2 December

We are back in Tier 2 with all that entails. The rules aren't quite the same as last time we were in tiers but they are basically the same and quite restrictive.

It was a lovely morning and I set off nice and early to go to NT Petts Wood, hoping it wouldn't be too muddy as we've had a few dry days. It was OK and was lit up beautifully by an amazing sunrise.

Mark arrived a few minutes early for our walk. I didn't realise Jonathon was outside so didn't rush to answer the door. Thankfully Mark was busy putting his shoes on so I din't think he'd realised! I'd just got to the door when the phone rang - Mum to say they were going out for their anniversary so moving Skype to tomorrow. Eventually we set off and enjoyed a dry walk round and about, taking in a bit of Crofton Woods.

We went to the Orpington for after dinner coffee etc. So good to see them reopened. Also popped into HSL to pay the balance for the chairs and the YMCA charity shop to leave some stuff and get some more (books and CDs).

3 December

A dark, damp, dismal day! I got very wet walking about (or at least my waterproofs did - I was cosy and dry). I liked the dinosaur Christmas light but whether there were dinosaurs at that time I'm really not sure!

Went to the Orpington for brunch (so nice to have food cooked and served by somebody else) and started writing Christmas cards when we got home. Jonathon went for his flu jab while I did a Zoom gym session and then Skyped with Mum and Dad.

Jonathon cancelled his attendance at a gig tonight because it's on the 4th floor and the lift is out of order so he didn't think his legs would be strong enough to get up and down! We watched the Shelter Carol Concert in the evening instead.

4 December

It was very wet and cold when I first got up but I'd booked to go to the gym at 8 a.m. so I could do a lot of my daily steps there! It was so good to be back. It seemed to be busier than before but I still got to use the bits of equipment that I wanted so I did lots of cardio and then came home to collapse.

Jonathon posted all the stamped Christmas cards but came home when he saw the length of the queue at the Post Office so there are a few that need more than a standard second class stamp still to go. He went to Sainsbury's and the Orpington while I was at Paracise in the afternoon.

Despite the morning being dull and grey, the sunset was spectacular. Cold is forecast for the foreseeable future but not much rain for the next few days so I should be able to get out and about again.

I sorted out some books for Jonathon to take to YMCA charity shop and then we watched the Salvation Army's Christmas Concert.

We'd ordered a wooden carousel from Colwin Way, one of our wood turner friends, a week or two ago and that was delivered this evening. Not put together yet so photo will come later.

5 December

Hard to believe that Jessica, my God-daughter, is 21 today - where have the years gone?

I was up later than normal but it was a beautiful morning with a stunning sunrise so I had a lovely stroll around Goddington Park.

Main jobs for today included having my hair cut. Thankfully Rachel was back at work so it was cut properly this time and I'm much happier with it.

Next up was gym for plenty of exercise. While I was there Jonathon went to Chapter One to collect our "takeaway with a difference" and dealt with a delivery of logs. We were aware that we'd need to cook the steak (tomorrow's dinner) but I didn't realise that I'd have to make the foccacia to go with the ham hock terrine. Oh well, that's another first and Jonathon told me that it was very tasty. Jonathon couldn't eat the starter because it had mustard in it. Obviously we didn't know that when we ordered it but I ate both portions and Jonathon went to get himself a pasty!

The afternoon's job was to decorate the house for Christmas. Jonathon put the carousel together and I did the rest. It's looking quite festive now. The cards will be put up when we have received a few more.

In the evening, we were going to watch Pennsylvania Ballet's streamed performance of Nutcracker but at $41+ we changed our mind and watched Sadlers streamed Global Gala instead.

6 December

Too damp for a pre-walk gym but managed one afterwards. I really liked the way the head on this sign had been changed. Not sure if it's supposed to be a courier or a martian! It continues to surprise me when I see flowers in full bloom on such a cold December day.

On-line service was all about lists and getting things done (highly appropriate). Next week, we should be able to go back to church in real life which will be good.

Had the fillet steak from the "takeaway" for dinner - really lovely and tasty.

Had usual Skype call with Mum and Dad and call with Christine.

