2022 Out of Lockdown Diary - Page 24

19 June

Went to Shreena's class at the gym then for a walk through Priory Gardens. I had intended to go along the River Cray but the storm last night had brought down a tree so I couldn't get there. I walked through Poverest Park instead. I had a second walk after dinner in Crofton Woods to get my steps done.

Went to church - hardly anybody there which was a shame because Janet gave a good sermon.

Had the usual Skype call with Mum and Dad to get my instructions for next week. Tuesday will be busy!

We both did Covid tests - thankfully negative!

No call with Christine today - we are hoping to get together on Thursday.

20 June

Managed to get most of my steps done before breakfast so I didn't need to walk very far when we got to Knaresborough.

Called at the OK Diner for lunch then popped into see Mum and Dad. Mum seemed a lot better today (I was quite worried about her yesterday). It seems the nasty side effects of the extra stong painkillers that she was put on (and almost immediately taken off) are starting to ease.

Jonathon checked in at The Dower House but wasn't happy with the room we'd been allocated so, by the time I'd walked down to join him, he'd had us moved into one of the annex rooms - very nice!

We went to The Worlds End pub for a small snack for tea - Jonathon's baguette was enormous. I ate his salad for him, not least because it had honey and mustard dressing on - it went well with my carrot and coriander soup.

21 June

Gym first (might as well use it while it's still here) then up to Mum's via the River Nidd and various shops in the town centre to get the bits on her list.

Took Dad to hospital in the afternoon (Pauline's parking instructions were a God send). The consultant decided the problem on his nose was abnormal skin cells rather than anything more serious so they "froze" it and that should sort it out.

After a splash about in the pool, Jonathon and I went to Two Brothers for tea - lovely food and friendly service. Definitely one to visit again at some point.

22 June

Started today with a lovely, 10.5 km rural walk taking in Farnham, Lingerfield,Scotton and Scriven with a quick stop in Jacob Smith Park.That set me up nicely for a day of doing jobs for Mum and Dad. First stop Morrisons for shopping then filing and finances (not much to do because it's only a month since I did it last), getting fish and chips for dinner then an afternoon of gardening.

Jonathon took himself off to Harrogate for a mooch around. While he was there his new phone started playing up so he spent a couple of hours on the phone to Apple to try and work out what was wrong. They told him to contact EE because they'll need an escalation ticket from EE before Apple can do any more so that's a job for tomorrow.

We had another go in the pool - very warm so no need to go to the jacuzzi with other people - then down to The Worlds End for tea.

23 June

Another beautiful start to the day so I went for a walk round Conyngham Hall and Grounds.

After breakfast we set off for a day out with our first stop being the EE shop in Monks Cross, York. They were really helpful and it seems the problem yesterday was with them not Jonathon's new phone so all good. While we were there we got some comparison figures for broadband provider etc. and signed up to move to BT (they own EE). We should have much fast download and upload speeds for roughly the same price per month.

From there we went to see Christine and Gordon for a catch up and dinner at their local pub. Good food and always lovely to see C&G.

Next, we had a quick visit to Pocklington so Jonathon could mooch round the charity shops. We also found a deli type shop so got some bits as a thank you for our Oli sitters and some coffee cake for Jonathon. The piece was so big he decided to share it with Mum and Dad on the way back to the hotel.

Before foing back to Knaresborough, we popped in to see Angela and Grace. Grace is getting to be really good at mental maths - very impressive on her times tables.

Called in to see Mum and Dad (and share Jonathon's cake) then back to the hotel for a rest!

24 June

Went for a walk instead of the gym because I decided I'd prefer fresh air.

Checked out of the hotel and did the long drive home. The roads were busy but not terrible. Oli ran across the drive to welcome us home which was lovely.

The strain and busy-ness of the last few days had taken its toll on both of us so, having unpacked and tidied up, we just flopped for the evening.

25 June

Today didn't start well because Jonathon woke up feeling like he had a very nasty summer cold. Having done a test, he showed positive for Covid-19 so now he has to stay away from other people for 5 days.

