5 November

As we enter Lockdown Phase 2 today, it seemed appropriate to start a new page. It was a typical November morning, foggy and cold but good for moody photos. Dropped the final Lego card pack round to Angela's and wandered round Tubbenden Meadows and Darrick and Newstead Woods.

On the way home, I walked past the road works for the new cycle lane. Not really sure what impact that will have but it might at least get some of the cyclists off the footpath which would be good.

My new dumb bells arrived! They feel a lot heavier than the 3kg dumb bells in the gym so the next month's classes might be a bit tiring!

Gilda had a physio appointment so she parked her car on our drive (it's just around the corner) and Oli decided that's where he wanted to be. We had to shoo him off when Gilda wanted to leave (he only went as far as Jonathon's car).

I made sure I was outside sweeping leaves so we "coincidentally" met when she came to pick her car up. As we can still do exercise together, we are meeting up on Monday (she's coming here) for a short walk.

Had the usual Skype call with Mum and Dad but no real news other than Mum's trip to the dentist and George enjoying playing in/with a crate yesterday.

6 November

Another foggy start for what turned out to be a lovely, sunny day. Went out for a walk to Crofton Woods first thing, admiring cobwebs, dewdrops etc. then back home for the first of 2 exercise classes on Zoom with Shreena. This class was Body Shred - very hard work as I'd not done it before. I could manage most of it and will probably give it another go if / when she does another one. After only 15 minutes rest, we went straight into Body Balance - a combination of Pilates and Yoga. It's years since I did any Pilates and I've never done Yoga so I felt like a gallumping elephant compared to Shreena who is very slim and graceful. Oh well, she says I'll get better with practice!

I've told Shreena that two classes back to back is too much for me. I'd much prefer having them on different days but obviously it depends on what the others say (and Shreena's diary) as well.

The afternoon meant a trip to the dentist to have my long awaited filling. All done now. I was so tired from the morning's exercise that I almost fell asleep in the dentist's chair. Clearly not too stressed by it then.

I got Jonathon to drop me off part way home so I could do the rest of my steps for the day. The sunset was lovely.

7 November

I thought it appropriate to go to Goddington Park for my walk today because that's where we would have been doing park gym were we allowed. Rather than sitting and admiring the scenery, the bench in the right hand photo is regularly used for press ups in our case. Fay is doing weekly Zoom sessions for us and she made us work just as hard this morning as she does in the park.

No other news apart from the fact that Joe Biden has been elected as the 46th US President and Donald Trump is on his way, not quietly though. He's fighting dirty so it will be interesting to see what happens next (strange system in the USA compared to what we're used to over here).

8 November

Remembrance Sunday so church service which, of course had to be online but the scouts (and Jennifer) did and excellent job and it was a very moving service.

Before that, I was out for an early morning walk then back for Bodypump via Zoom. I didn't get all my daily steps done so I went out again after church to finish them off.

Usual Skype call with Mum and Dad. Connection was rubbish to start with but on attempt three we had a decent signal so could have a chat, not that they had much to tell me other than George had had a Covid test which was negative (phew).

Christine phoned. She needs to update her price list so is sending over the pdf of what she currently has so I can retype it for her (I vaguely think I did it last time but can't find it on the laptop).

Gilda came over for a one hour walk. We went to Covet Wood and Poverest Park - not far but that's about all she can do at the moment. She's doing her exercises and her knee is definitely improving so we've promised ourselves either Hawkwood Estate or Scadbury Park when she's fit again.

The weather was so mild that I decided to do some gardening in the afternoon so there are another couple of full bags ready for Jonathon to take to the tip. The final Acer in our garden is starting to change colour and looks amazing.

At the end of all that, I'd done just over 25k steps and 18km - almost like summer!

10 November

I've been trying to work out how to get a decent picture of a neighbour's Monkey Puzzle Tree for ages. Happy with this one! Went to Darrick and Newstead Woods / Tubbenden Meadows to try out a route for Mark (similar to one I'd done with Gilda a while ago). Seemed to work so that's where we'll be going on Thursday. Popped into Tesco for some bits and bobs on the way home. While I was there, I checked on the loo situation. The loos at till level are open so if needed Mark can always pop in there on the way home from the walk.

Did a second walk after Pop Master. I'd noticed a green area next to Ramsden Primary Academy so went to investigate that. No photos because it's basically a green space with a few trees and a kid's playground but useful to know it's there as it might be better to cut through there on the way home from some of my routes rather than stick to roads.

