30 October

After rain last night the sunrise was very welcome.

Started the day with gym and Sainsbury's then came home to meet with Tim Webb, a member of our resident's group, who is monitoring air quality in our area and was looking for volunteers to "host" a monitor kit. I didn't really want more cables etc. in the house but Jonathon and Tim found a suitable downpipe and socket close enough to each other outside that still provided internet access using our guest WiFi.

Called Gilda and we booked tickets for the new show "Saturday Night Fever" for February. 11 people have said they'd like to come along so we needed both our memberships to get the full discount.

Had a family Zoom quiz in the afternoon to finish the birthday celebrations off for Mum and Dad. The scoring was pretty close but pleased to say we won.

We were due to go to Cadogan Hall this evening to an Al Stewart concert. When I checked on the website to check start time, backing band etc. I was surprised to see it had been resscheduled to October 2022. Thank goodness I checked before we set off.

The sunset was pretty but we are on yet another weather warning this evening so fingers crossed it's not too bad.

31 October

What a horribly wet morning. No gym for me - thankfully I'd not booked anything so I didn't feel obliged to go. I went to church and joined in with the singing for the first time in a while. My coughing wasn't too bad but I had to go out during hte service to get some water. We don't need to wear masks in church now (you can if you want to but not obligatory). The congregation have to wear masks for singing but, as we are separate from the rest of them, the music group don't need to.

The quilt for Remembrance Day is back up - it's one of my favourite quilts so was pleased to sit near it for the service.

Met with Caroline and Pebby and went for an autumn walk after dinner. It was very wet and muddy in parts (despite trying to stay on relatively hard standing) but Pebby coped pretty well for such a tiny dog.

No Skype today because we did the Zoom yesterday and Mum wanted a day off. Had my usual chat with Christine and, as usual, we didn't discuss anything of any importance!

1 November

Gym first this morning. Despite the clocks going back at the weekend it was still dark when I got up and went out but at least it was light(ish) when I came home. It has turned very cold! It felt even colder when I came home from work but Jonathon had made sure the house was warm so it was very cosy.

Work was work like. I sent comments back on my extension contract and brought Chris (boss) up to date because nobody appears to be telling him what's happening. Today I worked on Finnish and Swedish accounts. I'm starting to recognise some of the words but I wouldn't dare try to pronounce any of them.

Jonathon had a busy day. He went to Bromley because the Yorkshire Building Society needed his ID documents even though we have several joint accounts already. He also took Shaun to the garage to sort out the ABS light that seems to be permanently on. Apparently that was just some dirt blocking a sensor so no charge as nothing much needed to be done.

2 November

Fay's set us a new challenge for this month so I did that and popped to Tesco (no gym today).

Signed my extension contract at work so I've now agreed to stay to the end of September, taking March as holiday and moving down to 2 days a week after that.

Jonathon prowled along the High Street but, otherwise, had a much quieter day today.

3 November

Went back to body pump today for the first time in a while. Kept the weights low but my head still didn't know where it was when the class finished. Clearly I've not completely recovered from my cold / flu jab reaction.

Wandered around a bit before work and was delighted to see The Queen's Barge in St. Katharine's Dock - what a lovely surprise.

Jonathon went off to the Isle of Grain to collect yet more CDs but didn't do anything else exciting.

4 November

Oli decided I wasn't going to have much of a lie in but at least I got some extra time to sleep compared to a work day!

Shopping, collecting a parcel from the post office and a few other chores filled the morning until Mark arrived for a walk and dinner.

We went along the River Cray and to check on progress re the earlier mud slide - you can hardly see anything left of it now.

Jonathon met us at Aksular for dinner (very nice).

Teresa came today instead of Tuesday because she wasn't well on Tuesday.

Jess at the YMCA shop had asked for some knitted poppies. Apparently she needs them for her new window display on Monday so I've started knitting for her. I knitted a couple of small ones and tried a larger one as well but I wasn't keen - she seemed quite happy with it but has agreed that the smaller ones are better for what she needs. The three on the left are from this evening.

