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Lockdown Day 39

Posted in around the UK, book reviews, family and relationships, gratitude, It's my life, me and Peanut, walk 1000 miles 2020, tagged Coronavirus, Covid 19, family, grandson, Lent, lockdown, walk 1000 miles on May 1, 2020| Leave a Comment »

So this is what Lent feels like…I haven’t had physical contact with a single person for 40 nights and 40 days. May as well live in the desert…

I suddenly realized today that I haven’t had any physical contact with anyone since 22nd March when I said goodbye to my daughter….its bizarre. I’m quite a tactile person and even when I was walking the Camino on my own in 2017, I still had loads of hugs from fellow pilgrims, albergue owners and sometimes just a fist bump with a random stranger.

Much as I’m really glad the earth is getting a chance to heal, I’ll be glad when lockdown is over, although I suspect that hugging and fist bumps will no longer be on the agenda. How awful its going to be, to be afraid of hugs. 😭😭😭😭

I just hope that we won’t lose much enjoyed hugs between family. Talking of family I had a delightful facetime with my daughter and grandson today. Gosh he’s adorable. I was talking to him and blowing him kisses, so he took the phone away from his Mummy and walked around kissing my face 🥰🥰🥰💙👶🏻 oh my gosh it was so cute. All I could see was his forehead and the adorable curl on his head…my daughter was beside herself with laughter…he’s a real charm.

My days in Nether Stowey are numbered now, only 9 to go and I’m off….although of course, all being well I’ll be back in July. Weirdly I’ve been quite happy here and although I’m desperate to see my family, and I’m really quite tired now (and sick of meal planning 🤪🤪), I’m quite sad to go. It’s a lovely area and once we got past the initial issues, I’ve gotten on quite well with my client. I am not looking forward to the journey though. Its going to be long…I just hope there will be trains 🤔🤔🤔

I’ve started a new book; The Pure in Heart – Susan Hill….one of my favourite authors. So this will be the 9th book I’ve read since being in lockdown.

Had a lovely long walk today; 5.4 kms. I just felt like I really needed to stretch my legs, and the area is so beautiful its hard to resist…although of course I have done quite a lot of that 😂😂

My sister mentioned that the SA government has now started on phase 4 ; a lifting of the lockdown is in progress…means they can now actually go out for a very short walk. It all seems very organized and puts our shambolic government to shame

To see how the number of deaths is mounting is quite terrifying, and seeing how the government is putting a spin on everything is disgusting. I’m so sick of their dishonesty. Even one of the most fundamental issues of getting a grip on this virus; testing, has had their warped spin applied

https://www.hsj.co.uk/quality-and-performance/revealed-how-government-changed-the-rules-to-hit-100000-tests-target/7027544.article#.Xqw3EoFpNi4.facebook

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/may/01/ministers-accused-of-changing-covid-19-test-tally-to-hit-100000-goal

I truly hope there will be a public enquiry and that certain members of the party will….I’d like to say hang, but I guess that’s a bit harsh…however if you consider the number of people who have died due to their incompetence…well…perhaps drawn and quartered might suffice.

Piers Morgan wrote a very accurate piece on the Covid-19 timeline and how the Tory government seriously missed so many red flags….while our emperor was cavorting with his latest piece of fluff, Rome, so to speak was burning….or in this case the UK. And now we have the 2nd highest number of deaths in the world, the most shambolic distribution of PPE and a bunch of bald-faced liars who pump up the numbers to make it look as if they’re being ‘successful’. The day of reckoning will come. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8275365/PIERS-MORGAN-Boris-boast-wants-death-toll-tells-real-story.html?ito=facebook_share_article-bottom

I’m not (usually) a Daily Mail reader and I’m not actually a fan of Piers Morgan, but by golly he’s hit the nail on the head.

And do another day goes by…who knows what the future might hold. With all the saber-rattling going on in the White House, I wouldn’t be surprised if we saw nuclear warheads flying overhead between Beijing and Washington one of these days.

Stay safe folks…

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Lockdown Day 34

Posted in around the UK, Fun Stuff, gratitude, long distance walks - solo, memories of days gone by, walk 1000 miles 2020, tagged Coronavirus, Covid 19, Hadrian's Wall challenge, lockdown, walk 1000 miles on April 26, 2020| Leave a Comment »

Gosh, could it really be 2 years ago already!! My beloved daughter gifted me a flight in a Spitfire for my birthday 2 years ago…I’m a bit of a Spitfire fan 😊😊 It was truly a most extraordinary gift and experience ever.

My excitement levels on the day were through the roof….besides the very amazing experience, what is most memorable, is that on the day, while we were watching the other people having their flights I patted her on the belly and said “the only thing that could top this is a grandchild “….little did any of us know that she was already 2 weeks pregnant 😊😊😊😊 We waited a very long time for this baby, a boy, and he has been the gift that keeps on giving.

