31st May, 2021. 78 days of isolation /shielding.

I have recently watched a documentary about AI, or Artificial Intelligence. I have read George Orwell’s “1984” and although it is nearly 40 years after that date, the world as envisaged by Orwell, is nearly here. And it frightens me to death. I am only glad that I am of an age that I will not see the outcome and in particular how the Chinese will take over the world. I fear for my grandchildren.

Jenny went back to York on the bus to exchange one item at Marks & Spencer. I also asked her to bring me another polo shirt of a different colour to the one I bought yesterday. They are a really nice fit.

We were looking forward to our curry at the Madras with the Gibsons and it didn’t disappoint. We have really missed it and enjoyed what turned out to be a catch up on all our ailments.

In view of the beautiful weather, I gave all our plants a good watering. Some of the bedding plants are past their best and a few need replacing. We would like to see them all prosper but at the moment we are battling against the birds who are taking the planter liner material for their nests. As a consequence, we may need to replace some of the planters with new ones from the local garden centre.

It is interesting that Boris’s wedding was allegedly “held in secret”. How come that we saw photos almost immediately and as it was in secret, are we sure that he stuck to the rules in terms of numbers. I think we should be told.

I see the Scottish Independence supporters think that the UK will still pay the “state” pensions to Scottish retirees. Two things. First, the state pension is a UK state benefit. Scotland will not be in the UK and will not get OAP or any UK benefit. Second, our state pension benefit is not like an insurance “pot”. WE do not tuck away a portion of National Insurance payments now, to pay pensions in the future. Pensions are mostly paid for from tax/NI collected now, this year, not from a “pot” that has been put aside. It is considered by the Scots that they can continue to use the £, leave without debt, trade without any changes with the UK and EU and keep all British public sector jobs. In all of this, they are sadly deluded.

30th May, 2021. 77 days of isolation/shielding

Boris has got married to his co conspirator, sorry. Fiancee. So we look forward to decisions that are made with a feminine touch and I don’t mean the choice of wallpaper. Apparently he’s a catholic so would he first need to go to confession? Hmmmm! Oh to be a fly on the wall. Unless he lied of course.

David and Ronnie came for lunch yesterday. More like brunch really.. They are going to Butlins, Skegness on Monday and the weather is set fair. David is getting the girls this afternoon to make sure they have all they need to pack for 5 days and they will all go shopping tomorrow if needs be. We sent some pocket money for the three of them so they could buy something nice, or in Ronnie’s case, put it into his ever bulging wallet.

Just for a change, I went to watch Cottingham 1st XI on Saturday. I had a good catch up with Mike G. and Mike B. It was great to catch up and talk about the old third team days. It seems such a long time ago. Good to also watch our team win by 5 wickets.

We had an impromptu trip to York on Sunday. Caught the bus in Cottingham at 11am and it put us back in Cottingham around 4pm. And with our bus passes the trip was free. We spent some time in Marks and Spencer buying some new clothes. We were actually able to try them on which was a bonus. We also had a light lunch of baked potatoes. I think we may do it again soon. It was lovely to see thousands of people enjoying the sunshine and without masks although every one on both buses was fully covered.

The key to mums back passage door has been lost and not yet found. However, nephew James has been and fitted a new lock with three keys. What a star!!

We were talking to our neighbours about the pandemic in Bahrain (her father lives there) and they have an interesting take on how to deal wit anti-vaxxers. As the population have to carry ID which recognises those who have had a jab, entry to all shops, cinemas, filling stations, public transport etc. for anti vaxxers, is refused. In other words, GET VACCINATED. NOW!!!

26th May, 2021. 73 days of isolation/shielding

At the moment, I am listening to Dominic Cummings explain away the mismanagement of the Corona epidemic and flinging out accusations all over the place, about who was responsible for many deaths. He says that Matt Hancock should be fired and that Boris was more concerned with economics as opposed to thousands of deaths of British citizens. Do I believe him? Well, if he is telling the truth, then god help us! If he is lying, then god help us! He is squirming a bit. All very interesting. I need to see what Laura Kunsberg says (LOL).