7 December

What a foggy, damp day! The fog didn't really lift all day so it was pretty miserable. I managed a dampish walk before gym then Gilda came. As we had to stay outside, we only had a cuppa because we thought our brunch would be cold before we could eat it. Gilda has hurt her knee again so wasn't able to go for a walk so Jonathon walked her back to our house, via Boots while I queued in the Post Office for ages to post a few non-standard cards followed by a visit to Sainsbury's. My life is one big whirl! I went for another walk, this time via the River Cray.

When I got home Jonathon was speaking with HSBC re the holiday insurance claim and the shabby treatment we'd received. He should hear back from them within 5 working days. He then got a call from HSL to say the chairs could be delivered on Friday. The timing's a bit different to the end of January which is what they first thought but we'll be pleased to have them.

I had a call with Nigel (work) then made the final part of the "takeaway" - tarte tatin. This time all I had to do was bake it so it was really easy and it tasted yummy, even if the Creme Normande tasted like it had a whole bottle of Calvados in it. As we aren't going anywhere, the alcohol didn't matter!

8 December

I decided to go to Tesco first thing. It was still dark but the street light was shining really nicely on the pampas grass on the way there.

The weather was much milder and there was no fog so much better for walking. I think everyone who owns a dog was out and about in Orpington!

The river was pretty full and flowing well and everywhere looked lovely and green.

I tried two new classes instead of going to the gym today. The first one was "Strong and Stable" I'd tried it on line but it was a different teacher in real life. It was still pretty good so I'll probably go again.

The second was pilates. It's a long time since I did a real live Pilates class. Again I'd done one on line but it was yet another teacher. I found her quite hard to hear on occasion so didn't always keep up with what I was supposed to be doing but I think it did me good so will try again next week.

The sunset was lovely (about 4 p.m.) - only a couple more weeks before the days start getting longer again.

9 December

Went for a walk with Carol (friend from church and tennis) today. I hadn't realised how slowly she walked so it took a bit longer than expected but was still nice to do. There's still quite a lot of colour in people's gardens and the crysanths look lovely at the moment. Goddington was it's usual lovely self and the trees are looking majestic. We went the "back way" to get Carol home and saw a whole family of gnomes en route!

While I was doing that, Jonathon was at the doctors seeing the Health Care Assistant. When he got there the computers weren't working so she didn't seem to know why he was there but did seem quite happy with his blood pressure levels. She's given him some target levels to aim at and he is to keep taking the tablets. Later, when the computers started working again, she phoned to say she was supposed to have done an ECG test on him so could he go back tomorrow. Appointment duly made!

Aquafit was my exercise for today and I really enjoyed it. It was good to be back in the water even if I can't have a shower there so have to come home with wet hair. It's not far and I wear a hat so hopefully won't get a chill.

Teresa came in the afternoon and I had the usual Skype call with Mum and Dad.

We joined a Webinar about the regeneration of the Walnuts Centre and Orpington town centre. Really interesting but very early stages at present so we'll have to wait and see (for 3-5 years!)

I finished the snowman to "convert" one of Jonathon's jumpers to a Christmas jumper in time for Sunday. When he's finished using it as a Christmas jumper it will be taken back off the jumper and made into a Christmas decoration.

In the evening we watched a folk concert via the K Player - the streaming service from Kings Place. 3 excellent folk musicians who we've seen before live and it was good to enjoy watching them while sitting in our comfy chairs.

10 December

No gym today because I played tennis with Mark instead. First off I went for a walk to Chelsfield Recreation Ground but it was so misty the usual view across to the City was just grey.

Jonathon went for his ECG test. As far as the HCA can see, there's nothing untowards but the results have to be sent to a cardiologist for confirmation so we have to wait for up to 10 days for their input.

J got a call from HSL to confirm that the chairs will be delivered tomorrow so we need to clear the room that they are going to be put in tomorrow morning.

While walking about, I was really surprised to see some daisies still in flower. 2020 has been a strange year in so many ways and nature seems to be reflecting that as well.

Some people have really gone to town on their Christmas decorations this year. Perhaps they've had nothing better to do through lockdown?

