138 days of lockdown/isolation

Is everyone panicking now. For the last few posts and before, I have expressed concerns at the lack of information, the totally irresponsible of hoards of people not so self isolate, observe social distancing and insisting on taking holidays because they were climbing up the walls with boredom. For goodness sake, get a life (no joke intended) and just write 2020 off. The way we are going, we may have to think in those terms for 2021 also. A frightening prospect.

People are now being advised/instructed to cut their holidays short and come home. It begs the question, why did they go in the first place. The situation is changing every day and it stands to reason that they were taking a risk of getting stuck in a foreign country with no planes to take them home. Airlines, tour operators and travel agents are closing down in droves. Travel insurance probably won’t cover losses. Especially if people have booked privately on line and have not taken out insurance or taken out a policy until after the Corona epidemic started.

Boris Johnson has been a total failure as a leader and is responsible for not giving firmer instruction. H has hidden behind the science and I think he may have cherry picked statistics to make the situation look better than it was/is. Trump is also culpable, across the pond. Although, to be fair, he has done a U-turn in many respects. Most notably, the wearing of masks.

The whole of Europe is also approaching meltdown. Spain is very prominent in its condemnation of the UK but they are in trouble themselves. They have started shutting down some towns and regions and it is not looking good. New cases are on the increase there as they are in Germany, Greece, Italy and France and many other countries around the world.

I thought our holiday in October to Austria might be safe but it is looking less likely by the day. At least we can cancel the hire car and the hotel up to 48 hours before with no penalty. The air fare is another matter so we may have to decide at the last minute (with two days to go) whether we go or not. Hopefully if it’s looking dodgy, Easyjet will cancel the flight and we will be entitled to a full refund.

I’ve been to see Mum twice this week and she is, as ever, in fine fettle. I am not certain she is eating much but then she cannot burn it off anyway. Conversely, her memory is not getting worse but seems to be improving. It may just be my imagination so I will watch that situation very carefully. She is still getting her full quota of carer visits and I’m sure the regular interaction keeps her on her toes.

Health update. The ecxema has virtually gone and the pain from the extracted tooth has settled down. My telephone appointment with a consultant on Wednesday was postponed. They are to ring with a revised date in due course. Our Gym has reopened and Jenny has now been twice. I shall book for some sessions next week in the gym and try and get a couple of swims in. Maybe I shall lose some weight. I was on the cusp of 100 kilos but have already come down a kilo and a half to 98.5. I have cut down on carbohydrates and substituted Ryvitas for bread. It’s a start.

My grandson has been getting some cricket and football practice in. Praise to both Tickton Football Club and Cottingham Cricket Club for getting things organised. Special praise to both sets of coaches.

Went to see our friend Nick to examine his new bathroom. It has turned out very well indeed and we were so impressed, we have the same chap coming to give us an estimate.

I cannot believe how quickly time is passing. It’s probably the reason that my last post was 6 days ago. Still, during horrible time, time passing quickly is a bonus.

I had a haircut today. Next, the beard?

Deaths in UK Saturday July 24th 123

Deaths in UK Sunday July 25th 61

Deaths in UK Monday July 26th 14

Deaths in UK Tuesday July 27th 7

Deaths in UK Wednesday July 28th 119

Deaths in UK Thursday July 29th 83

132 days of lockdown/isolation

I was at the dentist earlier than required but still had to stand outside while they sanitised the treatment room. After the usual questions about medications, a lovely Indian dentist proceeded with the extraction. Three injections (they stung a bit) later and an x-ray, I was numb and the work proceeded. It took a good 15 minutes but was painless. There was a fair bit of “sangre” not helped by cutting my bottom lip which got trapped by the tools used. There were also two stitches needed on the gum. At one point the dentist asked her assistant for an excavator, which was worrying but it turned out to be a very long thin spatula. I have no idea what it was used for. I ate nothing that day and probably lost a couple of pounds. The pain had gone. Today I woke early as I had had a long daytime sleep yesterday. I caught up on another two episodes of Hill Street Blues.

