1st January, 2021

649 days since our 1st lockdown day.

It’s been a reasonably warm day today with time, once again to reflect on what 2022 might bring.

It is clear that the pandemic will stay with us and that we will have to learn to live alongside it for a while yet. It seems strange to remember that when the arrival of Covid 19 was first mooted, nobody took it really seriously. Indeed I thought it may be restricted to China and the far east, but I and everyone else were completely wrong. We soon realised that it would need a great effort to repel. The world did it/s best but we were still not ready or equipped to deal with the Omicron variant which spread like wildfire in December 2021. People we know are coming down with it but at least it is relatively weaker than previous variants. But those who have not been vaccinated form 80% of those hospitalised. Have they not learned? Apparently not. The antivaxx campaign continues unabated.

This campaign in the UK is led by Jeremy Corbin’s brother Piers. A one time eccentric weatherman, he spews out nonsense as bad as the worst of Donald J. Trump supporting redneck trailer trash. One of them, when asked why he supported Trump said “He’s a Genius. That’s what the “J” in his name stands for”. Oh dear!! But Trump has now had his booster jab. Enough said!!! Trump seems to be lining himself up for another go at the presidential nomination. I predict that he will do just that.

Higher prices are coming. Especially household heating bills. We have been told that. But I have noticed a steady increase everywhere else. We went for an Indian teatime meal with our friends Mike and Maria recently. The cost for an all in special price was £13.95. This an increase of £2 since November. Groceries are creeping up in price and diesel is now £6.75 a gallon. Holidays are also going up and that is without the cost of all the jabs and tests, which can be very pricey.

Last night we went outside to see (and hear) the fireworks at midnight. Many neighbours were also outside and it was nice to wish them a happy new year. Especially Jackie and her daughter Andrea from next door.We also had a lovely WhatsApp call from Sally.

I had a bit of a worry today as I realised I had not taxed the car which was due today. I managed to do a full years road tax on-line though.

More thoughts next time.