Not Just a Granny

Lockdown Day 9 – lest we forget

April 1, 2020 by notjustagranny

THIS…
“Deaths are increasing and the government is going to blame the people rather than their own inaction and incompetence.

I don’t think that COVID19 has been deliberately released as a form of population control. However I absolutely do believe that governments, including the UK, have seized this opportunity – to experiment & learn just how compliant we are; to manipulate us; to grant themselves wide ranging powers which erode our civil liberties & set precedents to use them in the future. Why wouldn’t they?

“As this crisis deepens and the death toll mounts, a narrative is going to emerge that will be very seductive to many of us. It will all be the fault of “the people.”

The people who failed to practice social distancing.
The people who hoarded.
The people who didn’t listen to the government.
The people who didn’t listen to the science.
The people. Those selfish people. Look at them in their parks.

The government will start trotting this out. Right wing media will push it hard. Police forces have already begun assigning blame to “the people”.

Many of us will feel the tug of this seductive reasoning. Our brains will be tempted to lash out at “the people.” When we do, we must remember some things:

The government had 3 months to prepare. This was a train coming down the tracks.
At first we were told the plan was herd immunity. Then it wasn’t.
As the first few people started to die, Boris Johnson boasting of shaking the hands of hospitalised coronavirus patients. This was a week before the lockdown.
Why weren’t we in lockdown like other European countries, some asked. Trust us, they said.
Then we got the lockdown order. What did they say? The initial government advice was only “essential workers could travel to work”. A day later this was changed to “essential travel for work.” See the difference? There are screenshots of this.
They told us to practice social distancing as MPs crowded around each other in the House of Commons.
They said only the old and immuno-comprised were at risk. Then healthy twenty-somethings started dying.
They said the NHS could cope, then they started building field hospitals in stadiums.
They said the NHS had the protective equipment it needed, then we logged on to social media.
They said we were in it together, then they got tested before the frontline workers.
They said there was no such thing as society and it was survival of the fittest, then said we needed to show solidarity.
They clapped when they voted against a pay-rise for NHS nurses in 2017, then they clapped for the NHS.
They spent a decade telling us cuts were needed to save the economy, then they said the only way to save the economy was to spend trillions.
They spent a decade insisting £94 was enough to live on, then admitted it wasn’t.
They got us to vote for Brexit by rubbishing “experts,” then told us to trust experts.
They told us retail workers were low skilled, then said they were key workers.
They said homelessness was sad but inevitable, then they order it ended overnight.

So yes, “the people” ended up a little fucking confused.

Because our so-called leaders have utterly failed to lead.

They don’t know what they stand for; they couldn’t believe the world could change so quickly; they resisted “alarmism” when the only proper response was to be alarmed; they had no idea how to use the power of the state, having spent a decade dismantling it; they were arrogant and complacent, wallowing in privilege. The fundamental duty of government is to keep us safe. That’s what we pay them to do. They have failed.

As the death toll mounts, remember that our leaders are to blame, not “the people,” and we must resist the temptation to blame each other.”
~Nathan Williams

We must remember this, when we are back to whatever normal is waiting for us.

And please do remember YOU, YES YOU HAVE MADE A HUGE SACRIFICE FOR THE GREATER GOOD by staying home and taking the necessary precautions. So bravo and here’s my clap for you 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

Stay strong, keep safe and remember, for the majority of us, there will be another tomorrow, let us be grateful in these troubled times

Posted in around the UK, gratitude, Health, news from around the world | Tagged Coronavirus, Covid 19, sacrifice, tory government | Leave a Comment »

Lockdown Day 8

March 31, 2020 by notjustagranny

As we enter the 2nd week of lockdown it seems that finally the message is getting through to the last of the laggards. People are staying home 👏👏👏👏👏

Thankfully I love reading and although I was only expecting to be here for 2 weeks, I brought 3 new books with me. I can’t tell you how often in the past I’ve worked in homes bereft of books!! How do people not have books to read??

As it turns out, I’m going to be here for 5 weeks!!! And bonus…unusually for me there are hundreds of books in this house, and most are by authors that I enjoy…so I have a huge selection and choice to keep me going.

I finished the 1st book a couple of days ago and started reading another of my favourite authors…Lee Child. The Midnight Line features Jack Reacher and as with others in the series it doesn’t disappoint. I read until 11.30pm last night and until I couldn’t see anymore 🤪🤪🤪 it’s a page turner.

