Day 99
Unfortunately I had a bad night's sleep and woke up feeling a bit miserable and tired. Keith and I had planned on starting the decorating in our bedroom, and it was very tempting to put if off and mooch about feeling glum but we pressed ahead regardless.
As the existing paint was a bluey/green colour we put a coat of matt white emulsion on first and the wall behind the bed, which had been papered, looked instantly better. I took down the curtains and hand washed them before hanging them out in the garden to dry. They smelt lovely!
As well as painting we thoroughly cleaned the room and when we'd finished Keith cut around the edges of the carpet so we could gloss the skirting boards easily.
The weather today has been grey and cloudy but we did have a little sunshine in the afternoon which cheered things up a bit. I had another difficult conversation on the phone with my Mum but looking at the Care Home's Facebook page I saw a photo of her having her nails done! It can't be all that bad!
I heard from the estate agent today about the second viewing we had yesterday. Annoyingly, the man looking at the house offered £40,000 below the asking price, but was advised this was way too low. He then came in £20,000 lower which I rejected. The house is only four years old and needs nothing doing to it, so I felt wholly justified in saying no, something the estate agent agreed with. How irritating! However, I was pleased he had offered a ridiculous figure as the thought of embarking on the house sale filled me with dread. It was too soon!
After picking Mike up from work I relaxed in the bath and then we played cards in the conservatory. The sky was cloudy again and I wish we had those lovely blue skies from last week back! Did I complain about the heat? I wish I hadn't!
As I was so tired from my lack of sleep I went to bed early and watched the last episode of Little Fires Everywhere. I really enjoyed the series but the ending was left a little open, I thought. Will there be a second series as there was with Big Little Lies, which was taken from a novel? I hope so!
Tuesday 30 June 2020
Monday 29 June 2020
A somewhat trying day...
Day 98
Today the weather has been horrible. Gone are the blue skies and warm temperatures to be replaced by a chilly wind, rain and heavy grey clouds.
Keith and I went to Mum and Dad's house first thing as we have a second viewing at lunchtime and I wanted to make sure everything was OK. From there we drove to Aldi and Tesco to get some shopping for the next three days.
I had made an appointment with the care home early this morning to go and see Mum and Dad this afternoon. I'm still not allowed in the building so I had to see them in the garden area and as soon as I arrived I knew it was a mistake, as it was freezing cold and blowing a gale. Mistakenly, I thought we could go into a covered area but we were right out in the open!
A carer brought them both down but my Dad only stayed five minutes as he was too cold. I chatted to my Mum who said she was feeling very unhappy and wanted to go home, the last thing I wanted to hear. As today was her first day out of self-isolation, I urged her to give it a go as there were so many activities taking place and she could meet the other residents. I have no idea what we would do if she insists on going home - it would be the start of another nightmare.
From the care home I went straight to get Mike from work and then it was home to try and relax, although after the conversation I had with my Mum, that wasn't the easiest of things to do. Today should have been the start of the Wimbledon fortnight but it's been cancelled because of the pandemic.
It hasn't been the best of days to be honest and an argument erupted over dinner about, of all things, Michelin starred restaurants! I am honestly considering getting into my car and driving off!
Today the weather has been horrible. Gone are the blue skies and warm temperatures to be replaced by a chilly wind, rain and heavy grey clouds.
Keith and I went to Mum and Dad's house first thing as we have a second viewing at lunchtime and I wanted to make sure everything was OK. From there we drove to Aldi and Tesco to get some shopping for the next three days.
I had made an appointment with the care home early this morning to go and see Mum and Dad this afternoon. I'm still not allowed in the building so I had to see them in the garden area and as soon as I arrived I knew it was a mistake, as it was freezing cold and blowing a gale. Mistakenly, I thought we could go into a covered area but we were right out in the open!
A carer brought them both down but my Dad only stayed five minutes as he was too cold. I chatted to my Mum who said she was feeling very unhappy and wanted to go home, the last thing I wanted to hear. As today was her first day out of self-isolation, I urged her to give it a go as there were so many activities taking place and she could meet the other residents. I have no idea what we would do if she insists on going home - it would be the start of another nightmare.
From the care home I went straight to get Mike from work and then it was home to try and relax, although after the conversation I had with my Mum, that wasn't the easiest of things to do. Today should have been the start of the Wimbledon fortnight but it's been cancelled because of the pandemic.
It hasn't been the best of days to be honest and an argument erupted over dinner about, of all things, Michelin starred restaurants! I am honestly considering getting into my car and driving off!
Sunday 28 June 2020
Takeaway Sunday!
Day 97
We had a lovely, lazy start to the day and Keith and I delivered the wheelchair to the care home mid-morning. Back home I had a shower and popped down to Riverside with Sophie as I needed to go to Wilco's and Boots.
We were surprised to see Costa Coffee open but they were only doing takeaway. Sophie and I visited the shops (I bought bird food and decorating materials in Wilco's) and then my daughter treated me to a decaffeinated Flat White before we headed back to the car. Unfortunately only one person could go into the cafe and while I was waiting outside, the heavens opened so I had to dash inside and hide away in the corner! We hung about until the rain stopped and then ran for the car and drank our coffee there. All around us other people were enjoying takeaways as well!
From Riverside we drove to Farndon Fields and this time both of us were allowed in together. It was very quiet and Sophie queued up at the delicatessen counter to buy macarons. We also wanted a sausage roll each but the man in front of Sophie took the last one! How dare he! There was nothing else we fancied for lunch so we drove into Market Harborough in the hope that something would be open!
I managed to park on the side of the road and the town was very, very quiet. Most of the shops were closed but we were lucky to find Aldwinkles open and serving takeaway sandwiches, hot drinks and even jacket potatoes. We ordered two ciabattas from the very friendly staff and took them back to the car with us. The food was delicious and they said they planned to open on Saturday with outside seating. We might just go!
Back home it was time to relax and I had a nap on the sofa! Sophie and I were making dinner tonight - Orange Chicken served with sticky rice so we headed to the kitchen at about 6pm and managed to do all the prep before cooking the meal. As before, it was delicious and the sauce soaked into the rice beautifully! Yum!
We had a lovely, lazy start to the day and Keith and I delivered the wheelchair to the care home mid-morning. Back home I had a shower and popped down to Riverside with Sophie as I needed to go to Wilco's and Boots.
We were surprised to see Costa Coffee open but they were only doing takeaway. Sophie and I visited the shops (I bought bird food and decorating materials in Wilco's) and then my daughter treated me to a decaffeinated Flat White before we headed back to the car. Unfortunately only one person could go into the cafe and while I was waiting outside, the heavens opened so I had to dash inside and hide away in the corner! We hung about until the rain stopped and then ran for the car and drank our coffee there. All around us other people were enjoying takeaways as well!
From Riverside we drove to Farndon Fields and this time both of us were allowed in together. It was very quiet and Sophie queued up at the delicatessen counter to buy macarons. We also wanted a sausage roll each but the man in front of Sophie took the last one! How dare he! There was nothing else we fancied for lunch so we drove into Market Harborough in the hope that something would be open!
I managed to park on the side of the road and the town was very, very quiet. Most of the shops were closed but we were lucky to find Aldwinkles open and serving takeaway sandwiches, hot drinks and even jacket potatoes. We ordered two ciabattas from the very friendly staff and took them back to the car with us. The food was delicious and they said they planned to open on Saturday with outside seating. We might just go!
Back home it was time to relax and I had a nap on the sofa! Sophie and I were making dinner tonight - Orange Chicken served with sticky rice so we headed to the kitchen at about 6pm and managed to do all the prep before cooking the meal. As before, it was delicious and the sauce soaked into the rice beautifully! Yum!
Saturday 27 June 2020
Rushing about!
Day 96
Mike had to be at work at 5am this morning - what an early start! Keith took him and then came straight home and went back to bed! I honestly don't blame him!
I had agreed to take Sophie to the train station as she was meeting a friend in London. Mike called at about 8.15am to say he was finished and I had to wake poor Keith up as I wouldn't have had time to pick Mike up and then take Sophie. Phew!
Sophie had bought a mask to wear on the train and I waved her off feeling a bit nervous! It was the first time she'd been on a train in ages, and definitely since lockdown! I returned home and managed to have some breakfast before we had to take Mike into Northampton to see Abbie for the weekend.
No sooner had we got home than we were both back out again because I'd arranged for a wheelchair to be delivered to Mum and Dad's house and, according to Amazon, it was due to arrive within the next hour! As we neared the house we saw an Amazon delivery driver and deduced correctly that the wheelchair had been delivered. Luckily we'd arranged to have it left in their garden shed!
Keith put it together which was easy enough to do and we took it home with us. Tomorrow we'll take it to the care home as they will be out of self-isolation on Monday and my Dad can go out and about in it. That was all the driving about out of the way so I was able to relax, have some lunch and spend the afternoon pootling about. As an indulgence I watched two episodes of Little Fires Everywhere and Sophie messaged me to say she was getting the 6.15pm train home after having a really lovely day.
I drove down to the station to pick her up while Keith stayed home to prepare dinner. She was very bubbly on the way home and had been to London Zoo, Camden Market and Primrose Hill, so she'd had a wonderful day in the capital.
As soon as we got home Keith made me a drink and we had a chat before dinner. Keith had made garlicky croutons to go with our meal of cold meats, new potatoes and salad and very enjoyable it was too!
After we'd eaten we settled down to watch Spectre and I remembered that we'd watched the film on New Year's Eve. I wonder what we would have said back then if we'd known what was going to happen this year? I think I would have been tempted to fly somewhere beautiful and stay there for the whole year!
Mike had to be at work at 5am this morning - what an early start! Keith took him and then came straight home and went back to bed! I honestly don't blame him!
