2021 Lockdown Diary - Page 12

12 April

The day started with a beautiful, but short, sunrise then it was off to the gym for me! So good to be back after such a long time but I was quite careful and took it steady, only going on the recumbent bike then doing floor work, including the 100+ abs exercises so I could send the daily tick to Fay.

I was supposed to go for a walk with Caroline today but she wasn't feeling too well so she cancelled. Instead, I went for a walk on my own and was really pleased to see the baby coots (cooties). They are such ugly little things but somehow cute at the same time.

sunrise

coots

Gilda came in the afternoon and we went for a walk through Crofton Woods. The reason for her afternoon visit (rather than morning) is so we could have an Indian takeaway for tea. Indian cuisine is Gilda's favourite and she particularly likes the lamb biryani from Masala Dabbas.

While we were eating (we had to eat outside as visitors are not allowed into the house yet) we got a first hand reason why the number of our hen ornaments has been reducing. Seems the vixen has taken a fancy to them!

vixen

13 April

It was chilly but sunny while I did my bodypump class. Our tulips look lovely in the bright sunshine.

Today's big adventure was going to the Orpington to eat there instead of picking up to bring home. When we got there we were the only customers but more soon arrived and 7 of the 12 available seats were filled up. I left Jonathon chatting with another customer while I came home because Amelie was coming to help feed the fish and top up the bird feeders. She and Shreena went home with a bit of rhubarb - they'd not had it before.

Planned a walk for Mark and me tomorrow - some familiar streets / fields and some new ones.

tulips

Amelie

dry field

The ground is really dry - we have had hardly any rain recently.

One of the new places was the Grassmeade Estate where I saw this plaque. It reads:

This Plaque, presented by Plandwell Homes Limited, a member of the Ronson Group of Companies, was unveiled by Air Chief Marshal The Lord Dowding GCB, GCVO, CMG, RAF (Ret'd) on 25th May 1965.

The Grassmeade Estate is dedicated to those illustrious pilots who flew with the Royal Air Force during The Battle of Britain.

The roads hereon are named after some of them who died in the cause of freedom which we enjoy today. They are:

Flight Lieutenant C Allard DFC, DFM and Bar
Wing Commander FV Beamish DSO and Bar, DFC, AFC
Wing Commander RBG Finucane DSO, DFC and 2 Bars
Squadron Leader LG Mungo-Park DFC and Bar
Wing Commander JB Nicolson VC, DFC
Wing Commander TS Wade DSO, DFC and 2 Bars


plaque

14 April

First swim for a long time and I definitely felt it. Only managed 12 lengths (c.400 metres) but at least I can start to improve from that.

Mark came and we went for a nice, sunny walk followed by lunch at Hizar Meze. I had salmon (very tasty) but they haven't got a clue how to cook veg. Jonathon didn't join us - he had pizza instead.

Teresa came to do the cleaning and I had the usual Skype call with Mum and Dad.

I've obviously got into the habit of doing my abs challenge first thing because I did it this morning, forgetting Fay's class was this evening. I guess it won't do any harm to do extra!

Mark
Mocktail

15 April

Gym first thing - I got up early because I was meeting Netta and Miro for a walk only to receive a message from her as I was leaving the gym to say she'd been called in to work. Clearly her meeting on Tuesday must have gone well.

To make the most of a free morning, Jonathon and I set up the water pump to fill up the water butt near my shed to save me carrying water down the garden. All done and the nematodes applied to the food beds to try and keep the slugs at bay. I also got the pea frames ready for when the weather warms up and I can plant something. Garden photos for today as that's where I spent the morning. We are letting the grass grow longer again this year - seemed to work quite well last year even though it doesn't look as tidy.

Jonathon did a record 45 minutes of physio exercises today and had a walk to the Oxfam shop in the high street. That on top of helping with the water pumping meant quite an active day for him and, remarkably, he wasn't too tired in the evening so perhaps that shows that he's getting better.