Until today, the biggest news of the week was that the UK got it’s expected “nul points” in the Eurovision Song Contest. We have been last or close to it for years and our songs, although they have not been brilliant. have, in the main, not been deserving of getting not one single vote. Let’s face it, Europe hates us. It was telling that Ireland, who usually give us some support, were absent this year. Of course, Brexit is likely to be a factor as we are now out of the EU. Geographically, we are still in Europe but I think it is about time we left this awful TV programme. It is not a song contest any more. It seems to be an excuse for dressing up in the weirdest outfits and belting out some rubbish in the guise of it being “a song”. There were, I think, a couple of decent tunes including that of the UK but none of them would pass the “Old grey whistle test”. Unlike, say, Waterloo by Abba. The BBC and a couple of other countries, fund most of the programme so I would suggest we pack it in now, keep our money and put it towards the cost of TV licences for the over 75s.

I’ve seen Mum a couple of times and she is really well. Had some good conversations with her and having spoken to the carers, they are also very happy with Mum’s health and well being.

A sign that things are getting better is that we have booked tickets to see Albert Lee (look him up) in September at the Cottingham Civic Hall. There is no reason to think we will not be able to go. Paul and Angela are big fans so the four of us are going. It should be a good night and good to see live music again.

I am still following Ronnie. On Sunday we watched his side win 7-0 against a strong looking Burlington Jackdaws from Hull. Ronnie was good again and scored a real pile driver. He is beginning to look like a proper centre forward. Tonight they were playing Cottingham Rangers and they won 3-2. Ronnie scored with a powerful drive and had one assist. I wish I could still play as I would try to teach Ronnie many things.

While Demonic Cummings has been talking, the £ versus the € has gone from €1.1550 to €1.1586 (09.10 to 20.00). I will never understand the financial markets. I expected the £ to plummet. I will watch that one. I have no doubt that despite a bad day for him, Boris’s personal ratings will rise.

May 12th, 2021. 59th day of isolation/shielding

Boris has made a major announcement this week which eases the restrictions placed upon us. We can, from next Monday, visit pubs and restaurants inside. We can go to theatres and cinemas and outdoor sporting events although it is too late to celebrate Hull City’s early return to the Championship, from Division 1 of the EFL.

We will be able, with some restrictions, be able to get together with friends and family. We will also be able to hug. I am not sure about shaking hands but my automatic response when meeting someone, is to hold my hand out still. As for holidays, we cann visit “green” countries including Portugal, Tristan da Cuhna and the Falklands. Fantastic! Our holiday to Germany at the end of May with Val and Nick, has already been cancelled. We don’t think our road trip to Germany will come off this year but we can already book hotels in Germany for the Munich Beer Festival. We will go by car and the ferry bookings are possible up to July 2022 so we should be able to book soon, for us and Andy and Lindy. In the meantime, we shall try to get away during summer to somewhere in the UK. We are also hoping we can go to Romania to see Sally and Jim. We are watching the situation closely.

We would still have to be careful though as we may still have to have PCR tests which have to be paid for which may add £1200 for a family of four.

Ronnie’s sporting activities have entertained me during the last week. His under 11 cricket team had a good win against Driffield. He scored 8 runs but his two overs saw him get 2 for 2. A real good effort. I also saw his under 11 football team, Tickton Cobras, win a great game 3-1. Ronnie did not score this time but he nevertheless, had a great game against a very large team. That didn’t bother Ronnie.

We had David and the kids for lunch on Sunday. They and us adults demolished a large shoulder of pork and there was not enough left for us to make a soup for the next day.

The best Brexit quote of the year so far:-

“How come leavers knew what they were voting for but didn’t get the Brexit they wanted.But remainers knew what they were voting against and got exactly what they predicted”.