I had agreed to take Sophie to the train station as she was meeting a friend in London. Mike called at about 8.15am to say he was finished and I had to wake poor Keith up as I wouldn't have had time to pick Mike up and then take Sophie. Phew!
Sophie had bought a mask to wear on the train and I waved her off feeling a bit nervous! It was the first time she'd been on a train in ages, and definitely since lockdown! I returned home and managed to have some breakfast before we had to take Mike into Northampton to see Abbie for the weekend.
No sooner had we got home than we were both back out again because I'd arranged for a wheelchair to be delivered to Mum and Dad's house and, according to Amazon, it was due to arrive within the next hour! As we neared the house we saw an Amazon delivery driver and deduced correctly that the wheelchair had been delivered. Luckily we'd arranged to have it left in their garden shed!
Keith put it together which was easy enough to do and we took it home with us. Tomorrow we'll take it to the care home as they will be out of self-isolation on Monday and my Dad can go out and about in it. That was all the driving about out of the way so I was able to relax, have some lunch and spend the afternoon pootling about. As an indulgence I watched two episodes of Little Fires Everywhere and Sophie messaged me to say she was getting the 6.15pm train home after having a really lovely day.
I drove down to the station to pick her up while Keith stayed home to prepare dinner. She was very bubbly on the way home and had been to London Zoo, Camden Market and Primrose Hill, so she'd had a wonderful day in the capital.
As soon as we got home Keith made me a drink and we had a chat before dinner. Keith had made garlicky croutons to go with our meal of cold meats, new potatoes and salad and very enjoyable it was too!
After we'd eaten we settled down to watch Spectre and I remembered that we'd watched the film on New Year's Eve. I wonder what we would have said back then if we'd known what was going to happen this year? I think I would have been tempted to fly somewhere beautiful and stay there for the whole year!
Friday 26 June 2020
Hot and humid
Day 95
Sophie was back at work today and she looked lovely when she went in - it's her favourite day of the working week as she can dress up and put make-up on!
I was hoping today would be cooler, but the threatened thunderstorms never materialised and it stayed hot and humid all day. Keith and I didn't venture out apart from taking a parcel to the post office for Sophie, calling over to Mum's to make sure everything was OK and collecting Mike from work. Next Saturday, the 4th July, pubs, bars and restaurants can open but I think we'll leave it for a while before going out. It will be interesting to see how busy everywhere is - I can't help remembering the queues for shops when they re-opened!
So, today was spent mooching about and doing very little Having said that, we have achieved quite a lot since we all went into lockdown in March. For posterity, here is what we have done so far:
Cut back the bushes at the front of the house
Painted the en-suite bathroom and re-sealed the shower unit. We also re-sealed the window in there and did the bedroom window at the same time.
Re-sealed the whole conservatory and cleaned the roof (which needs doing again!)
Glossed the small garage door (both sides) and varnished the large door.
Cleaned under the driveway awning (loads of cobwebs!)
Re-sealed the kitchen
Disposed of all the garden cuttings (we had boxes and boxes of branches!)
Stripped the wallpaper off the wall in the bedroom ready to paint
Not too bad!
When Sophie arrived home, hot and tired, we cracked open a bottle of New Zealand Pinot Gris and watched 90 Day Fiance. I am wondering whether Keith will go to the pub in a couple of weeks time to catch up with his mates... I think he will!
Dinner tonight was fish pie which rapidly disappeared and then it was time to relax. Unfortunately, Mike is working tomorrow and starts at 5am...hmmm!
Sophie was back at work today and she looked lovely when she went in - it's her favourite day of the working week as she can dress up and put make-up on!
I was hoping today would be cooler, but the threatened thunderstorms never materialised and it stayed hot and humid all day. Keith and I didn't venture out apart from taking a parcel to the post office for Sophie, calling over to Mum's to make sure everything was OK and collecting Mike from work. Next Saturday, the 4th July, pubs, bars and restaurants can open but I think we'll leave it for a while before going out. It will be interesting to see how busy everywhere is - I can't help remembering the queues for shops when they re-opened!
So, today was spent mooching about and doing very little Having said that, we have achieved quite a lot since we all went into lockdown in March. For posterity, here is what we have done so far:
Cut back the bushes at the front of the house
Painted the en-suite bathroom and re-sealed the shower unit. We also re-sealed the window in there and did the bedroom window at the same time.
Re-sealed the whole conservatory and cleaned the roof (which needs doing again!)
Glossed the small garage door (both sides) and varnished the large door.
Cleaned under the driveway awning (loads of cobwebs!)
Re-sealed the kitchen
Disposed of all the garden cuttings (we had boxes and boxes of branches!)
Stripped the wallpaper off the wall in the bedroom ready to paint
Not too bad!
When Sophie arrived home, hot and tired, we cracked open a bottle of New Zealand Pinot Gris and watched 90 Day Fiance. I am wondering whether Keith will go to the pub in a couple of weeks time to catch up with his mates... I think he will!
Dinner tonight was fish pie which rapidly disappeared and then it was time to relax. Unfortunately, Mike is working tomorrow and starts at 5am...hmmm!
Thursday 25 June 2020
Hell...on the beach!
Day 94
High temperatures were forecast again today so we had another period of lying low. I mooched about feeling a bit miserable as the heel on my left foot is really causing me some pain and I hate being too hot! Poor Sophie was suffering in the conservatory as well, but really, we don't have that much to moan about. Imagine being cooped up in a tiny flat in a city? No, thank you! Or being ill with the dreaded coronavirus...
I did manage, finally (and fingers crossed) to upload my blog of 2012 to a book publishing site which charged reasonable prices. I ordered a copy and paid for it so now we'll have to wait and see. If it's OK (and it's only for my own enjoyment) I'll carry on with the other years.
I really don't like giving in to doing things such as watching television or reading during the day but I did see one episode of Bettany Hughes' Greek Odyssey which was brilliant. Just seeing the gorgeous Greek Islands put me in a better mood and her passion and enthusiasm made for a very interesting programme.
I think I'm annoyed mostly because of not being able to go back to work as planned. My manager, Sara, called me today to confirm that our start date of the 4 July was now cancelled but it's looking likely that gyms may re-open in the middle of the month instead. Let's keep hoping!
We watched the news with shock this evening, as pictures of the crowded beaches in the south of the country were shown. I know we escaped to the coast a few weeks ago, but the two places we visited were quiet and we would have left if they'd been too busy. A major incident was declared in Bournemouth today as thousands of people flocked to the resort to make the best of the hot and sunny weather, Personally, it would be my idea of hell to be crammed onto a hot beach with loads of strangers, but there you go. Each to their own. I just hope that this doesn't cause another spike in infections.
We sat out in the garden again this evening and after dinner Keith watched the football downstairs while Sophie and I lounged on the bed, the fan full on, and watched Remarkable Places to Eat with Fred Sirieix and an annoying and very bouncy woman who I'd never heard of before. Pure escapism once again!
High temperatures were forecast again today so we had another period of lying low. I mooched about feeling a bit miserable as the heel on my left foot is really causing me some pain and I hate being too hot! Poor Sophie was suffering in the conservatory as well, but really, we don't have that much to moan about. Imagine being cooped up in a tiny flat in a city? No, thank you! Or being ill with the dreaded coronavirus...
I did manage, finally (and fingers crossed) to upload my blog of 2012 to a book publishing site which charged reasonable prices. I ordered a copy and paid for it so now we'll have to wait and see. If it's OK (and it's only for my own enjoyment) I'll carry on with the other years.
I really don't like giving in to doing things such as watching television or reading during the day but I did see one episode of Bettany Hughes' Greek Odyssey which was brilliant. Just seeing the gorgeous Greek Islands put me in a better mood and her passion and enthusiasm made for a very interesting programme.
I think I'm annoyed mostly because of not being able to go back to work as planned. My manager, Sara, called me today to confirm that our start date of the 4 July was now cancelled but it's looking likely that gyms may re-open in the middle of the month instead. Let's keep hoping!
We watched the news with shock this evening, as pictures of the crowded beaches in the south of the country were shown. I know we escaped to the coast a few weeks ago, but the two places we visited were quiet and we would have left if they'd been too busy. A major incident was declared in Bournemouth today as thousands of people flocked to the resort to make the best of the hot and sunny weather, Personally, it would be my idea of hell to be crammed onto a hot beach with loads of strangers, but there you go. Each to their own. I just hope that this doesn't cause another spike in infections.
We sat out in the garden again this evening and after dinner Keith watched the football downstairs while Sophie and I lounged on the bed, the fan full on, and watched Remarkable Places to Eat with Fred Sirieix and an annoying and very bouncy woman who I'd never heard of before. Pure escapism once again!
Wednesday 24 June 2020
Feeling hot, hot, hot!
Day 93
Sophie went for a run this morning and I sat out on the front step with my coffee and enjoyed the early sunshine. It was gorgeous, but the rest of the day is forecast to be very hot, and maybe even the hottest day of the year so far!
I watered the garden very early as well, and made sure the birds' water bowls were topped up. As it was going to be a hot one, the plan was to lie low and do nothing much, but half way through the morning, feeling a bit bored, I went up to our bedroom and started removing the wallpaper from the wall behind our bed! It came off very easily! Our household bin is due to be emptied this week so it was good to get all of the wallpaper off the wall and into this bin.
Keith came upstairs with me and we discovered lots of writing from the children when we decorated back in 2011. Nine years ago! Michael had drawn around his hand as well! I asked Keith to fill in some holes in the wall and we tried to get the surface as smooth as possible. This created a huge amount of mess so I hoovered it all up and then carried on through the rest of the house. It was hot work!
Sophie was finding it very uncomfortable working in the conservatory today, but next week the temperatures are set to be a lot lower. I think she is ready to go back to her office full-time now, but no date has been set. Paul, who lives opposite, told me today that he won't be going back to his office full-time until the end of the year!
