11 October

Today started with a sore throat and a lovely sunrise. I had a quick wander before body pump then a longer wander afterwards. No "real life" church service today - it was called Harvest with a difference - the difference being no service! Instead, everyone was invited to take stuff to church for the Foodbank and posters, crafts or similar to attach to the fence. There was, apparently, a 10 minute video running in church but I didn't even go through the doors. Andy (Foodbank) was putting stuff in his car so I gave him our donation there and Alix (posters etc) was in a gazebo outside.

After dinner and Skype I cut back the grapevine with assistance from Oli who decided to try and balance on it (it wasn't really big enough!). All three foxes are back (no idea where two of them have been recently) and so are the starlings. I lost count because they move so fast but there were as many on the floor as there were on the feeder - upwards of 30 in total.

Just before sunset, the clouds rolled into an amazing formation and the setting sun lit them up perfectly. A lovely end to the day despite now feeling like I'm full of cold.

12 October

The sunrises keep getting better and better but it was really chilly this morning - only 6C when I set out so I got my scarf out for the first time this season. While typing this I remembered that one of Trevor's sisters had bought me this scarg so it must be at least 22 years old! Went to Petts Wood and followed the green route, with a bit of exploring "off piste". Despite it being Monday I went to the gym and did treadmill and then cycling because we are hoping to get to Pershore tomorrow to pick up the server we couldn't collect in August because Jonathon wasn't very well.

I did nothing for the rest of the day. Stayed home with the fire lit and did puzzlies, read my book etc. while Jonathon went to get some shopping and take some stuff to the charity shop. He had a call from the doctors while I was at the gym. The doctor doesn't think there's anything to be done about the numbness in his legs - just try to do more exercise and review in a month or so. It's probably part of this long Covid that he has. Nothing was said about his high blood pressure and Jonathon forgot to ask so we'll have to keep an eye on that ourselves now we have a monitor!

Boris Johnson, Rishi Sunak and the Chief Medical Adviser addressed the nation in the evening to explain the new 3 Tier system to try and combat Covid 19. We are in the lowest risk (called medium) so simply have to abide by the national rules that are already in place.

14 October

Don't be fooled by the photo! It was dark when I got up but I didn't leave the house until it was a bit lighter. Had a wander around Covet Wood, Poverest Park, Cray Valley (the river wa spretty full and flowing quite quickly) and Priory Gardens. By the time I got to PG, the sun was shining and it was a lovely morning.

Went to the gym for a run around then went up into town to see Mark for lunch (Cote, Hay's Galleria - very nice). Jonathon had his dinner at the Orpington - tomato and coconut soup. He said it was so spicy it just about blew his ears off!

Tony came for the water butts. Irene only wanted 2 of them but Jonathon persuaded him to take all three. As we said they could have them for nothing I don't think it took too much persuading.

Had a Skype call with Mum and Dad in the evening as we were all out during the day.

15 October

My cold has now developed into a cough as well so feeling a bit sorry for myself, especially as the coughing meant I didn't get much sleep last night.

I cancelled my attendance at park gym - too cold for me and didn't even go to the gym (lazy day).

I did go for a short walk but decided to take a load of garden photos rather than the usual walk photos. Oli decided it was far too cold for him to walk round with me and snuggled down in his comfy bed instead.

Whilst walking around Newstead and Darrick Woods / Tubbenden Meadows, I was pleased to see the lovely autumn colours were lit up by the pretty morning sun.

We went to visit Simon and Linda for a picnic lunch (nice sheltered spot in the sunshine but I still wore my thermal vest under two other layers!). We delivered the dried hydrangea heads and empty bath salt bottles and came home with new soap, refilled bath salts and an order for Gilda.

Jonathon made friends with Herbie. Linda's other horse, Captain, was less friendly. The dogs (Maple and Rooster) were their usual crazy selves and we had a lovely time.

It was raining when we got home so any thought of a second walk went to pot!

16 October

Didn't fancy going out for a walk when it was only 3C so went to the gym instead. When I set off for my walk after breakfast it had warmed up to a balmy 6C - a pretty good temperature for walking! I went to Hawkwood Estate and was pleased to see they'd cleared some of the stuff from round the pond making the views a lot nicer.