Had a call from work. Seems I'll be going back 3 days a week from May. Pete McPherson will liaise with HR and either he or Chris Lester will get back to me. I told him terms had been agreed with Stefan (his boss) so hopefully they won't try to change those. In the meantime, our BUPA cover has been renewed so that's helpful.

red robin

garden

garden

garden

garden

garden

strawberry bed

16 April

No gym today because I had a dentist appointment. To make the most of going over to Shirley I popped round to see John and Margaret before my appointment. Margaret is fine. John is quite frail now but was well enough to come into the hall so we could say "Hello" to each other while I stayed outside in line with current regulations.

The dentist was, as usual, very organised. Unfortunately I need two fillings replacing so will have to go back mid May to get those done.

I called into the garden centre on the way home to get some straw for the strawberries and two tomato gro-sacks. The straw was no problem (there's a pet store there) but the had no gro-sacks which was a disappointing surprise. I've ordered some from Homebase instead so will collect them when Homebase let me know they're ready.

Jonathon managed his 3k steps and an hour's exercise today. He's now shattered!

old tree

flowers

I went for a lovely, sunny walk in the afternoon. My plan was to take Caroline and Netta on this route next week (or it was until Netta told me she's working next week now so she won't be able to join us).

Nigel phoned when I got home to discuss laptops, desks, phones etc. ready for my return to work. Nothing yet from Pete or Chris re start dates or which days of the week I'll be working so no doubt they are liaising with HR to find out what's possible. I'm sure I'll hear more from them next week.

view

17 April

It was clear, sunny and frosty - lovely for a walk so I did most of my daily steps before Fay's class. Having done the class for over an hour, Jonathon and I did his physio so I was well exercised this morning.

Shreena and Amelie came round in the afternoon. I'd got a list of jobs for us (Amelie and me) to do and she checked it diligently every time we'd finished a task. Our tasks started with fish feeding and filling the bird feeders.

feeding

list reading

Our "extra" jobs were cleaning the bird baths, strawing up the strawberries and watering the pots. Amelie did very well and told me she'd be free every weekend, even though she was back at school from Monday!

In the evening, our distraction was trying to catch a mouse that Oli had brought in. It got itself behind the fire in the kitchen but we eventually got it out and released it in the garden, much to Oli's disgust.

cleaning
strawberries
watering

18 April

Usual start to Sunday with bodypump, a couple of loads of washing and then a quick trip to Tesco before c.30 minutes of physio with Jonathon by which time it was time to get dinner ready. A beautiful day so we ate outside in the spring sunshine.

Having strawed up the strawberries yesterday,I managed to get the frames and nets on today. They are not as straight as when Jonathon does them with me but I did them on my own so they'll have to do. Hopefully the strawberries won't mind!

Had a Skype with Mum and Dad - Dad was getting ready for a trip to the Xray department to see if they can work out what's going on with his knee.

Finally got my walk done in the late afternoon - still 15C so a lovely temperature. Jonathon managed 4k steps today so a good achievement.

Did some more spreadsheet input with Christine in the evening.

strawberries

19 April

A busy day! Started with the gym then Gilda came over for brunch (the Orpington) and a walk (Goddington Park). Did first batch of Jonathon's physio exercises - 40 minutes.

Had my hair cut in the afternoon, collected my new glasses then had a lovely hour doing my puzzles and drinking green tea.

20 minutes of physio to finish Jonathon's hour but he now appears to be slurring his words so he's dropped a note to both Dr. Saldanha and his physio, Elissa Benson, to ask if they have any ideas what's causing it, what can be done and whether he needs to see them face to face.

me
tea time

20 April

Body pump to start the day following a walk with Caroline. She didn't stop talking for the almost two hours of the walk but I didn't learn much! We went to Goddington Park and Lilly's Wood and it was lovely to see lots of wild flowers.

Carol and I played tennis in the afternoon. We had to play outside because of the Covid restrictions but it was a lovely, sunny afternoon so it was real fun. My knees aren't too happy now but I'm sure they'll be fine by tomorrow.

Christine phoned and we added the last village to the spreadsheet. Only Stamford Bridge to do now and Christine is going to have a go herself and only ask for my help and as when she needs it.

Jonathon heard back from Dr. Saldanha - we have to monitor his speech for a week or two. If the slurring gets worse we will need to make an appointment for Jonathon to see him. He's got a physio appointment for next week so he will be able to discuss with Elissa then.