Interesting comment made by Brian Cox on the Andrew Marr show this morning…they were discussing online science lessons for 10-11 year olds that he, Brian, was creating, and the challenges that entailed. In response to a question from Andrew Marr he said…..

“Following the science” really means we don’t know enough yet, or don’t really understand. Quoted by Brian Cox on the Andrew Marr Show. Yet our government continues to say “we’re following the science” – 😂😂😂😂🤨🤨🤨

My client and I were just reminiscing about ‘the old days’ and I was telling her how my mother used to send my sisters and I to the public swimming pool….a good 20/30 minute walk from home, and how we’d spend hours there on our own…me about 14, my sister 11 and the youngest 4 years old. Perfectly safe, and most kids did the same. I was also telling her about the African ‘mielie man’ who cycled about the neighbourhood on Friday evenings with two great big hessian sacks hanging off the back of the bike filled to overflowing with fresh mielies ‘corn on the cob’, still wrapped in their leaves with the brown hairy tufts, shouting “mielies, mielies” and my mother would give us money to go buy a bunch for supper. We’d eat them piping hot, smothered with salt and proper butter that melted and ran down our chins…so hot we would burn our fingers and lips…but we would fight over who was going to get the last one 😂😂😂 and then I reminded her about the ‘rag and bone’ man, or the haberdashery carts that had every single item needed for sewing or knitting or hair accessories that you could ever wish for….such a shame we’ve lost all that.

I saw this on Facebook today 🤪🤪👏👏👏

First, we hear alcohol may prevent the virus… now research suggests the opposite. Then we’re told heat and humidity has no effect, but wait… direct sunlight might quickly kill the virus….. So, if you come across a 65 year old woman, standing in the front yard, intoxicated and naked, leave me alone… I’m conducting important medical research.🙅‍♀️🤷‍♀️🙎‍♀️🙆‍♀️🤦‍♀️

(Yes, I stole this post. Yes. You can steal it, too 😁) Change the age! 😂😂

Day 1 of my Hadrian’s Wall Challenge done and dusted….I completed 4.28 kms-140.52 kms to go. The Hadrian’s Wall walk; 90 miles of Roman defence structure between England and Scotland, stretches across the country from Wallsend on the east coast and finishes at Bowness-on-Solway on the west coast. I’ve reached Newcastle on Tyne so far…I’ll have to get a move on if I plan to finish in 6 weeks 🙄🙄🙄

If you want to join in the fun and walk Hadrian’s Wall…virtually of course 😂😂 this is my referral link

The only cost involved is for the purchase of the Badge, proceeds of which do not go to me. There’s an app that needs to be downloaded and you have to register an account/profile. I’ve found the app a little on the wieldy side, but I’m managing to navigate it with s bit if back and forth…its not 100% user-friendly but I’m figuring it out as I go.

Hadrian’s Wall, also called the Roman Wall, Picts’ Wall, or Vallum Hadriani in Latin, is a former defensive fortification of the Roman province of Britannia, begun in AD 122 in the reign of the emperor Hadrian. Opened: 128 AD

It was a lovely day for a walk albeit quite hot. I stopped at contemplation corner to contemplate life for a brief moment or two, then followed my usual route past the farms, through the fields, round the mound from base to summit in ever decreasing circles, and then back down again.

The views from the top are stunning

Today’s walk

Take care folks and please continue to practice social distancing and follow government advice regarding outings etc…and remember to wash your hands

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Lockdown Day 32

Posted in around the UK, family and relationships, Fun Stuff, gratitude, idiot category, news from around the world, tagged Coronavirus, Covid 19, family, lockdown, virtual party on April 24, 2020| Leave a Comment »

So today we had my ‘virtual’ birthday tea and cake. My daughter and her hubby and son joined me on WhatsApp facetime with their tea and chocolate cake and I had all the essentials for a party during a pandemic lockdown

Even though the network reception was dastardly as usual, it was a fun time…we’ll get to do the party for real when I visit in May. 🎊🎉🥂🎉🎂

This has probably been the most amazing spring that I can recall in the UK for the last 18 years….Being in lockdown has curtailed my walking explorations to 1 mile from home, but it hasn’t curtailed the prevalence of subjects for photos…☺️☺️☺️

In a way, because I’m not trying to cover as much ground as possible within my allotted 2 hour break, and taking my walks at a slower pace, its given me the opportunity to observe my environment at a more leisurely pace and notice the plethora of beautiful flowers on my routes. And that’s the long-winded way of saying I’ve seen a lot of beautiful flowers on my walks 😁😁😁😊 Here’s a short video

Spring 2020

Watched a programme on BBC2 this morning. The industrial revolution and the Victorians may be lauded as so ‘progressive’ but the reality is that the Victorians were terribly destructive, especially in the ‘colonies’ and industry has destroyed the planet….and the animals have suffered the most. There’s no such thing as man’kind’….of course there are many people doing wonderful things with love and caring and compassion and they don’t get the credit they deserve, but ‘mankind’ is a misnomer. Humans are so terribly destructive. Yes, we’ve built amazing buildings and constructed incredible cities and technology has made our lives better (worse) and science has made some incredible progress, but it has all been at the expense of nature and the natural world. Our demand for cheaper, and more and better is destroying the planet. The Victorians killed thousands upon thousands of tigers in their quest for land, destroying the tropical forests in their wake…and we’re still doing the same thing today…in the name of progress. We are a stain on this planet, the ultimate virus.