5 November

Had a quick trip to the gym and Sainsbury's before meeting Jo for a lovely, sunny walk round Sydenham and Dulwich Woods, Horniman Gardens (great cafe) and Dulwich Park. It was really good to go somewhere different for a change. Dulwich Park looked almost manicured - it's quite a posh area and it looked it!

Jonathon went for his flu jab then treated himself to a coffee at The Orpington while I was out. He also dropped the knitted poppies round to Jess who seemed quite pleased with them. Mark had his Covid booster jab.

Yesterday I cooked a chilli con carne for today's dinner because I wasn't sure how late Jo and I would be getting back. We got home mid-afternoon and it was lovely to be able to eat something warm within a few minutes of getting home.

6 November

Jonathon seems to have got a bit of a reaction to his flu jab but he isn't too bad. He managed to walk to town and deliver various bits and pieces as needed then did the ironing while I worked in the garden.

First for me this morning was the gym then I managed to get the hostas cut back and a few of the leaves swept up and put into bags before dinner.

I gardened under close cat supervision this afternoon. My main job was raking up leaves from the patio and the path. I managed a bit of general tidying up as well but the grapevine had to wait.

The acers look lovely at the moment and the holly has loads of berries on - they show up well against the white of the pampas grass fronds.

Went for a short walk around the local streets to get my steps done then settled down to read the paper, finish the crosswords and puzzles and knit yet more poppies!

7 November

Gym and Body Pump to start today - feeling like I'm getting back to normal at last. Jonathon had a good sleep so feels OK again today - sleep and Lemsip is a good combination!

Wandered over to Tesco before getting clean and dressed up to go to Chapter One for lunch - delicious as always and the service was excellent - back to their usual standards. Jonathon couldn't eat his cheese and biscuits so brought them home for later.

Dad had a fall last night so had spent some time in A&E while they dealt with a head cut. Mum phoned when she woke up and we still managed to have a Skype call. It was good to see them both not looking as bad as I'd feared.

Got a load more leaves swept up and in bags. They seem to be never ending but it's always the same at this time of year and I'd prefer to have the trees and the inconvenience of leaves for a few weeks each year than no trees.

Had a chat with Christine. Gordon's had his Covid booster jab and the Knaresborough Museum has taken a whole load of stuff from her Mum and Gordon's Dad so she's really pleased that she's found a good home for everything.

Knit a few more poppies!

8 November

Gym and work for me. I liked the way the light was catching this sculpture when I walked past this morning.

Gilda came and she and Jonathon tried the Bo Peep in a nearby village. They said it was OK but I don't think they'll go again.

Jonathon delivered yesterday's poppies to Jess. She and her Mum are wearing them in the shop and have had a lot of enquiries about them. They are selling for £2.50 each.

Knit more poppies, including a special purple one for Christine.

9 November

No gym today because I had a batch of Knoll Residents' Association newsletters to deliver - they arrived here last night and we were asked to make sure the recipients had them before the AGM on the 16th. I did it faster than expected so had a wander around as well to get plenty of steps done before work.

Saw Mark at lunchtime - Slug and Lettuce at St. Katharine's Dock today. My fish and chips were lovely but Mark's chicken looked less than average!

Jonathon did his usual trip to the High Street to keep out of Teresa's way while she did the cleaning. He popped back to town after dark to take a few photos of the window display at the YMCA. Apparently my poppies are selling OK.

Met Nicola for lunch. Haz has a "new" menu - not so much a new menu as the old menu with new prices - seemed quite expensive so we're going to have to find somewhere else to go for our two weekly lunches otherwise we'll be bankrupt!

Jonathon had his cheese and biscuits from Sunday for his dinner - he said they were really tasty. The cheese has been stinking the fridge out so I'm pleased he's got it eaten up!

11 November

A big surprise this morning because Jonathon was up before me! We took full advantage of his early rising and did two tip runs (the excitement!). The back yard looks a lot tidier now and the acer is looking spectacular. Where the silver birch tree used to be (before it had to be cut down) we have a lovely batch of honey fungus. That's what had killed the tree so it's not really surprising - just hope it doesn't do too much damage.