Mike called us at 2.30pm to ask us to collect him straight away and was finishing early because of the heat. When he got into the car he looked extremely hot so it was straight into the shower for him back at home, and all his sweaty clothes went into the wash!
I finished hoovering and had a lukewarm bath which was lovely. I then went downstairs and fell asleep on the sofa while watching Pointless!
We ate outside again this evening and enjoyed quiche and salad. It was lovely and cool in the garden and some of the birds were a bit brave and pecked at their fat snax in the feeders while we ate.
Afterwards Keith watched Newcastle on the television (he'd recorded the match) while Sophie and I went upstairs and watched a very good documentary called Drain Alcatraz. I am very glad we didn't see it before we went to San Francisco last year as apparently the waters in the bay can be very dangerous and there is a deep trench running underneath the Golden Gate bridge! Also, the threat of the next earthquake is ever-present and the safest place to be would be Alcatraz!
Sophie went for a run this morning and I sat out on the front step with my coffee and enjoyed the early sunshine. It was gorgeous, but the rest of the day is forecast to be very hot, and maybe even the hottest day of the year so far!
I watered the garden very early as well, and made sure the birds' water bowls were topped up. As it was going to be a hot one, the plan was to lie low and do nothing much, but half way through the morning, feeling a bit bored, I went up to our bedroom and started removing the wallpaper from the wall behind our bed! It came off very easily! Our household bin is due to be emptied this week so it was good to get all of the wallpaper off the wall and into this bin.
Keith came upstairs with me and we discovered lots of writing from the children when we decorated back in 2011. Nine years ago! Michael had drawn around his hand as well! I asked Keith to fill in some holes in the wall and we tried to get the surface as smooth as possible. This created a huge amount of mess so I hoovered it all up and then carried on through the rest of the house. It was hot work!
Sophie was finding it very uncomfortable working in the conservatory today, but next week the temperatures are set to be a lot lower. I think she is ready to go back to her office full-time now, but no date has been set. Paul, who lives opposite, told me today that he won't be going back to his office full-time until the end of the year!
Mike called us at 2.30pm to ask us to collect him straight away and was finishing early because of the heat. When he got into the car he looked extremely hot so it was straight into the shower for him back at home, and all his sweaty clothes went into the wash!
I finished hoovering and had a lukewarm bath which was lovely. I then went downstairs and fell asleep on the sofa while watching Pointless!
We ate outside again this evening and enjoyed quiche and salad. It was lovely and cool in the garden and some of the birds were a bit brave and pecked at their fat snax in the feeders while we ate.
Afterwards Keith watched Newcastle on the television (he'd recorded the match) while Sophie and I went upstairs and watched a very good documentary called Drain Alcatraz. I am very glad we didn't see it before we went to San Francisco last year as apparently the waters in the bay can be very dangerous and there is a deep trench running underneath the Golden Gate bridge! Also, the threat of the next earthquake is ever-present and the safest place to be would be Alcatraz!
Tuesday 23 June 2020
Shocked and disappointed...
Day 92
I had to go to Tesco this morning to get some bits for Mum and Dad and we popped over to their house beforehand to check everything was OK. Tesco was almost back to normal today - no queues, no hassle and only the wait for a checkout the sign that things were slightly different.
Boris is expected to make a big announcement today about reducing the 2m rule and also to confirm whether pubs, restaurants, bars and cafes can open on the 4 July. I was also hoping for concrete confirmation that gyms and leisure centres can re-open with all the safety measures in place.
We dropped the stuff off for Mum and Dad at the care home and waved to my Mum through the window. She didn't seem to be very happy at all and I think the two week self-isolation is causing her problems. My Dad doesn't seem to be well and the strain of being with him 24 hours a day is starting to show.
When we arrived back home I caught up with some jobs that needed doing, including printing off forms that need to be filled in regarding the investment of the money from the sale of the house. I was pleased to receive a phone call from the estate agent about a viewing on Saturday.
After lunch I heard a knock on the door and it was Sue who had come to take Bailey and Archie out for a walk. Unfortunately, there was nobody at her old house so I invited her in for a cup of tea and a chat. It was just like old times! Both her and Michelle are coming over to our house on the 9 July for a good catch-up and a few glasses of vino so we're looking forward to that.
While we were chatting Sophie read that Boris had made his announcement. As we all expected, pubs, bars, restaurants, cafes, hairdressers and hotels, etc can re-open on the 4 July providing they put certain safety measures in place. Shockingly, gyms and leisure centres will still remain closed. I was gutted, to be honest as we had all been sent letters saying we were going back to work on the 4 July and I was really looking forward to getting back to some kind of normality. It has now been 13 weeks since I was at work and very soon I will forget everything I had to do!
To be honest I think the message was a little confusing as when I messaged my colleagues on Whats App, someone said that leisure centres were allowed to open? However, that looked to be leisure centres for holidays, rather than sports centres.
One of my colleagues called me on the phone and we had a good chat about it - we all now have to wait for an announcement from our management team and we were all very disappointed by the news.
Keith and I went to pick up Mike and he was very hot and sweaty. The car temperature was registering 27c so it has become significantly hotter as the day wore on. I sat and watched the last ever Coronavirus update at 4.30pm and I won't be sorry to see that disappear from our television screens! A lot of people were very pleased about the news today and it does mean we can visit the pub but I think things will be very different to what we're used to. There will be no standing at the bar, for instance! And maybe we will have to book a table if we want to go, which takes out the spontaneity of the whole visit!
As planned Keith barbecued tonight and we sat out in the garden while Keith cooked. It was lovely!
I had to go to Tesco this morning to get some bits for Mum and Dad and we popped over to their house beforehand to check everything was OK. Tesco was almost back to normal today - no queues, no hassle and only the wait for a checkout the sign that things were slightly different.
Boris is expected to make a big announcement today about reducing the 2m rule and also to confirm whether pubs, restaurants, bars and cafes can open on the 4 July. I was also hoping for concrete confirmation that gyms and leisure centres can re-open with all the safety measures in place.
We dropped the stuff off for Mum and Dad at the care home and waved to my Mum through the window. She didn't seem to be very happy at all and I think the two week self-isolation is causing her problems. My Dad doesn't seem to be well and the strain of being with him 24 hours a day is starting to show.
When we arrived back home I caught up with some jobs that needed doing, including printing off forms that need to be filled in regarding the investment of the money from the sale of the house. I was pleased to receive a phone call from the estate agent about a viewing on Saturday.
After lunch I heard a knock on the door and it was Sue who had come to take Bailey and Archie out for a walk. Unfortunately, there was nobody at her old house so I invited her in for a cup of tea and a chat. It was just like old times! Both her and Michelle are coming over to our house on the 9 July for a good catch-up and a few glasses of vino so we're looking forward to that.
While we were chatting Sophie read that Boris had made his announcement. As we all expected, pubs, bars, restaurants, cafes, hairdressers and hotels, etc can re-open on the 4 July providing they put certain safety measures in place. Shockingly, gyms and leisure centres will still remain closed. I was gutted, to be honest as we had all been sent letters saying we were going back to work on the 4 July and I was really looking forward to getting back to some kind of normality. It has now been 13 weeks since I was at work and very soon I will forget everything I had to do!
To be honest I think the message was a little confusing as when I messaged my colleagues on Whats App, someone said that leisure centres were allowed to open? However, that looked to be leisure centres for holidays, rather than sports centres.
One of my colleagues called me on the phone and we had a good chat about it - we all now have to wait for an announcement from our management team and we were all very disappointed by the news.
Keith and I went to pick up Mike and he was very hot and sweaty. The car temperature was registering 27c so it has become significantly hotter as the day wore on. I sat and watched the last ever Coronavirus update at 4.30pm and I won't be sorry to see that disappear from our television screens! A lot of people were very pleased about the news today and it does mean we can visit the pub but I think things will be very different to what we're used to. There will be no standing at the bar, for instance! And maybe we will have to book a table if we want to go, which takes out the spontaneity of the whole visit!
As planned Keith barbecued tonight and we sat out in the garden while Keith cooked. It was lovely!
Monday 22 June 2020
Helping the economy!
Day 91
Sophie went back to running this morning and she said it was already hotting up by 8am. I think we're definitely in for a mini heatwave this week!
Keith and I went down to B&Q this morning and bought some paint, as before I go back to work on the 4 July, we are going to decorate our bedroom, something we've been meaning to do for quite a while. We picked out some paint - Dulux White Mist - for the walls and ceiling. I don't really want to change the curtains or the blind so this will go well with the colours we already have.
We also bought a small mirrored cabinet for our main bathroom...finally! After popping into Aldi next door to get food for the next three nights (with the weather in mind, we've gone for barbecue foods and quiches served with salads) we drove across the road to Tapi to enquire about bedroom carpets. Our bedroom carpet is way past its best (it's been down nearly twenty years) and is mostly covered by rugs that have a tendency to creep and ruck up, which is highly annoying. We asked whether we could order the same carpet we had last year for the living room, stairs and landing, but it had been discontinued, which was a real shame.
We were told what material the carpet was made from and guided over to an area that had similar carpets. After some discussion, we chose one we both liked and which is similar to the carpet we have on the landing. We ordered it, paid for it and now we need to decorate! It should be with us in about three weeks and we will have to take up the old carpet and underlay, as we did before. That should be fun with our super-king bed!
Sophie went back to running this morning and she said it was already hotting up by 8am. I think we're definitely in for a mini heatwave this week!
Keith and I went down to B&Q this morning and bought some paint, as before I go back to work on the 4 July, we are going to decorate our bedroom, something we've been meaning to do for quite a while. We picked out some paint - Dulux White Mist - for the walls and ceiling. I don't really want to change the curtains or the blind so this will go well with the colours we already have.
