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