Pauline phoned for a short chat - sounds like they had a lovely time at the Yorkshire Wildlife Park.

bluebells

21 April

I started the day with a swim and was pleased to find it felt easier than last week - 16 lengths today compared to only 12 last time. My left knee coped well with the swimming but doesn't like going up and down stairs so I think I was a bit ambitious in my expectation that it would be better today.

Mark came over and we went for a woody walk followed by lunch at the GPO (the restaurant in the former Post Office building). The food and service were really good but it was soooo cold! We didn't hang around but came home to get warm, passing Jonathon's favourite local tree that is now coming into blossom. I suspect Mark had the car heater on full blast, including the seat heaters!

Teresa came. I had the usual Skype with Mum and Dad - no news other than Alan (Watson) has had a hip operation and seems to have been sent home a little bit too early. Hope he's OK. I planted my tomato plants (with assistance from Oli). All they have to do now is grow and produce fruit.

Delighted that the email I sent to to The Times yesterday was actually used in the Diary section today. I've not had my name in print in The Times before so a nice surprise.

Did Fay's class, allowing for poorly knees! Still felt exhausted by the end of it. Jonathon did his physio exercises on his own today (practising for when I'm back at work). Niamh messaged in the afternoon so obviously news is getting around my colleagues that I'm on my way back - nothing is kept secret any more. Still haven't received anything from Germany confirming terms and conditions, start date etc. Hope it comes before I'm due to start!

blossom
Oli

The Times

22 April

The plan for this morning was gym (tick), ironing (tick), Pop Master and enjoy a pot of tea before heading off for Simon and Linda's. Unfortunately the tea and Pop Master had to be put on hold while we galloped around the house trying to catch a mouse that, presumably, Oli had brought in. He seems to be pretty good at mouse hunting but I really wish he'd leave them outside.

We finally caught and released the mouse then headed down the A21. Simon and Linda had prepared a lovely picnic for us all to eat in their beautiful garden with horses in the field behind us (Linda does carriage driving) and the dogs, Rooster and Maple) keeping us company. It was great to see them and catch up.

By the time we got back home, via the garden centre for more compost, the afternoon was over.

JC and dogs
Linda and Rooster

23 April

I had two walks in my diary for today so I didn't go to the gym / swimming. Jo joined me for the morning walk as planned and we walked around Crofton Woods. It was just about dry - still a couple of damp areas but easy to walk round. People with dogs seemed to be very friendly today and we had a nice chat with two other women and a couple of men whilst stroking their friendly dogs. A really nice walk.

Netta had to work. She was very apologetic but that meant she couldn't join me for the planned afternoon walk. I enjoyed sitting in the sunshine in our back garden and doing lots of puzzles then decided to get my used plant pots sorted, washed and put away. Jonathon helped with sorting them into sizes as I washed them. As I walked up and down the garden I admired our largest acer as it's just coming into leaf and looks lovely.

Jonathon's going downhill again at the moment (voice is more slurred, walking more difficult and feet starting to feel like they did before) so he contacted Dr. Saldhana and has an appointment for next Wednesday morning. It's so much better being able to contact the doctor directly - takes a lot of stress out of a tricky situation.

acer

24 April

For a mouse reason, I didn't get to do a walk before gym class this morning. The mouse was caught and put back outside but it didn't look well. Thanks Oli!

While I was doing my gym class, Jonathon had a TV aerial man visit and work out why we couldn't get certain channels. It seems the aerial is fine but we need a new Humax so that's now ordered and Jonathon will sort it out when it arrives.

Mike came round after dinner to help us put the umbrella up for the summer. He did a great job - so much easier with three of us.

Managed to get my broad beans and carrots planted then, finally, had a walk.

umbrella
seeds

25 April

Took some garden photos then did bodypump before going to Tesco for my paper and a few bits. Did some physio exercises with Jonathon before dinner and another session between dinner and Skype. The puff pastry I'd got from Tesco was worse than useless - it didn't puff and it was pretty tasteless. I'd made the spare bits into jam puffs and obviously put too much jam in because they leaked all over the oven so I had that to clean as well.

Went for my daily walk after Skype then had a chat with Christine before final lot of Jonathon exercises.

