leukaemia-limbo-dance

After a ‘night on the tiles’ last night, we weren’t inclined to get out of bed very early today, so we snoozed on. Michael laughed at us and said they couldn’t decide, 100%, whether we were going to get over to Sutton today, ‘after last night’s shenanigans’, but we made it in the end.

It took me a while, mind you, to bring myself round from my slumber, and I think John had the same problem too. But we both woke up happy to have had such a great evening among friends, which has made us feel a bit more hopeful that we might get some balance to our lives even whilst the dratted virus is swirling around us.

We had a good journey across to the Sutton Sleaths, where Michael was already deep into Zoom meetings and thesis writing. Danielle was amazingly perky today, too, which I was very pleased to see. She had already done quite a bit before we arrived – well, she would, of course, as we didn’t arrive until nearly mid-day!

I was able to help out though – not all of the work had been done – and there was the delight of cradling Thomas at various intervals and playing with William for a good bit of the afternoon, when he wasn’t having his afternoon nap. Washing up and tidying a little bit in the kitchen (which I didn’t get finished), hanging out the washing, helping to prep the lunch and cooking the evening meal, all gave Danielle a little bit of respite.

William went for his afternoon nap, but was a little fussy, so Danielle let him lie alongside her in the double bed. William slept, but was restless so Danielle didn’t get a wink of sleep – which was a shame as she could have done with it.

Meanwhile, John had made a beeline for the ‘man-shed’ and, having climbed up onto the roof, was busy hammering the roof tiles into place. He may not have the energy and breathing capacity to walk very far, but he had sufficient for sitting, like a fiddler on the roof, and putting the roof tiles into place. I could hardly drag him away at the end of the day, he was having that much fun.

William also made a beeline for the shed with Grandpa, as he is now ‘one of the workers’ down there, but naturally, he wasn’t allowed on the roof without Daddy being there to hold him. No matter, he thought, I’ll play in the shed instead. “Come on, Grandma,” he called, “come and play with me.” So I toddled down to the bottom of the garden for a bit of imaginative fun in the shed. We didn’t last long though. Bang! Bang! Bang! The sound of hammering was deafening. “If we’re going to play in the shed, William, we need the ear defenders. Come on, let’s hunt for them.” I said. Well, we had a bit of fun seeking out the ear defenders, which we did find eventually. By which time, of course, William had lost interest in playing in the shed and was on to something else. Ah well, we were very companionable regardless and enjoyed each other’s company no end.

John and I left the family eating their evening meal and came home for a bite to eat, opting for that traditional English fare – egg ‘n chips. Delicious. I was in the middle of getting it ready, when my phoned pinged with the reminder that it was a Zoom chat with the College Girls at eight o’clock. Darn it, I was going to be late. It didn’t matter. I just joined in when I could and slipped naturally into the conversation with everyone. It was lovely to see everyone again. Alleluia for dear, dear friends.

Such a busy day that I didn’t watch any of the cricket or the news today, so I am not sure what has been going on, and sometimes, being ignorant of the horrors of the world is just what you need. I do know, however, that there’s a spike of the virus in Victoria, in Australia, which makes me think of Graham and Gail and all their friends who live anywhere near the outbreak. I know that it impacts on Jane, Sue’s daughter too. And with the spike in the north-west of England, I think of Janet and her family. The virus is lurking too near people I know and love.

In the UK, there have been 49 COVID-19 related deaths today in all settings and one yesterday in a hospital setting, and 950 people confirmed as infected. Despite the momentary euphoria of having been ‘out’ last night, it is a sobering reminder that absolute care is needed if we are not to spread the virus or catch it ourselves.

Be careful everyone, the blooming virus is dastardly when it hits – so let it not hit. God bless.

It’s been a champagne kind-a evening. A belated birthday celebration among friends, with an Indian meal, Cobra beer, Prosecco, red wine — aaaand, champagne! Whoopee-doop! It was Hazel’s birthday a couple of weeks ago, so we celebrated in style this evening – in person!! How exciting was that on a scale of one to ten??

Postponed from our plan two weeks ago because Malcolm had come down with shingles, we finally made our get-together outdoors, in a marquee, socially distanced, to celebrate dear Hazel’s milestone birthday. And what a good time we had. Such was our enjoyment that we chatted, drank, ate our meal, quizzed, drank and chatted some more – until one o’clock in the morning.

Such an enjoyable evening and the first time out socialising since before the lock down in March. Naturally, we were anxious about going out, but our friends assured us that all precautions were in place, so not to worry. And so it was. The marquee, festooned with yellow ribbon to represent the Welsh Daffodil and adorned with yellow and white roses, was set up with plenty of ventilation; the table was laid with the seating well-distanced; and every surface had been cleaned down to within an inch of its life, so that we were all safe.