Oh and the ultimate ‘moron in chief’, that orange swamp thing across the pond…has suggested that you can get rid of the virus by drinking disinfectant 😱😱😱😱😱🤬🤬🤬

There you go donny, take a nice deep breath

I truly cannot understand the mindset that elected that ….I don’t even know what adjective would suit him best…but what I really cannot comprehend, is that seemingly intelligent people are prepared to stand by and say nothing while he spouts his own brand of insanity…they are complicit…..power hungry, soulless individuals….

I went for a lovely walk this evening to the top of the mound…hoping to see the most recent of the Starlink satellites; SpaceX…..but unfortunately there was too much cloud cover and the sky too light to be able to see them. As for the clouds…there’s a cold front moving in and it was a lot chillier than yesterday….still beautiful though.

And on that cheerful note I shall bid you goodnight. I can’t quite believe that I am actually still blogging, and that we are still in lockdown.

Oh yes, one last thing…..I saw this in The Times newspaper today…finally a use for the skeletal pencil 🤨🤨🤔🤔

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Lockdown Day 29

Posted in around the UK, family and relationships, gratitude, Inspiration, tagged Camino, Coronavirus, Covid 19, lockdown on April 21, 2020| Leave a Comment »

Happy Birthday Queen Elizabeth II 94 today…I was lucky enough to see her in Windsor for her 90th birthday, and have her walk right in front of me 🥰🥰🥰👏👏💚💚 the Queen. Sadly there’s no gun salutes or Trooping the Colour this year…looking forward to 2021….

I found this awesome book for my grandson today 😀😀 Its amazing and since the theme in the nursery is space, this will fit right in.

The universe works in mysterious ways….I’ve been so worried about travelling next week and inadvertently contracting the virus and possibly passing it on, or the incoming carer bringing something in with her….so today I got a call from the agency to ask if I could stay on here for another 2 weeks as the incoming carer is ill (has a bad cold) and is self-isolating, as well as which my next job has been cancelled because that family want their carer to extend her stay as well. So there it is….no travelling next week, but sadly it also means I don’t get to see my family….

I saw this on one of the Camino pages today and thought I’d share it with you:

Johnniewalker Santiago posted the following on the Camino Discussion Group this morning. For those who might not have seen it, he has given permission to post his communication with John Brierly here. It’s well worth the read!

LETTER FROM JOHN BRIERLEY:
CORNAVIRUS AND THE CAMINO, OUR LAST WAKE UP CALL
Two years ago I asked members of the group to send me questions that I would put to John Brierley in the second interview with him I’ve published. I’ll re-post the questions and answer soon. We keep in touch with each other and I asked him for his thoughts on our current situation. This is his reply. He invites us to engage in a useful and loving dialogue about the issues he raises.

Dear John
You sound well and lock-down seems to be proving a creative time for you! So here is a response that might, or might not, stimulate some creative thinking amongst our pilgrim family.
… I trust that once the world comes out of this pandemic we will, collectively, want to do things differently – but there is much talk of getting back to ‘normal’ which would be a travesty. Consensus reality and the status quo is literally now killing many of us and the earth support systems on which we depend. At best we are looking at a severely diminished quality of life over the near horizon. We have to find a ‘new normal’ by way of an elevated consciousness — not only for us but crucially for the generations that follow. These are portentous, perhaps pompous and certainly presumptive statements. Even if you see them as holding some truth you might legitimately ask, what has any of this to do with the caminos de Santiago.

I have always believed that the camino holds a key to a fundamental re-appraisal of how and why we live our lives. It was this conviction that created caminoGuides and this remains its only raison d’être, it has no other purpose nor ever will. Providing my publisher doesn’t go bankrupt (many may) a new guidebook to the Camino Invierno will go to print later this year. I attach a draft introduction which offers a reflection on the positive potential of the Coronavirus to help bring about the change that is needed if we are to learn to cooperate to face the challenges that are now on a global scale. (see below)

The real challenge is just around the corner and it is not coronavirus! I see this pandemic as just a wake up call that we may, or may not, heed. All the signs at the moment are that we are going to miss this opportunity just like we missed previous wakeup calls. We bailed out the banks in 2008 and now look set to bail out the oil and aviation industries with vast sums of public monies while offering paltry sums to small sustainable energy and business enterprises. As Greta Thunberg asks, ‘where are the adults?’ Our collective thinking is juvenile at best and often infantile. Eldership is nowhere to be seen but we need to find it urgently and perhaps it lies closer than we think… in ourselves. Rabbinic sage Hillel the Elder asked the rhetorical question, “If not me, who? If not now, when?”

