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Posts Tagged ‘Coronavirus’

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 πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘

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 πŸ€ͺπŸ€ͺπŸ€ͺ it’s a page turner.

I had the joy of a facetime call with my grandson this morning πŸ’™πŸ‘ΆπŸ»πŸ’™ He’s ever so cute and developing so quickly. Apparently he’s started calling me nan nan πŸ₯°πŸ₯°…still finding it difficult to say Granny πŸ‘΅πŸ» 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 πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚πŸ˜ 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 πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚

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 πŸ‚πŸ’©. 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

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

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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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 πŸ₯΄πŸ₯΄πŸ₯΄πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚

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 πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘

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 πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚πŸ‘΅πŸ»πŸ˜ πŸ˜ 

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 πŸ˜‰πŸ₯΄πŸ₯΄

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This whole scenario is beginning to feel more and more like the height of the 1960s Cold War ….we’re fighting an invisible enemy and looking suspiciously at anyone we come into contact with, avoiding contagion at all costs, taking extraordinary steps to avoid the virus.

‘Careless contact costs lives’

This will be a short blog (possiblynot πŸ™„πŸ™„πŸ€ͺ), but I wanted to share this video with you. There is so much information about this virus already and loads of articles about avoiding contagion.

But they mostly deal with you; washing hands, sneezing tissues, social distancing etc….and not your groceries. So when I saw this video I felt I really needed to share it.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=sjDuwc9KBps&feature=youtu.be

Well before lockdown and social distancing etc I took my grandson to the park….he loves to swing (takes after his Granny πŸ˜‰). In the bottom of his pram was a bottle of disinfectant spray and paper towels and a glove. Before I put him into the swing I sprayed it down and wiped it off.

There are so many opportunities for contracting this virus that we simply must become absolutely paranoid about what we touch. That plastic bottle of milk has probably been touched by at least 3 people before you. When I look back now at the shopping we did when we got home a couple of weeks ago, I shudder and I’m amazed that none of us have so far contracted the virus.

I’ve just been out for my morning supplies and when I got back it was all sprayed with flash, rinsed off with hot water and wiped down with a separate all purpose cloth before drying and packing it away.

Supplies sprayed down and washed with hot water

I also sprayed the coins in my change, soaked in boiling water then dried with a paper towel. I’ve kept a foil container for this process and put aside separate cloths for washing and drying.

Sprayed with flash

I’m happy to be paranoid about this thing. I plan to be able to go back to my family after this current assignment.

Covered with boiling water

My hands have not been in contact with the coins or supplies….

#beparanoid Be safe….as much as possible

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The very best thing to come out of this current situation is that the earth; nature, is getting a chance to breathe.

Every morning now I listen to birdsong outside my window and I can hear even the tiniest of birds.

I can hear them at noon when I’m out walking and I can hear them settling at night.

I found this poem on Google, it seems quite apt

Miranda Renea May 2016

Birdsong Have you ever heard the birds sing?
Everyone is always listening to
Lifeless steel hanging at their side;
It follows as they switch their hip
And walk on by. Sometimes, I wonder,
Why haven’t you heard the birdsong?

No cars rushing by, no trucks or vans….just the gentle breeze and birdsong. Long may it last.

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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 πŸ€ͺπŸ€ͺπŸ€ͺ 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.

The roads are bereft of vehicles

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.

Such a sweetie

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

πŸ˜ƒπŸ˜ƒπŸ˜ƒ

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…πŸ˜ͺπŸ˜ͺπŸ‘ΆπŸ»πŸ’™ 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 πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚πŸ€ͺπŸ€ͺ

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?? πŸ˜‰

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I’m going to try keeping a diary over this period and blog on a daily basis….

However, I do get lazy and distracted by reading/social media/tv/OPB/BBC πŸ€ͺπŸ€ͺπŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚ but I’ll try my best. (OPB = other people’s blogs).

Frankly my life hasn’t changed that much. As a Carer for the elderly I’m classified as a ‘key worker’, and yesterday, after a 6.5 hour journey on 2 trains, 2 tube rides and 2 taxis, I arrived at my next assignment. I’m meant to be here for 2 weeks, but that could change due to the lockdown, and I may end up being here for 4 weeks….not longer. My birthday is coming up soon and I DO. NOT. WORK. ON. MY. BIRTHDAY.

So for me its same old same….different place, different client, same difference. In other words, my jobs entails pretty much the same thing every day for 14 days, but just a different location and different person, but same issues.

I get sent all over the country and sometimes to places well off the map, mostly never heard of except by the residents.

But often the dice falls in my favour and I get sent to a place that has all the elements that get me excited…. in this instance, not only is this village a Domesday Book Village, but it has had some famous residents and boasts the ruins of a Norman motte and bailey.

Following Johnson’s announcement of a nationwide lockdown last night, I took my 1st ‘allowed’ excursion this morning to the store for basics. I’m going to make use of this time every day for a breather and stock up on the basics needed to feed my client, and other such things.

