fabulous sunrise. I love to open the curtains just before the sun comes up and watch the glow gradually filling the sky. Makes you grateful to be alive.

Another reason to be grateful to be alive is looking after the grandchildren, and we had another dose of them today before they start at nursery/pre-school on Monday. The childcare/work juggling has been ongoing this week and we have been the beneficiaries.

It is so delightful to see their smiling faces as they come to the door and for them to be pleased to see Grandma and Grandpa. We are making the most of it because, let’s face it, this phase doesn’t last all that long and soon they won’t want to spend any time with the grandparents at all.

So we play, play, played all day long – up and down the stairs; in and out of the garden; in and out of the cupboards; on and off high stools, low stools, chairs and sofas; and in and out of the biscuit jar.

I tell you, that biscuit jar is the main attraction – although, to be fair, William is pretty constrained. He selected three biscuits to put into a little bag for a future picnic – one for himself, one for Thomas and one for Grandma. He didn’t eat a single one. And, when it was time to go home, he left the one for me and then selected two more – one for Mummy and one for Daddy. Still untouched. Thomas, however, cannot resist. He would keep on ploughing through as many as you’d let him……

We made a den in the garden this afternoon in Freddie’s ‘tree house’ area, by dragging the bench behind the tree. We sat on it for quite a while, listening to the birds, hiding behind the foliage, looking out for ‘the enemy’ and generally exulting in it being ‘just us’. William sighed blissfully and said, “It’s just us. Just us.” Some time later, William went off to explore and I made to follow, but Thomas had other ideas. He, too, was enjoying the ‘just us’ moments under the tree and insisted on staying there. He waved his arms at the span of the tree and suggested that we stay exactly where we were. So we did for a bit longer. I didn’t mind – meditating among the trees? Just my cup of tea.

The sandpit was next on the agenda and, instead of busying myself with dead-heading anything today, I was either absorbed in the children’s play or watching them while sunning myself on the bench in the full sunshine. More bliss.

After we’d said goodbye to the boys, I thought we might collapse in a heap, but to my surprise, I got my second wind and was able to get on with the ironing of the washing for the original Kenilworth Sleaths. Quite a productive day one way and another – full throttle all day.

I have to say, though, that despite John doing a marvellous job with the children, he has struggled with his energy levels for the last few days (except when he was doing the walking/lung function test at the hospital of course) and he has been getting quite out of breath. But one thing about John is that he never gives up and he was game all day to keep entertaining the children.

This evening, we took an unexpected phone call from Gail who is having trouble being in a foreign land trying to access her British bank account. All correspondence will now be directed to our address and we hope to help her unravel the unholy mess the bank seems to have made. Nice to have a chat though – even if it was primarily for business purposes.

109,133 people tested positive for the virus today; 335 people died in the community today and 112 died in hospitals in the last 48 hours; 2,184 people were admitted to hospital.

The Prime Minister is lying low after his apology in the House of Commons about breaking the rules and having party in his garden on 20 May 2020. Prince Andrew is now a ‘private citizen’ having lost his royal patronages. Susie Dent’s Word of the Day is: constult (17th century) – to collectively play the fool/behave stupidly together.

Hope the sun shone in your neck of the woods. I am reduced to giggling at silly jokes at the expense of the government now to cheer me up……………

Take care everyone. God bless.