On a more positive note, I survived Fay's class then did "harvesting". We have a good crop of peas and carrots and loads of broad beans and potatoes. We had those with chicken for lunch - yummy!

I spent the afternoon in the veg garden, doing lots of weeding and general tidying up. The soil is really dry so we did some watering of the food beds and the pots etc. then finished my steps off for the day.

Jonathon managed to stay up until a sensible bedtime in the hope that it would help him sleep.

26 June

Jonathon slept very well and is feeling a bit better today.

No church for me because Jonathon has Covid and the Music Group members have an agreement that if our partners / anyone close to us has Covid we'll stay away. I went for a walk instead. Before that, I checked with Shreena and because I tested negative again this morning I was allowed to go to her class.

I spent the afternoon in the garden, generally tidying up, dead-heading roses etc.

Had the usual Skype call with Mum. Pauline and Paul were there. Pauline was with Dad but Paul popped in to have a quick report about their holiday then they had to disappear because Pauline was bell-ringing this evening and had the key to the belfry so important she wasn't late.

Had a chat with Christine. Helen (Gordon's sister) is due to come over from America this week but there are cancelled flights (weather in Miami) and baggage handler strikes (UK) so goodness knows when / if she'll arrive.

27 June

No gym today because I'm full of cold. I think it's still just a cold because my Covid test was negative. I popped to Tesco to stock up a bit just in case I become positive before Jonathon gets negative. The only thing I can't buy in advance is my Times newspaper so not the end of the world.

Gilda came over and we went for a walk but she didn't stay for lunch because Jonathon's not supposed to mix with anyone.

I did swan watch in the afternoon. I got wet getting there but the sun came out and it was lovely. I felt better for being in the fresh air.

Sylvia (neighbour across the way) popped round to let us know that Bob (next door neighbour) had come home from hospital. He's extremely poorly and his daughter will be with him for a couple of nights then her husband will take over for another night. Bob is so independent he'll take badly to having other people to do things for him but, from what Sylvia says, he won't be able to do much at all for a while.

28 June

I guess it was inevitable that I would catch Covid from Jonathon and today's test confirmed that. Thankfully, I didn't feel poorly so, other than not being allowed out, I saw it as a couple of extra days at home to do gardening and the like. At least it saved me having to make the decision as to whether to go into the office with what seemed like a head cold.

As the day wore on I started to feel more tired, despite not doing a lot. Managed to pick some beans for lunch, the first few raspberries and watered the pots etc. but that's about all. Walked the lowest number of steps / kilometers for a really long time.

Thankfully Jonathon is feeling a bit better.

29 June

Day 2 of my isolation and even fewer steps done today! I don't feel any worse and Jonathon seems to be a bit better (but still testing positive).

After a lovely sunrise, it rained this morning so I spent the time gathering the information for our tax returns and then completing mine online. I knew I would owe money to HMRC (tax authorities) because my tax code was screwed up with having gone back to work and taking two of my pensions but the amount still came as a nasty surprise. Thankfully, we have the money to pay it.

The sun came out after dinner so I spent the afternoon in the garden, suitably monitored by my guardian angel.

30 June

Day 3 of isolation for me (and the last one for Jonathon). It seems Covid is making me have some very strange dreams. One of them involved Mum and me hanging fried fish on the clothes airer in the orchard at Whixley so it wouldn't go soggy while she, Dad and I went to the fish shop for some mayonnaise and a spoonful of cream for Dad to have on his chips. I have no idea where the fish shop was (looked a bit like Beckenham) or where we left the chips but I do know Dad doesn't have either mayonnaise or cream on chips. While we were at the fish shop, Jonathon appeared from nowhere as did a Welsh lady who was concerned that her husband wouldn't be happy because nobody spoke Welsh and he didn't speak English. Jonathon then started speaking Welsh to her! Christine and someone else also appeared but I wasn't really sure what they were doing there. At some point, I wondered whether the birds would have eaten the fish before we got home. I finally woke up. All very strange. The other two dreams weren't any better!