We also bought a small mirrored cabinet for our main bathroom...finally! After popping into Aldi next door to get food for the next three nights (with the weather in mind, we've gone for barbecue foods and quiches served with salads) we drove across the road to Tapi to enquire about bedroom carpets. Our bedroom carpet is way past its best (it's been down nearly twenty years) and is mostly covered by rugs that have a tendency to creep and ruck up, which is highly annoying. We asked whether we could order the same carpet we had last year for the living room, stairs and landing, but it had been discontinued, which was a real shame.
We were told what material the carpet was made from and guided over to an area that had similar carpets. After some discussion, we chose one we both liked and which is similar to the carpet we have on the landing. We ordered it, paid for it and now we need to decorate! It should be with us in about three weeks and we will have to take up the old carpet and underlay, as we did before. That should be fun with our super-king bed!
Back home we told Sophie what we'd done and she was very bemused as to why we hadn't brought samples home! We explained we just wanted to get it done today and I have only two weeks before I start back at work in which to get it all done. When we told her how much money we'd spent today she gasped! Well, we are helping the economy!
I cooked dinner again tonight - the pasta carbonara that we had originally planned to have last night and very good it was too! Keith is barbecuing tomorrow night and for the first time in ages we are going to eat outside!
Sunday 21 June 2020
Celebrating Dads!
Day 90
It's Father's Day today and I can't remember the last time I didn't spend it with my parents, with them coming around for a meal or going to their house. I felt very sad. Keith received some lovely gifts from Sophie and Mike - books, Scotch whisky and Irish whiskey! That should keep him going until his birthday in September!
I had left gifts with my Dad when they went into the care home and I called my parents to say that Keith and I were going to pop over and wave to them from outside. It certainly wasn't the same but it was all I could do. Who knows where we'll be this time next year?
Sophie had invited Daisy and Laura over for the afternoon, and we'd set up our paste table in the garden, covered with a cloth and full of nibbles that the girls shared. It was lovely to hear them chattering and laughing in the garden!
Thankfully, the weather stayed dry and breezy with plenty of sunshine. It's set to get very hot next week with temperatures reaching the 30s!
As it was Father's Day I prepared the dinner tonight in honour of Keith - roast lamb with all the trimmings! I'm glad it wasn't too warm today! Daisy and Laura went home at about 4pm and I cleared up for Sophie while she stood chatting outside. It was the least I could do after all the times she has helped me in the past.
Dinner was a success and the roast shoulder of lamb delicious. I left the bone on the plate so Keith could nibble away at it and he enjoyed it with gusto!
It's Father's Day today and I can't remember the last time I didn't spend it with my parents, with them coming around for a meal or going to their house. I felt very sad. Keith received some lovely gifts from Sophie and Mike - books, Scotch whisky and Irish whiskey! That should keep him going until his birthday in September!
I had left gifts with my Dad when they went into the care home and I called my parents to say that Keith and I were going to pop over and wave to them from outside. It certainly wasn't the same but it was all I could do. Who knows where we'll be this time next year?
Sophie had invited Daisy and Laura over for the afternoon, and we'd set up our paste table in the garden, covered with a cloth and full of nibbles that the girls shared. It was lovely to hear them chattering and laughing in the garden!
Thankfully, the weather stayed dry and breezy with plenty of sunshine. It's set to get very hot next week with temperatures reaching the 30s!
As it was Father's Day I prepared the dinner tonight in honour of Keith - roast lamb with all the trimmings! I'm glad it wasn't too warm today! Daisy and Laura went home at about 4pm and I cleared up for Sophie while she stood chatting outside. It was the least I could do after all the times she has helped me in the past.
Dinner was a success and the roast shoulder of lamb delicious. I left the bone on the plate so Keith could nibble away at it and he enjoyed it with gusto!
Saturday 20 June 2020
An unhappy Sophie...
Day 89
The plan had been to go to Farndon Fields and Market Harborough today but unfortunately Sophie was a little unwell so we decided to stay at home instead. It is very unlike my daughter to be ill but we managed to get her sorted out by calling the NHS out of hours service and some antibiotics were sent to Tesco pharmacy.
We'd had a very relaxed and lazy start to the day and Keith made me a delicious cooked breakfast. It kept me going all day! We enjoyed a few episodes of A Place in the Sun: Winter Sun which provided a few hours of escapism! Bliss!
Later in the day we went to the Co-op at Brixworth to get veggies for tomorrow as we had decided to cook roast lamb for Father's Day rather than the Spagehetti Carbonara we had planned originally. I had forgotten it was Father's Day! I treated us both to an ice-cream and we pulled into a field entrance and ate them in the car on the way home. The weather today has been very changeable but it's stayed mostly dry with very interesting cloud formations in the sky! At one point I thought we were going to have a storm but it passed over and we just had a brief shower instead.
We popped over to Tesco and had to queue to get in, which was a pain. Sophie treated herself to a bottle of Vodka and some lovely cotton pyjamas while I selected a lovely half shoulder of lamb. Back home we relaxed and I had a nap!
Dinner tonight was home-made chicken Kiev with veggies and I made my own cheese sauce to go with it. After we'd eaten we started watching a film called Gemini Man starring Will Smith but I lost interest halfway through and started watching Little Fires Everywhere on my Kindle Fire instead. It's supposed to be like Big Little Lies and also stars Reese Witherspoon. I watched one episode and it looks very good indeed!
The plan had been to go to Farndon Fields and Market Harborough today but unfortunately Sophie was a little unwell so we decided to stay at home instead. It is very unlike my daughter to be ill but we managed to get her sorted out by calling the NHS out of hours service and some antibiotics were sent to Tesco pharmacy.
We'd had a very relaxed and lazy start to the day and Keith made me a delicious cooked breakfast. It kept me going all day! We enjoyed a few episodes of A Place in the Sun: Winter Sun which provided a few hours of escapism! Bliss!
Later in the day we went to the Co-op at Brixworth to get veggies for tomorrow as we had decided to cook roast lamb for Father's Day rather than the Spagehetti Carbonara we had planned originally. I had forgotten it was Father's Day! I treated us both to an ice-cream and we pulled into a field entrance and ate them in the car on the way home. The weather today has been very changeable but it's stayed mostly dry with very interesting cloud formations in the sky! At one point I thought we were going to have a storm but it passed over and we just had a brief shower instead.
We popped over to Tesco and had to queue to get in, which was a pain. Sophie treated herself to a bottle of Vodka and some lovely cotton pyjamas while I selected a lovely half shoulder of lamb. Back home we relaxed and I had a nap!
Dinner tonight was home-made chicken Kiev with veggies and I made my own cheese sauce to go with it. After we'd eaten we started watching a film called Gemini Man starring Will Smith but I lost interest halfway through and started watching Little Fires Everywhere on my Kindle Fire instead. It's supposed to be like Big Little Lies and also stars Reese Witherspoon. I watched one episode and it looks very good indeed!
Friday 19 June 2020
An afternoon catch-up!
Day 88
We awoke to another overcast day and I looked at the sky anxiously because of our work meet this afternoon in the park... I just hoped that the cloud and rain would clear!
I took Sophie to work this morning as I was borrowing her car this afternoon and it was really strange to see the office car parks so empty. There was only one other car parked! By 9am they would have been full so most of the people who work nearby must be working from home. The offices were locked so we had to wait for Sophie's manager, and as soon as she arrived I sped off home to have a quick breakfast with Keith. The plan was to go to Mum's this morning and make sure the house was ready for a viewing if anyone wanted to go along over the weekend.
We spent two hours in the house and I hoovered everywhere, re-made my Mum's bed to make it look really pretty and shampooed the hall carpet that was looking a bit grubby. When we left it was raining hard, which was a real blow. I messaged my colleagues and suggested postponing, but no sooner had I sent the text than it cleared and the sun came out! We all decided to push ahead and meet up at the Park Cafe at 2pm. We would all bring a chair each and sit nearby for a good chat.
I managed to park where I used to wait for Mike and walked over to the cafe. I was the first to arrive, quickly followed by Sheila and Kathy, Jo and then Sara and Denise. We sat near a lovely WWI commemoration bench and Sheila had brought us all home-made masks to wear, which I thought was really lovely.
As I hadn't had time for lunch before I left I went and bought a sandwich and a cup of tea, and it was very pleasant sitting in the sun and catching up with what the other women had been up to during lockdown. Sara had been working since our last day and had been dealing with literally thousands of emails. I said I wished we had been able to help and I do think that things could have been handled better, especially during the first week when we were sent home after just one day. Even if we'd been able to work a week after we had closed the centres, it might have helped.
The good thing is that four of us, plus Sara, are back to work on the 4th July and doing reduced hours to start with. Because no-one knows how busy we'll be we are working a different rota to start with and then we'll see how things go. I am just glad to be going back to work but things will be very different at first, with only gym sessions available. A lot of our classes will still be available online and I don't think any of the children's activities will be running for a while. This, of course, is all dependent on what the Government says!
We all sat chatting until about 4.30pm when I had to leave to go and get Sophie from work. She had had a busy day so it was great to get home, pour a glass of Prosecco and watch 90 Day Fiance! Keith cooked dinner this evening and we enjoyed chilli before relaxing in the living room to watch an Alfred Hitchcock film - The Man Who Knew Too Much starring James Stewart and Doris Day. We ended up sinking two bottles of Prosecco (they were low in alcohol) and going to bed late! Lie-in tomorrow!
We awoke to another overcast day and I looked at the sky anxiously because of our work meet this afternoon in the park... I just hoped that the cloud and rain would clear!
I took Sophie to work this morning as I was borrowing her car this afternoon and it was really strange to see the office car parks so empty. There was only one other car parked! By 9am they would have been full so most of the people who work nearby must be working from home. The offices were locked so we had to wait for Sophie's manager, and as soon as she arrived I sped off home to have a quick breakfast with Keith. The plan was to go to Mum's this morning and make sure the house was ready for a viewing if anyone wanted to go along over the weekend.