I had the joy of a facetime call with my grandson this morning 💙👶🏻💙 He’s ever so cute and developing so quickly. Apparently he’s started calling me nan nan 🥰🥰…still finding it difficult to say Granny 👵🏻 Its an absolute joy to watch his development and I’m in awe of how much he has grown and changed in the last 14.5 months. From a tiny, helpless baby dependent on us for his every need, to an adorable toddler with a very determined mind of his own….and if he’s deterred…he has a bit of a meltdown…a real drama llama 😂😂😂😍 It’s so cute.

I had a fabulous walk today. I retraced my steps from yesterday and went a wee bit further. The weather was perfect for walking. What a beautiful area of the country….although my time is limited, the Quantocks are right on my doorstep and I am so lucky. I only passed about 8 people today, we all waved, said hello and asked if we’re doing good…all in very good spirits. The path I followed runs right next to a bubbling stream and at one stage I was inspected by a very energetic little dog who had no clue about social distancing 😂😂😂

Countrywide the news is not good. This horrible thing is spreading so fast now and as fast as its spreading so our government is lagging behind. You can fool some of the people some of the time, but you can’t fool all the people all the time. If nothing else, being in lockdown gives us a better chance to scrutinise what our government is doing and they’re not doing too fantastically. The medical profession are begging for PPE and other supplies, and the current spokesman stands there and talks 🐂💩. The current crisis is fully in their hands.

So here we are, at the end of another day and I am thinking more about how much I have to be grateful for….others feel the same way too

Take care folks, stay safe

Posted in around the UK, family and relationships, gratitude, Health, It's my life, me and Peanut, walk 1000 miles 2020 | Tagged Coronavirus, Covid 19, lockdown, quantocks, walk 1000 miles | Leave a Comment »

Lockdown Day 7

March 31, 2020 by notjustagranny

As we come to the end of Day 7 of lockdown, the latest news is that actually there is no end in sight as the true impact of the coronavirus aka Covid-19 starts to show its impact. 21 days was a very optimistic timeframe.

As we face this prospect let us hold this fast….a quote by Eleanor Roosevelt

“You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself ‘I lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along’.”

I remember when the first reports of this virus started filtering out of China. I remember my thoughts on that….which I won’t share, but I do remember thinking that if you mess with nature, its going to jump up and bite you in the ass. And that’s what it’s done. For decades animal activists have fought against the appalling treatment of animals in China.

This time last week, who would have thought that we’d be in a peacetime lockdown situation. Looking back the actions of the Chinese government seemed to be so draconian, but not surprising given their terrible human rights abuses. And suddenly we’re in a similar situation, albeit less draconian.

Its been a weird week in all, taking time to get used to the new rules, learning more about how the virus operates and spreads. Thousands more have died, and the orange swamp thing is burying his head in the sand. No surprise there. What was a surprise (not really) was our esteemed clown I mean PM contracting the virus 🙄🙄🙄 Leader? I think not. Blah blah blah stay at home, practice social distancing, wash your hands….and what does he do? He shakes everyone’s hands and then brags about it!! I don’t want to use the word ‘twat’ coz its rude, but seriously…

Here in Nether Stowey we’re still getting used to the idea but people have been amazing, observant of the rules on the whole as we adjust to the new normal. I’ve said hello to some really pleasant people, although that’s not unusual in a village like this and chatted briefly to a lovely lady who turns out to have been a carer back in the day before retirement. 😃😃

My hands have never been so clean or so chapped from constant washing and drying, and I’ve never viewed my clothes and shoes as enemies before….they never see the inside of the house. Its totally peculiar having to spray the shopping down and clean it all before touching it. Gloves have become the latest fashion accessory.

I went out for my usual perambulation today and walked a completely different route after passing the castle mound. And I’m glad I did. I discovered a land of enchantment. Unfortunately my phone battery didn’t last the walk so I only have a few photos, but I’m planning on going that way again today….if the rain holds off.

Life in the house seems to have settled somewhat and the lady I’m caring for has gone from vile and vicious to calm and friendly….what a difference a pill makes. Thank god because my nerves were shredded by Friday and I was quite prepared to quit and forgo the extra 3 weeks of work!!!

So here we are, end of day 7, the first week of many done and dusted. And life will never be the same.

I’ve decided that the postmen and ladies who are still working also deserve our appreciation, so every time I pass them on their rounds or driving by…I applaud and give them the thumbs up. And I shall leave a note of thanks for the folks who collect and empty our trash bins…because if they stop, the result will be awful.