Mark met me at Bromley Tennis Centre and his first words were "you're going to be cross with me." I jokingly said "why, have you forgotten your racket?" Hmm... Thankfully, the centre were prepared to lend him one. He said it was better than his own racket and he proceeded to beat me 6-3 (we only had time for one set). My only consolation is that he will probably be stiffer than me tomorrow as he does less exercise!

I received a text a few days ago telling me I was eligible for a flu jab. Unfortunately the text didn't tell me who it was from so J checked at the docs and they confirmed I was entitled to one. This afternoon I had said jab. As a result of all the mooching about, I've done loads of steps today, far more than my winter target.

In the evening we streamed a West End Christmas charity concert.

11 December

I was woken up at about 3 a.m. by a very wet Oli. Jonathon had fastened his bedroom door so Oli came to me for company and warmth. Yuck! He soon settled down and we went to sleep but wet cat isn't the best alarm.

It was still damp when I got up so went to the gym for a good long workout then had a quick walk through Priory Gardens and admired the lovely sunshine that made a brief appearance.

I overheard someone talking in the gym who said that our local hospital, the PRU, had administered 250 covid vaccinations yesterday and hoped to do more today.

We got the "den" (Oli's room) cleared ready for the new chairs to be delivered then I went off to Paracise and Jonathon waited in for the delivery.

The cloud formation was amazing on the way home.

The chairs were in place when I got home and very comfy they are too. Jonathon's is quite a bit bigger than the other three so allow for his long legs!

We might well move things around a bit until we get everything where we need it to be but it seems pretty good at the moment.

12 December

I decided to deliver one of my two remaining hand delivery Christmas cards on the way to the gym. It was a bit damp but not too cold and I was only a few minutes late getting there but as it was a general session that didn't matter.

Lunch was Christmas Dinner at the Orpington. Jonathon had traditional Christmas fayre whereas I went fishy. Very yummy but more than we are used to eating so we both felt extremely full by the end. I walked it off by delivering my final card then came back home while Joanthon did the shopping. Oli doesn't tend to sit on my knee but has decided he quite likes the leg rest. My only "complaint" about our new chairs is that they are so comfy I find myself drifting off to sleep on a fairly regular basis!

The sunset was spectacular, making the sky look like it was on fire.

13 December

As I set off I took a photo of our Christmas tree from the outside of our house - think it looks quite nice. A quick detour to the gym meant I saw the lovely sunrise - it didn't last long then the rain came! I wasn't going to stay at the gym too long but still seemed to do almost 1.5 hours then popped into a local newsagent for my paper so Jonathon didn't have to go out in the rain.

Church reopened today and was quite busy (but still socially distanced). It was nativity service so we had two videos - one of the children doing their nativity, all in their own homes then Charlie had pulled it all together - it was lovely. The second was done by various adults in the church. I was originally asked if I could be an angel but then wasn't needed for "acting" but had provided a voice recording of Silent Night which was used, along with the other singers, as the credits rolled. St. John's also had an online carol service in the evening which we enjoyed. It was really nice to hear the Ad Hoc choir - usually I can only hear the singers immediately around me. I don't think we sounded too bad!

In the afternoon we had a Family Zoom with the usual quiz put together by me with Jonathon as referee. His services were needed re a James Bond question - we called him our VAR! Carole and Gareth were winning at the end of Round 4 but Marie and Andy played a blinder in the final round and just pipped them at the post.

Christine phoned in the evening with a Facebook question. Thankfully I was able to answer it as I'd had the same issue with The Daniel Collection Facebook page so that was easily solved. She's extremely busy as she always is leading up to Christmas but this year it's even more than normal because she got a lot of new customers through Lockdown so she all those to deal with as well.

14 December

A short walk before gym but it still took longer than I expected so I was a bit later getting there than I'd planned. The watering cans were at a local school that has a small garden area. I managed to finish ticking off all the workout bits on my fortnightly schedule and was pleased to catch up with Carol, Janet and Luis.

Gilda came late morning and we went for a walk for about an hour. We stayed on the footpaths because the woods / parks were extremely wet after the storm we had last night. She was struggling at the end of the hour (her knee) but managed it and is obviously better than last week.

