2nd November 2020, 232 days in lockdown/isolation.

We are, at the moment (Monday), in Tier 2 but move to total lockdown on the 5th (Thursday). It is too complicated to think about what is allowed and what is not. We feel it is best to hunker down now as if w are already in lockdown. Jenny is making soups for the freezer although finding space will be a challenge as both freezers are quite full. We have enough toilet roll and kitchen roll to last us. For some reason, many people thought we would run out last time and the supermarket shelves were emptied. When the lockdown was announced this time, queues immediately formed outside the major supermarkets. These idiots probably still have toilet rolls from their last panic buying in March.

I will try to do some baking later. I will probably do savoury scones with cheese and maybe some onions. They freeze very well.

Mum should be OK during lockdown and her lifestyle should not be affected too much as long as the carers visits are maintained. She is fully aware of Covid 19 and is happy to stay in her home. She continues to be aware that she should never answer the door and I am confident that she always hangs up the phone on scammers. Nevertheless it is something we all must watch in the future as scamming increases.

I have spoken to Petra in Germany and the situation there is about as bad. Manfred, unfortunately, has lost his job, like thousands of others. I did not ask if he receives any benefits but they are fortunate that Petra has a good job but it is as secure as any job/career can be in these times. Both they and us are itching to visit each other and we will certainly do so as soon as there is a window of opportunity. We miss them alot and we all need cheering up.

Pete and Donna in Spain are also trying to visit the UK to see Pete’s folks and us but have had to keep revising dates. The latest date for us to visit them in the Midlands is 17th December. It is after the 4 week lockdown period but who can tell if that will change? I am very pessimistic and guess that they will not be allowed to come until some time in 2021. It is no consolation to Pete’s parents that 1000s are in the same boat.

Donna is on the verge of selling her business in Spain. I hope it works out and give Donna some peace of mind. It will also release her to help Pete in his insurance business which is really working out for him. Having Donna alongside him will, hopefully take them both from strength to strength. It would be nice to hear of a success story in these troubled times.

The sun is shining today so I have planted the small succulents in the new rockery at the front of the house. If I am OK and it doesn’t rain, I will also lay the anti weed membrane with gravel on the top but it is too windy at the moment. That will complete the front subject to an odd bit of extra planting. Then we can start planning the design of the back garden. Work to start in the spring of 2021.

Wrinkly thought for the day:- “Plenty of exercise and a healthy diet can add years to your life.Unfortunately they are always added on at the end when you are too old to enjoy them”.