Nigel strode round to Tamarind’s for the take-away while we all imbibed Prosecco or beer. The take-away was all delicious, carefully packaged up in separate bags for individual couples. The Birthday Cake came out, resplendent with birthday candle, and ‘Happy Birthday’ sung. And then it was Quiz Time. Malcolm was Quiz Master and we took it all very seriously until we’d perhaps had one too many, at which point, of course, we didn’t, and giggled our way through the last few rounds.

Despite our giggles (and possible half-drunken states), we did alright on the quiz and were pleased with our results, and then we drank some more and chatted some more too. Oh, it was so brilliant! Malcolm and Caroline were great hosts, having set everything out beautifully, making sure we had absolutely everything we needed. In fact, it was all so good that it was a bit of a shock to realise the time. Ooops, better get going home!

We were walking, rather than driving, which was delightful. The moon was peeking through the dispersing clouds, creating a silver glow, and the air was so balmy that we hardly noticed the air alongside us. Utterly, utterly, marvellous.

The ol’ man took his time walking there and back and found a few leaning posts on the way, but I was delighted that we managed the walk. He brought ‘Puffing Billy’ with him today, so I’m not sure what that’s all about, so we’ll see in a day or two whether anything needs looking at.

Mind you, he had been working hard today, down at his own ‘man shed’ trying to adjust the doors on it, so I suppose I am not surprised he didn’t feel very ‘breathe-easy’.

I, on the other hand, had had great plans to sort out Andrew’s old room, but in the end fell fast asleep on the sofa all afternoon. So, I felt fresh as a daisy for this evening’s jaunt, as you can imagine!

Despite my general euphoria of having been out and enjoyed myself this evening, I spare a thought for anyone who is unwell this today and, in particular, those who have caught the COVID-19 virus – whether in this country or in the world elsewhere. For the record, however, in the UK 65 people have died from the virus in all settings today, with two reported as having died in a hospital setting yesterday, and six being confirmed for the day before. 892 people are reported as being infected.

Delighted to have tasted a little bit of freedom this evening, I remain cautious and wish everyone a safe passage as we work through the COVID-19 pandemic. God bless you all.

Well, still shielding….. and ‘bubbling’, that is! Our ‘bubble’ family, the Sutton Sleaths, came to us today, rather than us going to them. That gave us the opportunity to stay abed until at least 8.30, and then swan about getting ready until the family arrived.

We haven’t done anything spectacular at all today. Yet, it’s been a delightful day, just playing, eating, drinking, and mooching about. Once the Sutton Sleaths arrived, it was straight down to play. Out came the Duplo and our imaginations, and off we went. We built a house, a station, an airport, a rubbish tip and streets to take ourselves on imaginary journeys. We took ourselves from here to there, with ‘there’ being Jersey, and a visit to Granny and Grandad. We took all the family, with Grandma and Grandpa waving goodbye from Balsall Common. The imaginary game took us out of ourselves for hours. So much so, that it was soon lunchtime and a bite to eat. Meanwhile, we are pleased to report, young Thomas did quite a lot of snoozing which allowed for quite a lot of uninterrupted playtime.

Michael ensconced himself in the dining room with his work; Danielle ensconced herself on the sofa; Thomas stayed snug in his pram; and Grandpa made the mistake of joining me and William upstairs in the bedroom, listening to music, which involved a lot of dancing. Danielle grinned as we came back downstairs. She knew what we’d been doing and what she’d escaped!

After lunch, it was naptime. William was tucked into Michael’s old bed; the baby was tucked into his pram; Danielle was tucked into our old bed; and John… not tucked in, but very comfortable on the sofa. Everyone a-snooze. Michael was working, and I was keeping my ear out for any child that might be awake.

I am not sure that William was actually awake, but all of a sudden, I heard a THUD. I crept upstairs to check. William was in the bedroom, saying, “Sooo……” and looking around. “Soo…. I fell out of bed,” he said, as he saw me at the doorway. Aw… bless him. I popped him back into bed for comfort, but he was wide awake, wondering what the heck had happened to him. He had a little try at snuggling down, but no, it had been a rude awakening, and that was it. Time to get up. No tears, no drama, just time to get up.

We went downstairs where William giggled and giggled. His hands in front of his face, trying to contain his laughter, he told Grandpa all about it. Grandpa willed himself awake. “You fell out of bed?” he wondered, and William giggled some more and said, gleefully, “Yeeees.” The THUD had clearly woken Danielle up too, so she wandered downstairs and, all of a sudden, the whole household was awake. No worries, it must be time to go outside for a breath of fresh air after all.