While I was there, Jonathon spoke to Carole to agree about the new computer for Mum and Dad (size, spec etc.). All he has to do now is order it and then install it when we are allowed up there again.

I received an email from Bromley Tennis Centre to say all tennis bookings were cancelled until we are out of Tier 2 (frustrating but expected) and I "resigned " from the Saturday park gym group because I don't want to use equipment that someone else has used without being able to sanitise it in between.

Jonathon did a bit of shopping, took yet more books to YMCA charity shop and popped into the Orpington for a coffee.

Gilda came as planned for her early birthday dinner at Masala Dabbas so we got semi poshed up (skirt rather than dress for me but make up!!) and off we went. She really enjoyed her lamb biryani so tick in a box!

17 October

Today is the first day in Tier 2 but, other than not going to the park gym gathering, there was nothing particularly different about it. The park gym still went ahead but I'm not convinced it should.

I went to the "normal" gym then did a bit of gardening. I cleared out the greenhouse, tidied up and pruned a couple of roses and then we went to the Orpington for brunch.

I had a stroll round Priory Gardens while brunch settled. I got pretty close to the birds because a family was there feeding them so they were all crowded onto the pathways.

I pruned one of the mini hollies in the afternoon - so prickly. There was quite a bit of ivy entwined in it so that got cut back as well.

Jonathon cut the grass (really high setting so more like hoovering it!) and I edged it so it all looks neat and tidy again.

The acers are starting to show their autumn colours - so lovely.

Tomorrow's job - plant the 100 allium bulbs that I didn't get around to today!

18 October

Mission accomplished and 100 bulbs planted. Other jobs done around the garden as well so it's looking a bit tidier. That was all done after a short walk (only took one photo today!!), treadmill and then body pump class at the gym and the service at St. John's. We had a different minister / preacher today which was nice - always good to hear someone else talking. No idea where Jennifer (usual minister) was but it meant Charlie (youth minister) could be in church for a change - they are trying to make sure they stay apart so if one goes down with Covid there's still a minister available in case of emergencies.

Re body pump, Shreena is concerned that her class might be cancelled due to lack of numbers. Can't see why - she had 13 this morning which was more than the number of people in the gym! There weren't many waiting for the next class after ours (circuits class with a different instructor) so perhaps it's just a lack of appetite for getting up early on a Sunday.

Had the usual Skype call with Mum and Dad - as usual, no real news. Dinner was postponed until after Skype to let me get the gardening done in daylight!

Christine phoned early while Gordon was out drilling in case he suddenly came in for his tea. In the end, he came in because he'd run out of a particular kind of seed so that ended our conversation! He continues to recover from his ladder fall albeit very slowly.

19 October

I had to decide whether to go to the gym today then take the car to meet Mark at High Elms Country Park or skip the gym and walk there instead. I decided to walk so had time to do a couple of loads of washing, pop to Tesco, take a photo of a clematis in our garden (why is it flowering now?) and have a proper breakfast before setting off.

The autumn sunshine was lovely and High Elms looked beautiful. I got there first and a look at the main car park told me we needed a Plan B. In the end we parked in the Golf Club car park. We weren't the only ones to park there who weren't playing golf and, as the club is run by my gym group, I decided we could justify parking there!

We followed the marked (kind of) tral. After a bit of confusion we found our way from Marker 3 to 4 and then we were on our way. After the trail, we had a tasty lunch outside at the Green Roof Cafe then did the beech walk and went home home. A lovely afternoon.

Jonathon was busy going into town, taking 5 bags to the tip and doing other such exciting things.

20 October

Set off before dawn again - some days it's easy to get out of bed whereas others ... even managed to get a load of washing done before I went out. Wandered up to Petts Wood to follow the green route then back a roundabout way as I had a bit of time left before I needed to get home to make the bread for dinner before going to the gym. On the way back, I passed the tree that John Lewis had used in the filming of this year's Christmas ad so took a photo of that as well. Have to admit, I didn't realise it was that particular tree until one of the gym gang told me! Did cycling in the gym as my main thing but think my legs were more tired than I realised from yesterday so had a relatively lazy afternoon, despite the promised rain not happening. In the end I couldn't resist the dry weather and went outside to rake and sweep a few leaves up.