Keep safe folks, be vigilant and wash your hands 🥴🥴🥴🥴

I’ll post this tomorrow morning because we have no network here again tonight. All the best ❤❤

Posted in around the UK, gratitude, Health | Tagged Country Walking, Covid 19, Health, lockdown coronavirus | Leave a Comment »

Lockdown Day 6

March 29, 2020 by notjustagranny

So not only was today a ‘stone’ day but I also have no network.

Being a fresh air fanatic sometimes has its downside…if the temperature drops during the night you wake up freezing. Okay maybe a slight exaggeration, but yeah, damn cold. It was 3 degrees this morning!!!

I saw on Facebook a couple of my friends mentioned snow in their neck of the woods!!! Really?? Although it was cloudy here we still had intermittent sunshine. But evidently things were a bit different elsewhere.

I didn’t go out during my break for my usual walk today; just too tired so I slept instead. The clocks went forward today and required an earlier start to the day and besides that I’d had a bit of an upset in the morning that just tipped me over the edge and into a depressed mood.

Thankfully my client has been very pleasant the last 2 days and that has relieved some of the stress, but the news is so depressing and apparently we’re going to have even tighter restrictions…so tomorrow I’m out for my walk regardless.

I had a lovely chat with my sister in Cape Town this afternoon which was lovely and they’re bearing up okay… their lockdown is even more severe than ours and people are not even allowed to walk their dogs. Although it has affected everyone in the country, in a weird way the white South Africans are now getting a taste of what life was like for black and coloured South Africans during the apartheid era. Being restricted to their homes, freedoms curtailed, arrests for breaking the restrictions…I’m waiting with bated breath for what will be an inevitable blow up.

I’ve started a new book; The Midnight Line by Lee Child featuring Jack Reacher. I enjoy these types of books and of course reading takes your mind off everything. This is also one of those times that I wish I had access to Netflix, but no such thing here and the programmes on TV are terrible.

Perhaps I should get back to my book…

Anyway, another day has passed and life goes on…for some of us anyway. The rise in the number of Covid-19 deaths is quite terrifying. Its Its really hard trying to comprehend all of what is happening and it all feels like a very bad dream.

In case you were wondering the reference to the ‘stone’ day its from the John Denver song “Some days are diamonds, some days are stone.”

So take care and stay safe

Posted in around the UK, family and relationships, Health, news from around the world | Tagged Covid 19, lockdown, online diary | 3 Comments »

Lockdown Day 5

March 28, 2020 by notjustagranny

Lovely sunrise this morning. Twas a beautiful day in Somerset although as the morning has gone on, so more clouds are building up. That rain they were talking about perhaps…

“With the new day comes new strength and thoughts”. Eleanor Roosevelt

I popped out to the store as usual just to get more milk and bread. My client goes through lots of milk each day and I’m concerned we’re going to run out. Especially after seeing this posted in the walk 1000 miles group this morning:

Not sure how accurate it is, but considering the pattern of infection in other countries it makes sense. So far we haven’t had any cases (that I’ve heard of) in our neck of the woods, the closest being Taunton. But this thing travels fast, so…

This is a text from an NHS worker

“As of tomorrow, do not leave home for bread for anything! Because the worst begins tomorrow as the incubation date is met and many people that are positive with the virus start to peak!! It’s at this time other people are most vulnerable! so it is very important to stay home and not to be in contact with anybody, even members of your family if possible!! Being very careful is very important and very crucial at this time!!

As from tomorrow we are going to see the start of the peak of those that are positive, then there will be two weeks of calm and then two weeks where it decreases.

What happened in Italy is that they neglected the contagion period and that is why all the cases turned out together and so badly, plus they didn’t know what they were dealing with *.
And finally, please do not receive visits from anyone, not even from the same family. This is all for the good of all. * WE WILL BE IN THE MAXIMUM STAGE OF INFECTION.
DO NOT HOLD ON TO THIS MESSAGE, PASS IT ON TO ALL YOUR CONTACTS *

So forewarned is forewarned/ and better safe than sorry…

Isn’t it ironic that the very people who are meant to be leading the country during this time have tested positive and have clearly NOT been following their own advice.

To avoid watching any further depressing news I’ve been watching Call the Midwife….so much more palatable.

My daughter has given me permission to share the WhatsApp image she captured yesterday during our grandparents call. The wonders of technology

I had a spot of luck this morning…on my way back from the store I happened to notice a box of stuff on the bench near the clock tower. Looking closer I saw a note from a local farm; Inwood Farm, saying to please help ourselves to the items..free in order to not waste. I took a few boxes of chocolates and 2 boxes of biscuits and one packet of tortilla wraps. How lucky is that. There were quite a lot of items so I hope other people also got to share in the windfall.