Great playtime in the garden – filling up William’s watering can and plucking up the weeds. Again, our imaginations ran riot as we slew dragons, defeated bugs and dug for treasure. There really is no such thing as a dull moment when your grandchildren are around, is there?

All our enemies and bugs defeated, we headed back indoors. Gosh! It was nearly tea-time already. William watched TV while I prepped the tea, Grandpa finished uprooting a ginormous grass, Danielle fed the baby and Michael studied and worked hard.

Once again, all too soon, it was time to tidy the toys and say goodbye. Until the next time……..that’ll be something to look forward to!

Tired out, but absolutely thrilled with our day, we flopped in front of the TV this evening, with the remains of the bottle of wine we’d opened with our meal. What a wonderful day. Nothing to write home about in terms of excitement or unexpected happenings, but just a comfortable, marvellous day. Thank the Lord, eh?

We didn’t think about the victims of COVID-19, or any other tragedy today, but I do now, as I write. 89 deaths in all settings from the virus, and two in a hospital setting yesterday. 670 people confirmed as having tested positive.

Thank you for still reading my blog those of you who still do. God bless you all – and all those who are battling the virus.

We had a day at home today, hoping that the Prodigal Son might come, but he didn’t. He was at work, despite it being a Monday. Busy boy. So, instead of a garden get-together, we just worked our way through various tasks we’d set ourselves.

This morning, it was doing a spot of washing for me, and a sort out of some of Mum’s papers, while John had a catch-up on some TV programmes, like the Grand Prix, that he’d only got half-way through yesterday.

After lunch, John pottered out into the garden to gather up the hedge trimmings that were still lingering, and I gathered up some foodstuffs to take over to Mum’s. Historically, Mum had a helper to do her shopping, who thought she might continue, but when I phoned her the other day, she’d changed her mind and decided she didn’t want to risk her health any more than she need to. So, it was a quick whizz round our cupboards to see what I could take to replenish Mum’s and then hop onto the Ocado site to order what she’d like. Cake, of course!!

Masked and gloved up, I made the visit across to Mum’s, who was delighted to see me, but objected to the mask. “I really don’t like to see you wearing that silly mask,” she said, as she turned her nose up at me. No? Well, rather that than risk being dead, I said. Oh, yes, now that I’d reminded her, she remembered why we are wearing these silly masks…..

But she couldn’t find her milk. Oh, dear. This is the second time, there’s been a kerfuffle with her milk – what now? I opened the fridge, and there it was in all its glory – two 2-litre cartons. “Oh….there it is! I was looking in there,” she exclaimed, indicating the cupboard next to the fridge. “Ah, best not keep it in the cupboard, Mum, it’ll go off in there.” I found labels and stuck ‘Fridge’ on the fridge, and ‘Freezer’ on the freezer. Then a little note inside the cupboard: ‘The milk is in the fridge’. But will it do the trick?? We’ll find out no doubt!!

Otherwise, Mum was very well and very contented. Thoroughly enjoying her ‘new’ chair, demo-ing it, and asking me again what I thought of it. But she was with it enough to sort out her washing which I brought home with me, and compos mentis enough to confirm which pieces of paper she wanted to keep, and which could be thrown away.

When I got home, I could see that John had done an excellent job in the garden and I was delighted with his efforts. He’d even gone so far as potting up the peony that he’d had to dig up along with a horrible, nasty clump of decorative grass that threatens to take over the whole garden. Fingers crossed it survives. The peony, that is, not the grass – horrid thing!

Another thing that seems to want to take over – not my house, mind you – are moths! Harriet called for advice on how to deal with an infestation of the darned things whose caterpillars were busy eating their way through a carpet at the back of a wardrobe. My philosophy has always been prevention, harking back to the ‘olden days’ when they were a real problem in everyone’s houses, and I use sandalwood and cedar wood in my cupboards. I couldn’t quite remember what to do in the event of an infestation, so wasn’t an awful lot of help really. But t’internet is a wonderful thing, isn’t it? All the answers are there.

We have had a leisurely evening watching the box tonight after John had made some paleo ‘sandwich rolls’, which smelt delicious as they were cooking, and I have done my blog early in an attempt to get to bed before midnight for once!!

So, looking at the figures for COVID-19 infections today, it’s a rather massive figure of 938 confirmed cases. Nine deaths in all settings and two in a hospital setting. I am not sure if the number of people reported as infected is due to more testing, or whether the figure is a direct reflection of the situation in the areas of the country that are currently experiencing a surge. However, we do know that the trend is upward again, so probably the latter.

