16th July, 2021. 125th day of isolation.

MUST wear a mask changes to SHOULD wear a mask on Monday, 19th July, 2021. The public interviewed on the BBC are often thick. One chap said “I’ll wear one if every one else wears one”. Another said ” i’m not wearing one. They are not working so it will make no difference if I do not”. What planet are these people on? It will be called “Freedom Day. I call it Freedom to die and infect others Day” It is dangerous and unethical to give people freedom of choice which is a threat to the world and may encourage new vaccine resistant variants. I’m afraid!

We had some sad news today. My pal in Spain sent me a WhatsApp to tell me his Dad, Tony, had died this afternoon. He was suffering from cancer but had a fall in hospital and died of a brain bleed. Really tragic. Pete is flying over tomorrow to be with his mum. If there is time, I will try to get to the Midlands to see him.

The Tokyo Olympics are going ahead. It will be weird with no spectators and the Japanese will lose a fortune. The European Football cup final went ahead with huge crowds (unmasked) so there will be thousands of new infections. Brilliant!

15th July, 2021. 123rd and 124th day of isolation..

Things are set to change on the 19th July. BoJo or the Johnson Variant, as he is sometimes called, has given us guidance to, er, do what we want. We should mostly use our own judgement at a time when deaths, infections and hospital admissions due to Covid, are all rising and FAST. So why is he dithering. He and his Health Secretary (who was it now?) suggested we “follow the science” so why is he not doing that now? He will no doubt watch the figures and when they are sky high, will impose restrictions accusing English citizens of being “loose” with instructions. What instructions? He has a history of blaming others and this time will be no different.

In the meantime, I will continue to wear my mask in all public places, especially inside. Nobody is going to blame me for spreading the virus. Despite all this, it will be impossible to visit Germany, Romania or even France. I think we could go to Iceland but we have been there an done that so the UK it will be. We will look to visiting friends in England and Scotland . We don’t have any friends in Wales. We are still talking to Sally about meeting somewhere in Europe but things can change overnight from green to orange or stay the same colour but have restrictions imposed. So that looks unlikely now.

When we came back from Spain we brought our old 42″ tv back. If I could get Freeview on it, we could use it in one of the bedrooms. However. after being in the garage for two years, all the terminals and the remote, were totally corroded. Also, after trying unsuccessfully to lift it, I realised it was so heavy, nobody would want it anyway. The sound bar and sub-woofer were in a similarly bad state. So we have resolved to take it to the municipal dump over the weekend. Any one in the guest room will have to use their smartphones or tablets to watch YouTube.

Went for an Indian meal at the Madras restaurant in Hull this evening with Mike and Maria. Brilliant and too much as usual. It was very quiet. Hopefully things will pick up soon.

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..

5th, July, 2021. 111th to 114th day of isolation.

Despite all that is going on with Brexit or the pandemic, the last few days have, more or less, been dominated by successful English sportsmen and women.

You would have to have been locked in a very deep dungeon not to be aware of the England football team. After their 2-0 success over a dangerous German team, they followed it u on Saturday with what turned out to be a powerful performance and 4-0 win over The Ukraine. Apart from a nervy period in the latter part of the first half, England were always in control. Four stunning goals from Kane (2), Maguire and Henderson, are worth watching again and again. They now face Denmark on Wednesday and they will be a more difficult proposition than the Ukraine. However, with fantastic players in the whole squad, Gareth Southgate, the manager, has a wealth of talent to draw on should he need it. With only a few readers of this blog, I am happy to predict a 3-1 win for England.

In Tennis we have a new, potential superstar in Emma Radacanu who won on Saturda against an opponent ranked 300+ places above her. Today her challenge was also huge. Too much in the end. She had stomach problems and was clearly exhausted. one for the future I think. She is only18 and will be back.

Lewis Hamilton could only manage 4th place in Sunday’s F1 Grand Prix but the season is only halfway through and next week is the British race and Hamilton always does well at Silverstone so I expect fireworks.

Happy Birthday to the NHS which started in the year I was born, 1948. I have early memories of going to the Anlaby Village Hall/Church Hall for orange juice which was a cordial I think and came in a flat botttle with a cork top. It was probably for Angela who was born in 1950 so it will gave been about 1951/52. I have certainly used the NHS as much as any average Brit over my 72+ years and their work over the past 18 months has been exceptional so getting the George Cross from the Queen is well deserved.