Teresa couldn't come for obvious reasons so a lot of today was spent cleaning. The weather was nothing special so it wasn't like I was missing much outside. I did wander round the garden to take a few photos but they are nothing special with such flat light.

I decided to start a 1,000 piece jigsaw later in the afternoon and still went ahead despite the sun coming out. I got a bit waylaid when I decided to sort out and clean my everyday jewellery. Some bits will go to charity but it all looks nice and sparkly now.

Pauline did a sterling job with Mum and Dad, taking Mum for her blood tests this morning then Dad for his eye appointment this afternoon. This afternoon was long and stressful and ended up with Dad needing an injection in his eye for AMD - poor Dad, I can't imagine much worse.

1 July

With a lovely blue sky to start the day I got all Jonathon's bedding washed including his mattress cover. It soon dried and Oli took full advantage when I started to put his (Jonathon's that is) bed back together.

Jonathon scooted off to Bath to photo shoot a festival. He's due back on Monday. I'm still a bit bunged up and coughing a bit but better than yesterday.

Hilary brought my Times and Will came to clean the windows - I kept my distance and wore a mask but it was good to see somebody.

I limited myself to 30 minutes at a time for my jigsaw. After each 30 minutes I found something else to do - some bits round the house or garden. My main task for the day was cutting and edging the grass.

I was supposed to go see Life of Pi at the Wyndham Theatre with Jo this evening but obviously not allowed. Janet took my ticket so I look forward to hearing all about it when I can meet up with them again.

My average number of steps / km this week is lower than ever but I'm sure I'll be able to get back to normal soon.

2 July

Another beautiful day so stripped my bed to the mattress and got everything washed, dried and put back on.

Finished my jigsaw but haven't started another one because I'm hoping I can get out and about again from tomorrow (I'll have isolated for my 5 days).

Took some potatoes over to Chris and Hilary as a thank you for getting my paper for me while I was isolating.

Spent most of the day in the garden, tidying up round the pond filter, weeding and generally pottering around. Saw a lovely female Dark Green Fritillary (butterfly) - very unusual in our garden.

Managed 30 minutes of gym type exercises just to prove I still could.

Saw Paul and Jane (Bob's family) over the fence - they are taking it day by day at the moment.

3 July

I was seriously concerned last night that I was going backwards. The minute I put my head down, my nose started running and the coughing started. A Lemsip helped a lot and I slept well.

Did a Covid test this morning and was pleased with the result! Will do one each morning for the next two days and, hopefully, go back to work on Tuesday.

Popped to the Co-op via Priory Gardens to get my own paper (luxury!). Saw a lovely stag beetle on the way home so reported that to the PTES (People's Trust for Endangered Species) to help with their research.

Started another jigsaw, again limiting myself to 30 minutes per session and did a whole load of weeding.

Spoke to Mum on Skype (Dad was apparently outside). She's not very well - pain in her side and still not eating very well.

Spoke to Christine. They'd had a good BBQ for Helen and a load of friends yesterday.

4 July

A disappointing start to today because my Covid test was positive. I checked with work - if I test negative tomorrow, I can still go to work. If positive, I have to stay at home. This is despite the NHS telling me I can go out and about providing I don't have a high temperature or continuous cough (I don't have either).

Popped to Tesco to get some shopping then didn't do much else before Gilda came for a walk. It was really good to do a proper walk again after being cooped up a home for a few days.

Jonathon came home from Bath - he's had a great time at the festival and now has c.17k photos to work through so that will keep him out of mischief for a while.

5 July

Still testing positive so no work. Went the long way round to Sainsbury's to get my paper then generally mooched around and did a few chores.

Went for a second walk after dinner while Jonathon worked through the first few of his photos.

Jonathon went off to Toulouse Lautrec in the evening to take yet more photos.

We saw our latest hedgehog visitor last night. It seemed a bit lame with a poorly bad leg so I was hoping to see it again tonight. I was surprised how close it let me get to give it some food. I think it was just hungry - it certainly wasn't up for sharing its food with any of the three foxes, all of whom came to inspect it and see what was going on. Oli kept a watchful distance. When it had eaten it snuffled away quite happily so I think we'll keep an eye on it for a few days before bothering the hedgehog rescue team.