It’s going to be a yo-yo year, isn’t it? You can come out to play now, oh, no, hang on, get back indoors!!! The pesky virus hasn’t gone away. In, out, in, out……. Ah, well, I am sure we’ll get used to it!

Enjoy your day tomorrow wherever you are – and stay safe.

I always knew I was weird and today just proved it. As I dived deep into a pile of washing, I found myself saying to Danielle, “I can’t wait to pair up all the socks.” Whaaaat? Has my life come to this? Indeed, it has. Excited to pair up William’s socks. It’s new game, obviously. Instead of a jigsaw or solitaire, I’m looking forward to sock-pairing. Yay!!

Not only have I had the excitement of ‘hunt the socks’ today, but the whole Sutton family has had the excitement of seeing the roof and the doors go onto Michael’s ‘man-shed’.

We weren’t sure if we were coming or going, as it were, today – i.e. whether we were going to be stopping at home or going over to Sutton Coldfield again. We had thought that maybe Andrew would come home to drop off stuff, but it wasn’t confirmed. Michael texted to say we were welcome to join them for a roast, and he was going to do more on the ‘man-shed’. In the end, Andrew said he was going for a meal with his friends, so wouldn’t be coming back today. So, a roast dinner and the man shed? Well, of course, we said we’d go over.

We didn’t actually get there until mid-day, as we’d been wavering as to what to do, in case the Prodigal Son did decide to return. But on arrival, John was straight down to the bottom of the garden and getting stuck into his ‘Shed Supervisor’ role – finding a chair to sit in and directing the operations. I also got stuck in to child’s play until it was William’s nap time, and then I got stuck into all those things you never, ever have time to do when there’s a new baby on the scene. For a good while, I was able to really motor – William was in his cot, fast asleep; Danielle was in her bed, also fast asleep; and Thomas was in his pram, copying the example set.

It was Thomas who cracked first, his belly announcing that food was needed, which meant that Danielle also had to rise from her slumber to feed him. William snoozed on. So, I cracked on. I relieved Danielle of Thomas once his belly announced that it was full, and she had another sleep session. Thomas took a while, but also went off to sleep again, and then I was able to tackle more jobs as the household slept.

A flow of cups of tea made it down to the men at the ‘man shed’ and they were thrilled with the progress being made. Admittedly, the roof tiles are yet to be installed, but the roof itself and the waterproof membrane are in place; and the doors don’t have handles or locks, but they are hung. William, as soon as he woke up, scampered down to Daddy to see what was going on. Daddy was on the roof, so William had to be there, too, and up the ladder he went. “Good job, Daddy,” he said, as he surveyed the handiwork. Made us laugh. And gave us a photo opportunity to capture the ‘men at work’ – and, of course, a very happy family.

The Roast Dinner beckoned, and we all sat down to one of our favourites – ‘winner, winner, chicken dinner’, which was absolutely delicious. We completed the pleasure with a Magnum ice cream each as afters. Yum! Poor Chester, though. His nose was twitching as we scraped the bones from our plates into the rubbish bin, his eyes were hopeful, and he followed me about, anticipating the scraps. Regrettably, no scraps for him – we’re not keen on the nasty ‘doggy-dos’ which always result if he has anything but his regular food. Too much information, folks?? Tee-hee.

As the evening drew to a close, Michael and John did a bit more tinkering about, before we all went down to admire the final ‘as-far-as-we’ve-got’ shed. William adores it and, once inside, he and I were disco-dancing and playing diggers/tractors/excavators for ages, while the grown-ups had serious conversations outside about ‘what-to-do-next’. And then it was the bath and bedtime routine for the kids before John and I headed back home.

We sighed happy sighs of satisfaction as we drove home. It had been another good day. Although, a little point to note, John was wheezing well. Just saying…… mind you, he had exerted himself helping to lug great big pieces of wood flooring from front to back of the house on the sack truck.

I haven’t watched any news today at all, so I am not sure of the commentary that goes with the announced data on the virus. What I do know is that there was a headline early on about the possibility of the over-50’s having to stay at home to reduce the risk of spread. Hearsay just now, but oh, dear, if this actually becomes the rule, do excuse me if I laugh uproariously and perhaps a tad hysterically.

Anyway, the data tells us that there have been just 8 deaths in all settings today and 2 in a hospital setting yesterday. But there are 744 people who are confirmed as infected. Yikes – no real reduction in that number yet and the ONS (Office for National Statistics) tells us that ‘Exploratory modelling shows that the number of people in England testing positive for COVID-19 has increased slightly in recent weeks’.

