13th July, 2021. 115th to 122nd day of isolation.

Restrictions on wearing masks are to be lifted. They are no longer compulsory on public transport, shops or night clubs and the advice from our government is to be sensible. What a cop out. Johnson and co will be able to blame the British public when it goes wrong and hospital admissions soar skywards. As for Jenny and I, we will continue to wear a mask and if the local bus companies do not impose their own restrictions (which they can), we shall always use the car. If shops allow people to go in without a mask, then we shall shop somewhere else or go on line. I think airline companies ave already suggested they will insist on travelling wearing a mask. Good for them. I believe so many of the British public are stupid and will think every thing is fie and will reduce mask wearing to a minimum. These maybe normally reasonable and intelligent people but are probably of a belligerent nature and also anti-vaxxers. They may well also have the B. Johnson narcissist gene. We will see what develops We will know soon enough.

Racism has been on the forefront of the news this last week. Especially after the European Cup final penalty shoot out. As usual internet trolls have vented their spleen on twitter, Facebook and other internet social media platforms. Anyone can use these platforms to make racist comment almost without any form of retribution although some accounts have been closed down. But that’s not enough!! I am considering coming off twitter. It is interesting enough but in a way, by spending time on it (not much) I am giving the trolls a larger audience. I may even come off face book.

Almost a celebration in our house when England got to the European cup final. Having narrowly defeated Denmark we took on Italy in the final. We lost on penalties as usual and it is the three young black footballers who missed their penalties, who have been the subject of racial abuse. What a shame and an embarrassing end to what was a great tournament. It was totally spoiled for me by the booing of the oppositions National anthems and the shining of laser pens into Kasper Schmeikel’s eyes. I am ashamed to be British. Why oh why are we not able to deal with these idiots?

Ronnie has had a game of cricket for Cottingham where he did not excel. However he played well in a huge football tournament on Sunday. Tickton Cobras got to the quarter final but were all very tired. Ronnie’s legs were aching and it seemed to be in the hamstring area. My view that two hours of swimming training, four times a week is too much. He is only ten and that sort of regime is, I think, excessive but it would not be up to me to change things. Melanie is a coach at the swimming club and would surely be loathe to change things.

I just can’t bring my self to comment on Priti Patel. One should not mock the afflicted.

Pleasingly we have seen a lot of David and the kids and they are often here for meals. David’s house has been sold and they have been keen to help him chose his next one. They all want their own room so it will a four bedroomed house at least.

I am having trouble with my eyesight, more specifically my right eye. I have had tests and have been diagnosed with a blocked or burst blood vessel in the retina which will need either laser treatment or an injection into the eye. Urrrgh! I cannot see at all clearly out of that eye which is like being under water. I can only read with my right eye closed. Something has to be done and I am waiting for an outpatient appointment. It should be sooner rather than later.

As I have been “discharged” by the consultant in Beverley regarding my knee, I thought I would try one of these copper infused knee bandages. It does certainly reduce the arthritic ache I have permanently but has no effect on the stability of the knee which still “collapses” from time to time and is is still very painful several times a day..