Then this afternoon I used my 2 hour break to take advantage of the allowable exercise outing. I usually do take this time to get out and walk anyway but now of course it’s a privilege rather than an expectation.

What a charming little village this is. Quaint old houses, a little brook dashing through the streets, a clock tower, and oodles of history….one of the Guy Fawkes protagonists was born here. How awesome is that!!!

Quaint old cottages and a clock tower
A bubbling brook
Bad lad…boom!!

I’m staying in a quirky 16th century cottage with more steps and landings than I care to count πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚ if I lift my hand I can touch the ceiling….and I am not tall…just 5ft 5 inches. I’m guessing people were much shorter in the 16th century. Last night when I went to bed, last thing before I switched off the light…I reminded myself about the step outside my room so that I don’t fall flat on my face in the middle of the night.

I pretty much have the house to myself as my client has been practicing ‘social distancing’ for the last 4 years…apparently she took to her room 4 years ago and refuses to come out unless she has a medical appointment. This is not unusual.

I set off at 2pm and after a short walk I found an information board about the village and that’s where I discovered there’s a castle. Whoop whoop. Needless to say it’s on the top of the hill πŸ€ͺπŸ€ͺπŸ€ͺπŸšΆπŸ»β€β™€οΈπŸšΆπŸ»β€β™€οΈβ›°πŸ° a steep climb. What’s with those Normans anyway, building their castles at the top of the hills…I mean seriously, no cars, no buses, no escalators, no lifts…but they build on the top of the hill πŸ€¨πŸ€¨πŸ˜‰

It’s at this point that I miss my walking poles the most. It really feels weird being out walking without them. But onwards….

I soon reached the crest of the hill and to my delight there was the castle. Okay its totally overgrown now and there’s nary a stone or wooden pole to be seen, but it’s so exciting to walk in the footsteps of people who lived here nearly 1000 years ago.

Norman motte and bailey
Hinkley Point in the distance

The views are spectacular…you can see for miles and miles, even the Bristol Channel, and in the distance I could see Hinkley Point Power Station. The village looked cosy snuggled as it is in the folds of the valley.

I’m sure the air is fresher….I sat out on the highest point I could find and just enjoyed the quiet, the brisk breeze and the delicious sunshine on my skin. There’s a grassy bowl towards the middle of the castle where I could easily spend the day…a blanket, a good book, flask of hot tea and packet of biscuits and I’d not leave all day.

Perfect spot to spend the day

I phoned my little family on the other side of the country and enjoyed seeing my adorable grandson and chatting to my daughter and son-in-law. They’re bearing up and enjoying being home, creating fun things to do for the baby.

A few other people made the most of the lovely weather and walked around the perimeter of the mound.

After 20 minutes of gorgeous warmth I walked back down into the village and along one street to the outer edge then turned back and made my way back to the cottage. A pleasing break and added 3.2 kms to my walk 1000 miles challenge….although as things are going, its unlikely I’ll reach my target this year.

Edge of the village

Then it was back to work and supper preparation and frequent visits from downstairs to upstairs πŸ€ͺπŸ€ͺπŸ€ͺ I told my client that at this rate, with the number of times I respond to the bell, I’m sure to get fit and lose weight.

At the moment I’m watching TV and writing this blog while counting the minutes till bedtime 😁😁 end of day one of 21 days of lockdown. 20 to go…its frustrating of course, upsetting and unsettling and we have no idea how things are going to pan out, but in the greater scheme of things…time out is no bad thing, and like I said, my life has not changed that much…

I saw this sculpture at the edge of the village…it made me smile and think of bonkers Boris….”stay home or else ”

Stay at home πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚

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Watching Boris Johnson on BBC1 last night was an exercise in frustration. As usual he waffles on ??? using highfalutting, fancy words most people don’t even understand (I love a good fancy word myself; but time and place Boris!!) We all know you have a preppy education, have written books, and use words no-one has used since Shakespeare died…..now is not the time to show off.

So instead of saying “I am putting the UK on lockdown for 3 weeks with immediate effect”, he scurries about scrambling for placating words; words he strings together in long rambling sentences that by the time he ends it, we’re no wiser and have lost track of the message….. meanwhile his eyes and hands betraying his uncertainty. Talk about clenched. πŸ‘ŠπŸ‘Š

Is he trying to protect his city buddies investments? Just say “lockdown” ffs. You’re not dealing with reasonable people (on the whole). The number of people who are flouting the recommendations and still making unnecessary trips are thick, they need their heads banged together….use strong, solid, forceful words that get the message across. πŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺ

As for Michael Gove….can someone sew up his lips for the duration and ban him from speaking on TV…what a tosser. Seriously. πŸ›ŽπŸ›ŽπŸ›ŽπŸ””πŸ”š

I was so impressed with the action taken by the South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa….a short, concise, clear message “….decided to enforce a nationwide lockdown for 21 days with effect from midnight on Thursday”. Boom!!πŸ’£πŸ’₯πŸ’£πŸ’₯ end of. 🚷🚷🚷🚷🚷🚷 We’re on πŸ”β¬‡οΈ “…a decisive measure to save lives”. ergo…stay at home.

https://youtu.be/tkOWlBF7aC0

We are living in uncertain times, Covid-19 is an unprecedented issue and if we don’t get our act together, we are going to be culpable for the deaths of any number of people…. people you may not even know, but they’re loved by someone else, but your selfish actions have caused their untimely death.