To reward ourselves, we went to The Orpington for breakfast (seems ages since I was last there) then ran a few errands, including walking to M&S to get some meals for one for Jonathon for when I'm at work. It was good to see the egret back on the River Cray.

Jonathon went to collect his prescription from Boots. Like everyone else, Boots are having trouble getting supplies in and staff to work in the shop. They are really behind with the prescriptions so he had to go back in the afternoon (it was the end of October when he put the request in). At least he came home with his tablets which is good because he'll need to take some of them to Knaresborough next week.

I went to get my hair cut - keeping it longer for winter so I didn't have much cut off this time.

Clearly Jonathon's early morning had tired him out because he went for a nap early evening!

12 November

No gym today because I had to go to the dentist for a check up and had a 9 a.m. appointment so an early train to Beckenham and then tram to Arena. I need two fillings so have another appointment for early December.

Jo came to Arena to meet me there to start our walk. We went to South Norwood Country Park then South Norwood Lake and Gardens. The swans were lovely, even in the rain!

3 November

Group walk today and there were seven of us for most of the time and eight when Caroline joined us in Dulwich Park.

Went to the gym first to get some "proper" exercise done then off we went to Sydenham Hill to start the walk through woodland, streets, Horniman gardens and finally Dulwich. We had a very tasty lunch at Horniman's (veggie galette for me). The woodlands looked lovely in their autumn splendour and Dulwich always looks beautiful and groomed. It was noticably busier than last time Jo and I walked the route - probably something to do with it being a weekend day rather than a Friday.

Jonathon got on with lots of jobs at home and started getting his stuff together to take to Yorkshire on Monday - it's a good job he's got a big car!

14 September

Body pump to start today. Didn't manage to get to the gym beforehand because we were late home last night and I needed some sleep.

It's Remembrance Sunday today so I got dressed up for church as it's usually a really busy service. The church wasn't as full as it has been in earlier years but, having seen photos, it seems that most of Orpington were at the War Memorial service / commemoration. When I went for a walk after church, there was another well attended service and parade in Canadian Corner.

With the weather being so mild, albeit quite damp today, nature is getting confused so I saw both catkins and roses when I went for my walk - very strange to see roses in full bloom in November.

Had a Skype call with Mum and Dad. Dad is very lame today. They are both having cortisone injections tomorrow - Mum in her thumb and Dad double dose in his knee so hope that helps.

Did the packing for our trip north tomorrow. We seem to have an awful lot of stuff to take up - hope it will all fit in the car!

15 November

We're finally in Yorkshire after more than a year.

We stopped at OK Diner on the way up for dinner and to fill up the car. It was easy to see we were outside London by the magazines on offer.

Jonathon managed to drive the whole way - it was almost like being back to normal.

Popped in to see Mum and Dad and drop their new computer off (along with other stuff) - it was lovely to see them in real life instead of on a screen.

Having had a cuppa with them, we made our way to the Dower House where we'll be staying until Friday.

16 November

Busy day today!

Started in the hotel gym (very good equipment - far newer than the gym I usually go to) then had a very tasty breakfast in the hotel restaurant. Jonathon went to Knaresborough Tyres to have the two tyres he'd reserved fitted only to find that the tyres had been sent back to the suppliers. They were supposed to be brought back this afternoon but only one came so we'll try again tomorrow!

I took the long way round by the River Nidd to get to Mum and Dad's and met Jonathon there for drinkings then started working my way through their finances. It was like being at work, sorting out financial documents and spreadsheets. Unfortunately the lockdowns have taken their toll on both Mum and Dad - they are a lot slower then before the pandemic, especially Dad. Mum was struggling to get to grips with Dad's financial filing system (I'm not surprised). Hopefully, it's in better shape now but there's still one thing I need to sort out with the Building Society so I'll call them tomorrow.