On a political note, big changes in the government with both Rishi Sunak, Chancellor of the Exchequer, and Sajid Javid, Health Secretary, resigning this evening, stating they could no longer work in Boris Johnson's government. In some aspects, I'm surprised it's taken them this long. No doubt Boris will try to stay as Prime Minister come what may.

6 July

Still testing positive but it's so faint you can hardly see the second line so hopefully I'm coming to the end of Covid now.

Spent 2+ hours in Priory Gardens picking up litter. The council's subcontractors are supposed to do it but clearly didn't get around to it today. 8 kitchen bin bags later and I was done.

Did yet more jigsaw (this one is a lot harder than the last one!)

Another lovely butterfly to see in our garden today - a Comma this time. This one liked our strawberry plants.

Greylag goslings growing up fast

8 July

Hot day today but it didn't put Jo and me off from going for a walk to Richmal Crompton Fields. A lot of the way there and back is through woodland which helps. The wildflowers looked lovely.

We only had a snack for dinner as we were going out later and it was good to see / hear a whole load of House Martins flying around. We don't often get them but there seems to be a decent flock this year.

When I went to water the French beans I noticed that the slugs had started attacking the second courgette plant. There were two small courgettes still in tact so I cut those straightaway rather than lose them as well.

We met up with a whole load of other people in the evening and went to Sadlers Wells, via Santore for dinner. There were 12 of us and I'm wondering if it's just too many to organise, especially when some turn up late and then expect to have time for pudding (we didn't because Sadlers ask you to be there by 7.15 p.m. for a 7.30 p.m. start nowadays).

Jonathon had planned to leave at the first interval and duly did so. He went home to catch up with some photo work and do the "hog watch". I felt really tired about half way through the second act and left at the second interval. Hoggy was still eating when I got back - I think s/he's looking a bit better having had a good food source for a few days now.

9 July

Back to the gym for the first time since Covid and I could definitely feel that I'd not been for a while! I also felt really tired after all the activity yesterday (common after-effect of Covid apparently) so I didn't do much at all today. Oli really doesn't like the heat so didn't know what to do with himself today - first the floor, then the chair (both umbrella) then back again etc. He doesn't seem to understand that it's a lot cooler inside the house.

I found another small courgette in the garden so we had that with the two from yesterday, carrot and potatoes with chicken for dinner - really tasty.

I bit the bullet and paid my tax bill - it had to be done and it's now behind me! Sorted out a summary of our savings and sent that to Close Brothers for our financial review meeting on Thursday - that was more than enough finance stuff for one day.

We watered Chris and Hilary's plants - they are in North Wales for the week - and did some watering of our own stuff.

I finally went for a walk when it had cooled down a bit!

10 July

For some unknown reason I was up a bit earlier than expected so went for a quick walk before the gym as well as the short-ish walk afterwards. I was trying to get as many steps done as possible before it got too hot.

Fay covered Shreena's class because Shreena's ankle is still not strong enough to do fitness.

Went to church - Scouts were leading it this week and it was a fun service.

Had the usual Skype with Mum and Dad. They were both a lot brighter today which was good to see.

Had a chat with Christine. She's been busy with Helen's visit this week but Helen's gone back to Florida now.

Gilda had a call in the morning so we agreed she'd come here about 5 p.m. for a walk when some of the heat had gone out of the day. Rather than being cooler, there was more cloud so it stopped feeling quite so "burning" but it was definitely the best time of day for a walk.

Watered the plants at 3A (under Oli supervision) and picked some French beans - Hilary told me to take them if they were ready while they were away so I took her at her word.

12 July

Back to work today so a quick walk first. The hydrangeas in our area are coming into their own and looking lovely.

Work wasn't particularly busy but I've got 4 compliance linked training programmes to do so that will keep me well out of mischief for the next few work days. I was really happy when I got to Cannon Street station and discovered that the train home was one of the new ones so air-conditioned - bliss on such a hot day.

