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Lockdown Day 21

Posted in around the UK, Health, news from around the world, tagged Coronavirus, Covid 19, lockdown on April 13, 2020| 2 Comments »

3 weeks ago, 21 days seemed interminable…and yet suddenly here we are, but with the possibility of another 2 or 3 weeks, I’m certain there are a lot of very unhappy people.

Like I said before, my life is no different to what is my normal in my job, so lucky me, this hasn’t been difficult and I’m still being paid.

Well no more difficult than ‘normal’ when you’re looking after an elderly person with various physical issues and dementia. Its emotionally and mentally draining and I always leave the latest assignment absolutely drained. So far, except for the first 5 days of living hell, the current position hasn’t been too bad.

I didn’t go out at all over the weekend, took the government’s request to stay home seriously and didn’t leave the house since last week, except for a brief walk on Friday night. I stepped out into the courtyard this evening to empty the dehumidifier and it was so quiet and so cool that I decided to take a quick walk to the top of the hill …. I’m so glad I did. Although it was already 8.30pm and getting dark, there were enough street lights to guide me. Perfect weather for walking; cool with a stiff breeze. The sky was absolutely clear and I could see Venus, and caught the tail end of a lovely sunset.

It cleared my head and left me feeling invigorated.

On the news….a possible 3 weeks extra lockdown!!! This virus has really taken a toll and its heart rending to hear of people’s stories, about loved ones lost. I personally feel obligated to hear them out…although I know it’s not, but its so terribly sad and the circumstances are awful. Thank God my friend has recovered and is now home with his wife and daughter. They missed their 30th wedding anniversary while he was in hospital, but thankfully they will get to celebrate many more. ❤❤

I’ve been in touch with my long-standing friend in America and thankful that they’re all well, although living far apart from her 3 sons and 2 granddaughters, they too keep in touch via facetime. I’m not always a fan of technology, but this is one time its certainly come into its own.

Of course the conspiracy theories are flying left right and centre and since I’m a closet conspiracy theorist 🤣🤣🤣 I’ve shared a few articles and boom….Facebook have rapped me on the knuckles!!! 😱😱😱😮😮 They’ve really stepped up their fact checking and actually I don’t mind their little ‘naughty girl’ messages coz it doesn’t help to share stuff that’s not true or accurate…that’s what caused Brexit here and an orange swamp thing risen to become President of the US… so yeah, I deleted the two offending articles and will henceforth only share newspaper articles by bonafide rags 😉

One of the best things to come out of this pandemic is clear skies…I don’t know if you’ve seen any of the images of Delhi, and Los Angeles to name but two major cities, but wowwww, the drop in pollution is extraordinary. Nature is getting a chance to breathe. Sadly of course, once we’re out of lockdown, its going to be ‘business as usual’ and we humans are going to continue polluting and destroying our home. I know there’s a huge determination by people to try and change things so we don’t go ‘back to normal’ but it’s not enough. Big business and corporations have made us slaves to technology. There are a minuscule number of people who can or are able to self-support or even have the knowledge of how to live without the support of big business. Can you imagine the majority of westerners; British, American, European citizens suddenly rushing out and slaughtering lambs or chickens for Sunday’s roast? No, its not going to happen.

The majority are going to go straight back to where we were before and people are going to continue buying junk from China and fast-fashion produced by slaves in Bangladesh or Africa and rubbish to plaster over the void in their lives. Its a really sad state of affairs….

In other ‘news’ My walking poles are still missing in action and according to the tracking are still in Weybridge. 🤔🤔🤔 time to call in the troops. But hey, how marvellous is our postal system in the UK…we’re still getting mail delivered 👏👏👏👏

So here endeth my diary of a lockdown. I’m going to go back to my regular routine of posting willynilly 🙃🙃😜 and stop boring y’all with my meandering thoughts. Okay don’t cheer so loudly I can hear you 😂😂😂

Seriously though

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Lockdown Day 16

Posted in around the UK, book reviews, gratitude, me and Peanut, news from around the world, tagged Covid 19, Easter bunny, grandson, lockdown on April 8, 2020| Leave a Comment »

At the start of this lockdown, we were told it would be 3 weeks; 21 days, and therefore we would have been 5 days from the end…but with the number of deaths mounting and the daily number of infections increasing day on day, I very much doubt we’ll see the end of this before end April.