Jonathon fixed my secateurs - basically needed a good clean, oil and sharpen. Saves sending them back to Felco for an expensive service. Christine texted to tell me her Uncle Ernie had died. He's been poorly with cancer for quite a while so a relief really.

Had the usual Skype call with Mum and Dad. Both Carole and Alan Watson have been for Covid Tests (both negative). Other than that, no news and a really bad connection so we didn't talk for long.

11 November

Zoom gym to begin the day followed by a photo shoot round the garden and a walk to Priory Gardens, via Canadian Corner. Canadian Corner is a Commonwealth War Graves Commission site so it seemed appropriate to pay it a visit on Remembrance Day.

Had a lovely walk with Carol (tennis) in the afternoon - think it's the most I've ever chatted with her.

Joined in the sky gazing for remembrance at 7 p.m. but it was really cloudy so we couldn't see any stars.

12 November

Started the day with 20 minutes Paracise from PrimeTime's Facebook page then went for a stroll round Goddington Park to test out a possible walk for Carol next week.

Mark arrived just after Pop Master and we went to Darrick and Newstead Woods and Tubbenden Meadows. He seemed to enjoy the walk and thought it was the right length so success all round!

I was going to try and book some theatre tickets for Gilda and me to see "Love Letters" at Theatre Royal Haymarket but without some clear indication re what will happen on or after 3 December I agreed with the theatre that's it's probably better to wait and see than book tickets now. I've put a note in my diary!

Agreed to purchase a Christmas carousel from a woodturner we know. We've seen photos of it and it looks lovely and we know Colwin is a really good turner so we know it will be done well. It's based on a German design so we are looking forward to receiving that in due course.

13 November

Very early walk this morning because I have two Zoom gym sessions on Friday morning. Had an email from Gilda to say her knee was really bad again because she'd discovered yesterday that she had mice in the house and had managed to catch one but damaged her knee in the process. The pest controllers are due there today.

My new weights arrived (1.5 kg) to replace the baked bean tins I've been using for lighter weights. The classes today were Body Pump and Body Balance - better than last week because I at least have a clue what I'm doing in Pump. I also thought I did better on some of the Balance stuff but I can only just manage to stand on one leg. I definitely can't manage to then bend over, crouch or whatever else! Oh well, I'll have another go next week.

Had Skype call with Mum and Dad. They've received some legal docs from Raworths re the 3-cornered field. The Roman Road is in the wrong place (they need to tell Raworths) and they need to contact them re the fence (NY to put up, Dad to maintain) and the water main. Mum's going to draft an email for me to check before she sends it.

14 November

A damp start to the day (and it got worse!) so I got a bit wet on my morning walk. The drizzle was nothing compared to the muddiness underfoot and there were a few occasions where I almost lost my balance. I got home in one piece and didn't venture out again for the rest of the day.

Did Fay's Zoom gym class, trimmed my hair, made my first ever mince pies for Jonathon and some jam tarts for me.

We spent quite a bit of time in the afternoon measuring Oli's room as we are thinking of replacing the three piece suite that I bought back in 1986. It's not as comfy as it once was and we really need something a bit higher, especially as we are spending so much time at home now. We've worked out that we can fit 4 chairs in the space more easily than a sofa and two chairs so that's probably what we're going to get. We have an appointment at HSL on Monday afternoon.

Christine sent me her Christmas order form to amend (done) but I needed to call her to check one detail so we had our usual Sunday catch up a day early. Her Uncle Ernie's funeral is next week and there is a space for her to go despite the current restrictions. Unfortunately her Mum won't be able to leave her care home to go so she's quite upset about that.

15 November

It was pouring down when I got up so did 15 minutes Paracise then made some jam tarts ready for this afternoon's Zoom tea party with Mum, Dad, Carole, Gareth, Pauline, Paul and Graeme.

Body Pump was followed by on-line church service then I tried out a new recipe for dinner - Chicken Pilaf. Quite yummy so one I can make again sometime.

The rain stopped for a little while so I quickly went out for a short walk. Priory Gardens was flooded (the geese were paddling where there's normally grass). Zoom was fun and the quiz was really close with only a couple of points between all the contestants.

Finally got my paper read, crossword done and settled down for the rest of the day.

16 November

Stuck to a drier walking route today after all the rain we had yesterday and had a really good wander around taking in Priory Gardens, All Saints' Church and Goddington Park. Gilda's knee wasn't well enough to walk today so we had a Zoom call before dinner instead.

17 November

Started the day with 40 minutes on-line exercise class, only to be interrupted by Oli at 33 minutes when he jumped on the keyboard! Gave him his breakfast and then finished the session!