The bad news (not unexpected) came early afternoon when Matt Hancock announced that Greater London was being placed in Tier 3. This effectively means lockdown other than the gyms can stay open (no classes). The restaurants all have to close and the start time is 00:01 on Wednesday so we'll be going to the Orpington tomorrow to see what's left to help eat up what's left!

David (brother) called Jonathon because the news release advised that there was a new strain of C19 in the south east and that Porton Down were investigating. Porton Down are involved in all kinds of poisonous gases etc. so it's of real concern that they are involved. On the other hand, it could be seen as a real comfort that the scientists who are used to dealing with these kind of nasties are looking at it. The official line is that PD are checking whether the vaccines are likely to be able to combat this new strain. Watch this space.

15 December

The day dawned bright and sunny (or at least it did by the time I got myself organised and off on my walk). It was extremely muddy so I didn't venture too far into the woods. The pond was as full as I've ever seen itand reflected the sunshine beautifully. On the way home I found a lovely new, very long alley!

Two gym classes today - Strong and Stable at 11 a.m. then Pilates at 2 p.m. Pilates was the last of the classes at Crofton Halls for the foreseeable future because exercise classes aren't allowed in Tier 3. I think I must have tried extra hard because my shoulders ache a bit now.

Mark phoned in the evening. He was very stiff after tennis last week but has now recovered. His hernia seems to have been playing up a bit but has settled down again. However, he still doesn't feel up to venturing too far from home for a walk so I will probably go to him this week. He has been staying with his friend, Debra, for the last few days. Unfortunately one of her daughters has C19 and her son-in-law has also tested positive. Whereas Laura seems to be getting better, Mark (son-in-law) suffers from diabetes and they are very worried about how he will cope.

16 December

I stuck to alleyways, public footpaths, ginnels this morning - we have loads of them in Orpington and they are fun to explore. The sun was shining and it was quite mild so a really pleasant walk. It was good to see the foal and her mum so close to the fence and looking really healthy. Tower Road is still closed because of the burst water main (2 days now).

Carole phoned. She was helping Mum with her broadband (her contract was up for renewal. We pay but it's in Mum's name). Mum couldn't remember any of the answers to the security questions so Carole had to call us to find out when the direct debit goes through. All done now!

Jonathon phoned the doctors re his blood pressure tablets. Their lines are always busy and today was no exception. They eventually called him back to apologise. The doctor had authorised it but the prescription hadn't been sent to Boots. It will be there by close of business tonight.

We popped round to deliver Di's birthday cards (from Mark and from us) rather than trust them to the post and picked up a garden voucher for Carole's birthday. Dobbies only had Christmas cards to go with them so I'll fish out a notelet and use that instead.

Had the usual Skype with Mum and Dad while Jonathon Face-timed with Alison - we're such an IT savvy family!

Moving into Tier 3 inspired me to write another verse.

Tier 3

It’s dark, it’s damp, we’re in Tier 3.  I can’t go home for Christmas.
Too easy to think: “Oh, poor old me”, but how long will this thing last?

The birds still sing, the grass still grows, yes, even in December
The trees still stand, the river flows, but what will we remember?

The long, long walks, the sunny days, the shelter of the woods,
The time to sit and simply gaze, the changing of our moods

The cancelled shows, the restaurants closed, gym classes are no more
But Christmas cards come in the post and parcels to the door

There’s WhatsApp, Facebook, Skype and Zoom, lots of ways to keep in touch
We can’t be together in a room but there’s always outside lunch

But NO!  Tier 3 means no can do. There’s only takeaway
It’s not the same, but rules are rules. There’ll be another day

When we can get together, mix and meet up for a chat
In groups of more than five or six. Oh, I can’t wait for that.

And now, we church, we gym, we walk, our distance we all keep
We wash our hands, through masks we talk. We try hard not to weep

We’ll remember 2020 as the year that we survived
But how we yearn for normal. We just want to live our lives.

Things will return to normal, the vaccine’s being rolled out
First wish – to see our family, of that there is no doubt

So hope that 2021 is the year that Covid ends
Appreciate what matters: health, family and friends.