Final treat of the day was episode 6 of 7 of Line of Duty!

garden
garden

garden

garden

26 April

The gym was fun this morning because some of my friends have rejoined so I had somebody to chat to. I managed 15km cycle in just over 40 minutes and my longest ever low plank at just over a minute.

Gilda came and we went for a walk before joining Jonathon at Orpington GPO for lunch. Thankfully the sun came out and warmed the air before we sat down.

I had volunteered to do an hour's swan watch in the park to help keep our swans safe after last year's attack.

I phoned Pete at work to find out what was happening. HR are very busy but Pete will chase them because he wants me there next week.

cycle
swan

27 April

Body pump then a walk with Mark before joining Jonathon at A Mano for lunch - very tasty and a great idea that they had screens up alongside the restaurant to divide it from the passersby on the footpath.

Josef phoned from work and has sent my contract amendment. There are a couple of things that need to be addressed but I think we're almost there on terms so I should be starting back on Tuesday.

Played tennis with Carol in the afternoon. My knees coped much better this time, perhaps because Carol was a bit tired so she wasn't making me work as hard.

Got the grass cut because it's supposed to rain tomorrow and I don't want to cut it during May. I think I might have scalped it a bit too much but I dare say it will grow once it has some moisture.

Jonathon pretty wobbly today but his speech seems to be a bit better. Good job we're going to see Dr. Saldanha tomorrow to see if he can help.

garden

28 April

It was supposed to rain today but, after a lovely sunrise, it was dull, grey and horrible with a few drops and nothing else. Clearly my rain dance didn't work!

Went to the gym and used the treadmill for the first time since it reopened. Had to got early so I could get home in time to take Jonathon to see Dr. Saldanha. Dr. S. has advised Jonathon to take it steady, pace himself etc. but carry on with his physio and short walks. He is also ordering a brain and neck MRI scan as a precaution because of J's trouble in speaking.

Popped into M&S on the way home to get some meals for one so Jonathon won't starve when I go back to work. Teresa came and did her usual stuff. From next week, she'll be coming on a Tuesday as she has a new part-time secretarial job.

Not sure what Skype was doing today but I had to start from scratch with my hotmail address rather than my old profile. What a pain! Still managed to have a chat with Mum and Dad, even though Dad seems to be even more deaf than usual.

Jonathon did 20 minutes exercise but he was really tired following his doctor visit. Fay sent me a video of her class from last night so I did that then collapsed in a heap for the rest of the day.

sunrise

29 April

Started today with a swim (managed my full 20 lengths so very happy. After breakfast, I went up to Goddington Park to meet the gym gang and go for a walk with a few of them. They hadn't finished their class when I got there so I ended up doing the rest of the exercises with them then going for a walk with Luis. It was lovely to see them all.

Contract is now signed for work and I start next Wednesday. should have been Tuesday but they don't have a desk for me on that day! To make up the time I'll be working on Friday (can't do Thursday because it's Mark's birthday and we're out for a walk and lunch).

Jonathon heard from Dr. Saldanha and Sevenoaks Medical Centre. The next MRI scan can only be on a Wednesday so looks like the 12th (we thought not next week with it being my first day back at work and I'll need to chauffeur). He seems a bit better today

Spent a bit of time in the garden, mainly watering because we've still had no rain. I've never known such a dry April. The bluebells don't seem to mind as they are looking lovely.

bluebells
work letter

30 April

I popped to the gym and got two loads of washing done before we went to the Orpington for brunch. It was pretty chilly but Scott provides blankets and even offered us hot water bottles (we declined).

Jonathon had a call from Sevenoaks Medical Centre to confirm 12 May as the date for his brain scan. He had a physio appointment early afternoon so off we went. I enjoyed a lovely walk around Knole Park while he was put through his paces. I was really pleased to see the wild deer herd (or at least some of them). The physio told Jonathon to carry on doing what he's been doing to strengthen his legs, arms and core and arrange the next appointment when he's got back to where he was before his setback last week. She tired Jonathon out so he did not much for the rest of the day other than watch David Copperfield (film).

Knole Park

I had a two calls from work (Chris - new boss and Nigel - former boss) to let me know what's what for next week. It seems what I was told I would be doing has changed again. Dare say it will change again when I get there. Chris didn't even seem to know where I was going to sit but will have a desk for me by Wednesday. I told Chris about the MRI scan so that'll be the first two weeks that I'm not working my "standard" days.