In the afternoon, we went to see mum as Angela had arranged for a plumber to make a couple of repairs in the downstairs toilet. He did not turn up, having completely forgotten but is going today so we will be going to mum’s to let him in. He came as arranged at 1630 and set to work. After an hour, Jamie and family turned up. They relieved my stint and I left at 1745.

I went to watch Ronnie in practice. At last some cricket! David was also there with the girls and Jenny walked from home to join us. There was a great turnout.

We had a surprise visit from our friends, Val and Nick. It was a lovely morning to sit and chat in the garden in the sun.

From today we HAVE to wear masks in shops and on public transport. What can possibly go wrong? Some folks will be exempt, for example, on medical grounds but there will be many who simply refuse and risk £100 fines. Who the heck is going to charge them. I foresee problems ahead.

UK deaths Thursday 23rd July 53

UK deaths Friday 23rd July 123

130 days of lockdown/isolation. Arithmetical error made at some point. Sorry!

An EU Corona Recovery Grant has been announced. Despite us still being in the EU and having paid our contribution to them, I so not think any of it will find it’s way to the UK.

The news reported a Muslim Funeral with 250 mourners and Irish funeral with over 1000 mourners. There was no social distancing or masks. Are they mad? Are the trying to go the way of the USA whose infection figures keep on rising. Even Trump is wearing a mask now and saying that he was never against them. He is of course lying. I saw him say it. What a numpty!!

On the home front, Hull City are relegated to Division 1. The third tier of English football. I have nothing to say except that Leeds have been promoted to the premiership. I look forward to all the fighting. Leeds fans hate everybody.

Thanks to anti-biotics and paracetamols my toothache has almost gone. Just in time for my dental appointment at 0830 where the offending tooth will be extracted. The rash on my toes is receding thanks to an anti-biotic cream. It was diagnosed as ecxema which I have never had before. It’s old age I suppose.

My niece’s husband, Richard fitted a new side door on the garage. He has done a cracking job. It will be nice to use it to get to the freezer instead of using the up and over door all the time.

UK deaths Friday 17th July 114

UK deaths Saturday 18th July 40

UK deaths Sunday 19th July 27

UK deaths Monday 20th July 12

UK deaths Tuesday 21st July 110

UK deaths Wednesday 22nd July 79

119 days since isolation

The rash on my toes has worsened so I rang 111 for advice. I was told I should go to my GP asap and an appointment was made for Friday. I asked the GP who rang me up if I should wear a mask and he said it was up to me. I will wear one.

I have had a raging toothache for a couple of days and on ringing the dentist was given an appointment for the 23rd July, one week away. In the meantime I picked up a prescription from them, for a course of antibiotics. I was told that an x-ray taken a couple of years ago showed very deep fillings in the area of the pain which may necessitate an extraction. Ouch!

Half of my Wine order from Spain (Pata Negra red) arrived on Thursday with the six free wine glasses. The other 12 bottles (white Chardonnay) arrives today (Friday). New Reebok trainers also arrived, earlier than expected.

Spoke to Sally and Jim on WhatsApp, from her flat in Alhama. I wish we were there too. We need a break from the same four walls and a week in Alhama would be just the ticket. Maybe soon!

There are alot more cars on the road now. Everyone seems to be wanting to go out and maybe they think it is all over but it is clearly not. We went to take washing back to Mum’s. This is still the only journey that we do on a regular basis, maybe twice but, usually, once a week. Our car is on around 300 miles driven since the 15th March. I will contact my insurance company for a refund.

UK deaths Wednesday 15th July 85

UK deaths Thursday 16th July 66

118 days since isolation

A “do nothing day” on Moday. Slept for 10 hours and Jenny even longer. Very changeable weather today and we didn’t even go for a walk.

I have developed a rash on my toes. It looks a bit like excema but there is no soreness or itching. Its been there a while so if there is no change I will go to see the GP or ring 111.