I was a little concerned at the severity of the draft (below) until I listened to an interview with David Attenborough yesterday where, for the first time, he says this is it — no further chance to kick the can down the road. Coronavirus is our last gentle wake up call, the real threat to our collective survival is just around the corner. Pass on what you think might be useful to generate useful and loving dialogue so that we might better forge a new path going forward.

The Coronavirus brought with it much grief and its impact on many levels will be felt for years to come. This is no less true for the camino as in any other sphere of life. Pilgrim infrastructure and albergues that took decades to put in place are struggling to survive, some have already closed permanently and others will follow. The virus was named by the World Health Organisation as, ‘…an enemy against humanity’. This is an unfortunate epithet because, from Gaia’s perspective, humanity itself has become the most destructive force on the planet. If the devastation that arose from this pandemic brings about a paradigm shift in human consciousness it may yet contain a blessing in disguise. For at least a generation we have, collectively, lived beyond the means of the planet to sustain us and all of life that surrounds us. We are not the only sentient beings that occupy the earth and we have wilfully and woefully ignored the plight of nature herself. Now, today, we can change the way we think and act. We can move from fear to love. We can choose to respect each other and the natural world that is our home. We can… but will we? Each of us is part of the whole we call humankind and artificial borders can separate us no more. Indeed they never have but only in our deluded and limited understanding of the nature of reality. Coronavirus taught us that we are all part of the same delicate balance of life on earth. Will we heed its warning or revert to business as usual … until the next crisis strikes again?

“We have yet to learn the simple act of walking the earth like brothers.” Martin Luther King Jr.

The photo shows the medieval bridge A Ponte de Taboada. This is the point where the Winter Way joins the Camino Sanabrés. Both, in turn, connecting with a larger network of caminos that link us with the rest of Europe and, by extension to every nation on earth. The great insight of the First Nations has always been to remind us that, Man did not weave the web of life, he is merely a strand in it. Whatever he does to the web, he does to himself… we may yet find we are brothers after all.

Blessings…
John Brierley

Certainly something to think about….do we really want to go BACK to where we were before?

I had a fab walk this afternoon…such a beautiful day

And I popped out quickly this evening to watch the sunset

And I can’t quite believe I’m still blogging 29 days later….😀 stay safe folks 🌈🌈🌈

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Lockdown Day 27

Posted in around the UK, gratitude, Inspiration, It's my life, me and Peanut, tagged coronavirus books family, Covid 19, lockdown, meteor shower, walk 1000 miles on April 19, 2020| Leave a Comment »

Just another day in paradise….

Whatever you do….don’t forget the meteor shower over the UK this next week https://www.theargus.co.uk/news/18382169.lyrid-meteor-shower-visible-uk-tonight—see/?ref=fbshr

“It is the oldest known meteor shower still active and was first observed in 687 BCE. As they come through the atmosphere, the meteors reach speeds of 50kms a second, but most will burn up before reaching the surface of Earth.” Thankfully the weather has improved and we have clear skies so I’m hoping I get to see this!!!

Actually it was a lush day after all despite a grey start. So much do that I went out for a walk and managed a decent 3.56kms.

My daughter phoned just as I got to the mound and it was amazing to chat to them again 🥰🥰🥰 and so thrilled to hear my grandson say “Granny!!” properly this time 👏👏👏💙👶🏻 He is such a little charm. Cannot wait to see him again.

On my way back to the house I spotted some more free books, so added a few to the collection 😉🤣🤣

I read so many interesting articles today that my head is swimming. Not least of which was about China. Seriously if the West doesn’t wake up soon, the Chinese government is going to own the world. https://news.yahoo.com/coronavirus-ends-chinas-honeymoon-africa-205217380.html?soc_src=community&soc_trk=fb

I’m thrilled to note that the chap, Chris, who is walking the coastline of the UK to raise funds for SSAFA has smashed his target of £100k 👏👏👏👏

https://www.facebook.com/chriswalksuk/videos/655847218318343/

Absolutely brilliant. I’ve been following his story for some months now and he is so inspiring with his determination and goodwill. Magic.

Other than that, nothing much else happened really. Covid-19 is wreaking havoc and the debates etc etc etc rage on. The orange swamp thing in the WH is completely off the rails in the US, while in the UK Bojo is still in hiding while different ministers are being wheeled out of the cupboard, dusted off and trotted out to stand in front of the camera and say whatever it is that they say….none of it means anything anymore and most certainly, any trust that may have existed is gone. The results of their actions are becoming increasingly obvious and it’s an ongoing farce. Promises are broken quicker than they are made. Urgh.

Anyway, it will play out the way its going to play out…..life will never be the same again….