It was election week last week although here, we only had the Police Commissioner to elect. Because of alleged corruption, the first Tory candidate walked away and it would seem that they put a blue rosette on a complete unknown to us and the Labour Police Commissioner, who had done a good job, was voted out of his job. Time to give up?

I am and was a big fan of the late great Yorkshireman, Jake Thackray. John Richardson, husband of Hull comedian Lucy Beaumont is also a big fan and it has prompted me to buy Thackray’s greatest hits. All his famous songs are there and I am looking forward to hearing them again, including “Lah Di Dah”, “Sister Josephine” and “The Hair of the Widow of Bridlington”. If you’ve never heard of him, go onto YouTube. You won’t regret it. I mean, what else is there to do?

It has been very warm today and it inspired us to start getting more plants for the garden. The Garden Centre was full of Senior Citizens like us. Wednesday is 10% off everything. We still need to get a design for landscaping the back garden but the kitchen will be first. We have had three quotes all pretty much alike in that the costs are about the same. Moe than we expected but we are a bit behind the times.

May 19th, 2021. 66 days of isolation /shielding

Boris’s announcement in the last 7 days have been confusing and contradictory. The Indian variation of the virus is taking hold in many areas but not Hull and the East Riding. We seem to have escaped it.but nevertheless, we still take care. The government are now suggesting that holidays in “amber list” countries including Germany and Romania are OK. The only thing to bear in mind is the quarantine on return. Until we are certain it is OK, we are staying put. Of course, there will be hordes of people taking advantage of the relaxations and travel companies will try to sell flights, hotels etc to try and make some money. Flights by Ryanair for example will recommence on Friday (21st May)from Manchester. We would love to go but we need much more information. Several more European countries are talking about opening up but I suspect it is a financial decision rather than wanting to help the UK out. They need our money now.

Saw Ronnie at cricket and football this week. The Under 11 cricket team lost to Hull Zingari, and nobody likes losing to them. They are a bit of a “win at all costs” club. The Under 11 football team, Tickton Cobras, drew with Hull after conceding a goal in less than a minute. They fought back to lead 4-2 but a loss of concentration by the defence allowed Hull to come back to draw 4-4. Ronnie was voted man of the match by the opposition after scoring two great goals, one with a thumping drive and the other with a brilliant header.

David and all three kids came to lunch on Sunday. We had roast chicken with all the trimmings. There was not much left. It now seems to be a regular thing when the kids are with David for the weekend.

After much thought, we have accepted plans for a new kitchen. We have been told it will be done during the last two weeks in July and have paid a 10% deposit. One company wanted 50% up front. Er, I don’t think so. We can tweak the design up to installation It is going to look lovely. Especially the quartz worktops.

I went to have various scans on Tuesday at Castle Hill hospital. They seem to be catching up. They stuck me on the scanner and took two 4 minute pictures of my knees, two 4 minute pictures of my hips and a further 17 minute scan of something, finishing off with a speedy 2 minute whole body scan. It must have been very costly.

I heard from an old school friend called Tim Mitchell. He now lives down south in Plymouth. He reminded me of our playing days for Beverley Town seconds. I had completely forgotten all about playing (a few matches only) for them. Mind you, I played for a good few teams after leaving school. WAKAM FC, Beverley Town, Newington Saints, East Riding Under 15s, HERMITS (HER Majesty’s Inspector of TaxeS) Bradford, Tickton, Walkington, Hull Taxes and MAT Transport. Some good times and lots of goals.

With the change in Covid rules, we will go and see Dave and Thelma, our neighbours, for a cup of tea next week. Goodness, there will be a lot of catching up to do. Carol came for tea yesterday and we had fun looking at old black and white photos. I must carry on with my project to scan and copy all the photos we have that are none digital up to about 2001. There must be thousands although I have already made a good start. The list of catch up visits we can now make is massive so we are looking forward to lots of cake.