Personally, I’d be quite okay with another week or two of lockdown…it’s giving nature a chance to flourish and the planet to repair itself. However, the impact of this is going to be horrendous for small businesses. So many sad stories emerging…and its only going to get worse. Frankly I think it’s going to be a long uphill struggle for years to come and many are going to fall through the cracks.

Meanwhile, trying to distract myself from the TV and the news and bloody Facebook 🤨🤨🤨I’ve been reading a lot….did I say ‘a lot’!! Bit of an understatement really 😂😂😂 I finished the 5th book today. I thought I’d read 4, but no….its 5 in just over2 weeks….hmmm. Although this job started off really badly, things have settled down and now I have more free time, so I’ve been reading…a lot

Talking of the job, I’m halfway through and from tomorrow its countdown and I’m on the downward slope.

Andddd talking of slopes 🙄🙄🙄 I didn’t go out today during my break; too many people about, so instead I had a lovely long snooze and went out for half an hour this evening at sunset. I walked up the hill and onto the ramparts of the castle where I saw a stunning sunset. Not many people about thankfully, just a few dog walkers.

I did another quick video for my grandson so he could see the sunset where I am. The Bristol Channel looked a fabulous shade of blue on the horizon and of course I could see the coastline of Wales in the distance.

I had the best delivery from the mailman today….a postcard with a photo of the cutest little Easter bunny you ever did see ☺️☺️👶🏻💙🥰

We also had a very brief hello via facetime earlier this evening and it’s such a joy to see that gorgeous little smile. He’s such a little busy bee and doesn’t sit still for long before he’s off…here and there. Apparently they had a bit of a drama in the garden this morning…he was walking about with barefeet in the grass because he’s outgrown his shoes, and poor wee poppet stood on a thorn 😪😪😪 ouch. Too painful for words. Children give you grey hair 😉…..worth every one.

I was delighted this evening to get a reply from the albergue in Arcade where I stayed one night on my Camino. I’ve been really concerned for Miguel and his family but thankfully they’re all well, although really struggling with the terrible situation in Spain. I’m looking forward to seeing them again when my younger sister and I walk the route again next year.

So other than that, nothing much happening….I’ve got the grandparents WhatsApp facetime tomorrow to look forward to, which is always fun….4 adults all talking over each other due to time lags and the grandson looking bemused 😂😂😂

Its so quiet outside and just before I got into bed I stood at the bedroom window and just enjoyed the pure stillness….all I could hear were the faint sounds of the farm animals and the rushing water in the nearby brook. But what amazed me was that I could smell the very strong perfume of honeysuckle….not sure where its growing but the perfume was so strong. The benefits of no traffic….

Folks, I hope you’re all well and keeping safe. It was lovely to get a message from America on my Instagram today 😃😃😃

Take care everyone…wherever you may be and remember – April’s distance is May’s existence. Be safe

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Lockdown Day 15

Posted in around the UK, Health, news from around the world, tagged Covid 19, history, lockdown on April 7, 2020| 2 Comments »

And now its beginning to feel interminable…

I’m used to this type of situation, it’s my job and for 2-3 weeks of every month I spend my days in ‘lockdown’. But even I’m being to feel squashed. I still get my 2 hour break between 2-4pm and the occasional shopping trip, but it’s the worry…..

Worry that I may inadvertently touch an item or object that’s infected. I’ve never washed my hands so much in my entire life. You have to think twice before picking anything up, opening a door or a gate…

Plastic and metal have become the enemy, and its just bloody bizarre having to avoid people all the time. I mean I know we’re all being awfully polite about it, but it feels odd.

Going into the store is like Noah’s ark….we go in 2 x 2.

Of course there are a lot of positives…the air is clearer, there’s less pollution and less noise, and animals are beginning to roam the streets in the absence of humans. And humans on the whole are just being bloody amazing….every day you read about how people are stepping up and helping others…..just incredible.

I pushed myself out the door at 3pm…having caved in to flopping on the bed initially and feeling quite lethargic. I decided to explore the town more fully; strolled up the main street and diverted into each close and street as I walked. I discovered a pathway and following that it brought me to a delightful secluded glade with a stream bubbling on its busy way.