Oh wait….I found my favourite sweet at the shop today 👏👏👏👏👏

All the best folks stay safe

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Lockdown Day 26

Posted in around the UK, gratitude, Health, It's my life, me and Peanut, tagged Camino, Coronavirus, Covid 19, lockdown on April 18, 2020| Leave a Comment »

And another day down, another day bites the dust – will this ever end? Not for a while apparently…its so bizarre.

The numbers are just escalating and the number of people who are infected is frightening….somewhere, somehow, we are all going to come into contact with this thing…and no-one has any ideas….

Our politicians; not just the UK, are all just marking time and making noise….because no-one has a clue.

So lockdown till mid-May 😱😱😱 I simply cannot imagine how people are coping. I really do consider myself to be one of the very lucky ones…I’m working, getting paid, in a safe (for now) environment, I have food to eat (paid for by the client) and I don’t have to venture out unless I choose to. I have books to read, a window into the world (my phone) and my family are safe. I am totally blessed.

I spoke to my daughter today via facetime and watched my grandson playing in the garden 100s of kms away, heard him say Granny for the first time 🥰🥰🥰 and chatted briefly to my son-in-law about his job. He was wearing a pair of wellies I bought him some months ago and apparently he was walking sideways at first trying to get used to them. 💙💙💙 He’s such a funny little boy, so intent and so focused….when he sets his sights on something it’s like a laser….and he will not be diverted. He sometimes walks with head down, his hands behind his back and absolutely focused on getting to wherever he decides to go…looks like a little old man 😁😁 They’re safe and healthy.

Finally my walking poles arrived….but not to where they were addressed….no, instead they arrived at the ‘return’ address 🤣🤣🤣🤪 which fortunately I thought to have added as it’s my daughter’s address. So I shall soon be reunited with my trusty walking buddies. Gemini, I have missed you…wish you were here.

I finished reading the 8th book since I arrived here just 2 days short of 4 weeks ago…it was a different world then. This has been a rare luxury and I haven’t read this many books in such a short period of time for decades. Literally decades. I used to read vociferously in SA, and although I’ve read plenty of books in the last 18.5 years, I’ve not read 8 in 4 weeks 😁😁 a bit of a record.

Just before I hopped into bed I leaned my head on the windowsill to listen….to the sounds of silence. No cars, no bikes, no barking dogs, no TV, no music, no people talking….just pure palpable silence. Bliss.

I’ve been on Facebook for much of the day 😝😝😝🤔🤔 bloody hate it, but it’s so addictive. I follow a few Camino pages and every day I’m astounded at the number of people who seem to think that they can still walk the Camino this year. A common question is: “my airline has cancelled my flight for June, should I book for September?” Seriously, these people are living in lala land. If they could pull their heads out their proverbial….they might just realise that Spain is not going to be remotely able to deal with a bunch of tourists…pretend pilgrims. Ignorant…!!! So many people who are involved with the Camino have posted on the pages about the devastating effects of Covid-19 and how the infrastructure is struggling and yet these ‘pumpkins’ just don’t get it. Gahhh.

Talking of pilgrimage….I bought the April edition of Countryfile a few weeks ago and am just about to delve into an article about Holy Island and St Cuthbert’s Way. On my list of walks to do….I’m guessing that the Camino I planned for 2021 is going to be on hold…instead I’ll look at walking a few of the long list of UK walks I want to do, 3 of which are pilgrimages following in the footsteps of Saints.

Nothing much else to add really. I didn’t go out again today, had a snooze instead which is a treat. But I think I will make an effort tomorrow. I only have another 8 days here so want to make the most of it while I can. I’m booked to return in July for 3 weeks, and hopefully by then the lockdown will be lifted and I can venture further afield.

I’m looking forward to the return of blue skies….

Stay safe folks……

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Lockdown Day 25

Posted in around the UK, Fun Stuff, gratitude, Inspiration, Interesting articles, tagged captain tom moore, clapforourcarers, Coronavirus, Covid 19, lockdown, spitfire on April 17, 2020| 2 Comments »

This thing feels interminable….today was one of those days that I felt squished…so I just acknowledged the feelings and avoided Facebook as much as possible and kept the TV on any channel except the news. 5 USA is getting a good airing 🤨🤨🤨 I don’t actually watch or listen but it’s just comforting to have voices in the background.

I communicated with my sister and brother-in-law first thing this morning….just giving them support… He’s doing well and impatient to get up and start walking and looking forward to going home on Sunday. My sister is having a bit of a wobble which is to be expected…so she’s making macaroni cheese for supper. Sensible girl. It’s a staple of our childhood and one of our favourite ‘Mommy’ meals 🥰🥰 I too make it as comfort food, and often make it for my little family when I visit.