Main activity was to go up to Docklands to see Mark. I went on the train and was surprised to see filming happening at Orpington station - not something you see every day.

It was a beautiful day and Mark and I had a 12.5 km walk so my feet were buzzing but the time I got home. As we couldn't eat anywhere I was both hungry and thirsty when I got to eat my jacket potato at about 3 p.m. but I'm sure I'll survive!

In the meantime, Jonathon now has his blood pressure tablets so panic over!

18 December

It was wet and horrible when I got up - not helped by a very wet cat coming in from outside or Radio 2 saying (every half hour) "it will remain dry in the South East". Unless we've moved, they got that very wrong! Rather than change my gym time from 11 a.m. I decided to catch up with ironing, washing and baking. We needed a couple of bread buns for dinner to go with soup so, while I had the oven on, I made some mince pies for Jonathon and used up the "spare" pastry for some jam tarts for me.

The gym was pretty quiet but it was good to see Luis and Tracey and even better to hear that Luis's WhatsApp was restored.

A team of engineers worked their way along the street during the day checking that all the cabling for broadband etc. was sound in readiness for lots of Zoom and similar actiivty over Christmas.

I put up the Christmas cards while Jonathon went and got a few provisions from Sainsbury's, popped into the Orpington to pick up one of his favourite cakes and called into offer his research abilities to Jess at the YMCA. He can't help in the shop and won't sort donations but if anything interesting comes in he could help Jess to value it and, possibly, sell it on EBay. To be discussed further in January.

In the evening we watched Royal Opera House's Christmas concert.

19 December

Gym first today because the weather didn't look too promising. I did a bit extra today because I didn't intend to go tomorrow (see below for further developments later in the day). The weather forecast is for dry tomorrow so I'm hoping to get a decent walk done before church.

Jonathon went to collect a takeaway from the Orpington (very tasty) and got drenched - he came home looking like a drowned rat. It faired up soon after that and I went off for a shortish, extremely muddy, walk down by the River Cray. When I set off the sky was blue and the sun was shining but it didn't take long for the grey skies to return. At least I didn't get wet!

Received a lovely plant from Christine for Christmas - the same day as her flowers from us arrived - both from Bunches. Great minds think alike!

Had the weekend Skype call with Mum and Dad today as I'm carol singing in the church car park tomorrow afternoon (weather permitting). Boris Johnson made an announcement late afternoon which means we are in a new Tier 4 (effectively Lockdown by any other name) from midnight.

Although disappointing it's not a great surprise because the new variant of C19 here in the South East (particularly Kent) seems to be spreading a lot faster. Apparently it has a very high level of transmissability!

Gyms will close again, just as I was getting back into the swing of it.The gym have already said they'll be putting some on-line classes on so hopefully they will start soon. Although Church can will stay open they've cancelled the services for tomorrow - really upsetting. It would have been better to stay in lockdown rather all this in and out.

Nicola phoned for a general catch up. She hadn't heard Boris's announcement so was a bit surprised when I told her.

Streamed Kinky Boots in the evening for a bit of light entertainment to cheer us up.

20 December

A beautiful day so I went for a lovely long walk - nothing much else to do as everything is closed! As I was leaving Goddington I saw Jo having a 1to1 training session with Luis (now, there's an idea). I wasn't sure where to go next so followed my nose and ended up going down all sorts of very wet and muddy paths - some of which I'm sure I've not even noticed before.

At one point it started drizzling a tiny bit but although I didn't get wet there was enough for a rainbow. Around the same area, the rain we've had over the last few days had created big puddles. One crossed the whole road so I had to ask the man near the gate if it was OK to walk on his grass (on the top of his wide garden wall). He kindly said yes and even offered me his hand to get down but, of course, I had to decline the help - Tier 4 and all that! As the church service was online I listened to it as I walked around.

The afternoon found me clearing moss from the front drive. Whilst we can use the power washer for the patio at the back, the drive is cobbled and so has to be done manually. Jonathon had bought a new gadget and did a bit of it. He also did a bit of sweeping but his legs weren't strong enough to stay out for long so I took over and finished it off. I now have a lovely blister on my right hand!