As I went to bed on Sunday, from my upstairs window I saw the security light on the house opposite, come on. I went to the window and there was a lovely fox, happily skipping along the pavement. He had a lovely brush. Wildlife during the Covid crisis.

The Sunday and Monday and Tuesday deaths are much reduced again and although the trend is low, as always on these days, the numbers are edging towards zero. Hopefully this will continue despite Boris’s dithering over the wearing of masks. Once again he had left it to the public’s common sense as did his Eton buddy, Gove. Why not just bite the bullet and enforce the rule. Well, it appears he has seen the light but it is not clear how it is to be enforced. Lots of people do not have the common sense he craves. Does he not remember the beaches at Bournemouth a couple of weeks ago? The deaths are low again today so onward and downward.

Went to see Mum today. She was in good spirits and said she was looking forward to her lunch. We chatted about where she lived just after the war and when I was born. Mum and Dad lived together in Kronshagen outside Kiel in a flat. Dad worked for the Control Commission in Friedrichsort. Because she was to be sent to a British Military Hospital, she spent her confinement in Hamburg at a BMH in Barmbek area and then went back to the flat near Kiel, my first home until I was 10 and a half months old. She thinks it was on Kopperpahler Allee. They left there in 1949 to go the UK and when they visited Oma two years later when I was three, they stayed at Dellenberg 5, with Oma and when we went the next time, Oma was already living at Kiebitzredder 10, on the first floor of the Braesch family home.

UK deaths Monday 13th July 11

UK deaths Tuesday 14th July 138

117 days since isolation started.

Jack Charlton has died. He was 85. That is now six members of our great 1966 World Cup Squad. Alan Ball, Bobby Moore, Ray Wilson, Martin Peters and Gordon Banks have also left us. RIP. To me his most remarkable statistic is that he played for only one club for the full length of his career.That team was Leeds United and he played 773 games over a period of 23 years. Amazing and never to be repeated!!!!!

It has now been made “clear” what socialising we can now do in England:-

(1) Outdoors, six people from different households. No limit if from two households.

(2) 1 meter plus distance apart

(3) Indoors, any number from two households.

(4) The 2 meter (6ft) social distancing guideline has changed to “one meter plus. If you cannot do this, then you should wear a mask! You should also wear a mask on public transport.

Got it? Of course I have. It will probably change soon.

Went to watch cricket at Cottingham. It was only a warm up match between Cottingham players but there was a very good turnout of spectators on a lovely sunny day. It was nice to sit and have a pint with old chums and I am looking forward to at least a half season of Saturdays in the sun.

I weighed myself yesterday and was close to 100 kilos. I don’t understand we as we don’t over indulge and walk most days. The good news is that our gym is opening in a week or so and I hope that has an effect.

Sally called on WhatsApp. She and Jim are going to Spain this week for €30 each. They are not booking a return ticket yet. We may even join them but tickets from this end are very expensive. Over £200 each one way. It would be cheaper to take the car, go through the Eurotunnel and stay in a couple of hotels on the way down.

Hull City relegation seems almost certain now. If Wigan get stung with a 12 point penalty they may be saved. Otherwise it will be “Hallo Burton, Lincoln and Accrington Stanley” And who is Stanley? I think we should be told.

We did a nice walk around Cottingham and chatted to some random neighbours on the way round.

David called today and we had a good chat and a cup of tea in the garden. Beautiful weather.

UK deaths Saturday 11th July 148

UK deaths Sunday 12th July 21

116 days in isolation/lockdown.

Cricket practice starts for Cottingham C. C. tomorrow. Is this the green shoots of the end of the pandemic? I hope so but especially for the junior players. At least it is a simple thing to close down again.

It’s been a big day on Thursday for Jenny. She had a hairdressing appointment. Her last appointment was over three months ago. She said the shop was well geared to social distancing and was extremely busy. It was a nice cut but the heated rollers will be in soon.