Let’s keep keeping our distance and wearing our masks. Absolutely no doubt that such actions will keep us safer than it would be otherwise. And may God bless us all.

It’s the first of August. On this day henceforward, we do not, apparently, have to be shielded any more. Call me a cynic, but……..the risks are probably just as great now as they were in May, but now that the bulge of cases no longer threatens to overwhelm the NHS, we can go ahead and get infected if we like. It don’t matter no more. It’s up to us to assess the risk on a daily basis – which we will do, if we can get reliable local information…….

OK, rant over. Next!

We have had a very leisurely, lazy day today. Although we woke up at a reasonable time, we both stayed in bed, just luxuriating in the fact that we could. We had ourselves a nice cuppa, and whiled away our morning, snoozing, chatting, playing e-games on the phone and reading. A lovely way to relax and remind ourselves of our every blessing.

I did hop out of bed a couple of times – firstly, to thank Malcolm for doing another bit of shopping for us, despite his on-going shingles situation, which is improving and not infectious or so painful now. I don’t think anything stops that man, mind you. And secondly, to take delivery of a parcel of dried fruit and nuts that John had ordered. Disappointingly, it wasn’t the case of wine that he’d ordered a few weeks ago which has never arrived. The company now tell us that their intensive investigation has revealed that the parcel is………. officially lost. Refund on its way – thank you.

We have done nothing that has demanded great energy levels today. In fact, John has spent most of it inspecting the back of his eyelids and rehearsing for the sound effects department on radio, for the part of a chainsaw. I am sure his audition will go well – he’s had years of practice. (This is meant to be a joke, by the way…..)

I, on the other hand, simply drifted about the kitchen, clearing first this bit of mess that I’d left from yesterday, then that bit over there that John had left; and then stacking the dishwasher, washing up, washing and drying clothes and folding them up afterwards. Nothing of any note, but pleasantly soothing and bringing a gentle rhythm to the day.

I paused in my duties and reached into my handbag for my phone when I heard a message ‘ping’ into my inbox, and put my hand on my Mum’s watch. Ah….. she’d asked me to get a new battery for it. Long story, in which Paul thought he might run the errand but couldn’t due to possible COVID infection, and then didn’t, due to feeling unwell with what has turned out to be a cold. I know! I’ll go myself, I thought.

So I jumped into the car and made the journey into Kenilworth, popped on my mask and strode confidently into the jewellers to do the deed. “It’ll be about ten minutes. Do you want to go and do some more shopping and come back?” said the very nice lady behind the perspex shield on the counter. “Oh. Erm……. oh, I’ll just wait…erm, in the doorway area and….. erm, look at your jewellery display,” I stuttered. Of course, it is such a long time since I went into a shop, that I’d forgotten how to communicate. I certainly wasn’t going anywhere to be doing any shopping.

Anyway, all was well. I lurked in the doorway and feasted my eyes on the beautiful, sparkly jewellery, until they called me back in to say it was ready. Swiped my card and off I went on my way. Easy peasy, lemon squeezy.

Once home, I had planned to do a bit of a clear-out of what we lovingly used to call Andrew’s sitting room, but we now laughingly call the tip. Anything that I don’t quite know what to do with, including all of Andrew’s kit and caboodle that needs a storage facility, is pushed into what was the front bedroom. It really is a tip. However, before I made the trip upstairs, I thought I’d just have a cup of tea first. Then watch a programme. Then, I’ll go up…. oh, look it’s meal time already. I’ll go and cook the tea. Never did get upstairs to do the clearing. Ah well, there’s always tomorrow.

And that’s what we did all evening – just watched TV – well, and dozed a bit and had sultry conversation. Nice. Girding our loins for more shed-building/baby/child-minding……

And so, for the record, 77 COVID-19 related deaths in all settings today and one in a hospital setting yesterday. 771 people confirmed as infected today too.

What to say, in the continuing grind of the virus still lurking? It’s still: Take care, everyone, and God bless.

After a heavy day’s work yesterday, I wondered whether John would be up for the fight today, carrying on where he left off, helping to build Michael’s ‘man-shed’. But yes, he certainly was. Keen as mustard. So, we were up and getting ready in reasonable time, gathering our bits and pieces to take over to Sutton Coldfield, to ease the day through.

Once we’d arrived there, we went our separate ways – John down to the ‘man-shed’ alongside Michael, to supervise proceedings there, and me to the house to support Danielle in whatever way she wanted. I was pleased to see that she was looking a lot better today, and she had more energy, so things are looking up.