Chrstine sent me a draft letter she wanted to send to all her customers about a price increase so messed about with the wording and sent that back.

Our evening entertainment was supposed to be The Swingles Christmas Concert but Jonathon wasn't sent the link (even though he'd paid) so he found the Bang Olufsson concert instead which was fine while it was just the musicians. Then the singer came on - oh, dear! We ended up watching The Illegal Eagles instead (excellent music but the stream was a bit lumpy!). The Illegal Eagles were on our list for a different day so we'll have to hope we get the code for The Swingles and we can watch that another day (effectively switch them around).

21 December

Lots of errands run this morning (in the rain). Oli had the right idea ans stayed curled up in one of the new chairs - seems he's finally accepted they are here to stay. First Tesco to get some bits (and Christmas veg); second Sainsbury's to get juice because we prefer that from there (and other bits); third - to Janet's because (obviously) I won't see her at the gym today and I owe her £2 so popped that through her door and lastly, down to the Orpington for takeaway bits and bobs. The reason I'm doing all this is because we have put Jonathon into lockdown again - too risky for him to be out and about.

Gilda came early afternoon and we had about an hour's walk so I've done my steps for today! While we were walking, Jonathon spoke to doctor and got his ECG results - he has Long QT Syndrome. He has to avoid stress, including alarm clocks (he was well ahead of the curve there as he hasn't used one for a long time)! He should also avoid caffeine but there's no chance of that happening. Apparently we don't need to do anything unless he starts fainting of having blackouts - that's OK then. Despite his NHS appointment for the neurologist having been brough forward to February, now we know there's nothing his heart needs to be treated for, we have started the process with BUPA so let's see where we get to with that.

Boris Johnson and his team made a public announcement about the French blockade of all freight transport travelling from Kent. The M20 is completely blocked up and the ports at Dover / Channel tunnel are closed. Talks are ongoing with the French but there's no timing for an end to the problems.

Had a quick Zoom call with Carole and Pauline to make sure we knew how to share our screens for Boxing Day. Tonight's stream - Show of Hands concert. Had a chat with Angela (cousin). Jo's mother in law is very poorly. She's had heart problems for a while but this time it looks like she won't make it.

22 December

Another morning of running errands with short walks attached to get my steps done. First - Sainsbury's; second - drop some jam jars off for a neighbour who's made far more mango chutney than anticipated and finally the Orpington to collect my lunch, some fruit punch and a bun for Jonathon.

I was surprised to see the quince in flower (not the right time of year at all) and our first aconite also flowering - not usually around until January. This whole year has been really weird in so many ways.

Jonathon's worked out how to do a slideshow for Boxing Day Zoom so we're all set - all I have to do is provide him with the photos on the day (or, preferably the day before).

I collected a Christmas flower basket arrangement from the market. Not sure why a flower stall is considered essential but he was there so I bought it. It's very similar to the one we've had the last couple of years and will form part of the slideshow in a couple of days time.

Mum texted to let me know that Uncle Jeff has been in contact. She was delighted as it is a long time since she's heard from him. Sue died this year and Jeff's moved to Wales to live near Darren. No doubt we'll hear more in due course.

Phoned Mark and had a chat. He's keeping himself tohimself, even wearing a mask when he goes into the corridors of hisblock of flats.

We were supposed to watch Nutcracker Reworked (ROH) this evening but it was cancelled because it was a Livestream and that's not possible under Tier 4 rules. Instead, we caught up with The Swingles show that we missed a couple of days ago and watched Mary Poppins.

The sheep joke is one of many that my gym friends have been sharing!

23 December

We are on a weather warning here for heavy rain but it hasn't been as bad as expected (so far!). Priory Gardens and our garden are both already very wet from the rain we've had recently.

I had all sorts of plans for 2 gym Zoom classes, making mince pies etc. etc today but the first gym session was 1 hour 25 minutes instead of 1 hour so it all went to pot! In the end the second gym class had to be missed (I did Fay's class which was the harder of the two and I'll catch up over the next few days). Apparently the mince pies are very nice. Managed to get to the Orpington to collect the salad I should have had with my sandwich yesterday (but they forgot to give me and I ddin't realise until I got home) so had that for my tea - very tasty.