Jonathon went off to Toulouse Lautrec to photograph some jazz artists and I watered at 3A. We had about 6 drops of rain so not much good for anything!

Our rescue hedgehog is looking much better but one of us (Jonathon) has to sit close by while he has his food otherwise the foxes would steal it.

13 July

A quick walk alongside the River Cray before work then into the City. Work wasn't particularly busy but I have 4 modules of compliance training to do (as does everyone else). Not very interesting but they fill the day!

Too hot to go out at lunch time (other than to grab a wrap from Pret) so spent all day at my desk.

Met Jonathon in the evening. He was shooting "Some Kinda Wonderful" so I went along for the first half then came home to do "Hog Watch".

Photocredit - Jonathon.

I was dancing in a corner behind the pianist!

14 July

Had a short stroll round Priory Gardens on the way to Sainsbury's this morning.

Swept the worst part of the patio (round the bird feeders) and generally tidied up a bit outside. Topped up the pond from the big water butts and did a load of plant watering. Water management is a big issue with no rain for quite some time. We don't like using tap water in the garden but when the butts are running dry it's a matter of matching up what we've got with where it's needed and topping up from the taps as required.

Had a useful meeting with Alex, our financial adviser, in London - he and a few collragues are forming a new company, still with access to Close Brothers (bank / investment house) so we'll move with him when the time comes.

Met Nicola for dinner and had a good catch up.

15 July

Jo and I went to Chatham Historic Dockyards today and what a fascinating place it was. There was a huge amount to see and the staff were really lovely. We went on the train then paid our entrance money (the ticket is valid for as many visits as you like within 12 months). The lady on the desk suggested we book the ropemaking demonstration and a guided visit inside a submarine. We booked them both and scampered off to join the ropemaking straightaway. It was very interesting.

From there, we walked past the Commissioner's House (one to go inside next visit) and had a quick wander around HMS Cavalier, a warship that was built in Chatham. Our next visit was inside HMS Ocelot (submarine). I was aware that subs were small inside but was still shocked by the amount of equipment and gadgetry they fit in such a small space.

Before leaving the Dockyards, we visited the Hearts of Oak gallery and exhibition. As with the rest of the site, it was excellent and really well put together, walking us through the various stages of building a warship.

While Jo and I were doing all that, Jonathon was waiting in for a BT engineer to switch our broadband from Plusnet to BT. It went relatively smoothly but, apparently, we might get the odd wobble until the new system settles down.

No sign of Hoggy tonight.

Medway

Ropemaking

Commisioner's House

Submarine

War memorial

Hearts of Oak

16 July

Another hot day but with a bit of a breeze from time to time so manageable.

Did a walk before it got too hot then went to Fay's class at the gym. This week, Judy, Sharon, Jo and I went to The Orpington afterwards to celebrate Judy's birthday.

Had our first Apache potatoes for dinner.

I spent most of the afternoon under the sun umbrella, doing crosswords and other puzzles and reading The Times.

When it cooled down, I got the watering done and tidied up a bit in the vegetable garden.

Hoggy visited.

17 July

Got up early and went for a walk to get my steps done before the day really heated up.

Went to Shreena's class then church (lovely new wall hanging). We had a baptism today - Henry who will soon be 3 - so it was all a bit lively. One elderly man collapsed (preumably because of the heat) so was wheeled out of church in a wheelchair but seemed to be OK.

Had a Slype call with Mum and Dad but EE (internet provider) was having problems so we ended up speaking to each other on the phone.

Had a chat with Christine. They've finished the barley harvest but the wheat's not ready yet. The oil seed rape is very dry and there are lots of fire warnings around their area (and have been quite a few fires) because everything is so dry.

Hoggy visited. He/she's still got a bit of a limp but he/she looks so much better now and is moving a lot faster / with more energy. Clearly our TLC is doing the trick!