Got an email from Sadlers Wells re the performance on 31st October that Gilda and I are going to (Birmingham Royal Ballet). We are, of course, in separate households so we've had to let them know and hope that they can accommodate us within the Tier 2 guidelines. Manchester is still refusing to go into Tier 3 (most severe category) without a big cash injection - who they think will pay for that I have no idea. It will be interesting to see how that plays out - i.e. whether Parliament will continue to negotiate or just lay down the law and tell them.

To finish off the day, Oli brought in his first mouse and looked very pleased with himself. Jonathon put it outside (it was, apparently, still alive). Oli then spent the next few minutes looking for it because he was sure he'd left it just through the door in the hall and it wasn't there anymore - not a happy cat.

Mum and Dad's Christmas present was delivered here so we just need to go back to "Medium" so Jonathon can deliver and install their new iMac - hopefully before Christmas but it's not looking promising.

Teresa came to do the cleaning. I'd checked the rules for Tier 2 and she's allowed to come as it's seen as a place of work for cleaners, builders etc.

Had the usual Skype call with Mum and Dad. No real news. Mum needs a crown so more expense on top of her new washing machine (now installed).

22 October

The sun was shining and the autumn colours looked lovely as I wandered up to and around Crofton and Sparrow Woods but the rain from yesterday had made the ground very muddy and, being clay, really slippery so I had to watch my step.

I went to the gym and did some weights and stretches but no cardio (a bit stiffer than I'd like to admit from Aquafit yesterday!)

23 October

The rain had stopped by the time the first load of washing was done so I set off for a walk to Goddington Park and Chelsfield Recreation Ground.

Met Sharon (gym friend) en route who I've not seen for ages. Her mum's had Covid and seems to have ongoing leg problems like Jonathon. We've bought a circulation booster for Jonathon which seems to be helping.

Went to Orpington GPO for brunch for a change - very nice so I'm sure we'll go there again.

Paracise was the main activity for the afternoon. Carol was back from her holiday in Cyprus so caught up with her. Her husband is on 2 weeks home stay from work (work's choice) so she's set him to work decorating!

24 October

My morning walk started with Willett Recreation Ground as I'd agreed to go check out the tennis courts in case we fancy playing outside (as we can no longer play inside until Tier 2 is lifted). The courts looked OK and there were already people playing tennis (before 8 a.m.) so let's see what the rest of the gang say.

My main destination was Jubilee Country Park which was as lovely as ever and not too busy.

Gym followed. I really miss the park gym but the ground is really slippery, the weather not that warm and there are more than 6 of us so I'm not sure they should be happening at all hence my staying away. Another reason is I daren't risk bringing any nasty bugs home to Jonathon because he's not got over his last bout of Covid yet.

We had a real treat in the evening and went to see a real, live concert at Charing Cross Theatre. The main act was James Sayer and his band with support provided by Saphyria. It was so good to hear and see live music again after so long. Jonathon went armed with his camera (with permission). He had to stay in his seat but at least he could take photos, two of which are here ->.

Saphyria

25 October

I opened the front door to a mass of leaves this morning so knew what I'd be doing after church! Went for a walk that turned out to be wet but I'd got my waterproofs and boots on so it didn't matter. I saw my first Halloween pumpkin. The recent rain has certainly filled up the River Cray and it was flowing quite quickly. The goose giving me the evil eye was trying to work out if I had food for it (I didn't).

Church was good and we were allowed to sing two songs today. There were six singers, a violin and a piano so almost back to normal (six singers is more than we used to get some Sundays in "normal" times). Popped to Tesco on the way home to pick up some teacakes to toast for tea.

Got some leaves gathered up before dinner and the rest after - 4 bags full so another trip to the tip required. Skype was interrupted by Graeme's arrival at Aspin Oval but I had no more news by that time.

Chat with Christine in the evening and I now have a project - baby blanket to my own design so unique with plenty of colour (just like the one I knit for Marie). Well, it won't be the same because I have no intention of doing another alphabet or number blanket so teddy bears I think. Thinking cap is now on.