I got another letter from work today telling me I would be paid a bonus in May - I won't know what to do with all my money (salary and bonus). I dare say we'll find something to spend it on!

deer
Knole Park
deer
Knole Park

1 May

Popped to Sainsbury's to get my paper only to find they didn't have it so went to Tesco - bit of a trek for a paper! Did Fay's class then the first batch of Jonathon's exercises before dinner.

Went for a walk to Jubilee Country Park with Caroline. It was very cloudy and I had my boots and anorak on whereas she was wearing flip flops and a t-shirt. Thankfully she had a cardigan with her for when it got a bit cooler and we got home before the rain. The rain, unfortunately, only lasted a few minutes. Perhaps now the weather has remembered how to rain we will get some more.

No second batch of exercise for Jonathon because he used his pedal machine instead.

clouds
rain

2 May

Bodypump then Tesco for paper before dinner. Jonathon did exercises on his own - I'd done a few lists for him to follow - and he got on fine.

Had a walk after dinner and was surprised to come across a football match in Poverest Park. Seemed to be quite official with linesmen, referee and proper kit. We had a bit of drizzle while I was walking around but we still need rain!

The highlight of the day was a family Zoom with quiz. Mum and Dad won the quiz with 25 points; we came third. The family Zoom is a good excuse to have cake.

Did a bit of gardening after the quiz as the weather picked up and was really pleased to see the first flower on the tree paeony. It seems to be surviving the cold mornings pretty well.

Had a chat with Christine. Seems she's struggling to finish the spreadsheet so we'll tackle that this week before I go back to work so we can get it done.

football

cake

paeony

3 May

Judy was at the gym so had a chat with her while we pedalled then I timed her planks as she didn't have a stopwatch with her! Had a lazy rest of the morning - no Gilda visit today because she's coming on Thursday for lunch instead.

Went to Priory Gardens in the afternoon (spotted the driving teacher's car that made me smile on the way) and did my hour's swan watch duty. It was pretty quiet and I was pleased to see that Tom from Ward Security was there in case there was any trouble. Bee, another of the PG group popped by, so had a chat with her and we were also joined by Theresa so the time went pretty quickly.

Did some more inputting for Christine and had a chat with Mark who is already concerned that it might be cold on Thursday. We've left it that we'll decide what to do on the day.

We have some proper rain but it's also very windy so hope not too much damage will be done!

car sign
swan

4 May

Today was my last day of "freedom". Liba sent me a text to tell me that my return to pbb was formally announced at their team meeting today so no going back now!

Bodypump started at 6 a.m. which seemed really early but means I'll still be able to join in when I'm back at work. Had a quiet morning between a trip to Sainsbury's (admiring our clematis in the front garden) and walking down to Orpington GPO for brunch / lunch then, because the weather had improved, I went off for a walk to Crofton Woods. I had two objectives: 1. to find the BMX trail and let Judy know where it is; and 2. find some bluebell areas in the wood. Pleased to report I was successful in both missions.

Jonathon had a chat to Alison - Mark's finger sounds like it's getting better (he chopped the end off in some kind of agricultural accident, details unknown).

Did a bit more inputting for Christine - we're all input now so hopefully that project is complete. The next task she has is to put a photo book together of her Mum and Dad's lives / history so no doubt I'll get roped in for that as well - should be interesting.

clematis
spring green
bluebell wood

5 May

So ... back to work I went. The train was lovely and quiet as was London Bridge so it was an easy commute. The same can't be said about the home journey, of which more below.

There were 5 of us in the office so we didn't get in each other's way at all. As expected, there's a one way system both in and out of the building and around our floor. Makes going to the loo a long journey.

train
London Bridge

view

view

Despite having had an email on Monday telling me all my systems were switched back on - they weren't. No access to anything to start with. Emails mid morning, one other system after dinner but nothing else. Not even a phone. Hope everything is sorted out by Friday.

I've been provided with a new iPhone SE. Not sure if we need to get the existing one linked up first before we switch over. Will speak with IT on Friday.