Jonathon fastened himself in his bedrom while Teresa was here so they didn't come in contact. Teresa says that only us and one other cleaning customer have said she can still go now we're in Tier 4 but she seems quite relaxed about it because "the Government is helping" although she didn't explain any further. I went for a nice walk after dinner (to get out of Teresa's way and check the muddiness of a potential walk with Jo tomorrow). Oli hid himself away in the front guest bedroom with his head underneath the sheepskin rug - he's a strange cat!

In the evening we streamed "Merry Little Christmas" from Cheltenham (good mix of music and other things) and then watched Mischief Theatre's "The Nativity" (very funny).

24 December

Hard to believe it's Christmas Eve already. Went to Tesco for my paper and a few bits (very quiet there). Made a few jam tarts - if Jonathon can have mince pies, I can have jam tarts.

Went for a lovely long walk with Jo (gym friend) around Chiselhurst and St. Mary Cray. We had a rough map drawn out before we went and mostly followed it with the odd explore detour here and there. The road that was flooded when I walked round on Monday had hardly any water to be seen which surprised me as it's rained a fair bit since then but perhaps not as hard as on Saturday. Needless to say, our weather warning was all for nothing. Yes, it rained a bit yesterday but nowhere near as bad as threatened.

Had a Skype call with Mum and Dad - no real news.

Streaming for this evening was Winter Union (a folk group) and then Paul Carrack. We've seen his quite a few times live so it was good to be able to see him in concert sitting in our our home.

Went for a walk after dinner (J stayed at home but did manage 7 laps of the garden before his legs gave up). Orpington was very quiet so not sure where everybody was on such a lovely, sunny day.

Had a quick call with Mark - he's fine. He'd been speaking to Ruth. Her daughter, Laura, has had to evacuate her home today because of flooding (Northamptonshire) so our Christmas Day was very quiet and calm in comparison! Laura and her daughter, Charlie, are both safe and holed up in the local TravelLodge.

Opened our presents and watched Matthew Bourne's "Red Shoes" in the evening - I love most of Matthew Bourne's ballets so very happy to see there are three on over the next few days, this being the first of them.

26 December

Started the day with a keep fit session then popped out to get my paper before a "3 woods" walk with Jo. We went to Tubbenden Meadows, Darrick and Newstead Woods, Crofton and Sparrow Woods then Covet Wood / Poverest Park - all very nice, not too muddy and we stayed dry because the rain didn't come until after we'd got home. I gave Jo one of the dog blankets that I'd knit for Battersea. Battersea aren't accepting anything like that at the moment but Jo's daughter has just got a new Cockerpoo called Coco so it's gone to a good home.

We finished the turkey off at dinner time (turkey and apple curry) so that's all done. Just a couple of sprouts and bit of red cabbage to finish off now!

We had a family Zoom in the afternoon with photos from yesterday, show and tell presents and a quiz done by Mum and Dad - all good fun. We came firmly in the middle of the scores which was a good place to be. Marie and Andy won with 29/29!

Spoke to Christine who is still recovering from her massive delivery challenge on Christmas Eve. It took her 9 hours to deliver all the milk and other stuff in the sleet and snow.

Our evening stream entertainment was "Christmas with the Stars" in aid of Children with Cancer UK - a mix of a theatre school and various West End stars singing, all pre-recorded in St. Paul's church in Covent Garden.

27 December

It was pouring down and blowing a gale all night and still at it when I got up - Storm Bella apparently. She blew through eventually and the sun came out.

Having done Body Pump, shopping and had dinner I went off for a walk. I've promised Jo I'll take her to Paul Cray Country Park on Thursday as she's not been there before. One of the entrances is off Star Lane which has a bad rep because of travellers but I think the bit of Star Lane we need to go on to get to / from the park is safe - it's the far end that's a problem. That said, there were a few unsavoury looking men lurking around a bonfire and a few others scooting round on trial bikes / quad bikes but they left me alone so all good.

The only time I felt at any risk was when a police car came speeding past me on Star Lane - they were going far too fast for that lane.

I tested out a round trip rather than simply going there and back so am happy that the route works.