I spoke briefly with my daughter…giving her some hints on making, what is in my opinion, the perfect bowl of porridge 😉 I caught an even more brief glimpse of my grandson before he whizzed off…busy busy as usual. 💙👶🏻 The parentals weighed him today…he’s 24lbs now….started life as scrap of a thing at 7lbs ….its so extraordinary how humans develop. Its been fascinating watching him go from that tiny helpless little being into the bustling little toddler he is today …apparently he’s learned to say Daddy 😀😀😀💙👶🏻 and runs around the house shouting Daddy Daddy Daddy 😂😂😂❤

Okay….Wowwww. I checked Capt. Tom’s justgiving page…its smashed through the £20million ceiling….oh my gosh. Its gone crazy….£20 449 435.47 and growing. Thats a £4million increase since I checked late last night!! 😯😯😯😯 It’s a phenomenal amount of money and so uplifting!! I do feel for all the other elderly people also doing amazing things to raise funds for the NHS…something about this little gentleman has touched a chord around the world…

They’re now considering a Spitfire fly past for his birthday 👏👏👏 Imagine if they could give him a flight!! That would be amazing.

https://www.kentonline.co.uk/kent/news/spirit-of-kent-spitfire-to-honour-nhs-fundraising-veteran-225836/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=facebook

Was watching Channel 5 – Stonehenge: Digging Up Britain’s Past. The history of this island is absolutely fascinating. I find it endlessly interesting. We’re so lucky to have so much history to explore. I’ve had the amazing experience of standing in a 5,000 year old burren in Ireland…..beyond description really.

I watched a bit of the news this evening, just to catch up, and I really feel so sorry for the religions; Judaism and Islam, and others that require people to be buried a particular way…within 48 hours of death…they can’t do that now and it must be so hard. 😭😭😭😭😭 This virus has affected us in a myriad of ways that are almost impossible to comprehend.

I read something really interesting yesterday….the Japanese custom of putting their hands together and bowing developed after the Spanish Flu in 1918….a way of avoiding contagion by touching another person’s hands…..the shame is that we Westerners barge in and expect them to shake hands….perhaps we need to develop the same customs….🤔🤔 I wonder what changes we will see in the future? Its certainly going to be a different world 🌍🌎🌏

So yesterday I read that we could expect to see a meteor shower over the next few days…..I got all excited and hung out the window last night, but didn’t see anything…a tad disappointed but never fear its here till next week…except what did I wake up to this morning?? Yup, you guessed it…rain!! Seriously, why am I even surprised. If there’s a hint of an eclipse or a meteor shower, you can almost guarantee it will rain 🤨🤨🤨 anyway here’s the link just in case

https://www.theargus.co.uk/news/18382169.lyrid-meteor-shower-visible-uk-tonight—see/?ref=fbshr

Rain rain go away…

So that’s it really. Day 25 winds down and the world has been turned upside down.

I hope you are all well and still healthy….lets hope this nightmare ends soon. Take care and be safe 👏👏👏💙💙💙🌈🌈🌈

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Lockdown Day 24

Posted in around the UK, Fun Stuff, gratitude, Historical, Inspiration, tagged Captain Tom, Coronavirus, Covid 19, Knighthood, lockdown, NHS on April 16, 2020|

Wowww, what a way to start the day…Capt. Tom has now raised over £12million for the NHS 👏👏👏💙💙💙 that’s £2 million overnight….extraordinary. what a wonderful initiative to uplift our spirits.

In the darkest times, there is always a light to guide the way 🕯🕯

If you’re keen to show your appreciation, you can send him a thank you or 100th birthday card

So here we are, day 24 and no real end in sight. I saw an article this morning that indicated social distancing could last until 2022. 😱😱

Meanwhile the plastic pollution has increased exponentially with people discarding their single use plastic gloves….in the feking streets 🤬🤬🤬

Seriously, come on people, surely you have more common sense or understanding that you should throw them in the trash!!! Or probably not because the type of people who do that are the same people who toss the cigarette butts in the street, plastic bottles in the grass, and candy wrappers in the gutter. They are disgusting. It infuriates me beyond belief. For years we’ve been fighting against plastic pollution and these morons just increase it without a care.

Frankly I think the fact that Covid-19 lasts for up to 5 days (or more depending on which ‘report’ you read) is an argument for ditching single use plastic. Of course that would also include PPE which is mostly plastic….so its tricky. But if we stop plastic willy nilly, then PPE wouldn’t be an issue and could be manageable. It also begs the question…is the NHS having their plastic incinerated? Does anyone know?

I saw this in the paper this morning 😁😁

I love how the English language keeps developing and evolving. Its a fascinating language and I love playing around with words…and of course Scrabble is my favourite leisure time game….just wish I could play it more often. I always totally admire foreigners who speak English because it’s not the easiest of languages to learn. Take the word spit for instance…it can be an action or a description. Its something nuckleheads do because they can’t keep their gob in their mouths and the distance between their ears is narrow and doesn’t leave enough space for brains 🧠 or it can be a narrow (see there’s that word again 😉) piece of land jutting out…usually into the sea, which is where I’d like to toss the yobs who spit 🤣🤣🤣🤣

One of my favourite exercises in school was listing words spelt the same, but with different meanings. These days I keep myself occupied with word searches and the previously mentioned polygons. However, I don’t like crosswords…😝😝😝

On the home front I got to see my grandson again just before lunchtime and watched him busy busy in the garden. Geez, that boy doesn’t sit still for more than 5 seconds at any one time. I took loads of videos of him when he was a baby (which I watch frequently), and even then while still barely out the womb, he was always moving moving…legs, arms and head…every video. The only time he was ever still was when he was asleep 🥰🥰🥰 and how much I loved just watching him sleep…so precious and so tiny.