We spent two hours in the house and I hoovered everywhere, re-made my Mum's bed to make it look really pretty and shampooed the hall carpet that was looking a bit grubby. When we left it was raining hard, which was a real blow. I messaged my colleagues and suggested postponing, but no sooner had I sent the text than it cleared and the sun came out! We all decided to push ahead and meet up at the Park Cafe at 2pm. We would all bring a chair each and sit nearby for a good chat.
I managed to park where I used to wait for Mike and walked over to the cafe. I was the first to arrive, quickly followed by Sheila and Kathy, Jo and then Sara and Denise. We sat near a lovely WWI commemoration bench and Sheila had brought us all home-made masks to wear, which I thought was really lovely.
As I hadn't had time for lunch before I left I went and bought a sandwich and a cup of tea, and it was very pleasant sitting in the sun and catching up with what the other women had been up to during lockdown. Sara had been working since our last day and had been dealing with literally thousands of emails. I said I wished we had been able to help and I do think that things could have been handled better, especially during the first week when we were sent home after just one day. Even if we'd been able to work a week after we had closed the centres, it might have helped.
The good thing is that four of us, plus Sara, are back to work on the 4th July and doing reduced hours to start with. Because no-one knows how busy we'll be we are working a different rota to start with and then we'll see how things go. I am just glad to be going back to work but things will be very different at first, with only gym sessions available. A lot of our classes will still be available online and I don't think any of the children's activities will be running for a while. This, of course, is all dependent on what the Government says!
We all sat chatting until about 4.30pm when I had to leave to go and get Sophie from work. She had had a busy day so it was great to get home, pour a glass of Prosecco and watch 90 Day Fiance! Keith cooked dinner this evening and we enjoyed chilli before relaxing in the living room to watch an Alfred Hitchcock film - The Man Who Knew Too Much starring James Stewart and Doris Day. We ended up sinking two bottles of Prosecco (they were low in alcohol) and going to bed late! Lie-in tomorrow!
Thursday 18 June 2020
Rain stops play
Day 87
We've had another morning of very heavy rain and Keith arrived home from shopping looking like a drowned rat! At lunchtime Mike called to say they were finishing work early because of the terrible weather. At first, I thought he had done something wrong but when we arrived all the team were leaving and he'd been winding me up! He said that the golf course was closed because of lightning but some hardy souls were still playing in the rain. They must be dedicated!
Keith and I were very relieved that Mike had been having a joke with us because if he lost this job I don't think I would have been responsible for my actions!
We've had another morning of very heavy rain and Keith arrived home from shopping looking like a drowned rat! At lunchtime Mike called to say they were finishing work early because of the terrible weather. At first, I thought he had done something wrong but when we arrived all the team were leaving and he'd been winding me up! He said that the golf course was closed because of lightning but some hardy souls were still playing in the rain. They must be dedicated!
Keith and I were very relieved that Mike had been having a joke with us because if he lost this job I don't think I would have been responsible for my actions!
Back home I cleaned the house which took me most of the afternoon. The weather continued to be grey and horrible for the rest of the day and I only hope it clears up tomorrow as I'm meeting the girls I work with in the afternoon at Abington Park. When we arranged the date the weather forecast was great but it's been changing by the day!
All this week we have played cards in the conservatory before dinner but this evening Sophie and I watched a great documentary about Alfred Hitchcock. He made so many films and there's loads we haven't seen and which we'll look forward to watching. It's great trying to spot him!
Sophie made a lovely curry for dinner and we enjoyed it with sticky rice and naan breads. I can't believe it's Friday again tomorrow! Where has this week gone?
Wednesday 17 June 2020
More storms!
Day 86
Sophie was back at work today but I feel she didn't really enjoy her two days off, bless her! I had hoped to do something nice yesterday but we will have to wait until things return to normal.
I felt a bit better this morning as I'd had a good conversation with my Mum yesterday, who sounded more cheerful which was a relief. Keith and I called around to their house to sort out the timers for the lights and to make sure everything was OK. I received a letter about my Dad's Attendance Allowance which stated he was entitled to receive it every month but they couldn't pay him any money as he was in a care home that was being funded by the county council! I had written on the form that he was moving to a delf-funded one on the 15 June, which they obviously hadn't read!
We drove to Aldi in Kettering and I bought lots of bird food. As soon as I put it on the lawn the starlings arrive and gobble it all up and I had completely run out! All they do if fight and squabble amongst themselves and the noise is tremendous!
As a treat we bought a bottle of Prosecco for tonight because Sophie said yesterday she really fancied a glass. It's been a very warm day again and in the afternoon I went out and put some grass seed down on the front verge which is very patchy. I said I wasn't going to because of the cat but I thought I'd see if it made a difference. Just after I put it down it started to rain and this carried on throughout the afternoon.
We had the mother of all thunderstorms in the evening just before we sat down for dinner. The rain was absolutely torrential again and the thunder rumbled on into the night, so at least I didn't have to water the plants this evening!
Tuesday 16 June 2020
Storm clouds gather...
Day 85
I had a bad night's sleep worrying about all sorts of things, but mostly about my parents and whether they would settle in their new home and whether the house would sell.
I woke up at the same time as Keith and went downstairs when he took Mike to work. Outside it was misty and muggy but luckily the low cloud cleared and we saw some warm sunshine.
Sophie was off again today and we popped over to Mum's house to check their post and answerphone messages, and to make sure everything was OK. We then drove to Tesco to buy a new phone for them as theirs had definitely stopped working. I think my Dad spilling tea on it the other day didn't help! The man in the mobile shop was very helpful and we bought a very simple phone for about £15 which came with £10 of credit. They have had Android phones in the past and never really been able to get the most out of them so a simple mobile is all they need.
We also bought them a stack of magazines and books to keep them occupied for the next two weeks. One of the magazines was for knitters and had balls of wool and needles, which I'm hoping my Mum will appreciate.
We still had a yearning for coffee so we went to the much quieter Costa Coffee and treated ourselves to a lovely drink. I wanted to go to B&M for bird food so we drank our coffees in the car - not a good idea on a very warm day! The queue for B&M was long so I gave up on the idea and we went home where we charged the mobile and added lots of contacts for my parents so they can ring friends and family easily.
On the way to get Mike we took the phone and magazines to the Care Home but I couldn't go in and had to leave everything with the Admissions manager. Another couple were talking to a relative through a window and I will be so glad when this is all over and I can go in whenever I want.
We were incredibly early for Mike again and of course, he was late! We sat and watched the golfers approaching the 18th hole and a couple of them kept missing! It certainly wasn't like watching professional golf on the television!
Back home I put the hoover around and then played cards with Keith in the conservatory. Mum called and was over the moon with all the things we had bought for them and seemed very happy, so that was reassuring. Overhead the storm clouds were building and my husband had decided to barbecue tonight rather than tomorrow... the reason why? Football makes a return tomorrow evening!
It proved to be a bit of a mistake as almost as soon as he started cooking the heavens opened and we had torrential rain and thunder. And I mean torrential rain! It was like stair-rods and he was soaked! Sophie and I were in the kitchen cooking the potatoes, onions, stuffed mushrooms and sweetcorn so we were OK, but poor Keith was dashing in and out wearing an anorak... oh dear!
The thunder rumbled on all evening and over dinner we were treated to several flashes of lightning. I do love a good storm!
I had a bad night's sleep worrying about all sorts of things, but mostly about my parents and whether they would settle in their new home and whether the house would sell.
I woke up at the same time as Keith and went downstairs when he took Mike to work. Outside it was misty and muggy but luckily the low cloud cleared and we saw some warm sunshine.
Sophie was off again today and we popped over to Mum's house to check their post and answerphone messages, and to make sure everything was OK. We then drove to Tesco to buy a new phone for them as theirs had definitely stopped working. I think my Dad spilling tea on it the other day didn't help! The man in the mobile shop was very helpful and we bought a very simple phone for about £15 which came with £10 of credit. They have had Android phones in the past and never really been able to get the most out of them so a simple mobile is all they need.
We also bought them a stack of magazines and books to keep them occupied for the next two weeks. One of the magazines was for knitters and had balls of wool and needles, which I'm hoping my Mum will appreciate.
We still had a yearning for coffee so we went to the much quieter Costa Coffee and treated ourselves to a lovely drink. I wanted to go to B&M for bird food so we drank our coffees in the car - not a good idea on a very warm day! The queue for B&M was long so I gave up on the idea and we went home where we charged the mobile and added lots of contacts for my parents so they can ring friends and family easily.
On the way to get Mike we took the phone and magazines to the Care Home but I couldn't go in and had to leave everything with the Admissions manager. Another couple were talking to a relative through a window and I will be so glad when this is all over and I can go in whenever I want.
We were incredibly early for Mike again and of course, he was late! We sat and watched the golfers approaching the 18th hole and a couple of them kept missing! It certainly wasn't like watching professional golf on the television!
Back home I put the hoover around and then played cards with Keith in the conservatory. Mum called and was over the moon with all the things we had bought for them and seemed very happy, so that was reassuring. Overhead the storm clouds were building and my husband had decided to barbecue tonight rather than tomorrow... the reason why? Football makes a return tomorrow evening!
It proved to be a bit of a mistake as almost as soon as he started cooking the heavens opened and we had torrential rain and thunder. And I mean torrential rain! It was like stair-rods and he was soaked! Sophie and I were in the kitchen cooking the potatoes, onions, stuffed mushrooms and sweetcorn so we were OK, but poor Keith was dashing in and out wearing an anorak... oh dear!
The thunder rumbled on all evening and over dinner we were treated to several flashes of lightning. I do love a good storm!