We are awaiting announcements about re opening of theatres. Indoor swimming pools and gyms are going to start again on 25th July. This will please both Jenny and I who are itching to the gym and the grandchildren have really missed their swimming training. There may be some restrictions in the pool but we should all get some swimming in. We are looking forward to taking up the offer of half price meals, if we can, in August.

Nicola clarifies stage 3 of new rules. “Adults are now able to meet in extended groups of 15 outdoors from up to four other households, with physical distancing, from today. A maximum of eight people from up to 3 households,can meet indoors with distancing measures in place. If this can be complied with. visitors can also stay the night” (what???) and there is lots more to remember for the beleagured public. Why not just stay at home with a mask on whenever we go out untiI it is all over. I know it is sad that we don’t see our loved ones as we would wish. But hey! We are a long time dead.

Beauty salons are still not allowed to do eye brows. Thank goodness. Alot fewer slugs on women’s foreheads. Shame that tattoo parlours can now deface peoples skins again. Horrible.

There has been a lot of rain today but between the showers I had a quick visit to see Mum and take her washing back, we got in a good shop at Aldi and then we had fish and chips.

UK deaths Thursday 9th July 85 (7 day rolling average 87)

UK deaths Friday 10th July 48

116 days since isolation /lockdown

Although Mondays figures of recorded deaths is always lower than other days, today’s figure of 15 is very heartening. Good news is coming in on all fronts including an increase including more flights to holiday destinations. We are, however, still determined to carry on as before. It’s not over until the fat lady sings.

There has been good news for the arts with money being made available to help them out of the crisis with no money coming in. Theatres and other live venues would however prefer to reopen. The East Riding Theatre in Beverley where I do some voluntary work, needs help and it would be tragic if it and others fell by the wayside. Let’s see how far £1,500,000,000 goes!

I’ve noticed that many people, including those that should know better, start sentences with “so” Why. I noticed it start over a year ago and it seems to have got much worse. It’s either a conjunction or an adverb. It can also be a pronoun. Not the opening word of a sentence. Maybe it’s a symptom of the pandemic.

At this time of year in Spain, we would be plagued with flies and beetles but we got used to it. Now, the buzzing of a single house fly in the lounge has driven us mad. We did not rest until we had killed the little bugger. We need to get some fly swats.

Our new occasional armchair arrived from NEXT today. It came ready to use except for the legs which were in a secret compartment underneath. Interestingly enough, the wrapping contained an eight page instruction on how to screw the legs in. What a waste of paper.

We had the car valeted yesterday by a mobile car cleaner called Lee. What a great job he did. The car was not really dirty but the interior was a mess after using it for three visits to the local council tip. He gave it a nice polish and the wheels look great. Highly recommended.

Called at mum’s yesterday. She was in good form as usual and doesn’t seem lonely at all. Her wash basket was quite full so I took it home to wash. Her gardens, front and back, are both looking nice and tidy. Credit to the gardener who comes for a couple of hours a week.

UK deaths Monday 6th July 16

UK deaths Tuesday 7th July 155 (7 day moving average is 95)

UK deaths Wednesday 8th July 126

113 days in isolation/lockdown

ERNIE has let us down this month. We had no wins between us for the first time in months. So the round the world trip will have to wait, again.

Had a good ZOOM call with Sally and Jim on Friday. They are still thinking of taking a break in Greece by car. Fingers crossed. The kittens are doing well and a home has been found for them in a house opposite them. They have two children who already know the kittens and they will no doubt give then new names although we have got used to Lucky and Lickey. The hand over will be in a couple of weeks. It cannot be soon enough as they have now learned to climb trees.

Our Austria holiday Holiday is still on. We fly into and out of Munich in Germany which are now on the “Green List” and air travel between the two countries is allowed. We have to wait to see about criss-crossing the Austria border as Austria are still not clear. At worst we can cancel the apartment in Saltzburg and make a booking in or around Munich, if we could find one. There is no cancellation fee for cancellation. The hire car from Munich Airport would remain.