My brother-in-law has had his operation in Cape Town and is out of surgery and doing well…thanks be that it wasn’t any worse…. They’re also fortunate to have (and pay a lot of money for) private medical aid, so instead of going onto a waiting list, he had the operation within 48 hours after the heart attack. I’d love to have private medical aid again like I did in South Africa, although it was expensive, it was still affordable, but BUPA charge a small (large) fortune with all manner of caveats and restrictions and limits….so what’s the point. I’ll work an extra 4 days each month just to pay for it and likely get declined when claiming…. insurance companies…they like to keep as much of your money as possible. So yeah, NHS for me and frankly, that’s no bad thing. I’ve only had occasion to use a hospital twice, maybe 3 times in 18 years, so I’m good.

Talking of hospital, I think Matt Hancock looked like he was going to have apoplexy on the Piers Morgan show this morning 😏😏😏 Jeez, he got burned and nailed to the wall. I may have mentioned before that I’m not a fan of Mr Piers Egotistical Narcissistic Morgan, and usually switch over to something else rather than listen to him, but by golly I’m enjoying watching him hang our ministers on a hook and make them squirm. I know I shouldn’t laugh, and they’re coping (not quite) with an ‘unprecedented’ situation atm, but I just wish they would stop bloody playing politics and be honest…say what’s happening. Don’t flubbergust and prevaricate and tell 🐷🐷🐷🐷ies when they KNOW the truth will come out. If they just stopped dancing around the issues and avoiding straightforward answers and admit they f¥cked up, you could have more respect for them. We don’t expect them to be perfect or have all the answers, but just for once be honest. 😡😡😡

Okay I’ll get off my 🧼🎁 now 😎😎😎😎

One last word on Piers….besides enjoying the daily 🔥🔥 he’s giving the government ministers, he’s pushing for Capt. Tom to get a Knighthood….he does have a ❤ after all 😁😁

I had a fantastic conversation with my sister in Cape Town this afternoon. She and her hubby have been involved with mountain search and rescue for a couple of decades now, both there and when they lived in Ireland. She was regaling me with tales of some of the ridiculously stupid situations people get themselves into on Table Mountain. Its unbelievable….reminds me of some of the people who go walking up Mt. Snowdon in sandles, no maps, no food, no water, no emergency items and no warm clothes. Seriously. 🙄🙄🙄

As for walking….I just read this article… so that looks like my plan to walk the Camino again next year with one of my younger sisters could be out the window…. we’ll have to wait and see. I doubt anyone can predict how anything is going to work out in the next few months. https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/covid-19-test-results-and-later-on-vaccination-will-be-required-for-schengen-visa-application/

I’m not particularly heartbroken about it…but I was looking forward to walking the Portuguese Camino again, this time with my younger sister, but hey ho, there are so many walks I want to do in the UK, so I might just concentrate on those instead….especially for the foreseeable future.

Clap for Carers again tonight and I get the feeling that enthusiasm for this is escalating in our street…nice turnout. ❤🌈👏👏👏💙💙💙 Neighbours wave, looking this way and that…”are you out”? “Yes, hello, nice to see you” rings out along the street. A real sense of community, coming together in a time of crisis, although we feel far removed from any hint of a crisis. Day to day, except for the unusual stillness of the day, and the lack of busyness…cars, bikes, trucks…hardly seen nor heard, you’d never think that our country is in the midst of a pandemic. I’ve never felt more remote…. Next week, being my last Thursday here for the time being, I’m going to take my client’s great big bell and ring it like crazy 🛎🛎🛎🛎🛎🛎🛎😉😉 just for fun

I leave the following Monday so can hide away till then 😂😂😂😂

I didn’t go out for a walk today… simply didn’t feel like it…..instead I snoozed and read and chatted with my sister….tomorrow as they say, is another day…

So just before I end off for the night I had another peek at Capt. Tom’s Justgiving page…OMG….. £16,316,160.37 I can’t even begin to express my thoughts on that…bloody marvellous. I just hope it gets to the right people, is used wisely and isn’t a way for the government to wriggle out of the financial black hole they created through their cuts.

Huge congratulations Capt. Tom you truly deserve that 🎖 and Knighthood…you’ve inspired a nation…

Goodnight….