While I was doing that, Jonathon was installing the Apple iMac that we bought them for last Christmas and haven't been able to install until now. It all went smoothly other than no Solitaire game but they'll have to live without that unfortunately. Jonathon also managed a quick trip round the charity shops in Knaresborough and found some plastic folders that I needed for the new filing system.

We stayed for tea at Mum and Dad's then back to the hotel to have a rest.

17 November

Another busy day of visiting. Gym first to set me up for the day then first stop Knaresborough Tyres to get two new tyres for Jonathon's car. Finally done so we can tick that off the list for this week.

Next stop was to see Angela. John and Jessica were at work and Grace at school so there was only Angela and the two dogs at home. We'd not met Buddy, Jessica's labrador, before. He was completely manic. He's only a year old and not at all used to people in the house as they've had hardly any visitors through lockdown. He was completely over-excited. Goodness knows how Angela copes!

Third stop was to see Christine and Gordon and deliver a whole load of stuff that had accumulated over the year since I was last up north. In exchange, Christine had been having a clear out so we have a box of stuff to take home - either for us or the charity shop / raffle prizes.

We went to the pub in Low Catton (I walked round to admire the pretty scenery and finish my daily steps while Jonathon drove the other two round. Pleased to report it was up to its usual good standard. It's only the second time C&G have been out (other than essential shopping and funerals) since lockdown. They'd arranged with the pub owner to seat us somewhere away from everyone else and it worked really well.

That was it for me for the day but Jonathon had bought a Serious Reader lamp online and had to collect it from Harrogate so off he went for that while I stayed in the warm.

18 November

Gym first then, after breakfast, I had a lovely walk round Conyngham Hall Grounds and alongside the river (via the market place for my paper). It was quite mild but very blowy so I don't think the leaves will survive on the trees much longer.

The main activity for today was a family dinner at The Tiger Inn in Coneythorpe. Unfortunately Gareth had a bad cold so couldn't join us but the seven of us who were there had a lovely time. The Tiger had a fire last year so it was good to see it open again as it's where we usually go for family outings.

Carole, Jonathon and I went back to Mum and Dad's after dinner. Jonathon gave Carole a quick lesson on the new computer while I paid a few bills and sorted out what I could for the building society.

Once back at the hotel, I booked train tickets and hotel to come north again in January (just a couple of nights) so it won't be quite as long to wait to see everyone again.

19 November

As I was going to spending most of today in the car, driving back to Orpington, I did a good session on the treadmill before walking to the market place to get some cheese as a thank you to our Oli feeders. I also checked out the best route to / from the station which turns out to be through St. John's grounds.

The journey wasn't too bad - Jonathon drove the northern half and I did the southern half. he kept me amused / awake by asking me loads of general knowledge questions.

Carole and Pauline bought us a hedgehog house for Christmas and gave me permission to open it when we got home rather than wait because now is a good time for hogs to need a new house.

I popped to Sainsbury's to get some food and was surprised to see the Christmas lights were on in the High Street - they look very pretty.

Zoe (the Covid app) provided an update on current Covid symptoms. To me, they just look like the symptoms of a normal cold so no doubt there will be a lot of people being asked to take PCR tests over the next few months.

20 November

No gym today - too much to catch up on from being away. First stop Tesco to get the bits of shopping I couldn't get at Sainsbury's yesterday.

Jonathon had an appointment at the Apple shop in Bromley to get a new battery for his iPhone. His phone didn't need a new battery - just a tweak or two to his settings. However, while there, he ordered a new laptop which will be delivered in January so it was a pretty expensive visit!

While he was in the shop, I went for a walk round the park in Bromley to admire the autumn colours.

We were supposed to go to Studio Gusto for lunch but they decided not to open as per the advertised times so we ended up going to their deli outlet instead. We didn't even know it existed but it was very nice.

We brought a load of stuff back from Christine for charity so we delivered that to Jess, along with Mum's old monitor and speakers and a few books. I detoured via the shops on the way back and found a lovely new quilt cover for Jonathon. I've been half looking for a while and haven't been able to find one so I was pleased when I came across this one.