All I wanted to do was sleep this afternoon after a bout of wakefulness in the early hours, but I forced myself to go out for a walk since if indeed the virus infections are going to peak next week, we may go into total lockdown and be unable to get out. So making the most of it. I managed 2.4 kms… This area is so gorgeous

Nether Stowey Castle from across the road

I followed part of my usual route and then crossed the road and climbed to the top of the next hill. This is reminding me more and more of the Camino 🤪🤪 It was very cloudy, windy and cold up there but oh, the views…with a fantastic view of the castle. From that elevation, 140.3 metres I could see Steep Holme Island in the Bridtol Channel. Stunning.

The steps leading up to the field reminded me of Box Hill and the fall I had that put an end to my pilgrimage in 2018.

I’ve just finished reading a brilliant book: The Mermaids Singing by Val McDermid, one of my favourite authors. It’s the first book where she introduces Tony Hill and Carol Jordan of Wire in the Blood TV series. Now I’ll have to follow the editions and reread some of the later books I’ve already read.

Altogether a good day.

Hope you all had a fab day and are taking steps to remain safe. I suspect things are going to ramp up quite a lot over the next couple of weeks so please observe the protocol for keeping safe and try to not get the virus.

The very best to you all

Posted in around the UK, family and relationships, gratitude, Health, It's my life, news from around the world | Tagged ASDA, Covid 19, family, grandparents, grandson, lockdown | 2 Comments »

Listerine!!! Who knew!!?? Covid-19

March 28, 2020 by notjustagranny

I simply have to share this….but please don’t rush straight to your bathroom cabinet and drink all the Listerine!!!🤪🤪🤪🤪

More useful information: The following is from Irene Ken physician, whose daughter is an Asst. Prof in infectious diseases at Johns Hopkins University, quite informative.

The virus is not a living organism, but a protein molecule (DNA) covered by a protective layer of lipid (fat), which, when absorbed by the cells of the ocular, nasal or buccal mucosa, changes their genetic code. (mutation) and convert them into aggressor and multiplier cells.
Since the virus is not a living organism but a protein molecule, it is not killed, but decays on its own. The disintegration time depends on the temperature, humidity and type of material where it lies.
The virus is very fragile; the only thing that protects it is a thin outer layer of fat. That is why any soap or detergent is the best remedy, because the foam CUTS the FAT (that is why you have to rub so much: for 20 seconds or more, to make a lot of foam).

By dissolving the fat layer, the protein molecule disperses and breaks down on its own.

HEAT melts fat; this is why it is so good to use water above 77 degrees Fahrenheit for washing hands, clothes and everything. In addition, hot water makes more foam and that makes it even more useful.
Alcohol or any mixture with alcohol over 65% DISSOLVES ANY FAT, especially the external lipid layer of the virus.
Any mix with 1 part bleach and 5 parts water directly dissolves the protein, breaks it down from the inside.
Oxygenated water helps long after soap, alcohol and chlorine, because peroxide dissolves the virus protein, but you have to use it pure and it hurts your skin.
NO BACTERICIDE OR ANTIBIOTIC SERVES. The virus is not a living organism like bacteria; antibodies cannot kill what is not alive.
NEVER shake used or unused clothing, sheets or cloth. While it is glued to a porous surface, it is very inert and disintegrates only
-between 3 hours (fabric and porous),
-4 hours (copper and wood)
-24 hours (cardboard),
42 hours (metal) and
-72 hours (plastic).

But if you shake it or use a feather duster, the virus molecules float in the air for up to 3 hours, and can lodge in your nose.

The virus molecules remain very stable in external cold, or artificial as air conditioners in houses and cars.

They also need moisture to stay stable, and especially darkness. Therefore, dehumidified, dry, warm and bright environments will degrade it faster.

UV LIGHT on any object that may contain it breaks down the virus protein. For example, to disinfect and reuse a mask is perfect. Be careful, it also breaks down collagen (which is protein) in the skin.
The virus CANNOT go through healthy skin.
Vinegar is NOT useful because it does not break down the protective layer of fat.
NO SPIRITS, NOR VODKA, serve. The strongest vodka is 40% alcohol, and you need 65%.
LISTERINE IF IT SERVES! It is 65% alcohol.
The more confined the space, the more concentration of the virus there can be. The more open or naturally ventilated, the less.
You have to wash your hands before and after touching mucosa, food, locks, knobs, switches, remote control, cell phone, watches, computers, desks, TV, etc. And when using the bathroom.
You have to Moisturize dry hands from so much washing them, because the molecules can hide in the micro cracks. The thicker the moisturizer, the better.
Also keep your NAILS SHORT so that the virus does not hide there.