I recently posted an Anlaby County Primary School {ACPS} photo on a site dedicated to memories of it. The class was Junior 2 with our teacher, Miss Solly, with whom I was madly in love. (I was 8). Sadly there were 17 names I could not remember, mostly the girls, which showed that my interests were purely football and cricket. In three days I have had five names sent to the site (sadly one deceased) so it is becoming an exciting little project.

When I lived in Spain, I joined a class to learn an oil painting technique promoted by “Bob Ross” an American painter. The result of a days work (60€ worth) was an oil painting which we have in our spare bedroom. Imagine my surprise when he appeared on TV doing a half hour program showing how to paint MY picture. It was very interesting and I admit, his was better.

We have formally cancelled the Back Room, our golden wedding venue. The owner confirmed that it would have been impossible and they would still be closed down and will be for some time yet. What a shame. I don’t know what we will do to celebrate. All the rules will probably change by then. (Double fish and chips?) She confirmed that our £100 deposit will be refunded as will Henry Priestman’s.

The country is going mad. Rules have been relaxed to allow hairdressers to open. Jenny already has an appointment for next Wednesday. At least all the proprietors are following the distancing rules. Pubs are also able to open but many have decided to wait until Monday when it should be quieter. It was good choice as press photos show some pubs as being “invaded by crowds ” of people, none of whom are wearing masks. Also, the demographic evidenced by the photos show that most of those desperate for a pint seem to be those up to their early 30’s. There has been no evidence of any security in these places so it must have become a bit of a free for all. We really are mad. These idiots are at best, likely to ruin my holiday plans, or at worst, kill me and mine. Even causing a delay on the full relaxation of the rules, makes my blood boil. However, deaths continue to fall and maybe there is a silver lining.

David brought the kids for a visit today. After it looked like the rain was coming we left the garden and decamped to the lounge. socially distancing of course. It was fun, especially with Ronnie who is getting more and more to sound like Ben in “Outnumbered”. Maisie was always like Karen and Thea, being the sensible one, is thoughtful (and a teenager) is like Jake. Weird but wonderful.

UK deaths Thursday 2nd July 89

UK deaths Friday 3rd July 136

UK deaths Saturday 4th July 67

UK deaths Sunday 5th July 22

110 days in isolation/Lockdown

A grey day but very warm. Had a trip out to Next to buy a small reading armchair for the extension. Saw what we wanted and came home and ordered it on line. Called at Aldi on the way back and spent just under £100. We haven’t done that since lockdown. And there were only 3 bottles of wine.

Had a phone call from Simon Richardson, our Spanish house buyer. It was good to hear from him. Since we spoke they have moved house in the UK and now live near Southend Airport which has flights to….Corvera, Murcia. How good is that? He was having trouble with the pool filter and wanted to know who his cleaner could contact. She speaks very good Spanish so I directed him to Pepe (Jomarpe). His plumber installed the pool.

The USA is going to hog and stockpile the drug, Remdesevir. We must therefore make sure we get Dexamethasone which 300 times cheaper and alot more effective. If they do, and deny the rest of the world, we (that is, the whole of the rest of the world) should retaliate immediately. There are lots of things we can do. Don’t travel there. Stop buying Jeeps or any American goods or services. We don’t need the Yanks who, lets face it voted for a racist bigot and deserve all they get. It is not therefore the lack of availability that is the problem but the principal that one large country can deny the rest of the world a drug that can save lives. If they do this now, who knows what they will buy up in the future. Perhaps a vaccine? They (sorry..Trump) could then hold the world to ransom.

Doncaster and Bradford are in danger of being added to Leicester as towns where Covid 19 is taking hold again. Let us hope it doesn’t happen because other towns would surely follow. Except for a few places, the #R number is staying below 1.0, at 0.7 to 1.0. So there is no room for complacency.

3 Million from Hong Kong residency offer. 250,000 are already UK passport holders. We are going to have problems. Maybe we should solve the Windrush scandal first?!!!!!!

UK Deaths Wednesday 1st July 176