Monday 15 June 2020
An emotional day
Day 84
I called the Care Home where Dad was this morning at about 9.30am and they said that the patient transport had arrived to take him to Kettering already! This put us in a flap as I was expecting it to arrive after 10am! Sophie had taken today and tomorrow as holiday and all of us dashed over to Mum's house to find Binty's family already there and waiting for us to arrive. We said our goodbyes and I gave her a card and some chocolates to say thank you for looking after Mum for the last six weeks.
We then let my emotional Mum say a goodbye to her house (I was crying as well) and left to go to Kettering. Dad hadn't arrived yet and we all went up to her rooms and had a coffee. Just as I was about to drink it, my Dad's transport arrived and I went down with the Admissions manager to welcome him. He looked frail and thin again but I'm really hoping that he will put on some weight over the next few weeks and improve his mobility.
My parents were pleased to see each other (it's been eight weeks) and after settling them in Keith, Sophie and I went to get their luggage and then filled in some forms. My Dad seemed very pleased with the care home and the fact that they have two rooms is a real bonus. Unfortunately, they have to remain in self-isolation for two weeks but after that they will be able to have their meals in the dining room and take part in lots of activities.
We said goodbye but I was a little worried that their mobile phone wasn't working properly. We drove to Tesco where we bought food for the next three nights - salads, cold meats and quiches as the weather is set to be warm and humid, with warnings of thunderstorms.
After lunch Sophie wanted to pop to Boots to get some moisturiser and I suddenly remembered that non-essential shops were back open today. There were queues to get into JD Sports but neither of us felt like going shopping when we suspected they would be really busy. In the news, there were pictures of people queuing to get into a lot of stores so we think we will leave it a good while before we go! I don't like shopping at the best of times and the thought of queuing like that fills me with dread!
I had told Keith I would pick up Mike and as we had an hour to kill, we attempted Starbucks again. This time were weren't many cars in the queue but it still took us forty-five minutes to get our coffees. We bought an iced one for Mike and sped back over to Kettering to get him. We were still early and predictably, he was out late!
I called the Care Home where Dad was this morning at about 9.30am and they said that the patient transport had arrived to take him to Kettering already! This put us in a flap as I was expecting it to arrive after 10am! Sophie had taken today and tomorrow as holiday and all of us dashed over to Mum's house to find Binty's family already there and waiting for us to arrive. We said our goodbyes and I gave her a card and some chocolates to say thank you for looking after Mum for the last six weeks.
We then let my emotional Mum say a goodbye to her house (I was crying as well) and left to go to Kettering. Dad hadn't arrived yet and we all went up to her rooms and had a coffee. Just as I was about to drink it, my Dad's transport arrived and I went down with the Admissions manager to welcome him. He looked frail and thin again but I'm really hoping that he will put on some weight over the next few weeks and improve his mobility.
My parents were pleased to see each other (it's been eight weeks) and after settling them in Keith, Sophie and I went to get their luggage and then filled in some forms. My Dad seemed very pleased with the care home and the fact that they have two rooms is a real bonus. Unfortunately, they have to remain in self-isolation for two weeks but after that they will be able to have their meals in the dining room and take part in lots of activities.
We said goodbye but I was a little worried that their mobile phone wasn't working properly. We drove to Tesco where we bought food for the next three nights - salads, cold meats and quiches as the weather is set to be warm and humid, with warnings of thunderstorms.
After lunch Sophie wanted to pop to Boots to get some moisturiser and I suddenly remembered that non-essential shops were back open today. There were queues to get into JD Sports but neither of us felt like going shopping when we suspected they would be really busy. In the news, there were pictures of people queuing to get into a lot of stores so we think we will leave it a good while before we go! I don't like shopping at the best of times and the thought of queuing like that fills me with dread!
I had told Keith I would pick up Mike and as we had an hour to kill, we attempted Starbucks again. This time were weren't many cars in the queue but it still took us forty-five minutes to get our coffees. We bought an iced one for Mike and sped back over to Kettering to get him. We were still early and predictably, he was out late!
 |
| Someone isn't bothered by the thunderstorm! |
The warm muggy weather carried on all day and for our evening meal we enjoyed salad, cold meats and new potatoes - perfect for the warm weather!
Sunday 14 June 2020
Not the best of meetings!
Day 83
Sophie and I went around to Mum's this morning to have a chat with one of her neighbours who had agreed to be the Certificate Provider for their Lasting Power of Attorney. However, almost as soon as she came into the house she said she wasn't prepared to act for Dad as he had "dementia". She hasn't spoken to my Dad for months (obviously) and was only going on what my Mum had told her, so I was very annoyed. Whenever I have spoken to him he has sounded perfectly OK. She then tried to interfere with everything we had done over the last few months, even querying why we had used the estate agent we had chosen! Er, because Mum and Dad had put the house on the market with them back in January and they had all the details!
Sophie started saying something, as she feels very passionate about the whole situation, and the neighbour told Sophie to "calm down!" - not really a good idea! How we didn't walk out, I will never know! We stayed for another ten minutes and Binty was getting very annoyed as well. This neighbour has no idea of what we've been trying to arrange over the last three months, hasn't a clue about the complexities of arranging care and the fees involved and although she knows my parents quite well, she doesn't know anything about their personal lives.
Sophie and I left and I felt very angry that we had wasted time. Mum knew I was upset but I just wanted to get out of the house. Sophie and I went to Tesco where I bought Father's Day gifts for my Dad and Sophie sorted presents out for Keith. We then drove over to Beckworth where my daughter bought birthday presents for her manager and some foods for lunch today. We would loved to have been able to have lunch there - sitting in their lovely garden area, sipping a glass of wine and eating something delicious. Hopefully it won't be long!
Sophie and I left and I felt very angry that we had wasted time. Mum knew I was upset but I just wanted to get out of the house. Sophie and I went to Tesco where I bought Father's Day gifts for my Dad and Sophie sorted presents out for Keith. We then drove over to Beckworth where my daughter bought birthday presents for her manager and some foods for lunch today. We would loved to have been able to have lunch there - sitting in their lovely garden area, sipping a glass of wine and eating something delicious. Hopefully it won't be long!
On the way home my Mum called to ask if we could pop over again as she wanted to talk to us about tomorrow's arrangements and I said we would go over after we'd eaten. Driving over, the sky looked very ominous and I suspected we would have a big storm!
We stayed at Mum's for an hour and I just think she wanted to chat with us because she's worried about leaving the house tomorrow, which is understandable. It must be a huge wrench for her and I know that tomorrow will be very emotional.
Back home, Sophie prepped everything for dinner this evening - a black pepper chicken dish served with sticky rice. The expected storm never arrived but we did have some beautiful skies again this evening!
Dinner was lovely and quite simple to make and the whole lot disappeared - always a good sign!
Saturday 13 June 2020
There's a rat in me garden, what am I gonna to do?
Day 82
It was lovely to have a bit of a lie-in this morning and potter about. Overnight the clouds had cleared and we awoke to blue skies and sunshine. Keith had bought some croissants in the shopping so we warmed them up in the oven and enjoyed them with jam and butter sitting in the conservatory. How I would love to have a bakery nearby and walk down and get them freshly baked! I do envy the French! Unfortunately, as we were sitting enjoying our breakfast we spotted a rat... it emerged from the bushes and went to drink some water out of the bowl I leave out for the birds. All of us were very dismayed by this. We thought we had sorted the problem out. It was a big one as well, so that's another problem we will have to solve.
While Keith went off to get the newspaper, Sophie and I made a start on the housework and we managed to do the whole house. I even mopped the floors downstairs so we were very pleased we'd put our minds to it and slogged away for a couple of hours. Keith did a pile of ironing so we were very productive!
Outside it was gorgeous, with a warm breeze and white fluffy clouds dotting the blue sky. We had been warned we might get thunderstorms but it remained dry all day. After lunch I decided to mow the lawn and strim the edges so the garden looked a lot neater by the time I'd finished. I also watered all the plants as, although the weather has been horrible over the last few days, they were still very dry.
By 3pm I was ready to relax so I watched the film Clockwise on my Kindle. I had to pay to rent it but it was worth it as it's so funny and has some of my favourite actors in it - Penelope Wilton and Alison Steadman, both of whom looked really young! It was made in 1985!
Keith and I played cards in the early evening and it was lovely to gaze up at the sky and see the beautiful clouds. As part of my membership I received a cloud identifier card so we saw that most of the clouds in the sky were cumulus, and very beautiful they were, too!
I also took a photo of a beautiful rose in the garden:
Dinner tonight was pizza and wedges and after we'd eaten we watched The Godfather. Keith had seen it before, but a long time ago and it was my third or fourth time of watching, but it was great and made a good end to an enjoyable day!
It was lovely to have a bit of a lie-in this morning and potter about. Overnight the clouds had cleared and we awoke to blue skies and sunshine. Keith had bought some croissants in the shopping so we warmed them up in the oven and enjoyed them with jam and butter sitting in the conservatory. How I would love to have a bakery nearby and walk down and get them freshly baked! I do envy the French! Unfortunately, as we were sitting enjoying our breakfast we spotted a rat... it emerged from the bushes and went to drink some water out of the bowl I leave out for the birds. All of us were very dismayed by this. We thought we had sorted the problem out. It was a big one as well, so that's another problem we will have to solve.
While Keith went off to get the newspaper, Sophie and I made a start on the housework and we managed to do the whole house. I even mopped the floors downstairs so we were very pleased we'd put our minds to it and slogged away for a couple of hours. Keith did a pile of ironing so we were very productive!
Outside it was gorgeous, with a warm breeze and white fluffy clouds dotting the blue sky. We had been warned we might get thunderstorms but it remained dry all day. After lunch I decided to mow the lawn and strim the edges so the garden looked a lot neater by the time I'd finished. I also watered all the plants as, although the weather has been horrible over the last few days, they were still very dry.