It was such a hot day today that, instead of playing outside, William’s instinct was to remain indoors at the height of the heat. Sensible boy. He also commented that the sun was too bright today. Well, it was very bright and I was delighted with the decision to retreat to the coolness of the lounge as it felt too hot, even for me, outside. Fortunately, the location of the ‘man-shed’ is among the shelter of trees at the bottom of the garden, so the menfolk were shaded a bit in their labours.

I asked Danielle if there was anything particular she needed doing, and one job was to change the sheets on the bed. William and I went up to do the work and spent a very happy hour up in the bedroom, playing among the pillows and the duvet. He spent a great deal of time bouncing on the bed, and I was exhausted just watching him. Then there were a lot of ‘tickle monsters’ playing in the bed at the same time, as well as ‘ghosts’, which stood up, shrouded in a sheet and generally wriggled around, giggling. Then there were roaring lions, and pirates, and not to forget ‘Blaze’ and his Monster Machines, charging about. We had a fabulous time. The bed did get made eventually, but not before our imaginations had spun all kinds of tales. Great fun, before thirst got the better of both us and we had to come down for a drink.

After a bite to eat at lunchtime, William went for his nap on the promise that his paddling pool would be up and ready for him when he got up. Michael duly pumped the pool up, and we then realised it needed a good clean. So that was my job early afternoon. Boy, was it hot out there in the blazing sunshine. I couldn’t wait to get the pool cleaned and filled with water myself, so that I could dip my toes in it too!!

After his nap, William got up and raced out to the paddling pool, all togged up and ready to go. The only thing was, the water was still cold and he didn’t fancy it. Nope. Oh, and the sun was still too bright. The swimming kit came off, and he trotted back into the sanctuary of the cool, dark lounge. Me? I had a paddle. The cold water was bliss.

The menfolk kept their heads down and worked and worked on the shed today, all day. John says he didn’t do much, but sat in the chair mostly, watching the younger generation do the physical work. Between them they interpreted the instructions and, when things didn’t quite go right, John offered suggestions as what to do next. A great working relationship by all accounts.

We hadn’t expected rain today, so it was a surprise when the wind changed direction and blew a posse of dark clouds in our direction. The change in wind direction didn’t do much to reduce the heat however, so it came as no surprise when there were rumblings of thunder in the background, and great big plops of rain drops started to fall. It wasn’t much and it didn’t last long, but it did cause consternation in the shed-building department. The roof wasn’t fully finished. It’s still not fully finished, but they did manage to drag a tarpaulin over it to keep the thick of any rain out when it falls tomorrow.

It got very late for a nearly-three-year old’s tea, but we were determined to have a barbecue, so we sat down to eat about seven o’clock. Lovely food and lovely company – and some quiet time, as Thomas stayed asleep through the proceedings, only waking up as we finished eating.

I had the pleasure of bathing both William and Thomas this evening, as John and Michael were still putting the finishing touches to their day’s work. And then I had the added delight of reading William his bedtime story, before we headed home. All in all, another lovely day.

In other news, of course, the virus is the hot topic, with Eid having been cancelled because of the rise in recent infections. Despite this, shielding for the vulnerable is now suspended. The government denies mixed messages, but I am not sure I am clear on what they are really recommending as the best thing to do. However, the government advice is just that and they tell us that ‘it’s your personal choice whether to follow it.’ John’ll be down that motorist’s shop before you can say ‘Jack Robinson’!!!

120 COVID-19 related deaths today in all settings and one yesterday, in a hospital setting. 880 people confirmed as infected with the virus today though.

Take care everyone, the fat lady hasn’t sung yet. And God bless you all.

Panic over. Paul doesn’t have COVID-19. Just a cold. Which he probably caught from Freddie, who has also been poorly. Although just having a summer cold can make you feel lousy, I am on top of the world to know that he hasn’t got the dreaded lurgy!! (Does a little skip!).

As you would expect, my thoughts are with all those who do have the virus now, and there seem to be quite a few hot spots, with Sandwell on the brink of a local lock down; Greater Manchester in a local lock down from midnight tonight, as well as some parts of West Yorkshire.

We knew flare-ups would happen of course, but I was keeping everything crossed that it wouldn’t, and that people would properly distance, wear their masks, wash their hands etc to keep the pesky virus at bay. So I am saddened that there are new outbreaks, and pray that each and every infectee gets over it without a fatal outcome or lasting side effects.

The government tells us that there have been 38 deaths today in all settings and 4 in a hospital setting, which offers us a glimmer of hope but, there are 846 people confirmed as infected, which seems to snatch the hope away again, as this is the highest figures for weeks. ‘Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water……’

In other news, we were up with the lark, and (particularly John) raring to go. We gathered up all sorts of bits and pieces – me: food and crockery and stuff like that; John: tools and equipment and that sort of stuff. Loaded the car, set the co-ordinates to Sutton Coldfield and……. baby-minding and ‘man-shed’ building, here we come! Bubble, bubble, bubble.