Jonathon then went off to collect another big batch of CDs while I caught up on ironing, cooking beetroot that I brought home from Mum's and washing. All done and we're up to date again.

Did a bit more work on Mum and Dad's finances - think I've at last got to a start point.

21 November

Back to normal today so gym, body pump and church followed by a quick trip to get my paper. The sunrise was pretty dramatic but it was really cold. We were still asked to sing the last song outside. One of the singers said this week would be the last one she'd sing outside - it's definitely getting too chilly if this morning is anything to go by.

Scraped up a whole load of leaves before dinner then had an inside picnic - cheese, crackers, pate, ham etc. and some of the beetroot. It made for a really nice change.

Had the usual Skype call with Mum and Dad. I think I managed to put their minds at rest re their solvency and we agreed I'd shuffle some money out of their current account to the savings account.

Helped Christine with this year's Christmas order form but didn't have a phone chat with her because she was going out for Sunday dinner. She thought that would mean 12 / 1 p.m. but, no - 5 p.m. was the earliest she could negotiate. Not sure she was too impressed!

22 November

Luis's Monday morning class has started again at the gym. It was good fun and lovely to be with the others again, but I don't remember the weights being as heavy before lockdown!

Work happened next. I'm still not sure who I'm reporting to but it doesn't really matter - there's not a lot to do at the moment. Gives me plenty of time to have a wander around and admire the new Christmas decorations near the Thames at lunchtime.

Terry came to catch up on all the odd jobs so Jonathon had his work cut out looking after him and answering lots of questions.

I walked to Blackfriars station to go to Bromley in the evening. The bridges looked lovely. We watched a TV programme about lighting them up a while ago but this was the first time I'd actually seen them lit up - they looked really pretty.

Gilda is clear of Covid now and she joined Jonathon and me. We really enjoyed Chicago at The Churchill Theatre. The cast did really well on such a small stage.

23 November

Had to be at work earlier today for a Webex call but the train was really slow so I was a bit later than I should have been.

Had a quick walk around in the lunchtime sunshine but had to be back at my desk for yet another Webex call by 1.30 p.m. - I seem to have spent most of today with my headphones on.

Chris, one of my bosses, has gone down with Covid so has to stay at home until early December. With being awa last week, I didn't see him so think I'm quite safe and my usual Tuesday evening lateral flow test was negative.

Teresa came and did the cleaning and Terry came to do yet more jobs.

Jonathon went to the dentist and got a clean bill of health so doesn't need to go back until May.

24 November

Body pump and work this morning.

Terry has finished all his maintenance work here so that's him done until January when he's scheduled to come and do some decorating.

Spy alarms came to do their annual service. Oli didn't like him much so sat outside his cat flap door until the man had gone!

25 November

When I woke up my arm was sore but that was the only side effect from my booster. I didn't risk the gym but did various jobs, ran a few errands etc. and went for a walk after dinner. About 24 hours (almost to the minute) after I got the booster, the headache and shivers kicked in. I just couldn't get warm and felt like I had a really bad cold. We lit the fires and got the house as warm as comfortable and I had a lovely hot bath that helped.

Carole and Mum went to see Dad in hospital. They are going to carry out a full "old person" assessment to try and work out what's causing the problems so he might have to stay in for a few days. Hopefully they'll be able to help him (and therefore Mum) and get him home before too long.

One of the jobs Terry and Jonathon did earlier this week was put some clearer numbers on the gateposts. So many of our delivery drivers used to say they couldn't see the old ones but, as Jonathon says, if they can't see these numbers, they shouldn't be driving. Jonathon spent most of today sorting out CDs for when Greg comes to collect them all on Saturday - I'll be glad to see the back of them!

26 November

Felt back to normal when I woke up this morning with no more side effects - amazing what a good night's sleep can do.