Boris has announced that most restrictions will be lifted on 19th July. I’m not sure it is the right time. I for one will continue to wear a mask as I do now. Shops, public transport, public events yet to come and so on. I have had my jabs so travel abroad may be an option soon. If we can go to Romania or Germany, we will! I think the figures are positive despite the rise in infections. deaths are still “negligible” and most admissions into hospitals are people who have not had vaccinations. These may include some anti-vaxxers so I hope they are being charged. Fat chance!

1st July, 2021. 110th day of isolation.

Had car valeted today by LH Valeting and, as usual, Lee (and his wife Rachel) did a great job and the car looks like new. New mats put in. They were the first replacements we have ever needed.

Andrea, our next door neighbour, had her very expensive bicycle stolen from her work place recently. She works for the NHS in Cottingham. She had locked the bicycle up but the question is, who the hell steals a bicycle from a hospital grounds? Scum. That’s who. With luck. they will be hit by a bus.

I watched a documentary about “The Curious World of Jheronimus Bosch, a Dutch artist who died in 1516. He has several paintings spread around the world but they are seriously weird and wonderful. “The Garden of Earthly Delights” and “The Tryptych of the Temptation of St.Anthony” are two of the most famous. You can look at them for an hour and still miss something. I think I will order a poster from Amazon.

Did a fresh fruit and vegetable shop today. We didn’t need much but it got us out into the fresh air for a bit. When we got back, Jenny started polishing everything.

Boris is taking credit for the announcement by Nissan that up to 6000 jobs will be created by them for a new electric car and electric “gigabatteries” to be manufactured in the Midlands butb at what cost. They were going to leave the UK. Similar discussions are going on with Vauxhall. And no doubt other manufacturers. But at what cost? I think Boris will have had to promise huge subsidies for them to stay. Effectively the UK taxpayer has had to fork out. I may be wrong but time will tell. Boris has taken credit for so many things so why not this. Not persuasion but “bribes”? We’ll see.

Sally and Jim fly to Crete tomorrow for a holiday. They are allowed to go from Bucharest as they are in Europe at both ends and will not have to isolate or go into quarantine. It will be hot in Crete but it is also hot in Bucharest (35C today). I am jealous but hopefully we will get to see them soon. We know they will have a great time. They deserve it. They have both worked very hard in this horrible time.

29th June, 2021. Days 108 and 109 of isolation.

ENGLAND 2, GERMANY 0.

I suppose I must support England now. (Joke) They played very well, tactically and just about deserved to win but if a couple of German chances had gone in, it could have been oh so different.. But they didn’t so I am celebrating with a Weitzen Beer. I may follow up with a Cobra. Shame about the booing during the German National anthem. Disgusting actually.

Called to see Mum yesterday and today. She was sat on her bed yesterday having lunch. She seemed OK on Tuesday but not too good memory wise. She was however very talkative which is good. I took her washing back today and she was much better and sat in her chair.

Not much pain in the knee today although during the night I woke up a few times. It looks like I am going to get no action from the NHS who are (rightly) reluctant to operate because of the danger of necrosis. So I will try to deal with it as best I can by managing the pain starting with an elastic support bandage.

Spoke to Sally today who is getting ready to go to Crete on Friday. For two weeks!!! Lucky devils.

The Cottingham Under 11 cricket cup final tomorrow has been postponed. We have no idea why yet.

28th June, 2021. Days 102 to 107 of isolation

Went to watch Ronnie play cricket at Hessle on Thursday. He batted and bowled well but was notable for the Gareth Bale tuft that Maisie had fashioned on the top of his head. He definitely scored a hit with it but thankfully, it has now gone.

The Matt Hancock scandal has overshadowed all other news this week. Who is it that governs us? Complete idiots and crooks I think. At least Hancock resigned (I suspect he was pushed) and he has been replaced by Savid Javed. Another MP with less than savoury background and connections. Who isn’t dodgy in the Tory party? The worst thing is that they have over 3 years to go in power before we can bring them to account at a general election. The British public may have forgotten all this and the Brexit fiasco and if the pandemic is solved, they may still get enough people to vote this cohort of evil back in! I despair.

The holiday green light system does not work. Boris can allocate the green light to as many countries as he likes but if they (and the amber countries) won’t let us in anyway, then we can still not travel. There is an exception in Spain where they are desperate to get us over there to spend our money. The main asset that Spain has which will never run out is the sun and we British love the sun. As long as the Spanish can get their hands on our money, the ingrained racism of some against the Brits will be temporarily suspended. Most Spanish love us and will welcome us and appreciate us visiting but many don’t. Mostly the older (Franco) generation and their immediate offspring, many of whom work in the civil service.