I messaged my daughter yesterday to say that even if I do finish this current job in 2 weeks time, I am not going to visit them at their home. Anyone who knows me, would know how terribly hard that will be for me to do….but I do not want to inadvertently infect the people most precious to me…my beloved daughter, my cherished grandson and my lovely son-in-law.

Instead we’re going to do video messaging and keep in touch on WhatsApp with lots of photos.

Be safe folks, please follow government guidelines and let’s beat this bastard virus

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Gloves on, gloves off, gloves on, gloves off. Its been a right pain with the gloves, but since I’m exposed to so many different surfaces, some of which might be carrying the virus, I thought it best to play safe. Especially  as I love taking photos on my travels, I don’t want to ‘infect’ my phone πŸ€ͺπŸ€ͺπŸ€ͺ🀒

Gloves off…

So, well done to South Eastern railway for getting us to St Pancras only 5 minutes behind schedule despite the trespassers on the line at Margate. I’ve never seen St Pancras station or trains so empty.

St Pancras

After a couple of changes on the Underground I finally made it to Paddington Station, well ahead of time, only to find my next train had been cancelled…πŸ˜•πŸ˜•πŸ™„ so a long wait of 1.5 hours ensued

Just 43 minutes more….

and I’m sure I clocked up at least 3 kms pacing up and down…the seats are too cold to sit on. Besides which I know how long the virus lingers on stainless steel and I am trying to avoid any contact.

Underground- Bakerloo line
Paddington Station

However, on the plus side I had time to visit Paddington Bear and grab a cuppachino from Nero.

Paddington Bear

I’m finally on my train and all being well I’ll get to my destination…only 1 hour 13 minutes behind schedule.

Paddington Station

Thankfully the outgoing Carer is taking a few days break and is not enroute to another job. I really should have insisted that the agency give me a job closer to ‘home’.

I was impressed to note that even the finer details have been thought of

Wrapped up tightly against Covid-19

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My next job/assignment starts today and the day hasn’t had the most auspicious start.

My alarm didn’t go off when it was supposed to πŸ€ͺπŸ€ͺ Fortunately I had been awake for a few hours already and thought to check the time….only 10 minutes out, but with a taxi booked, I had to hustle.

I got to the station with plenty of time to spare and whilst waiting for the train, heard the dreaded announcement….my train was cancelled due to trespassers on the line 2 stations down.

I immediately sought out one of the station staff and secured authorisation to travel on the highspeed route instead…so

At the moment I’m travelling on the highspeed route to St Pancras. And its surreal….

This route is always packed to the rafters with commuters and you would be lucky to get a seat. The train is virtually empty…besides that

The train is stopping at all the small stations it doesn’t normally stop at, and I had a momentary flutter of concern…am I on the right train? But yes, it seems I am.

These are extraordinary times. Very few cars on the road, people few and far between- social distancing πŸ˜‰ and an empty train

I’m just hoping that I don’t have any issues with the underground getting to my next departure point. The services have been drastically reduced and I am a tad nervous about making my connection. Besides the reduced service, I have 2 heavy grocery bags to carry and an unwieldy suitcase to lug around. πŸ˜•πŸ˜•

I haven’t seen anyone wearing a mask yet 😷😷😷 and no-one has sneezed 🀧🀧 in my vicinity…so far so good. I’m being careful about what I touch and my elbows are getting a good workout πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚

One of the people in the houseshare coughed pretty much right through the night (hence my lack of sleep), so I used a sock on my hand to open or close doors, turn on taps and flush the 🚽 and I’m diligently washing my hands at every opportunity 🧼🧼🧼🧼

Fortunately I haven’t had any contact with her, so I can only hope her note on the fridge door was truthful “Sorry for the coughing, I have a cold.” Everyone and everything is suspect now and its quite unnerving.

Strange times. But the air feels cleaner and last night the sky was so clear I could see hundreds of stars.

Stay well every one and please be sensible about following government guidelines. I have a healthy distrust of the government on most days, and I have a healthy regard for some of the conspiracy theories that abound, but I’m still not at all keen to either contract this virus or pass it on to my loved ones….so to that end, I’ll take the news at face value and I’m being a good girl and not rebelling against the advice….

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