Did a bit of shopping then met Caroline, her granddaughter, Tallula, and Pebbie to go round the Snowman Trail in Bromley. They were lovely and Tallula really enjoyed all the sparkly lights. She just had to sit in every Christmas chair and drive all the cars, boats etc. - such fun. Needless to say when she got back into her pushchair she fell asleep.

Unfortunately we only found 11 of the 12 snowmen before I took a tumble. I banged my head which meant there was a lot of blood but it looked worse than it was - the shock was the worst thing. Pebbie was lovely. She could tell I was distressed so she came up to me and put her paws on my legs to give me some comfort.

An angel called Kieran saw what happened and guided us to the pharmacy at Boots to get me patched up. He was really kind and I hope he realises how much we appreciated what he did.

Jonathon met me from the bus and went to Boots Opticians to get new frames for my glasses as I'd broken those. Not a great end to a nice walk.

I'm not sure whether my right knee or left ankle hurts most now - just pleased it's not my head.

27 November

Not too achy this morning which was a nice surprise. Managed a little walk taking a detour to Tesco.

Pauline went to see Dad in hospital today. He seems to be getting worse - gradually fading away - it's very sad.

Jonathon and I went to The Cricketers for dinner - the Cajun chicken was really tasty. I went via Boots and WH Smiths on the way home to do another few steps. Jonathon was clearly tired out by the whole experience (or was it the half pint of cider??)

The Christmas cactus is looking lovely at the moment - really brightening up my bedroom.

28 November

I had a lovely walk this morning in bright autumn sunshine. It was pretty chilly with ice on the ground for the first time this season. I was testing timings for the proposed group walk before Christmas. My chest was still a bit sore from my fall so I'd cancelled Body Pump and my attendance at church.

Had a chat with Carole and we agreed it's time to invoke Dad's Power of Attorney. A phone call for me to make tomorrow.

The medics are still treating "acute delirium" which, Carole explained, means that there is something other than old age causing a problem but they don't know what it is yet. Dad is being kept in bed for the time being. When Carole visited him this afternoon he was fast asleep and stayed that way for the full half hour.

Carole joined Mum and me at the end of our Skype call when she got back from the hospital.

My main accomplishment for today was getting the Christmas cards written. I'm not going to post them yet - too early - but I'm glad they are all ready to go, subject to stamps being put on.

29 November

Managed Luis's gym class this morning, albeit with quite low weights but at least I did it.

Spoke to the Office of the Public Guardian who were very helpful. I've completed the required forms and drafted the covering letter sent them to Carole and co for checking, getting Mum to sign and posting to get things moving.

Gilda came and we had a nice (very cold!) walk around the local area. Greg came to collect the rest of the CDs from Jonathon and they both stayed for dinner (chilli con carne).

Jonathon and I think this is possibly the first time we've had guests eating inside here since before we went to Ecuador in March 2020.

Mum went to see Dad who was awake for a little while and managed some apple juice. He's still very confused but at least she saw him awake.

The sunset was very pretty - comes with cold, dry days.

Gilda and I went to The Orchard Theatre at Dartford to see Sensational 60s. Not one to be repeated. We expected to be in the younger half of the audience but didn't realise we'd be quite a bit younger than all the performers. Some were better than others but the star turn was atrocious.

30 November

The rules change again today because a new Covid variant has been identified - Omicron this one's called. Back to wearing masks more often (no different to what those of us who have chosen to wear masks most of the time anyway!).

Teresa's boyfriend has got Covid so she's waiting for her PCR test results before coming to do the cleaning this week.

1 December

Can't believe it's December already! My bruising is coming out nicely now so I'm sporting quite an impressive black eye. I didn't even realise I had a bruise at the top of my right leg until I noticed it in the shower this morning - it's quite spectacular!

Went to the gym but not for body pump - my chest still isn't right enough for that.

Work is getting interesting as Emily is getting ready to leave (last day next Thursday) and there's no replacement for her at present. "Shirley can do this, that and the other" but I have to keep reminding them I only work 3 days a week and I'm not taking primary responsibility for any of the problem loans.

2 December

It was a beautiful morning - but freezing! It was snowing when I first got up but it didn't last long or settle.