It was at this point that my phone rang and suddenly my day got brighter….it was my daughter and my grandson. Such a gorgeous smile for Granny 🥰👶🏻💙 My daughter had bought him a full length swim costume and he was running about barefoot playing with his toys in a tub of water and the little sandpit they got for him. He was ever so busy back and forth, babbling away in his little squeaky vocabulary. I miss him so much.

Certainly brightened up my day. The rest of my walk was uneventful and I continued rambling here and there and eventually found myself at the back of the mound, so climbed to the top and did a couple of circuits of the castle, collecting sheeps wool as I went. I’m gathering quite a decent amount.

Then it was back to the house. Even though I’m really really used to being indoors for much of my life I’m beginning to find it a tiny bit claustrophobic. There’s bugger all on TV unless you enjoy repeats of everything from cooking shows, to those endless property programmes. Seriously, what do we pay our TV licence for…mind you having said that I don’t pay for a TV license…the client does 🤔🤔🤔 but you know what I mean.

However, on the bright side, I did find a ‘repeat’ of Robson Green on his travels around the coast. No hardship watching that…he is serious eye-candy 🤗🤗🤗😃 That smile….

The news on the otherhand is just grim. I’ve been rationing my viewing time to lessen the depressing effects of the spread and results of this virus. I worry about my friend who is still in hospital and wonder when or who will be next. The stats are shocking.

But my son-in-law sent me a lovely video earlier, playing the tune ‘Over the Rainbow’ that reminded me we are living through history….my grandson will learn about this time in school one day and we’ll be able to tell him about it firsthand. Not sure that’s of any comfort to those who have lost loved ones….

There’s meant to be a pink full moon tonight….but guess what??? After 5 days of clear skies at night…..yup, its overcast. Typical 😂😂😂😂 You can always depend on the UK weather….if there’s an eclipse or a special moon, its sure to be overcast. 🙄🙄🙄

We may not be able to see the moon…but look at those tulips

Its wonderfully quiet outside and I can hear some cows mooing in the distance. Talking of cows, how absolutely tragic that so much milk is being wasted and thrown out. Most assuredly they can do something better than that? Freeze it? Make cheese. Give it to care homes or food banks? Surely???

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Lockdown Day 13

Posted in around the UK, Health, news from around the world, tagged Coronavirus, Covid 19, planet earth on April 5, 2020| 4 Comments »

A message from the Earth

Coronavirus Letter To Humanity

The earth whispered but you did not hear.
The earth spoke but you did not listen
The earth screamed but you turned her off.

And so I was born…

I was not born to punish you..
I was born to awaken you..

The earth cried out for help…

Massive flooding. But you didn’t listen.
Burning fires. But you didn’t listen.
Strong hurricanes. But you didn’t listen.
Terrifying Tornadoes. But you didn’t listen.

You still don’t listen to the earth when.
Ocean animals are dying due to pollutants in the waters.
Glaciers melting at an alarming rate.
Severe drought.

You didn’t listen to how much negativity the earth is receiving.

Non-stop wars.
Non-stop greed.

You just kept going on with your life..
No matter how much hate there was..
No matter how many killings daily..
It was more important to get that latest iPhone than worry about what the earth was trying to tell you..

But now I am here.

And I’ve made the world stop in its tracks.
I’ve made you finally listen.
I’ve made YOU take refuge.
I’ve made you stop thinking about materialistic things..

Now you are like the earth…
You are only worried about YOUR survival.

How does that feel?

I give you fever.. as the fires burn on earth.
I give you respiratory issues.. has pollution fill the earth air.
I give you weakness as the earth weakens every day.

I took away your comforts..
Your outings.
The things you would use to forget about the planet and its pain.

And I made the world stop…

And now…
China has better air quality.. Skys are clear blue because factories are not spewing pollution unto the earth’s air.
The water in Venice is clean and dolphins are being seen. Because the gondola boats that pollute the water are not being used.

YOU are having to take time to reflect on what is important in your life.

Again I am not here to punish you.. I am here to Awaken you…

When all this is over and I am gone… Please remember these moments..

Listen to the earth.
Listen to your soul.
Stop Polluting the earth.
Stop Fighting among each other.
Stop caring about materialistic things.
And start loving your neighbors.
Start caring about the earth and all its creatures.
Start believing in a Creator.

Because next time I may come back even stronger….