26 October

A lovely sunny start to the day so I did the full trail round Darrick and Newstead Woods - very pretty. I was going to drop some Lego cards into Angela's for her grandson but I wasn't 100% sure of her new address so that will have to be a job for another morning. On the way round, I spotted a milepost. I must have passed this dozens of time but not realised it has writing on it. In case it's hard to read, it says "XV Miles from London Bridge, 1779".

Gilda came for brunch and the weather was kind so we caught up and then went for a stroll round the pond in Priory Gardens. We checked out Hisar Meze as we went passed. They have a garden seating area so might be a possiblity for Gilda's birthday next Monday (forecast looks reasonably OK) so I've sent a message to the restaurant asking whether they will accept outside parties that are not all in the same bubble / household. Mark is intending to join us so it will feel like a proper party!

27 October

Call last night from Down to Earth to ask if they could bring our tree pruning forward. They were due to come on 5 November but I'm more than happy for them to come sooner rather than later (fewer leaves to deal with) so they came today! The pruned trees look much, much smaller and there's a big gap where the silver birch was (see before and after photos below). Sad to lose the silver birch because it's been here longer than us but the dratted honey fungus won the day. The Eucalyptus and one of the Photinias have also gone - I can't even see where the Photinia was as there's so much else in that bed!

Other news - managed to deliver the Lego cards to Angela for Isaac so that job's done. Went to the gym and finished my steps for the day (raining all day) and did a few other bits.

Skype with Mum and Dad was brought forward a day because Carole is taking them out for dinner tomorrow. No real news from Mum and Dad was at Uncle Alan's.

28 October

Having admired the pile of logs from yesterday, I took myself off to Petts Wood with the intention of walking the yellow route but it was so muddy I veered off the main track and ended up on the bridle path - still some mud but nowhere near as bad. I walked back along the high street and was really impressed with the YMCA Charity Shop window. This is Jonathon's favourite charity shop so when he went in later in the afternoon he told them how much I liked the display. I was less happy to see that Sainsbury's have put their restrictions back in place. I guess it was inevitable but still a stark reminder of Covid and the fact we're in Tier 2.

Phoned Dad to wish him happy birthday. It sounded like chaos there with the hedge cutter having arrived unexpectedly and Carole picking them up to take them out for dinner at East Keswick followed by cake at Pauline's. Dad had to go and pay the hedge man so had a quick chat with Mum as well. They both sounded in good form.

I went to aquafit and discovered our teacher is called Marie. She made us work nice and hard again and has promised to focus on legs next week having concentrated on arms this week - can't wait!! Teresa came to do our cleaning while Jonathon was in town and I was outside sorting out the bird feeders that had been in the silver birch until yesterday and then - it poured down. Thankfully I was near the back door so could dash inside. Teresa waited until it finished raining before she left and Jonathon was really pleased his coat was waterproof.

29 October

Set off really early this morning because rain was forecast - managed to get most of my walk done before the rain started so didn't get too wet from the drizzle. Oli watched me leave then started to follow me but soon trotted off into a neighbour's garden.

Orpington has a Scarecrow Trail. I haven't done it yet but this knitter caught my eye in one of the shops.

Called Mum to wish her Happy Birthday.

Went to the gym to do my usual stuff and popped into Sainsbury's to save Jonathon going out in the rain.

The weather kept us inside for the rest of the day.

30 October

It was very wet and muddy after yesterday's rain but really mild and dry so quite a nice morning for my walk.

I noticed that a few houses were getting ready for Halloween, and not just with pumpkins.

Went to the Orpington for brunch. Not sure what's going on with their portion control because I had loads of avocado today but only one slice of toast and Jonathon's small porridge was pretty huge. I wonder if they'd mixed up the "small" between the porridge and the toast. In any event, they brought me a second piece of toast so an easy resolution to this first world problem.

Swept up another few bags leaves before Paracise so Jonathon definitely needs to go to the tip next week. I was really pleased to see a lot of starlings (between 40 and 50 at a guess) on our feeders when I'd come in from leaf sweeping.

While I was at Paracise, my wool arrived so I can start the blanket for Christine once I've finished the dog blanket (should be this evening). Really looking forward to knitting something a bit more meaningful and hope I've ordered enough wool!