18 July

Today was the hottest day of the year so far - 37C. Too hot to do anything so I spent this afternoon sitting in the garden, under the sun umbrella, reading my paper, doing puzzles and reading my book.

I was a bit more active in the morning. Did Ela's class at the gym then went for a walk in Crofton Woods. The cool shade was lovely but the ground is so dry it's cracking up (London clay).

Our uncut "lawn" has turned golden in the heat - it looks very pretty when he sun's on it.

I didn't dare water the plants until it was almost dark. Even then the temperature was still 29C so I was expecting a sleepless night (it wasn't great).

19 July

Even hotter today so early morning walk, via Angela's (friend from church) to drop some Australian coins round - she's going to see her daughter in Melbourne, leaving the UK on Thursday. Had a lovely walk through Tubbenden Meadows, Darrick and Newstead Woods and Newstead Meadow.

No work today because the trains wouldn't guarantee to run because of the "extreme heat".

Janir came to clean the oven - lovely job, looks like new. I won a prize draw that gave me a significant discount but I'm sure we'll use him again, even at full price.

I sat with my feet in lovely cool water for quite a while this afternoon but had to keep getting up to check and re-fill the bird baths because the water was getting far too hot.

Managed a tiny amount of gardening but that was all. The garden is really dried up. We really need rain!

20 July

I came down to a dead pigeon in the hall this morning - not a good start to the day (thanks, Oli). By the excited yipping in the back garden, I think the foxes must have enjoyed it for breakfast.

First job of the day was delivering the local newsletters to my allocated addresses then I went for a quick walk before work. Ulrike asked me if I would extend my contract to the end of the year but with no pay rise (despite UK inflation running at 9.4%). I told her I'd think about it.

Met Gilda and we went to see Pretty Women at the Savoy Theatre in the evening - a good, fun show.

21 July

Today's start was much better with a beautiful sunrise. I had a quick walk to Priory Gardens having done a load of washing and other bits and pieces.

Went to work today because I'd missed Tuesday. I confirmed to Ulrike that I would extend but now she appears to have to check with Stefan (I thought he'd suggested it in the first place but perhaps not!)

Jonathon took his car in for a service. Tried a new garage today and he seems quite pleased with them.

Jo came in the evening for her induction to Hog Watch (she's popping round to feed him while we are both out tomorrow evening). Needless to say, Hoggy chose tonight to stay away so Jo didn't even see him! Typical of wildlife.

22 July

Jo and I went to St. Paul's Cray Country Park for our walk today. We saw nobody else in the park so it was lovely and peaceful. It's a really beautiful place to visit but the area has a bit of a rough reputation so a lot of people avoid going there which is a real shame.

We had dinner at The Cricketers which was a nice change.

In the evening, Jonathon went to Bromley to photoshoot the Chicago Blues Brothers and I met Gilda at Dartford to watch Showaddywaddy (reliving our youth!)

23 July

Today was all about the Marvellous Festival. Chicago Blues Brothers Band were headlining and Chris had asked Jonathon to take photos with the benefit of me getting a free ticket. It was well attended and great fun (apart form the UK Foo Fighters - didn't realise how much I didn't like the Foo Fighters' music!). They were very talented as a tribute band but just not my kind of music at all.

CBB, on the other hand, put on a great show as did most of the others so we were treated to Take That, Adele, 80s music, Phil Collins and a few others.

We took our own food because the choice was quite poor last time (2019) but this year it was much better so we could have got something there.

We got home well after midnight but our exit was a lot easier than last time so not too bad.

24 July

No gym class this morning - I was still in bed when the class started. I can't do late nights any more!

Went for a quick walk to get my paper (this very accomodating butterfly flitted into my photo!) and then went to church. We had a baptism and a dedication today and all went well other than John, Music Group leader, went wrong in one of the songs so that was a bit of a shambles.

Had a Skype call with Mum and Dad - they seemed to be on good form. Carole and Pauline are away together for a few days this week so it will be interesting to see how Mum and Dad get on. I didn't know C&P were planning to go away so I won't be up there.