Signed,
Coronavirus

Written by: Vivienne R Reich

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Lockdown Day 9 – lest we forget

Posted in around the UK, gratitude, Health, news from around the world, tagged Coronavirus, Covid 19, sacrifice, tory government on April 1, 2020| Leave a Comment »

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

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Lockdown Day 6

Posted in around the UK, family and relationships, Health, news from around the world, tagged Covid 19, lockdown, online diary on March 29, 2020| 4 Comments »

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

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Lockdown Day 5

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 on March 28, 2020| 2 Comments »

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

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

Posted in around the UK, Health, news from around the world, tagged Coronavirus, Covid 19, Health, lockdown on March 28, 2020| Leave a Comment »

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.

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Lockdown Day 3

Posted in around the UK, family and relationships, gratitude, Health, me and Peanut, news from around the world, walk 1000 miles 2020, tagged clapforourcarers, coronavirus covid-19, NHS, sunshine, walk 1000 miles on March 26, 2020| 2 Comments »

Okay so today has been both bad and good. My client has been in a bloody strop the whole day and made life absolutely miserable. Urgh. 🙄🙄🙄

But it was a beautiful day so I went out for my daily shop and topped up a few items. Saw a few people about – we all observed social distancing but managed to have a brief chat anyway.
As usual I listened to the news, but it’s all so depressing and repetitive that eventually I switched the TV off and spent some time between duties to cut snippets of interest out the newspapers.
I’ve started a time capsule for my grandson; a record of interesting things: big and small that is happening around the world. I plan do do a capsule for each year of his life till he’s 10 years old…or more. Then one day I’ll give him the box/boxes and he can amuse himself looking back at history that happened during his life.

My break couldn’t come soon enough today and at exactly 2pm I stepped out the door and into the sunshine. A few people strolled by and again we were all very British and very correct about keeping our distance. It is rather nice actually, people behave differently during a crisis and whereas they might normally not give you the time of day, now we all say hello, comment on the weather (wouldn’t be in Britain if we didn’t) and wish each other a lovely day and stay safe. It’s all rather cosy tinged with a dose of fear.
I walked to the top of the hill and onto the castle where I saw that the baaaaabarians had breached the castle walls…

Baaaabarians have breached the castle walls

My plan was to settle into the nook I’d seen a couple of days ago and just soak up the sun, the peace and the birdsong…
Which I duly did. Not a soul bothered me.

My daughter called and we facetimed via WhatsApp ….it was lovely to hear her voice and see her face and my grandson is just adorable. So cute and so funny.
He races back and forth, grins at me and then dashes off again. What an absolute joy that child is.

After our call I lay in the sun looked at the sky and watched the clouds go by and snoozed till it was time to get back to work.

On the way down I stopped to collect tufts of wool scattered around and leaning down to pick up one such tuft I very sensibly put my hand right on top of some stinging nettles. That was 6 hours ago and its still stinging. Fortunately I had a tube of aloe vera in my pocket so rubbed some onto the area. It would have been much worse if I hadn’t. The reason I collected the wool is so that my grandson can use real wool to make a craft sheep….if he ever has to make one…

Back at the house, time dragged till dinner time and of course I watched the chancellor’s speech. Krist, hasn’t he learned how to be a politician pretty damn quick!!! Incredible. He’s slotted into the role as if he’d been doing this for years. Do they have a course we don’t know about? ‘How to be slick in 10 easy steps ‘.
Mind you has he ever been dumped in the deep end….I wonder what Sadiq Khan thinks of this…lucky escape or lost opportunity to be a hero??
To be honest, I know this is a terrible time and I worry about my family, but truthfully, I’m exhausted with hearing about this damn virus. The news is like Brexit on steroids.

My stress levels increased exponentially at about 6.30pm when I lost network. I couldn’t send or receive messages and I nearly lost it. My phone is my lifeline when I’m working and I cannot bear to be without reception. Especially at a time like this. It righted itself about an hour later, but my life expectancy has shortened.🤪🤪🤪🤪👵🏻

The 2nd bright spot of the day came at 8pm…ohhh my gosh. Thats one thing I love so much about this country…when it really counts, people come together.
I stepped out the door into the street half expecting to be standing on my own clapping for the NHS and our wonderful NHS staff, but no….the street was lined with residents and we clapped and cheered loud and strong for our carers. As soon as the clapping started I started crying and couldn’t stop for well over an hour. So amazing to see people out and participating.
And now the day is drawing to a close, I’m in bed and just about to put the light out.