Carol, my walking buddy for today, has had to self-isolate because she's been pinged by Track and Trace so after my early morning walk I cleared up the leaves at the front and then Jonathon set me up with the power washer for the back patio, particularly around the bird feeders. It's usually his job but his legs simply aren't strong or stable enough for him to do it at the moment but it was getting treacherously slippery so needs must. While I did that, Jonathon did a couple of tip runs.

The Knoll Residents Association AGM was held on-line in the evening so we joined that. Very interesting with presentations from our local MP, local police rep, various councillors and the Orpington Business person.

18 November

I set off even earlier today because I couldn't see how else I'd get my steps done. While I was walking I conjured up a little verse (with apologies to whoever wrote O Little Town of Bethlehem):

O little town of Orpington how still you seem to lie
While it’s still dark with folk asleep the walking one goes by
To do her daily exercise that surely is her aim
With lockdown weight still piling on it’s more than just a game

She joins in with her Zoom classes to keep her fit and strong
With growing waist line, still she asks, where am I going wrong?
With shorter days and longer nights it really is quite tough
When eating p’haps she needs to say, ok enough’s enough

Retiring at the end of Feb, life hasn’t been the same
To lockdown almost straight away, that really was a shame
We wear our masks and wash our hands, and try to maintain space 
And Covid will not conquer us - we are the human race!

Shreena had changed the time of class to 9.30 a.m. so I joined that but only after I'd had a text from Teresa telling me she'd cracked a rib so wouldn't be coming along. Rubber gloves, cloths, mop etc. all located and cleaning done!

Had the usual Skype with Mum and Dad but they had nothing new to tell me. Paid my outstanding tax (yuck!) and updated Christine's Christmas Order Forms.

Sad news from Jo (gym friend) as she had to have her lovely cat, Caramel, put to sleep. He was 16 years old but had tumours that couldn't be treated.

Better news from Carol (walking buddy) as her Track and Trace ping was a false alarm so she no longer needs to self-isolate. We are meeting up for a walk on Saturday afternoon.

19 November

The strangest and most colourful thing I saw on my walk this morning was the grotto down someone's alleyway - very bright and very early for Christmas!

Today's agenda was blown to pieces. I did my early morning walk but no Zoom keep fit or walk with Mark.

No Zoom because Jonathon had ordered a tonne of coal which was delivered about 30 minutes before keep fit was due to start and it all had to be moved around the back of the house. Thankfully, I'd got the space cleared and the pallet ready for it with the wheelbarrows ready just before the delivery arrived. We got it all stored (mostly on the patio under a cover) but it was 10.10 when we'd finished so too late to join a 10 a.m. gym session.

No walk with Mark because the rain started around 11 a.m. and was forecast to last until dusk. We've rescheduled to Saturday because Carol has cancelled Saturday as her son will be visiting so I had a free slot.

Gilda parked on our drive while she went for her physio appointment and collected our spare DVD / BluRay player (hers is on the blink) and a few DVDs that Jonathon had selected from upstairs for her.

It did dry up for a little while in the afternoon so we remeasured the space we have for a log shed and I mocked one up to check the dimensions work. It's now all set out on graph paper for Jonathon to do the covering letter and send off tomorrow.

20 November

It was 0C when I set off so really chilly. The frost made some lovely patterns on car roofs, the one on the right was my favourite.

The sun did rise eventually (only another month or so and the days will start getting longer again - can't wait). The sunrise was quite pretty and lit up our town really nicely.

My walk took me to Darrick and Newstead Woods then a short detour of Crofton Woods on the way home.

Jonathon picked up fish and chips for dinner (battered burger instead of fish for him) and tired himself out going both there and Sainsbury's so he and Oli had a little nap after dinner.

Spent the evening sowing ends in for the blanket I've knitted for Christine - not the most exciting part of knitting but it had to be done and the blanket is finally finished

21 November

I did a few jobs before my walk this morning so it was already light (albeit a grey, cloudy light) when I set off. I went to Goddington Park for a wander around then back home for Fay's Zoom gym class. I was a bit cross because we were 10 minutes late starting because we waited for one of the ladies to join. Normally it wouldn't matter too much but Mark was due to arrive at 11.30 a.m. so I really needed the class to finish at 11 am. as scheduled. In the end, I had to leave the class at 11.10 a.m., before the end. Grrr.

The Orpington had a pop up takeaway morning. Jonathon went along but had to queue for 40 minutes so he wasn't too impressed. He said it was good to see the team but not sure he would do it again, especially with his legs being so dodgy at present.