Thus, the day was spent using some of our respective skills. John got on with the ‘man-shed’, ably supported by William, who asked a lot of ‘why?’ questions, and generally gave a running commentary on every activity undertaken; and I got on with ‘keeping house’ and baby/child-minding to ensure Danielle had the rest she needed for her recuperation, and Michael had the space he needed to work upstairs. And it was a great, and very rewarding, day.

The ‘man-shed’ work was physically hard, mind you. Nevertheless, John gritted his teeth and determinedly shifted planks of wood from one end of the garden to the other and began building. I helped to shift one or two of the heavier pieces for a nano-second, but for pretty much all of it John managed it on his own. So I was pleased for him. See? He’s not past it after all.

Michael emerged from his office at about half past four, declaring that he wasn’t doing any more work, having been closeted there all day with not much more than a twenty-five minute break. So the pair of them carried on carting pieces of wood from front to back of the house, then building and building. In the end, I had to drag John away. He’d have been there all evening if I’d let him! I mean, he’s got to go back and do some more tomorrow. No peace for the wicked. Tee-hee.

The day whizzed by for me and I am not sure exactly what I achieved, except that I know all members of the household were happy, cheerful, entertained, well-fed and watered, and had rested as much as they needed. That’s a result – no?

We’ll be back tomorrow – more ‘man-shed’ work and more respite for she who is convalescing. And it threatens to be a glorious day, albeit a touch hot, so we might get the paddling pool out.

Take care everyone – remember: ‘Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water……’ and may God bless you all.

We have decided that since we have been able to see the Sutton Sleaths inside, because they’ve been isolating, we must have formed a ‘bubble’. Consequently, when we got the call to go over to their house to support them today because Danielle is still not feeling 100%, we were very happy to oblige. We had planned to go over, in any case, garden-wise, because Michael was taking delivery of a ‘man-shed’ and John wanted to be there to see it arrive – and help move the pieces, if he could.

So, we made an early start, and made it in good time to their house, ready for a trip to the hospital to check out the infection Danielle has picked up. Michael stayed home on a conference call for an assessment by his supervisors on how his ‘virtual’ placement is going; Grandpa also stayed home to play with William; and I drove Danielle and Thomas down to the hospital. Danielle hopped out of the car and I drove round a bit with Thomas, fingers crossed that he’d go to sleep – which he did, much to my relief. I mean, a yelling baby in the back of a car is never much fun, is it?

It wasn’t long before Danielle had been seen, discharged and, everyone suitably sanitised, we were driving home again. Keep on with the antibiotics, rest, keep the wound clean and it’ll soon clear up, they told her. With a husband at work and two kids to look after, the advice is difficult to keep going, especially the resting part, so John and I were delighted to be able to look after William, as well as Thomas when he wasn’t feeding.

And it transpires that we’re planning to do it all over again tomorrow! With the arrival of the ‘man-shed’ John has got quite excited about putting it together. He brought the instructions home with him this evening and has pored over them to make sure he knows exactly what to do. In fact, he’s been so excited about the arrival of the shed, that he set to, to see if he could lay another slab for the base today.

He did better than that. He laid a whole row of the things!! Obviously, he was feeling much stronger than he was the other day when he managed one slab, and only thought about laying a second. He’s done incredibly well. A bit out of puff, but very satisfied with himself.

Being in the company of the Sutton Sleaths has brought into sharp focus the fact that we are not in the company of our other sons, whose lives are so much more out in the community at the moment. Andrew, who has started a new job, moved into a new flat and sometimes goes to the pub, isn’t able to isolate and therefore be in close proximity with us. In addition, he’s very busy and lives a good few miles away so a trip home is a bit of a marathon. Paul and Harriet have also been going into work, and Freddie into pre-school so, again, it’s still the ‘garden adventure’ or nothing.

Conscious that we hadn’t seen the Kenilworth Sleaths for a while, I got in touch to see if Paul could call in. Mum needs a new watch battery, so I was wondering if one of the family could take it to the jewellers for repair. No problem, says Paul, I’ll swing by………. only, hold that thought. I won’t swing by. I’ve got a cold….well, I’m going to get a test to make sure it’s not COVID-19….. so I’ll lockdown until I’ve got the result.

Ah, OK, I reply calmly. And then…..fingers crossed it’s not COVID…..(runs round like a headless chicken)….. and says a little prayer. It’ll be fine, it’ll be fine.