I only managed a collective 1mile today but for sure climbing that hill to the castle must be equal to at least another 2 miles….its that steep; a good cardiovascular workout 😉 my excuse anyway.
3 days done 18 to go. Let’s hope this initiative works and we see a drop in new cases.
Goodnight all. Stay safe and wish you all well.

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Lockdown Day 2

Posted in around the UK, Health, idiot category, It's my life, news from around the world, Travel, tagged Britain, Coronavirus, Covid 19, lockdown, tory government on March 25, 2020| 4 Comments »

So my working day has been much the same as usual, so I won’t bore you with the details.

Its been an extraordinary day once again in terms of the response to this virus as the news rolls in from our esteemed 🤪🤪🤪 PM, and other countries. Shocking to learn that New York has 5,000 new cases in one day, and on the tail of that, the orange swamp thing maintaining the US will nail the virus by Easter. Krist what a numbskull…

Did you know that India has 1.3 billion citizens??? 😯😯😯 Puts our piddling 58million into the shade. I simply cannot imagine how the millions of people who live in the most awful conditions of severe poverty in India will be able to stay at home.

So I had 2 outings today….first to the store for basics…I’m trying to keep our supplies stocked up, just in case it all goes tits up later on in the process. It’s quite a responsibility caring for a bed ridden 90 year old, but if it gets dire her family will have to step up and deliver supplies.

Secondly I made the most of my allowable time again and went out for a 3.2 km walk around the village. It transpired today that I’m in fact going to be here for 5 weeks as opposed to the initial 2 weeks. The agency are short of carers so I offered to stay on..

I’m guessing I will know this place inside out by then.

I also wanted to ensure I make the most of the weather…I believe there is rain on the way. Urgh

I met very few people and on the whole we all observed social distancing and one or the other crossed the street or walked with a car between us. Talking of cars, its really weird to see so few vehicles on the road. But its gratifying to note that people generally are taking this more seriously.

Even more inspiring has been the number of volunteers who have stepped forward to support the NHS. That’s one of the things I love about this country….when the going gets tough, people step up. I just wish the government would pay them at least something for their efforts. They’re absolute heroes.

On a sad note was the news of the young woman of 21 with no health issues who contracted the virus and has died. That’s heartbreaking. And scary.

The village is not big and I seem to have walked pretty much right around the perimeter…I saw a few animals along the way and stopped to chat to a pretty little cat.

There’s a lot of history in this village and I walked past Samuel Coleridge’s house. He was a friend of William Wordsworth who visited the area frequently. Virginia Woolfe honeymooned in the area.

Samuel Coleridge’s house..only for 3 years 🤨🤨

I passed a sign that read

So I took a small bundle of daffodil bulbs for my daughter’s garden.

I loved this little sign I saw in the side of the road.

I had a facetime chat with my daughter and grandson on WhatsApp. Oh gosh I miss him so much. As glad as I am to have this work, I am missing him so much and this will be the longest I haven’t been with him since he was born…😪😪👶🏻💙 He’s ever so cute.

Other than that, it was business as usual on the work front and watching the news, as well as our PM making promises he’s unlikely to follow through on. Just been reading an article in The Daily Telegraph by Tom Welsh…he totally nails it. The Government are intent on diverting attention away from their own failings and unpreparedness by blaming the public for the spread of the virus. The reality is that the Tories have been dismantling the NHS for bloody years and they have left it virtually on the brink of bankruptcy. I won’t go into my opinion of why this has been done, suffice to say that they have made a bloody great cockup by their neglect, and now their chickens are coming home to roost, but they’re trying to shift the blame. I hope BoJo doesn’t get much sleep at night. As for Hunt he should stfu. Pointing a finger at Hancock, he forgets that 3 are pointing back at him. Tosser.

In case you haven’t guessed…I’m not a fan of the Tories 😂😂😂🤪🤪

Oh and I bought my daughter a new washing machine. Theirs packed up yesterday mid wash. If ever there was bad timing, this was it. Literally the day after the government announces a lockdown, the machine packs up. Wtaf. Seriously. Anyway, they’ll get it by Monday, but will have to install it themselves since Argos are not currently installing due to the current situation.

How was your day?? 😉

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