Thames

The Thames looked very moody on my way in but the sky had brightened by dinner time so I went for a prowl round (Tower Bridge, South Bank, St. Paul's). I was surprised to find I'd done my steps by the time I got back.

The journey home - it was raining and it didn't help that I got on the wrong train. I was wondering why it hadn't set off on time then realised I was on Platform 3 not 2. Ended up getting a train to London Bridge and changing there - not ideal as far too busy but confirms I need to catch a train from Cannon Street to go home if possible.

St Paul's

6 May

The weather didn't really know what to do today and we had some rain but nowhere near as much as yesterday. Thankfully it didn't rain while Mark and Gilda were here so we could sit outside before going to A Mano to have a birthday lunch with Mark.

The drive was chaos! At one point there were four vehicles on it - Jonathon's, Gilda's, Mark's and the window cleaner's. Of course, room had to be left for Will, the window cleaner, to get round to the back so a bit of shuffling until everyone was in the right place and we left him to it while we went to the restaurant.

The portions were pretty big so a good job I'd done 20 lengths of the pool this morning. Managed to get out for a walk this afternoon (and not get wet) so a successful day all in all.

wet patio

7 May

Early gym so I could get it done before work. Today was a test for timing and worked really well. I think I could even squeeze a few more minutes in the gym and still catch my train.

There were only 3 of us in the office today (5 maximum allowed). Apparently my colleagues don't want to be there on Friday but, as Bianca said, the trains are quieter so that's why she chooses to go into the office on Fridays.

cat and fiddle
statue

bikes

Went for a nice stroll around The City at lunchtime while my computer took its time uploading a whole lot of updates. A problem came to light first thing when I couldn't open a Word doc that one of my colleagues sent me. All sorted now and I can even access a few more systems than I could on Wednesday. Real progress and I even managed to do some work!

Jonathon's voice was very slurred when I got home. I've suggested that he should make sure he speaks to somebody on the days that I'm at work to keep using his voice. Gilda's due to come for a cuppa on Mondays with him so he's got to find a friend for two days a week!

flowers
childrens hospital
building
camels

8 May

The forecast rain arrived in force - our water butts are full up now. The clematis seems to like to rain - it's getting better and better.

Did Fay's class on Zoom and a bit of shopping in Tesco before making chilli for dinner.

clematis

Went for a walk after dinner - Covet Wood / Poverest Park, River Cray and Priory Gardens. Lovely to see quite a few baby birds around.

Popped into the Orpington for ice cream and was delighted to find out that Christine had arranged for Scott to issue us with a gift voucher as a thank you for all the inputting. We'll definitely have to book now!

poverest
river cray
ducklings

9 May

A busy morning! Body pump followed by church (Music Group were allowed to sing up on the rostrum and the church was fuly booked) and then shopping.

A lovely spring day so we had dinner outside but a few spots of rain stopped us from having our post-lunch cup of tea outside.

Managed to get my potato sacks out of the shed and into the veg patch and repotted the courgettes and French beans.

Had Skype with Mum and Dad. Both under the doctor for various ailments but doesn't sound too serious.

Went for a walk through Crofton Woods - looked lovely in the spring sunshine.

Had a chat with Christine - no real news!

pots
potatoes
crofton

10 May

Lots of people to talk to at the gym this morning - Luis, Judy, Nick and Lisa - if only I hadn't had to leave early to go to work! Good to see them, even if briefly.

Monday seems to be quite a popular day for our office so I wasn't sure how busy the trains would be so it was a comfort to find mine was nice and empty with plenty of space.

Gilda came to see Jonathon and they had a nice chat. Alison Facetime'd him and David phoned him so I think he's had quite a bit of practice at talking today!

elephant

rabbit

Had a stroll up to Spitalfields at lunchtime today. Lots of elephants were there, courtesy of the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. Each of the elephants has a plaque with their name and details of their adoption by the Trust (they look after orphaned elephants). It was lovely to see them - all different.

There was plenty of other sculpture around. Probably the wackiest one that I saw was the hare and dog in motorbike and sidecar!

Pleased to see that our early roses have come into flower now they've had a drop of rain and the weather's warmed up.

roses

11 May

Work again today and by the end of the day I had no working business phone at all! Carmen and I are both in the office on Thursday so I'm hoping she can help me at least get a desk phone working.