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Lockdown Day 23

Posted in around the UK, Fun Stuff, gratitude, Health, Inspiration, tagged Coronavirus, Covid 19, lockdown, Travel, walk 1000 miles on April 15, 2020| 2 Comments »

Okay so after deciding to not continue keeping a ‘diary’ of this weird, surreal situation we’re living in, called ‘Lockdown,’ I changed my mind…these are strange times and after thinking about it, I just felt like I needed to record my thoughts and feelings and links of interest…one day my grandson might be interested to read them and get a very tiny glimpse of this weird weird time.

My client keeps saying ‘we’ve never lived through anything like this before ‘ and of course she’s right…we haven’t. Other countries have dealt with similar issues like the Ebola virus that is still causing death in the Congo, or the HIV virus that has caused so much death worldwide, and we’ve had other flu virus epidemics but this, this is different….no other crisis has caused a worldwide lockdown with 90% of businesses shut down. Although the word is/has been overused, it is unprecedented….

There are so many tragic tragic stories, heartbreaking stories that flatten you with sadness for the people living and dying in those stories….

Then we have the heartwarming stories like the now world-famous 99 year old Capt Tom. I mean what a perfect name for someone who will go down in history….

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-beds-bucks-herts-52290976

What started out as a generous idea to raise £1000 for the NHS, has turned into a worldwide phenomenon with thousands now calling for him to be on the Queen’s Honours list….for a Knighthood. 👏👏👏👏🎖🎖

As I write the amount donated has gone over the £10million threshold. Wowwww. Extraordinary doesn’t even begin to describe it. Beyond incredible. Bless his socks!!!

Amongst all the chaos of Covid-19 we keep hearing about inspiring stories, see people doing fantastic things and learning more about how in times of crisis, so many people step up and be amazing. And there are so many!!! I simply love that the rainbow has become a symbol of the times…🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈

On the home front, I ventured out of doors during my break today for the first time since last week and covered a decent 2.54kms and got back to the house in my designated hour. The weather is absolutely fabulous and I’m convinced Mother Nature is teasing us…..I don’t recall seeing so many blue sky days in a row in all the years I’ve lived in the UK.

Enroute I noticed this crowd not practicing social distancing….clearly they didn’t get the memo 🙄🙄🙄

Along the way my daughter phoned and I got to spend some virtual time chatting to her and my grandson and a brief hello to son-in-law 🥰🥰🥰 I miss them so much. He was reading a book and my daughter let me watch how good he is at turning the pages…for a 15 month old he’s very impressive. Most toddlers his age tend to rip books apart, but he’s ever so careful with his books.

On my way back to the house I passed the shelter next to the clock tower and found a lot of free stuff, so carefully selected a few books and a toy to take home for him

I doubt many children have as many books as this boy.

I stopped off at the castle mound and climbed to the top where I noticed this beautiful installation

Its really weird to realise that I’ve been here now for just over 3 weeks and we’ve settled in really well together. Sadly it also means that my time here is rapidly nearing the end. Despite the really awful start, I’ve been quite happy here and although I do get bored, I am quite content. Not something I experience very often. Unfortunately the day draws near to when I have to venture out into the wide world again and I can honestly say that I am afraid.

I’ve done everything in my power to keep myself and my client safe from the virus; being absolutely vigilant about washing anything that may have come into contact with the virus and baking the newspaper and magazines etc on the Rayburn. But once I start travelling it’s all out of my hands and I’m not embarrassed to say I’m afraid.

Afraid some idiot may think they’re above all this and travel despite having symptoms. I’m afraid some moron will think its clever to spit at me or anyone else like they’ve done to others. Krist, what kind of twisted mind would do that??? Afraid I might accidentally come into contact with the virus…despite my precautions.

I’m dreading the long journey on 2 trains and the tube…its going to take bloody hours from here to there and that’s assuming there are no cancellations. And all the time I’ll be exposed. Urgh.

And then when I do get back I won’t even have the joy of spending time with my family….I’ll possibly be exposed to the virus at some point of my journey and I’ll have no way of knowing. So to keep them safe I’ve decided to keep my distance. I can only hope that by the time my next assignment ends in mid-May that the worst of this thing is over.

Meanwhile we got news today that my beloved brother-in-law had a minor (thankfully) heart-attack last night and is now in hospital 😥😥😥 I feel absolutely distressed for my sister as she and her hubby are joined at the hip. And he’s not yet even 50. Its insane. But he’s in hospital and the procedure they’ll perform is simple and hopefully he’ll be home soon.

Worrying times and we’re all so far away.

Anyhow, that’s me for today. I finished my 7th book yesterday 😂😂😂 and have just started the 8th….this has been a real treat for me as I don’t often get time to read as much. Oh and I’m working my way through a few polygons…a bit like scrabble but with only one word. My daughter maintains I’m some kind of weird word person 😁😁😁

So there we are, or is that here we are 😏😏😏 in the 4th week of lockdown….who knew at 00:01 on 1st January 2020 as we celebrated the arrival of the new year what a bastard of a year it was going to be…

Keep safe folks, maintain social distancing, wash your hands and please don’t take chances…stay home.

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