-JOHNS HOPKINS HOSPITAL

PLEASE SHARE TO SAVE LIVES

OR COPY AND PASTE

I’m sharing everything I come across that makes sense.

Posted in around the UK, Health, news from around the world | Tagged Coronavirus, Covid 19, Health, lockdown | Leave a Comment »

Lockdown Day 4

March 27, 2020 by notjustagranny

How absolutely wonderful it is to wake up to the sound of birdsong in the morning. Although I wrote a separate post earlier today, it has really stuck with me the whole day. Its such a privilege.

Pretty much a quiet day. Got all emotional watching the footage from last nights 8pm #clapforourcarers initiative on the news this morning. So amazing. Our NHS staff seriously are heroes in all this…them and all the other support staff: police, ambulance, garbage disposal services, street cleaners, postmen/women, and all the other people who provide the services that keep a country running. The UNDERPAID people/workers who keep the country running.

And of course ‘Breaking News’ – Bozo…I mean BoJo the clown has got a ‘mild’ case of the virus. Seriously. And did you notice that coward, Dominic Cummings literally RUNNING away from #10? So much for his ‘herd immunity ‘ theory. Coward. The skittles are falling….sadly we are now forced to watch that despicable dishonest creepy Gove delivering updates. Seriously. I can’t watch him. I switched off the TV. Even if he was announcing the arrival of the undead and giving us advice on how to escape I’d still switch off the TV. I’d rather slit my wrists. BoJo get well soon…all is not forgiven but I seriously cannot watch that horror….

As for Richard Branson. Krist!! What a greedy capitalist he is!!! Last week he tells his staff to take 8 weeks unpaid leave and now he’s asking for a bailout package for Virgin Airlines. I swear to God, if our government bails him out with money from the public purse I will never pay another blue bloody penny in tax. They can put me in jail, but will refuse to pay. The government is providing funding to small businesses and employees who lost their jobs and self-employed, but the money is on loan, its not a gift…so if they bail that greedy bastard out it would be immoral. 🤬🤬🤬🤬 But then again…it us the government after all. Urgh- moving on before I burst a blood vessel 🥴🥴🥴😂😂😂😂

The weather is really stunning at the moment although today it turned quite chilly with a stiff breeze.

I took a different route to the castle during my break; along Butcher’s Lane and then through the fields uphill and eventually into the castle grounds. I encountered 2 stiles enroute – my nemesis when walking The Pilgrim’s Way in 2018.

The countryside out here is really beautiful and again I have to remark on how peaceful it is without constant traffic.

It was very windy on top of the mound today, so I just walked the lower perimeter and collected some more tufts of wool for crafting with my grandson in years to come. Them nosy sheep came trotting over to see ‘who goes there?’ when I clanked the gate shut. Or maybe they want their wool back 🐑🐑🐑

Talking of my grandson….a total highlight today was a WhatsApp group call with all the grandparents of the wee cherub and his parents. He’s ever so cute and blew kisses to all of us. I do miss him so much and can’t wait to see him again after this is all over. My daughter and her husband are struggling a bit. She’s self-employed but only recently having converted from a PLC to self-employed due to changes in her company and future direction. Previously a social media training company she’s started focusing more on her photography business which was starting to expand and she lost a lot of commissions with this sudden coronavirus development. So lots of stress there. And of course she doesn’t qualify for the government offer due to the timing. On top of that, Baby fell yesterday and scraped his finger and despite careful cleaning, by this morning it was red and inflamed and required a trip to the pharmacy…in these times, a stressful excursion

I’ve been reading a lot more, trying to not watch the news. I did some scrolling through the channels…seriously is anyone else pretty much sick of game shows and Flog It et al? There’s absolutely nothing to watch. Krist I sound like a grumpy old lady today 😂😂😂👵🏻😠😠

Hope you’re all well and keeping safe. I’m glad I don’t live in South Africa….you’re not even allowed to walk your dog there. Not that I have a dog, but still. And no alcohol!!! That is not going to end well. My niece and her family live in Qatar and they’re not even able to get out for walks due to restrictions there. I think we in the UK are pretty lucky.

Folks keep well, keep strong and be safe …..and if you see folks like this lot, remind them they’re meant to be practicing social distancing 😉🥴🥴