By 3pm I was ready to relax so I watched the film Clockwise on my Kindle. I had to pay to rent it but it was worth it as it's so funny and has some of my favourite actors in it - Penelope Wilton and Alison Steadman, both of whom looked really young! It was made in 1985!
Keith and I played cards in the early evening and it was lovely to gaze up at the sky and see the beautiful clouds. As part of my membership I received a cloud identifier card so we saw that most of the clouds in the sky were cumulus, and very beautiful they were, too!
I also took a photo of a beautiful rose in the garden:
Dinner tonight was pizza and wedges and after we'd eaten we watched The Godfather. Keith had seen it before, but a long time ago and it was my third or fourth time of watching, but it was great and made a good end to an enjoyable day!
Friday 12 June 2020
A few little shocks...
Day 81
We had a viewing this morning at 10.30am so I went over to Mum's to make sure the house looked OK. Unfortunately, Binty and Mum had broken a mirror so I took it outside to the garage and managed to bang my head on the door, which came back down unexpectedly... not a good start to the day! We also received a letter from the County Council saying we owed money for Dad's respite care back in April, so that was an unpleasant shock. I wish someone had told us we would have to pay before he went into the care home so we would have been forewarned, but at the time Mum was in hospital and I had no other choice.
As we had to be out of the house for the viewing, I drove Mum and Binty over to the Weston Favell Centre. Luckily, we didn't have to queue to get in, but it was a real pain in Tesco as there were signs everywhere about the 2m rule and arrows all over the floor. I really think now that the British public know we have to keep 2m distance from other people but there is growing opposition to this because of the way it will affect businesses opening. There is pressure on the government to reduce it to 1m along with many other countries.
I heard on the news this morning that our economy shrank by 20% in April, the highest ever amount since records began, and making the last recession in 2008 look like a tiny blip by comparison. This actually worries me more than coronavirus - how on earth are we going to recover from this and how long will it take?
In Tesco Mum bought some essentials and we went to queue at the very farthest end of the store, which was a total pain. It was very clever of Tesco to make us queue where the wines and spirits aisle is!
I drove Mum and Binty back and then went home via the scenic route. The weather has been horrible today with grey lumpy skies and no sign of the sun at all. I had some lunch and then tried to print off some forms for the investment options for Mum and Dad, but my printer refused to work. Typical!
I went alone to get Mike today as Keith was engrossed in the racing and he was very glad that his first week was over. He was shattered, bless him! He hasn't been doing a lot of manual work lately so this week was hard, but enjoyable.
As it's Friday, it was a glass of wine and 90 Day Fiance with a simple supper of soup and a nice dessert. Tomorrow we can all have a lie-in!
We had a viewing this morning at 10.30am so I went over to Mum's to make sure the house looked OK. Unfortunately, Binty and Mum had broken a mirror so I took it outside to the garage and managed to bang my head on the door, which came back down unexpectedly... not a good start to the day! We also received a letter from the County Council saying we owed money for Dad's respite care back in April, so that was an unpleasant shock. I wish someone had told us we would have to pay before he went into the care home so we would have been forewarned, but at the time Mum was in hospital and I had no other choice.
As we had to be out of the house for the viewing, I drove Mum and Binty over to the Weston Favell Centre. Luckily, we didn't have to queue to get in, but it was a real pain in Tesco as there were signs everywhere about the 2m rule and arrows all over the floor. I really think now that the British public know we have to keep 2m distance from other people but there is growing opposition to this because of the way it will affect businesses opening. There is pressure on the government to reduce it to 1m along with many other countries.
I heard on the news this morning that our economy shrank by 20% in April, the highest ever amount since records began, and making the last recession in 2008 look like a tiny blip by comparison. This actually worries me more than coronavirus - how on earth are we going to recover from this and how long will it take?
In Tesco Mum bought some essentials and we went to queue at the very farthest end of the store, which was a total pain. It was very clever of Tesco to make us queue where the wines and spirits aisle is!
I drove Mum and Binty back and then went home via the scenic route. The weather has been horrible today with grey lumpy skies and no sign of the sun at all. I had some lunch and then tried to print off some forms for the investment options for Mum and Dad, but my printer refused to work. Typical!
I went alone to get Mike today as Keith was engrossed in the racing and he was very glad that his first week was over. He was shattered, bless him! He hasn't been doing a lot of manual work lately so this week was hard, but enjoyable.
As it's Friday, it was a glass of wine and 90 Day Fiance with a simple supper of soup and a nice dessert. Tomorrow we can all have a lie-in!
Thursday 11 June 2020
Appreciating clouds
Day 80
Normal activity was resumed this morning when Keith went shopping! I'm hoping that we will get away with not going for a few days now!
I took a phone call at 10am about my Mum and Dad's care home fees from a lovely lady who specialises in later life investments. It all sounded very daunting, though, and I'll be honest - at the moment, I really don't want to be doing all this. I thought I had many years before we needed to even think about a situation like this, if at all. She finished the call by saying she would email me forms to complete so that's another thing to look forward to!
The weather this morning has been very disappointing again, with heavy skies and rain. Keith and I both wondered how Mike was getting on at the golf course! Later in the morning I decided to join The Cloud Appreciation Society, something I've been meaning to do for a while. As regular readers of this blog will know, I love clouds (except the heavy, formless, boring variety which we have today) and one of my favourite things to do is to gaze up at the sky and really appreciate all their glory. It seems I am not alone, as there as many others just like me!
Before going to get Mike I called to Mum's house to sort out their outside drain which was looking a bit yukky. By now the sun had come out but on the way home I could see huge storm clouds in the distance and we had torrential rain. It's been more like April than June!
Normal activity was resumed this morning when Keith went shopping! I'm hoping that we will get away with not going for a few days now!
I took a phone call at 10am about my Mum and Dad's care home fees from a lovely lady who specialises in later life investments. It all sounded very daunting, though, and I'll be honest - at the moment, I really don't want to be doing all this. I thought I had many years before we needed to even think about a situation like this, if at all. She finished the call by saying she would email me forms to complete so that's another thing to look forward to!
The weather this morning has been very disappointing again, with heavy skies and rain. Keith and I both wondered how Mike was getting on at the golf course! Later in the morning I decided to join The Cloud Appreciation Society, something I've been meaning to do for a while. As regular readers of this blog will know, I love clouds (except the heavy, formless, boring variety which we have today) and one of my favourite things to do is to gaze up at the sky and really appreciate all their glory. It seems I am not alone, as there as many others just like me!
Before going to get Mike I called to Mum's house to sort out their outside drain which was looking a bit yukky. By now the sun had come out but on the way home I could see huge storm clouds in the distance and we had torrential rain. It's been more like April than June!
Wednesday 10 June 2020
Getting things done!
Day 79
The plumber came to Mum's house this morning to sort out the plug in her en-suite sink and although he was half an hour late and I had to chase him up, he was all done in less than fifteen minutes. Keith found some vital paperwork for when we sell the house, so that pleased me, and I sorted some things out for Mum.
We briefly popped home and then headed to Jones's as we needed some bits for the house. It's our first time going to the Wholesaler's since lockdown but when we arrived we learnt that only one person could go in, so we left. How I long for things to be back to normal!
We went to Asda instead, and didn't get half of the things we really needed but I can perhaps pop to Wilco's later in the week. I need bird food again! I chose some lovely bread and chicken breasts for lunch which Sophie and I enjoyed in the conservatory.
The weather today has been a mixture of clouds and heavy downpours so the beautiful sunshine and blue skies of a few weeks ago are a distant memory. On the way to get Mike we had a really heavy shower of rain and the sky looked very ominous!
I sent off some important emails in the afternoon and then went and had a bath and relaxed on the bed afterwards. Keith and I watched Boris Johnson's speech about changes to the lockdown and now single people can form a "social bubble" with one other household. It still seemed slightly confusing to me! The good news is that zoos, safari parks and outdoor cinemas can re-open next week as well as all non-essential shops (we noticed that Next was open yesterday already). Bars, cafes and restaurants still have to wait until early July, though...
We had a notice on our work website today from our new chief saying that we are intending to open in early July as well, so fingers crossed!
Keith and I played cards in the conservatory and then enjoyed baked potatoes and fillings for dinner. Afterwards we watched In Bruges, which was wonderful. How I would love to be there now!
The plumber came to Mum's house this morning to sort out the plug in her en-suite sink and although he was half an hour late and I had to chase him up, he was all done in less than fifteen minutes. Keith found some vital paperwork for when we sell the house, so that pleased me, and I sorted some things out for Mum.
We briefly popped home and then headed to Jones's as we needed some bits for the house. It's our first time going to the Wholesaler's since lockdown but when we arrived we learnt that only one person could go in, so we left. How I long for things to be back to normal!
We went to Asda instead, and didn't get half of the things we really needed but I can perhaps pop to Wilco's later in the week. I need bird food again! I chose some lovely bread and chicken breasts for lunch which Sophie and I enjoyed in the conservatory.
The weather today has been a mixture of clouds and heavy downpours so the beautiful sunshine and blue skies of a few weeks ago are a distant memory. On the way to get Mike we had a really heavy shower of rain and the sky looked very ominous!
I sent off some important emails in the afternoon and then went and had a bath and relaxed on the bed afterwards. Keith and I watched Boris Johnson's speech about changes to the lockdown and now single people can form a "social bubble" with one other household. It still seemed slightly confusing to me! The good news is that zoos, safari parks and outdoor cinemas can re-open next week as well as all non-essential shops (we noticed that Next was open yesterday already). Bars, cafes and restaurants still have to wait until early July, though...
We had a notice on our work website today from our new chief saying that we are intending to open in early July as well, so fingers crossed!
Keith and I played cards in the conservatory and then enjoyed baked potatoes and fillings for dinner. Afterwards we watched In Bruges, which was wonderful. How I would love to be there now!