I’m feeling queezy and I don’t know why. Wait a moment. Dominic Raab is on tv. That’s why. I think I dislike him more than Boris. Both liars.

May 5th, 2021. 52nd day of isolation/shielding.

It’s been a few days since my last blog and lots has happened in the interim.

Boris has been hitting the headlines recently because of alleged secret donations to pay for the decoration of the flat at number 10, Downing Street and the pandemic and local council elections and Brexit. And the french government.

I don’t care if some fool wants to pay a huge decorating bill for Boris, but it is what is expected in return which is the problem.. Is it a plum job within parliament or contracts for supplies or work using the “donors” company as a preferred contractor, thereby avoiding having to provide quotes or delivery times etc. We know it goes on all the time so to avoid speculation and conspiracy theories. All it needs is a Yes or No response but there has been no reply or explanation. Very fishy.

I don’t think enough has been done to persuade the anti vaxxers to change their tune. They still keep banging on about blood clots etc despite evidence to the contrary. Even “Flat Earth” believers have seen the sense in being vaccinated. Compared to a clot forming after an Oxford Astra Zeneca jab, you are six times more likely to be struck by lightening in your lifetime, eleven times more likely to die in a car crash each year and 100 times more likely to get a blood clot if you use an oral contraceptive. There has been no sudden reductions in going for a picnic, driving a car or having sex. However, if you are hospitalised with Covid 19, your risk of a clot is ONE IN FOUR. The 19 who died from a thrombosis were a minute proportion of the 20 million doses that had been given. So waiting for more scientific detail should not be an option. Numpties/Clots.

We have started”Self Testing”. I did my first one yesterday which was negative. Not unexpected but I suppose it was useful as I immediately reported the results to the NHS. Jenny did hers today. And how about this little gem:-

“The numerous failures of Vaccination in France induced the Royal Academy of Medicine to appoint a committee to enquire into and report on the facts. The report states that the nation had not yet got rid of it’s antipathy for vaccination: that to compel vaccination, no child would be admitted into any school without producing a certificate of vaccination”. Hampshire Telegraph, 10th October, 1825. Some things never change with the french.

Talking about the french, they have now threatened to cut Jersey’s electric supply They provide about 95% of it. They are also threatening to blockade their ports and stop any import into France, of Jersey’s fish.This is all because of a spat about fishing rights in Jersey International Waters. I have a simple solution. Send the gunboats to blast the french so and sos out of the water. Simple. And ban all imports into the UK of french wine, cheese and cars. That’ll teach them. I had some English wine from Kent this week. It was wonderful and bough from Aldi. I went for some more but they had sold out.

Of course the Brexit debacle rumbles on and vindictiveness abounds. (See previous paragraph). We need an injection of common sense from our own leaders and the bureaucrats of the EU. We should all be allowed to have a go. Would any of this garbage have happened if we had not voted for Brexit? I think not.

We had David, Thea and Ronnie for lunch on Sunday. No Maisie though, who does what she likes apparently and that doesn’t seem to include seeing this granddad and grandma. Shame. We are seeing plenty of Ronnie in his sporting adventures and are enjoying his progress. Especiall in football. He scored two goals for Tickton this week and is becoming a bit of a star player. Thea is more into music (Hurray) and is very interested in my vinyl collection including Pink Floyd. She also wants a bass guitar to add to her ukulele and acoustic guitar. Good for her!

Today we went to cousin Pamela’s for a birthday coffee and cake. We did go indoors but every one has had two jabs and we observed social distancing (Jenny, Me, Pamela, friend Barbara, Uncle Raymond and Auntie Phyllis.

Mum continues to thrive and I have picked up her Covid Card confirming she has had two jabs. Just in case she want a foreign holiday. We called in to see Val and Nick. We wanted to make a plan about our Germany holiday together. We think it will be cancelled and we will not be going on the 30th May. We would all be happy to go in September but no later. We would also take a postponement to next year.

We now await Boris’s announcement/edict on 17th May.