The park was very wet (only skirted one edge of it) so I'll definitely need my boots on when we go later in the week.

28 December

It was "nippy and slippy" this morning so I slid my way on a roundabout route to Sainsbury's to pick up my paper and a few bits and bobs. Did a keep fit class on Zoom then a couple of Paracise classes on Facebook. Disappointed that the Paracise was only 20 minutes, hence the reason I did two of them.

Went out for a short walk after dinner but only did 10k steps today because my right foot is telling me it needs a rest and definitely doesn't want to wear boots at the moment. There were quite a few people out and about, especially with kids or dogs so I didn't stay out long and soon left the park to walk where there were fewer folk. I saw Gena and Ernie. They've had their first Covid vaccinations but it doesn't sound well organised. Gena hasn't been near that many people since March and she was quite frightened. I've heard that the Pru have stopped doing vaccinations (as has the local medical centre) because it was too crowded and people weren't social distancing.

Had a Zoom call with Gilda but she didn't have a lot to tell us. She had a nice Christmas with her sister and family (she's in a bubble with them so it was allowed).

29 December

Right foot still not 100% so no long walk today. Instead, I went to Sainsbury's for my paper, calling in to the Orpington to reserve Jonathon's cinnamon bun for collection later - it's amazing how many plants are still in flower (or have come into flower considering it's the end of December). I did an hour's Paracise. I really like Sharon as a teacher and, having had other teachers on Zoom recently, it's reconfirmed how good she is. One of the teachers yesterday was also really good, the other not quite as user-friendly.

Gilda was at the physio today so she parked on our drive and then handed over unwanted (not gluten free) chocolate biscuits to Jonathon. In exchange we gave her some lemon, honey and ginger tea bags that we know she likes.

We took Shaun out for a run to make sure his battery doesn't stop working (we had to get a new battery in lockdown). We went over to the M25, up to Junction 3 then back along the A20 and through Chislehurst. There weren't too many cars on the road and we'll probably do the same with Arty sometime in the next few days. Jonathon says he's fine to drive but, with his poorly legs, he doesn't have the finesse he normally does when driving. We'll see how he gets on with Arty when we take him for a spin.

We streamed Mischief Movie Night for a giggle. We were too late to get access to input into the topic, venue etc. so just had to watch the improvisation outcome of other's choices (you'll understand if you've ever seen it). Although funny, it works better in live theatre.

We had some very sad news this evening. We learned that our lovely friend and safari guide from Tanzania, Kevin, died last night. At the moment, the cause of his death is not being disclosed but we were aware that he'd been taken into hospital a few days ago and got the impression he's not been very well for a while but didn't want people to know. Not sure I'll want to go back to Tanzania if Kevin's not there - so sad.

30 December

Went to get my paper with the full moon glowing nicely on one side of me and a lovely, stripey sunrise on the other so a pretty good walk all in all, albeit short.

Did Fay's gym class for an hour with about 10 minutes chat. It was as hard as usual but at least if I'm at home and need a little break she can't necessarily see what I'm up to, especially for the exercises on the floor because I'm off screen.

31 December

The last day of the year and what a year it's been!

Today was freezing cold but at least it was dry so I could get my paper without getting wet. Before that I did Body Pump with Shreena - a 7.30 a.m. start - really! Doesn't she realise some of us are retired.

Jo and I went out for a walk to Paul Cray Country Park. It looked lovely in the mist and she really liked it which was good because it's not to everyone's taste.

There were a few travellers around but we ignored them unless we were close enough to wish them a happy new year and they left us alone in the same way.

On the way there we visited Fordcroft - a British-Romano Saxon remains site

On the way back we walked through St Mary Cray Cemetery to see the very ornately decorated traveller graves - they were amazing, really colourful.

I collected our NYE dinner from the Orpington and we had the starter for late lunch then the pudding for tea. We are saving the main course for tomorrow.

In the evening we streamed James Sayer. We were supposed to go see him in concert (in real life) before Christmas but Tier 4 meant that was cancelled so he streamed tonight instead.

And now, we start a new page of the diary for 2021 and what we hope will be a better year for everyone.