Did a Covid lateral flow test (negative) then went to Tesco to get some bits and bobs and ended up buying a turkey crown for Christmas Day (it's now in the freezer). Caught the earlier train and enjoyed a walk alongside the Thames before going into work.

Work brought more discussions about w"hat Shirley might or might not be expected to do". We'll see how it goes. Went for a walk round St. Katharine's Dock at dinner time to get some air and escape the video calls.

Jonathon had his Covid booster - Moderna - and had a slight headache afterwards. Oli gave him plenty of comforting snuggles to help him recover.

Teresa came to do the cleaning as planned.

Mum and Pauline were both allowed to go see Dad today but he slept through the whole of their visit which was a shame, especially as it's M&D's wedding anniversary today.

3 December

Did a few jobs before heading to the gym. It seems there's a temporary ice rink outside the gym . I'd heard there was going to be one but hadn't seen it until this morning.

Jonathon isn't too bad at all after his booster jab. A bit achy which is normal but basically OK.

J gave me a lift to the dentist for a couple of small fillings and we popped into Sainsbury's on the way home to get the heavy stuff. There were quite a few empty shelves, not least the wet cat food shelf so Oli will have to put up with what we could get.

After a quick bite to eat, Jonathon went to the High Street to check that the template knitted Christmas stocking was what Jess at the YMCA was looking for. It is so I know what I'll be knitting for the next little while.

I put the tree up. I still need to do the decorations but at least it's a start.

4 December

Decided to finish the prototype stocking before gym so Jonathon could take it to Jess today. She was apparently very pleased with it so I'll knit one or two more.

Main job for today was collecting for Marie Curie at Morrisons in Petts Wood. It seemed to go quite well but it was pretty chilly as I was standing near the door. MC will let me know how much was in my collecting tin in a little while.

Jonathon came to Petts Wood at the end of my shift and we went to Uskudar for lunch - lovely food and excellent service.

Got the decorations up. There's only one that Jonathon's likely to bump his head on regularly!

Jo got in touch to let me know that her Christmas holiday in Germany has been cancelled because of rising Covid numbers so she's going to stay in the USA with her son and family and go to Hawaii for Christmas with them. She'll be back in Orpington in January.

5 December

Still not quite well enough for bodypump so decided to go for an early morning walk and pick up my paper.

Church - we are all back to wearing masks. The singers are allowed to take ours off when we are on the stage singing but otherwise we have to wear them. It feels like a backwards step but it's common with shops etc. where you have to wear a mask again.

Caroline and I tested out the proposed walk for the group walk on the 19th. It seemed to go pretty well and I've sent the note round the various groups with the timetable. Just wait and see if anyone comes along now.

Squeezed dinner in between the walk and Skype with Mum. She'd been to see Dad who, she says, was lucid about half the time so definitely an improvement.

Managed to get next year's diary written up for birthdays etc. so that's another year end job off the to-do list.

6 December

Back to work today - this job's looking like it will be a bit busier than the last one so I might have to gear up a bit. Still managed to go to Luis's class at the gym first even if I do have to leave before the end to get the train.

The sunrise on the way home from the gym was amazing. Didn't manage a walk at lunch time because it was too rainy.

Gilda and Jonathon went to The Cricketers for lunch. Apparently they don't normally do much food on Mondays but they managed rustle up some ham, eggs and chips for them so they were both happy.

7 December

It was very frosty this morning (the frost below was on Jonathon's car). Tuesday is typically non-gym day so I went for a local walk and delivered a Christmas card to one of my friends. There were some interesting Christmas lights around but they weren't anywhere near as good as the sunrise. Completely different from yesterday's but very pretty.

Work continues to be busy but I think I'm getting used to my new colleagues.

Jonathonwas supposed to be having coffee with Jess today but she'd forgotten so he came home again. Teresa came to do the cleaning.

Carole says Dad was a bit brighter and more with it today so here's hoping the improvement continues.

And now ... we move on to the next page.