Mark duly arrived and we went for a stroll around. He is completely preoccupied with the cladding on his flats. His block has a small amount but a couple of the other blocks have more and there is a great hoo ha about who will be responsible for the cost. The landlord has apparently applied for funds from the government funding but, as they already have an eligible fire certificate, I'm not sure whether they'll receive anything from that source. I gave him some ideas but it seems the residents' association is divided so I'm really not sure where they'll end up.

I dont know whether Mark noticed anything as we wandered round but I pointed out the John Lewis Christmas Ad tree, Canadian Corner and various other bits and pieces. At least, if he didn't take too much notice it means I can do the same route again!

22 November

Body Pump was brought forward by 30 minutes today because Shreena had a training day so up and a quick walk to the newsagents before that started (and before daylight). Really pleased with a couple of rose photos despite the lack of light (or possibly because of it?).

On-line service was led by a different minister. He comes from Bromley so not far away and it made a nice change to hear somebody different.

Went for a second walk in the lovely autumn sunshine between the service and dinner then had the usual Skype call with Mum and Dad.

Christine called, again no real news other than an update on how Uncle Ernie's funeral went (very well apparently. It really helps when the vicar knows the person in question and can, therefore, deliver a meaningful address).

23 November

This morning was beautiful - lovely and crispy, just like an Autumn day should be. Frost on the ground but not too cold - perfect! Needless to say, off I went for a walk. As it was so lovely I went a bit further than I have done recently (went to Richmal Crompton Fields) and skipped on-line gym as I was too late back.

We Zoomed with Gilda before dinner. She's has a load of IT niggles so was discussing those with Jonathon and how best to tackle them. It sounds as though she hasn't completely solved the mouse problem either so she's got plenty to keep her occupied!

Jonathon went off to Sainsbury's for some bits of shopping after dinner while I waited in for the window cleaner (didn't arrive) and the Spy Alarms man as our alarm was due a service (he did come and it was expensive as new bits needed!)

I trotted to the door when the bell rang expecting Spy only to find Jonathon there clutching his head, white as a sheet and shaking like a leaf. He'd taken a tumble not far from home so had managed to get here but he was in a pretty poor state. We got him patched up and, after sitting down for a little while, he didn't seem too bad but he'll be stiff and sore tomorrow.

I got all the Christmas payments set up and, between us, we got most of the Christmas presents ordered so feeling like we're on top of things again (just the cards to write now!)

24 November

Jonathon doesn't seem too bad from his fall yesterday and, miracles will never cease, he actually got a call from the GP surgery in response to his weekend email and has an appointment tomorrow morning so things are looking reasonably positive in that respect.

I just couldn't get myself motivated this morning so simply wandered over to Priory Gardens and the River Cray in a round about route. It was a really dull, grey morning that didn't help inspire me to get out and about. I popped into Sainsbury's to get some bits for dinner and then WH Smiths to get some cards and a calendar for Rhondda then back home for a Paracise class on-line followed by a Zoom Pure Stretch class. I'm really not at all flexible and one of the exercises was completely impossible for me - think I'd better do some homework!

After dinner, Jonathon went to the Post Office and I went with him to make sure we didn't have a repeat of yesterday (all good!). All the overseas cards are now posted along with Rhondda's calendar, the blanket for Christine and some books for Mum.

The postman brought me a lovely surprise - an advent calendar from work. No doubt Jonathon will enjoy munching a Lindt chocolate a day!

25 November

It was very muddy in the woods! I'd hoped it wouldn't be too bad as we've had a few drier days but ... I made it out in one piece and, funnily enough, hardly saw anyone else while I was there. Managed to do a couple of gym sessions - one bopdy pump with Shreena (usual Wednesday morning one) and a Paracise with Ann. Ann was having technical difficulties and we were all cut off after 40 minutes but it was fun while it lasted.

The main event for today was Jonathon's trip to the GP surgery. He saw a very nice locum doctor who, apparently, works there one day a week. Have to remember to book appointments for Wednesday and with her as she seems to be taking his leg problems seriously. His leg muscles are fine and she thinks he might have had a sub-clinical stroke so is referring him to a neurologist - timing uncertain. No doubt it will involve more blood tests and scans but, at last, it sounds like a doctor is doing something to investigate and, hopefully, help him get better.

Other than my usual Skype call with Mum and Dad, the highlight of the afternoon was the delivery of a load of logs. The very kind delivery man dragged them round to the back patio for us rather than us having to transport them all by wheelbarrow. The log shed hasn't arrived yet - we're waiting for them to come back to us with a quote and timing but I'm sure my plans were really helpful!!! In the meantime, they are being stored in the space where the log shed will go.