31 October

Exciting day today as Gilda and I were going out for the afternoon so I only had a relatively short walk taking in Priory Gardens and the River Cray Valley then a trip to the gym. The colours were lovely in the autumn sunshine but the sun soon disappeared and just after I got home from the gym it started to pour down.

I had to catch the 12.38 train into town and Jonathon gave me a lift so I didn't get too drenched on the way to the station.

So ... our trip was to Sadlers Wells to see Birmingham Royal Ballet. They danced three pieces, the main one being Lazuli Sky. It was fabulous to see live ballet after all this time and the musicians were great too.

As it's Halloween, I wore a black top and my scary cat necklace!

Boris Johnson made the announcement none of us wanted to hear at 6.30 pm. - lockdown back in place from next Thursday, including gyms - so feeling completely fed up but pleased we'd at least had a chance to go to Sadlers.

1 November

Somehow this second Lockdown already feels worse than the first and it hasn't even started yet. I tell myself it might only be for 4 weeks (27 days) but somehow can't convince myself that the restrictions will lifted early December so it's all very depressing.

Set off for my walk as normal - no rain forecast but it was a lot mistier than I expected and then the rain started so I was pretty damp by the time I got to the gym for Body Pump. Shreena will be doing some classes online so I might be able to join in with those. Fay also says she'll do a class for us on Zoom so we have that to look forward to.

Got confirmation from the gym that they will be open as planned until Wednesday and then will be doing classes on line - think I'll be spending quite a bit of time in front of the computer.

Went to church, having had a bit of a meltdown because I hadn't been able to book a space. Tried to contact both jon (Church Secretary) and Lesley (in charge of Music Group) to no avail so went along anyway and, thankfully, someone hadn't come so I could have their space. It was the last service for at least 4 weeks so there was some sadness in the air.

Had the usual Skype call with Mum and Dad. Carole joined in for a little while because she'd got some jigsaws for them to do.

We had drinkings at the Orpington (while we can) and caught up with Christine.

2 November

The main activity for today was Gilda's birthday lunch, outside at Hizar Meze in Orpington. We'd not been to this restaurant before but it was pretty good so I dare say we'll go back again. Mark joined us and Gilda gave us each a piece of birthday cake (yummy, Gilda-made lemon drizzle).

Before lunch I'd been to the gym. I don't normally go on Mondays but as it will close on Wednesday evening I'm trying to make the most of it.

I swept up yet more leaves (hard to believe that so many had appeared since I cleaned up yesterday but it was extremely wet and windy last night). Thankfully there aren't many left to fall.

Jonathon started splitting some of the silver birch into logs after dinner and I transported the logs into the bottom greenhouse so they can start to dry out.

3 November

It was jolly cold this morning but off I went to the gym. It was really quiet so no problem using all the equipment I wanted to so I could tick the outstanding bits on my list. It will probably be my last trip to the gym because I'm joining Shreena's Zoom class tomorrow instead so I can get used to that.

My walk today was in London. I met Nicola for lunch at Cote in Hay's Galleria but went into town early so I could have a bit of a stroll, taking in the London Eye, Parliament and various other sites as I wandered along Southbank. Nicola and I aren't in the same household so we had to sit outside but Cote was very organised and had umbrellas and heaters so we didn't quite freeze to death. Lunch was lovely and the trains quiet so a very easy journey.

Sad news late at night when Jonathon went outside to switch the second ASHP on (forecast was below 4C). He came across a dead fox. Looks like the poor animal had "come home" to die so we'll have to deal with that tomorrow.

We went to have a look at some new chairs as the ones we are using in the room next to the kitchen are a bit low down for us. They are about 34 years old so probably don't owe us anything. Apparently HSL are allowed to stay open through Lockdown as they are considered an essential service (main clientele are pensioners so perhaps that's why??). We'll need to make an appointment if we want to go see them within the next month but need to do some measuring first as the space is not that big.

I bought a load of Christmas cards from Cancer Research (they shut tonight and it will give me something to do on a rainy Lockdown day) while Jonathon battled Sainsbury's then I went for a second walk to Crofton Woods (still pretty muddy).

Back to the Orpington for afternoon drinkings and to say "Goodbye for now" to Scott and team then put my feet up for the rest of the day.