We may see Andrew at the weekend. Well, his weekend – Sunday or Monday. That is, if he can wrest himself from his bed. He says he hasn’t worked so hard for years and is feeling pretty knackered. (Am I allowed to say that?) On the other hand, having moved flat, he has got a lot of junk he’d like to offload into the Sleath Storage Unit……

We scampered home after our evening meal in Sutton, in time for our regular Centre Stage quiz. What a giggle we had again. Everyone was on top form, one way or another, and there were some laughs to be had when poor Nigel couldn’t get logged on properly and it sounded like he was sending submarine signals up to us all. I do love spending time with these people!! Even if we don’t always know the answers. I really must brush up on national flags…..

With the virus on my mind, I note that there have been 763 newly confirmed cases of infection and 83 associated deaths today in all settings, with two in hospital settings.

With the virus still prevailing in some parts of the country, albeit not quite so wide and deep as it was – a plea, dear friends – please take every precaution you can, lest it lurk close by. And may the dear Lord bless us all.

We thought we might take it easy today, one way or another, after our exertions yesterday but, although we did have a lie-in, we both busied ourselves in different ways.

John had started the hedge-trimming the other day and was keen to get on with finishing it, if he could. I wanted to finish sorting out Mum’s bits and pieces and then visit her in the flat to see how she was settling in. So, after a short morning, some of which was spent in bed contemplating whether we might spend the whole day in bed, we got up and got on.

John was also keen to get on with his car, but in the end, the pull of the outdoors was too great so off he went to do the hedge. I faffed about before finally setting off to visit Mum. I am not convinced Mum remembers how to use the phone, so I was a little anxious as to how she’d been managing. I had deliberately left her to settle in and get used to her new regime for a few days, as I know she’d be thinking back to being looked after by me otherwise.

As it turned out, she was as happy as Larry. She was sat, with her legs up in her new chair, delighted to see me and thrilled to bits with all the care that she’s been having. She was pleased to have the washing and ironing back that I’d done, saying she needed clean things, so that was hopeful that she was changing her clothes. The flat all looked in order and there didn’t seem to be any odd things in odd places, so I was very pleased for her that she’d settled back so well. The plumber had been in today to mend a leak under the sink, and she remembered that he’d been, so it’s all looking good.

Mum is a great ‘squirreler-away’ of things and, over the years, has kept documents and all sorts of correspondence. Mostly, I think, because she doesn’t quite know what to do with them and also because she’s afraid of throwing something important away. I fished out yet more booklets and papers from alongside her chair and started to go through them today. Mostly old catalogues from 2018, but also some old bank statements – from 1979……. I asked Mum why she was keeping them, but she didn’t know. I asked her if I could throw them out, but no, they’d be needed. What for, I wondered? Well, in case, after she died, there was any query, she offered. I reminded her that they were over forty years old and surely the tax man wasn’t going be interested after that length of time? But she was adamant she wasn’t going to relinquish them. Had to laugh! Might have to be a secret hatchet job……

When I got back from Mum’s I could hear an odd scraping noise, which I thought was coming from the garage, but after a while, I realised it wasn’t. It sounded more at the back of the house so I went to investigate. There was John, up a ladder, hauling out the jasmine that was aggressively ingressing the roof space. He was having a whale of a time. Not only had he done a cracking job on the hedge but had enough energy to start on the jasmine too. Mind you, he was too knackered to do much clearing up of the brash, so I cleared the jasmine detritus and we have left the hedge cuttings for another day.

All in all, a good day with things achieved, allowing us to sit back, kick our shoes off and watch TV with clear consciences this evening. One programme that I like to watch is ‘Our Yorkshire Farm’ and tonight’s episode didn’t disappoint. It is a cracking series about a couple, with nine children, farming in the remote hills of Yorkshire. Worth a watch if you like countryside programmes and not yet seen it.

Mum made no mention of the small picture on her TV today, so I am presuming she has got used to the size of her screen now, but she did say she was having a bit of trouble switching it on again. Once again, she’d switched it off at the plug. No wonder it wouldn’t work. She’d done the same with phone, too. Made me chuckle. I have now put labels on the switches telling her to leave them alone!

And, of course, I watched the news today, which isn’t awfully encouraging on the virus front, with a great kerfuffle over people’s holidays to Spain, and the uplift in cases. 119 deaths in all settings reported today by the government, with four deaths in a hospital setting yesterday; and 581 people are confirmed as having been tested positive for the virus today.

We know the drill now, which we will have to keep up for a while to come. No-one knows how long, but I think it’s going to be the new ‘norm’. Take care everyone. Peace be with you all.