On a different note, the Christmas cacti are flowering nicely - I don't think they realise they are a month early! This one brightens up my bedroom brilliantly.

26 November

I checked out the route for my walk with Mark first thing (after making bread and doing some washing) to make sure it wasn't too muddy only for Mark to call when I got home to tell me he had an upset tummy so he wouldn't be able to come. We've rescheduled for Saturday so hope the weather is kind. By the time he called, I'd got my crossword and pot of tea ready and decided to sit tight for a while then went for a second walk before dinner. I had a brief chat with Gina (number 16) on my second walk - she's doing OK but is fed up like the rest of us.

Other than Jonathon chatting to Alison and popping to Sainsbury's that was pretty much it for today.

27 November

It was cold and misty this morning so good for photos but pretty chilly. There were lots of cobwebs around.

I did a couple of Zoom sessions - the usual Body Pump with Shreena and then Strong and Stable with Sharon. Might be the last Friday on Zoom because the gym is reopening next week and I've already booked a session there and a real-life Paracise class for the afternoon.

Jonathon fancied toad in the hole for dinner so that's what we had. Oli didn't really care about dinner, he was perfectly happy sprawling in front of the fire.

I went out for a second, short walk in the afternoon and came across Paulette, Jean (both from church), Bunty (Paulette's guide dog), Suzanne (tennis buddy) and her daughter Esme so had a bit of a chat with them.

Went to pick some leeks for dinner tomorrow from the garden only to find the leek mites had attacked them so they're no good - not happy!

Watched Miss Kiddy and the Cads livestream in the evening - really enjoyed it.

28 November

Another, dull autumn day and I went off to Jubilee Country Park. Most of the trees have now lost their leaves but there are still a few hanging on.

I came home via Crofton Woods and was surprised to see Mum and Foal in the field. Foal is getting quite grown up now.

Mark came after my Zoom Gym (possibly the last gym class I'll do with Fay for a while as I prefer the gym). We went to Goddington Park and came back to find Oli "guarding" Mark's very posh car. Not sure Mark was too impressed but Oli was very careful and didn't damage the car, even when he walked down the windscreen.

In amongst all at, Jonathon went to the Orpington's Pop Up Takeaway. It was much better organised this week and the Winter fruit punch was yummy as was the veggie juice.

29 November

Usual pre-dawn Sunday walk to get my paper, got dinner prepared before Body pump and church online. Went for a second walk to finish my steps while dinner cooked, this time round Priory Gardens to admire the bird life. Not too many people out and about but that was probably because the weather wasn't too inviting.

Jonathon popped down to town to get some teacakes for tea (yummy) and then topped the grass so was pretty tired after all that exercise.

Had the usual Skype call with Mum and Dad - no real news. Tried to call Christine but no answer. Hope she's just busy and that everything's OK.

30 November

No gym today and I didn't get up until 7 a.m. which is pretty late for me! I still managed to be out of the house by about 7.30 a.m. and it was yet another grey and misty day. I tried out a potential route for Mark (he's coming on Wednesday this week) so it was mainly road and footpath based with lots of alleyways and a little bit of woodland (in the drier parts). I came across a cat sign on my slightly different route that made me smile.

Zoomed with Gilda (her knee still isn't up to walking). She's busy with her sewing, getting stuff ready for Christmas. She also makes her own cards so that was her job for this afternoon.

The main event for today was carpet cleaning. Messrs Sultana (father and son) of All Gleaming Clean came with their fancy equipment and deep cleaned all the carpets on the ground and first floor (and stairs in between). They have to have the front door open so we fastened ourselves in the kitchen and lit the fire to keep out of the way! They are due back tomorrow to do the Scotchguarding but that should be a lot quicker than the 2.5 hours they were here today.

Oli isn't at all impressed with everything in the wrong place but we should be able to move it back tomorrow evening and get back to normal!

1 December

Hard to believe it's December already.

The moon was shining brightly and it was then replaced by a lovely bright sunny day. I only did a short walk to start with because I had a long walk to Richmal Crompton Fields with Jo (gym friend) in the afternoon.

Did an online Pilates session then off we went (after brunch of course!)

All Gleaming Clean (Messrs Sultana) came and Scotchguarded the carpets so we're all done for another year and the carpets look like new.

Today is the last day of Lockdown 2.0 so I'll start a new page tomorrow as we go back into Tier 2.