Sadly the Clarkes from Spain had to cancel their trip to the UK. The restrictions imposed by Spain and the UK meant they could not reasonably fly over for a long weekend to visit Pete’s parents and us. Instead, they have booked three separate trips to Mauritius, Egypt and Antigua. Let us hope that it is all systems go.

It was a drizzly weekend but we managed to put some new plants in our various pots, watched a great cricket match with David (who was the appointed scorer again) and went to Bishop Burton to watch David take part in a 10k race which he completed in under 55 minutes.

Auto stop on Kuga now totally inoperative. Not bothered as I never had that facility before and I won’t miss it. I did however buy some new floor mats for he car.which was a better purchase.

On Sunday we had Sunday lunch here with David and the kids. I cooked 6 lovely lamb shanks and we established that Ronnie doesn’t like mint. Silly boy!

On Saturday,I went to Hill Top to watch Cottingham 1st Cricket Team play a league game for a couple of hours. Mike G. was there for a presentation which I did not stay for. John Ewans was awarded a memento for 25 years service to the club. A real achievement.

22nd June, 2021. Days 88 to 101 of year 2 of isolation.

It has been a while since I updated this Blog. It may seem that I have had enough of doing it but that is not the case. Time is not a problem but as each day starts more or less the same and lack of motivation is the reason. I think the length of the lockdowns and isolations and the wearing of masks etc may be getting to me. How long do we have to wait for the chance to see Sally and Jim and other friends and family without restriction or care or having to adhere to strict rules? How long before we can go and watch the grandchildren at swimming training? How long before we can mix with hundreds of others at shopping centres or football matches or on public transport? How long before we can flcy in a plane or go on a ferry or take the car into Europe? We will always stick to the rules and take our vaccinations but can understand (a bit) those that are losing patience. The European football Cup has highlighted the problem of each country having a different view on how the (restricted) travel rules should be administered and this has resulted in our friends, the Clarke family from Spain not being able to come over next weekend. I don’t know how much we can lay the blame at the door of Brexit and the rest of Europe punishing the UK but surely this is part of the reason. Even Scotland (Nicola Sturgeon)has banned people from Manchester and Salford from going to Scotland. She says it is because the infection rates in Manchester are too high. But they are allowing dignitaries from Europe, which has a high infection rate, to come to Scotland for the football. Well, thank you Nicola!However, there have been some highlights over the lat 10 days.

We have seen Ronnie’s Cottingham under 11 cricket team progress through the quarter and semi finals of their league cup competition. He produced two very good performances scoring significantly in both games and taking 3 wickets in his allotted overs. Both matches were won in two great team performances and we are awaiting details of when the final will be played. We think, against Beverley.

David and the kids came on Sunday when we did a bid spaghetti bolognese which went down very well. They left us a little bit that we could freeze for a snack one day. We don’t waste anything nowadays.

We have just got back from a great weekend in Chapelhall near Airdrie in Scotland, With Bill and Irene who were celebrating their 52nd Wedding Anniversary in lieu of their 50th, which they were unable to celebrate. We arrived last Friday for fish and chips. (Very nice but Fab Fish need not worry). On Saturday we went to the Falkirk wheel which was absolutely amazing and to see The Kelpies which were really astounding. We then went for an evening meal at a nearby restaurant which was really tasty.I had a “hot American chicken special” with jalapenos and chilli which nearly burnt my tongue off. Lovely.

On Sunday, Anniversary day, we went for a special meal with their family and close friends. We were honoured. The food was brilliant. We knew most of the guests and were introduced to Irene’s brother Pat and his wife Betty. We had heard of him, of course but never mat him. He is allegedly quite well off having owned the Franchise on a few McDonald’s Burger Restaurants in Scotland. He was a real gent and very enjoyable company. We stayed 3 nights altogether. The journey was around 520 miles return so less than a tankful and the car averaged around 48 mpg. When travelling to and from a foreign country, it is tradition to bring back duty free. So I brought back 24 cans of Bellhaven Bitter. About the best bitter I have ever tasted. I got it at Tesco in Airdrie so I will see if they do this lovely canned Scottish Beer in Tesco’s in Hull.

I’ve visited Mum twice in the period and she is keeping very well. A family member of Bill’s suffers from dementia and rang him yesterday to accuse him of stealing a bucket. Obviously untrue as she lives an hour away and Bill hasn’t seen her for a while. I am so glad that Mum is not at that stage.

