April 6th, 2021. 23rd day of isolation.

Yesterday, I made it to 73 years of age. Many years ago, I would have been delighted to know that I would reach my 70s. However, with age comes uncertainty and worry. The world is a dangerous place and I fear for my grandchildren and what they must face in the future. It is no consolation that I will not be around in 60 years time when they are in their 70s. Lots of things will have to change. The environment is in danger of being fatally polluted and is getting worse. The rule of law is being stretched to the limit with, it appears, more protection for the perpetrator than the victim. On top of all that, we have the corona virus which we do not seem to be able to face with a united international front. Europe is completely fragmented and highly critical of others, especially the UK.

At home, we cannot agree on a simple thing, as I see it, as having a “passport” or some document to show we have had two inoculations, have had the virus and have recovered or have very recently had a negative test. The deputy health secretary (labour) says that the issue of such a document would be discriminatory. I don’t know what he means. It is discriminatory but rightly so! I do not want to be on a plane, in a restaurant or a football ground next to an ant-vaxxer. They should be discriminated against and banned from such activities. I want to travel safely and eat out without the risk of being affected by these numpties. If there are genuine reasons for not being vaccinated then fair enough. But they should still be isolated.

My son and his children came to see me for my birthday and we had a lovely cake and drink outside in the very fresh air. They brought me a very nice single malt whiskey which I will really enjoy. Sally also sent me a terrarium via my niece Stephanie, who makes and sells them. I will certainly look after it. They are a great gift idea. We had a lovely time with the kids who laughed a lot, mostly at my expense., which I, of course, encourage.

Had a lovely phone call from (Scottish) Sue whilst I was visiting Mum. She is well but worried about her daughter’s wedding. We may be OK but will she be able to go to Scotland from Germany. Whatever happens we will go for two days with no wedding and then visit Bill and Irene for a couple of days.

Spring is nearly here. Despite the current wintry conditions, many of our neighbours are out in their gardens, planting, landscaping or having driveways paved. Since we came and had skips in our garden taking away rubbish, a trend seems to have been set. The area around our house is looking better and better.

The NHS rang me today to arrange an appointment to see a consultant about my knee. This has been, thankfully very quick although if I do need a CT scan, there may me a long wait for that.

Jenny and I had our 2nd Covids on Sunday and are feeling smug. Over 5 million others are now in the “club”. The UK programme of vaccinations continues to impress.

Jenny and I are still baking, making pies and curries for the freezer. We have today stocked up with more ingredients and if there is a positive from the pandemic, it is that we do use the kitchen alot. I hope that this will continue after it is, eventually, all over.

I have heard from cousin Petra in Germany in the last couple of days. She is very unhappy at he delays in their vaccination programme and the ignorant attitude of her employers. Her and Manfred are depressed at not seeing friends for months although they are getting fresh air walks each day. Impressively, she is doing 10,000 steps a day. Given that they live right on the Baltic coast, they will be very fresh and brisk steps indeed. We can’t wait for the day that we can see them. These times that we have lost, we will never get the back but we must make the most of any opportunity to get together in the future. The same goes for Sally and her partner, Jim. It is good to know though, that they are all in good physical health.