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.