I watered the plants today. They have been used to a soaking at least every other day so it has been 6 days so I got the hose pipe out. And promptly broke the fitting to the tap. I quickly found a spare part which will suffice until I buy a new “unit”.

England go through.They are boring!!!! Scotland are out.

9th June, 2021. Day 87 of Year 2 of isolation.

I see the EU is now apparently trying to take charge of our export of sausages , and more, to Northern Ireland. How can they now stop us trading with our own country? I know it is all to do with hard and soft borders and that Boris seems to have agreed it at some point. Are we going to have problems sending Yorkshire Puddings to Cornwall? This is another example of revenge by the EU interfering in our domestic trading arrangements. It all makes my blood boil and I will be minimising buying EU goods in the future.

David came for a cup of tea whilst the kids are swimming. So for his turn to have them for two days, they are either at school or at swimming training. They are just with him for an evening meal and to sleep. It’s enough to test anyone’s sanity.

I went to Mum’s today to take her clean washing. I also put a new battery in the upstairs smoke alarm. I think I may as well replace the battery in the other upstairs alarm next week, just to make sure. She is blissfully unaware and unaffected by all the EU shenanigans thank goodness.

A big row is brewing over the naming of Harry and Megan’s daughter. The name they have chosen is Lilibeth, a nickname given to the Queen by her father when she was a child. The argument in the press is whether or not the Queen was asked and gave permission. Harry says yes but a palace spokesperson says no. Who cares. I am not a fan of Harry and (in particular) Megan but in my view they needn’t ask for permission. And when you look at some of the names parents give their children, Lilybeth seems to me to be a sweet choice. Good luck to them. They could have named their daughter Fi-fi Trixabelle. Imagine the press uproar then.

8th June, 2021. 86 days of isolation/shielding.

I went to watch Ronnie play football on Saturday morning but the match had been cancelled last Wednesday. Nobody had told me so it was a wasted morning. Still, it was a nice day.

We spoke to Bill and Irene recently and arranged to go and see them in Scotland as soon as we can. It will be nice to have contact with old friends again. We also had a message from Manfred and a photo with him and Petra having a beer with Isa and Clause. The first one for ages. Maybe things are getting better. However, Covid infections are back on the increase.

Multinational companies are to pay at least 15% tax on profits to each country they operate in. This was agreed at a G7 meeting. It seems like a breakthrough but I don’t think it includes China, Russia, Brazil and others. It all seems a bit optimistic if not everyone has joined the club! Facebook, Amazon and the like are saying that they welcome the change, but I wonder. Paying tax to the country profits are made, is not something they are used to doing so I await to see how it will work. The UK should benefit by hundreds of millions of pounds. Right?

I had been asked to score for Cottingham Over 50s Cricket team and buddy Mike Gibson picked me up. I can’t say I enjoyed the afternoon. First we were beaten easily and second, my skills as a scorer have left me. If it was not for the opposition scorer, a lovely lady called Val, I would have made a right dogs breakfast of the whole thing. I politely turned down a £10 fee offered to me. Third, it was a boring afternoon, not helped by not knowing all but a couple of our players. As it happens we are busy for the next three weekends and so aI m unavailable anyway.

On Monday we renewed our burglar alarm insurance. Just as well as it had started setting off for no reason. The engineer identified the fault and repaired it. Free of charge, of course.

I visited Mum today and picked up her washing. I will return it tomorrow and take a new battery to repair the failing smoke alarm. She looked really well and had a good chat. Also with Sue. One of the carers.

Andy and Lindy are coming to stay over on Sunday and to have lunch. We should be able to go for a couple of pints too. We are looking forward to their visit when we can also talk about next year’s visit to Germany.

We are none of us sure about travelling restrictions but Sally has suggested that we meet up in Ireland. Either flying or by car (from Anglesey or Liverpool). We may discuss it tonight when she makes a WhatsApp call. It sounds feasible. Approximate Ferry price, return, £360 from Liverpool to Dublin.

Moving Portugal into the Orange group of countries has caused chaos at airports with people trying to get home before the rule change. It begs the question, “Why did they go?” The whole thing has been a bit risky. So fair enough. Take the risk but then don’t bleat about having to rush back or worse, having to quarantine on return. It is very sad for Portugal but it was almost inevitable. Everyone is guessing what the situation will be in the next few weeks and probably guessing wrong. We are thinking Germany may be a possibility but as we would have to travel through Holland and into Germany and maybe through France, Luxembourg and Belgium, we would not take any chances. There is no rush.

For those who watch “Pointless”, I have just got a pointless answer. Thank you Richard Illingworth.