First job was early body pump - seemed very early but I was full of energy by the time I went to work so it must be doing me some good.

My lunchtime walk was to St. Katherine Docks, taking in various landmarks along the way - The Tower of London (complete with lions), Tower Bridge, City Hall and the Shard and the City with my office building at the front.

Jonathon got a call from the hospital questioning whether he could have his MRI scan tomorrow without further blood tests but they convinced themselves he should be OK in the end so we are back on track.

Teresa wasn't well so didn't come to do the cleaning - another job for me to do tomorrow!

tower

tower bridge

city hall and shard
the City

12 May

Up early to get Jonathon to Sevenoaks for his MRI scan. It seems to have knocked him for six today. Having been relatively stable this morning, after the scan he was very wobbly. Hopefully he'll be better after a good night's sleep.

I decided to go to our favourite patisserie for cake while Jonathon was in the machine and also to visit Knole Park.

patisserie

view

Breakfast view

fox
hedgehog

I took a few minutes to sit and enjoy the view while I had some breakfast.

There were some lovely carvings to be admired and I was delighted to find the deer, even if they did still seem to be having a lie in. They weren't close to the entrance I used today because workmen were putting in some kind of metal pathway and making a din.

deer

Back home and I had to do some shopping and catch up with some cleaning with Teresa missing yesterday. I also managed to squeeze in a couple of loads of washing and a tiny bit of gardening.

Christine sent over the story of her mum and dad - all hand written. Jonathon typed it up and then I tidied up her grammar, format etc. The idea is to create a photo book but I think there's quite a lot to do before we get to that stage. While typing, Jonathon realised that he couldn't feel the end of his fingers so that's another problem to add to the list for his next visit to Dr. Saldanha.

starlings

13 May

Our front roses are bloming and they smell as lovely as they look.

I got wet on the way to work and, amazingly, I had quite a busy morning. I now have a headset to use for phone calls but still no work iPhone. Small steps of progress.

I didn't have time for a walk at dinner time so got off the train one stop early (Petts Wood) and walked home from there. On the way I saw my first poppy of the year.

roses
poppy

14 May

Managed an extra couple of lengths swimming today but think I have now reached my limit for the time slot. I'll still try and get another one or two in but the slots are only 45 minutes and, at the moment, I take about 2 minutes for each 33m length.

Went for a walk with Jo - Crofton Woods and through to Newstead/Darrick Woods and Tubbenden Meadows. Lovely to see the bees enjoying the ceanothus on the way and to see the lovely spring green of the new growth on the trees etc.

Had to do to the dentist in the afternoon for two fillings. Queued for most of the way home - goodness knows where everyone was going. Popped into Sainsbury's to get the heavy / bulky stuff on the way home.

Watched a stream by Madness in the evening.

bee

15 May

Today was wet! There were some sunny / dry moments but it was pretty damp (and so was I when I went for my walk this afternoon).

Oli came to join me about 5.30 a.m. and, once I'd finished my book (really enjoyed it), we had a lie in - until 7.30 a.m. Oli spent the afternoon asleep on Jonathon's quilt - he likes washing day.

Did Fay's class in the morning, having been to get my paper and some bits and bobs. I think I might have overdone it a bit because my lower back is a bit sore. Hopefully I'll be better tomorrow.

Had my hair cut after dinner then went for my wet walk.

book
wet leaves
Oli

16 May

Body pump, church, paper shop, dinner - rest! Usual Sunday. The flowers looked lovely at church and, as a singer, I get to sit close to them as we don't sit in the pews so there are more spaces available for members of the congregation who want to attend. Numbers are limited to 50 (church really seats about 200 but Covid regulations mean limits have to be in place to allow for social distancing).

Had the usual Skype call with Mum and Dad then went to the gym to walk for an hour on the treadmill because I didn't want to get wet from the rain again.

Had a long chat with Christine. She's sent some more words to be added to her life story and now needs to sort out the photos so Jonathon will send her instructions on how to get the jpegs to me (there will be a lot!)

church
flowers

That's the end for this page because we enter another phase of lockdown tomorrow.

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