I was really pleased to learn that one of my photos has been selected for the calendar for Priory Gardens Wildlife Foundation. The group members were each invitied to submit two photos and then the wider Facebook group invited to vote for 13 - one cover photo, one for each month. Apparently mine got the most votes overall.

Had a chat with Christine. They've finished their oil seed rape harvest so just the wheat to go.

26 July

It was dull and grey today, with a misty and drizzly start. We need the moisture but proper rain would have been much better.

Work was work - not too exciting.

Sad news in that Hoggy wasn't sleeping but had died so we took him out of his hut and contacted Fix My Street to collect him. At least he died somewhere safe, comfy and cosy.

Jonathon did a couple of runs to the tip so I have lots of bags to refill when I can find time to do some gardening.

27 July

Started today with body pump (well out of practice having not been for a while) then joined some friends in the main gym as they were finishing their circuit and we played ball for a while - great fun and I'm sure Ela thought we were all completely mad!

Jonathon and I went to the tip with yet more garden rubbish then he dropped me off in Bromley so I could go to Yorkshire Building Society to get an ISA application form for Dad. They were really helpful. Having had drinkings at Pret a Manger, I caught the bus back, got off at the train station and walked to Alix's to collect my Avon order.

I dug up the last of the Apache potatoes and we had some for dinner. The first bag I dug up was a really low yield but the second was pretty good. The long dry spell of weather has really taken its toll on the garden but there are still some flowers around so they were my photos for today.

After a short nap, I tidied up in the garden before taking some old gym socks to the clothes bank. That finished my steps for the day.

28 July

I couldn't go to work yesterday because there was a train strike so I went today instead.

Went for a walk before work then into town and got on with bits and pieces that needed to be done.

Teresa came to do the cleaning.

A quiet day!

29 July

What a busy day!

I realised first thing that I'd left Dad's ISA papers in the office so had to pop into town to retrieve those so I could get them filled in. Jo and Coco came up with me and we walked alongside the Thames to Waterloo for our Friday walk. The tide was out so we could get down on the beach, one of Coco's favourite places.

The trains were a bit awry when we got there so, no sooner had I got home but it was time to go out again, this time to Kyron's 5th birthday party. No photos allowed there. Netta had put on a good spread and it was good to catch up with her, Kirsty and Marcia again as well as see Kyron having a lovely day. His social worker was there to keep an eye on us all (he was lovely).

A quick pot of tea and shower then it was time to go our again, this time to Sadlers Wells. I'd told the gang that Jonathon and I wouldn't be going to Santore so we met them at the theatre instead. South Pacific isn't really a favourite of Jonathon or me. I stayed the course but J left at half time. It was just after midnight when I get home. Nigal is still testing positive so he and Rona didn't join us. Derek and Maureen are still feeling the after effects of Covid - they are about 2 weeks behind us so I know just how they feel.

Tomorrow will be quieter!

30 July

Joined Fay's class to start the day then my main job was starting to get rid of the moss on the front drive. It's a lot easier when it's dry than wet but it's still hard and tedious work. At least it looks better when it's done.

Jo, Coco and I were supposed to be joining a Well-being walk in Crystal Palace this evening but a train strike put paid to that. Instead, we went on a local walk alongside the River Cray and around a wheat field.

31 July

Covid seems to have left me more tired than I used to be. Perhaps I did too much moss clearing yesterday or breathed in too much dust but I'm struggling to breathe a bit today. The hot, sticky weather isn't helping. Rain is forecast overnight but I'll believe it when I see it.

Did Shreena's class and then went on the treadmill for a while - more slowly and less steep than usual but it got a few steps done which helped.

Church was fine even with only 4 singers in Music Group (a lot of people are away on holiday). The flowers were very pretty (and the only photo I took today).

Had the usual Skype call with Mum and Dad. It sounds like they've had a busy week.

Had a chat with Christine. Other than losing her electric for 12 hours mid week (the electricity company don't know what caused the fuse to blow but at least the power seems to be back.

Jonathon went to Toulouse Lautrec to photograph a gig.