14th February, 2022

695 days since our first lockdown.

We enjoyed a trip to London from Thursday to Monday, ostensibly to attend the funeral of Jim’s sister, Gillian. She was the most interesting person with a very interesting and well travelled life. We were able to attend at the church and crematorium services. All went very well.

On Saturday morning we went to Crystal Palace Park for a walk with Sally and Jim. We were joined by Janine who lives nearby, Leanne and Carol who themselves were visiting the City. Goodness it was cold but nevertheless, very enjoyable. In the evening we went to a Concert with Sally and Jim and Ken. Jim’s brother, Richard was in the orchestra brass section playing his trombone.

We shared the driving equally on the way there but Jenny did the majority on the way back as I found it to dark and the rain did not help. Our car consumed over 50mpg which was just as well at £1.64 per litre.

I rejoined the Gym yesterday and booked four sessions with a personal trainer and a physiotherapist to try and kick start my physical weaknesses. Particularly my knees and excess weight.

At the moment there is a threat of war between Russia and the Ukraine {and everyone else in NATO). We sent Liz Truss to mediate. The most useless politician in the world, followed by Boris who employed her. My own view is that Putin, a small person wanting to be bigger, like Napoleon and Hitler, will pull back at the last minute. He has too much of his ill gotten gains to lose and although he has the power, he has no guts. It is all posturing with no real intent except to enhance a crap reputation. Yes, it will all show that he could do it if he so chose but the Russian people do not want it. They regard the Ukrainians as their pals and the only reason for the whole thing is Putin’s fear of the expansion of NATO. This threat to peace will not help his cause. One good thing is that the whole scenario has helped to re enforce Boris’s uselessness and the poor standing he has on the world stage. He’s a laughing stock around the world.