Tuesday 9 June 2020
Golfing envy!
Day 78
I drove over to Mum's house first thing to sort out some paperwork with her and then returned home as Keith and I needed to go to Aldi and Tesco. I don't think there's been a day lately when we haven't been shopping for something or other! We keep running out of things and now Mike needs a packed lunch every day, we haven't quite adapted to being prepared for that!
After Tesco, Keith said he would treat me to a takeaway coffee at Costa where the Drive-Thru has re-opened. We ordered two decaffeinated Flat Whites and an iced coffee for Sophie. I've never used a Drive-Thru for coffee before and I had a bit of a struggle getting the cups safely into the car!
After lunch Keith and I popped to the pharmacy to get Mum's prescription and then we went to collect Mike from work. We were a bit early so we sat and watched people golfing in the distance and a group of ladies who had just finished their round. I have to say I envied them a little bit as I would love to learn to play golf and they looked very professional in their golfing outfits and pushing their golf carts!
After Sophie finished work we drove down to Riverside because Sophie needed a few things in Boots and then we headed over to her friend Laura's house where she dropped off her Birthday presents for tomorrow and had a quick chat. Another lockdown Birthday!
Back home it was time for a quick drink and Keith made a delicious chicken curry for dinner. This week, like all the others, is flying by!
I drove over to Mum's house first thing to sort out some paperwork with her and then returned home as Keith and I needed to go to Aldi and Tesco. I don't think there's been a day lately when we haven't been shopping for something or other! We keep running out of things and now Mike needs a packed lunch every day, we haven't quite adapted to being prepared for that!
After Tesco, Keith said he would treat me to a takeaway coffee at Costa where the Drive-Thru has re-opened. We ordered two decaffeinated Flat Whites and an iced coffee for Sophie. I've never used a Drive-Thru for coffee before and I had a bit of a struggle getting the cups safely into the car!
After lunch Keith and I popped to the pharmacy to get Mum's prescription and then we went to collect Mike from work. We were a bit early so we sat and watched people golfing in the distance and a group of ladies who had just finished their round. I have to say I envied them a little bit as I would love to learn to play golf and they looked very professional in their golfing outfits and pushing their golf carts!
After Sophie finished work we drove down to Riverside because Sophie needed a few things in Boots and then we headed over to her friend Laura's house where she dropped off her Birthday presents for tomorrow and had a quick chat. Another lockdown Birthday!
Back home it was time for a quick drink and Keith made a delicious chicken curry for dinner. This week, like all the others, is flying by!
Monday 8 June 2020
A new routine...
Day 77
So, another Monday has rolled around again, and I can't believe it's the start of another week. But more importantly, it's the start of a new routine for us as Mike starts his new job today. Keith was up with him at 5am and of course, I woke up as well. Mike was already up and dressed so that was good news!
Keith came back at 6am and got back into bed, and I don't blame him! I fell asleep again and woke up at about 7am feeling a bit groggy! It's never a good idea to go back into a deep sleep!
I tackled a load of ironing this morning (most of it Mike's clothes) and after lunch I went out into the front garden with the idea of putting down some grass seed. After the rain we've had over the last few days I thought the ground would be moist, but our front verge still resembled a dust bowl! I did what I could and Keith cut back a bush that was doing well on the lower branches but had died at the top! He had to saw it off!
It did look a little better when we'd finished but I was very surprised at how dry the soil was. Maybe we will put down turf in the Autumn when we've had more rain.
Keith and I went to pick Mike up at 3pm as his new hours are 6am until 3.30pm, so quite a long day. He was just coming out of one of the sheds when we arrived and looked hot and dusty but seemed very happy, which was a real bonus. I just hope and pray it stays that way! I said to him that if he does well, and even does some college courses in greens keeping he could go to any golf course in the world!
On the way home we called to see Mum and Binty as I can't remember the last time Mike saw my Mum - back in January for his birthday? He has been coming and going between Abbie's flat in London and her house in Northampton quite a bit this year so he has been absent quite a few times. My Mum was very pleased to see him and they had a lovely cuddle. She still can't get over how tall he is!
Keith and I played cards in the conservatory in the evening and I messaged my work colleagues to try and arrange a meet-up in Abington Park. We all managed to decide on a date and time, which was miraculous so I'm really looking forward to that. I think it's a good idea to meet up before we go back to work as we'll have so much to catch up on!
So, another Monday has rolled around again, and I can't believe it's the start of another week. But more importantly, it's the start of a new routine for us as Mike starts his new job today. Keith was up with him at 5am and of course, I woke up as well. Mike was already up and dressed so that was good news!
Keith came back at 6am and got back into bed, and I don't blame him! I fell asleep again and woke up at about 7am feeling a bit groggy! It's never a good idea to go back into a deep sleep!
I tackled a load of ironing this morning (most of it Mike's clothes) and after lunch I went out into the front garden with the idea of putting down some grass seed. After the rain we've had over the last few days I thought the ground would be moist, but our front verge still resembled a dust bowl! I did what I could and Keith cut back a bush that was doing well on the lower branches but had died at the top! He had to saw it off!
It did look a little better when we'd finished but I was very surprised at how dry the soil was. Maybe we will put down turf in the Autumn when we've had more rain.
Keith and I went to pick Mike up at 3pm as his new hours are 6am until 3.30pm, so quite a long day. He was just coming out of one of the sheds when we arrived and looked hot and dusty but seemed very happy, which was a real bonus. I just hope and pray it stays that way! I said to him that if he does well, and even does some college courses in greens keeping he could go to any golf course in the world!
On the way home we called to see Mum and Binty as I can't remember the last time Mike saw my Mum - back in January for his birthday? He has been coming and going between Abbie's flat in London and her house in Northampton quite a bit this year so he has been absent quite a few times. My Mum was very pleased to see him and they had a lovely cuddle. She still can't get over how tall he is!
Keith and I played cards in the conservatory in the evening and I messaged my work colleagues to try and arrange a meet-up in Abington Park. We all managed to decide on a date and time, which was miraculous so I'm really looking forward to that. I think it's a good idea to meet up before we go back to work as we'll have so much to catch up on!
Sunday 7 June 2020
Hopes dashed...
Day 76
I had high hopes for today as the plan was to go and have a coffee with Mum and Binty and then drive over to Rushden Lakes where we were going to have a bite to eat from M&S (I had heard their cafe was doing takeaway) and then walk around the lakes for an hour.
The weather today was supposed to be better than yesterday, but it was abysmal. We had a chat and a coffee with Mum and Binty, and then drove under heavy skies and spitting rain to the large shopping mall. Normally, the place would be heaving with shoppers by 11.30am but today only a few car park spaces had been taken up. Costa Coffee was open for drive-thru orders, but the queue was fairly long so we decided to chance it with M&S, which was open.
I spoke to a very pleasant member of staff by the main entrance doors who said that the cafe was firmly closed, so that was the first blow. I then said we could drive around the rest of the shopping area and see what was open, but the only place doing any takeaways was Bewiched Coffee. Towards the far end of the retail park, nothing except Five Guys was open. I dread to think how many millions of pounds these businesses are losing. Although I am not a slave to some of the shops like Primark, Next or River Island, it was heartbreaking to see them closed up. However, from next Monday, the 15th June, they will be able to re-open but I will avoid going like the plague! Can you imagine the queues! Sophie had wanted to go to Boots but the queues were really long so we gave up on that idea as well! I think my daughter is now heartily sick of this situation!
We parked near Bewiched and went in to order coffees and toasted sandwiches. Several people were sitting nearby on benches outside and enjoying their drinks, and we joined them to have our late breakfast. As we ate, it started to rain and looking at the sky, it was obvious the weather was not going to get any better. Reluctantly, we decided to postpone our walk and head home.
Sophie and I dropped Keith off at home and then we popped to Beckworth to get some treats for Sophie's friend, Laura. The place was pleasantly busy and I picked out two bottles of Pear Cider to try later in the day.
Back home I sat in the conservatory and read the Sunday papers and looked out at a sky full of grey clouds. Horrible! Sophie had a video chat with Laura and Daisy and I went to catch up with the news on television, which was full of the protests all over the country following the death of George Floyd in the USA last month. This year is turning out to be a horrible one...
Keith cooked a delicious roast beef for dinner this evening and it was a real treat to enjoy it. It's been so long I can't remember the last time we had a roast on Sunday!
I had high hopes for today as the plan was to go and have a coffee with Mum and Binty and then drive over to Rushden Lakes where we were going to have a bite to eat from M&S (I had heard their cafe was doing takeaway) and then walk around the lakes for an hour.
The weather today was supposed to be better than yesterday, but it was abysmal. We had a chat and a coffee with Mum and Binty, and then drove under heavy skies and spitting rain to the large shopping mall. Normally, the place would be heaving with shoppers by 11.30am but today only a few car park spaces had been taken up. Costa Coffee was open for drive-thru orders, but the queue was fairly long so we decided to chance it with M&S, which was open.
I spoke to a very pleasant member of staff by the main entrance doors who said that the cafe was firmly closed, so that was the first blow. I then said we could drive around the rest of the shopping area and see what was open, but the only place doing any takeaways was Bewiched Coffee. Towards the far end of the retail park, nothing except Five Guys was open. I dread to think how many millions of pounds these businesses are losing. Although I am not a slave to some of the shops like Primark, Next or River Island, it was heartbreaking to see them closed up. However, from next Monday, the 15th June, they will be able to re-open but I will avoid going like the plague! Can you imagine the queues! Sophie had wanted to go to Boots but the queues were really long so we gave up on that idea as well! I think my daughter is now heartily sick of this situation!
We parked near Bewiched and went in to order coffees and toasted sandwiches. Several people were sitting nearby on benches outside and enjoying their drinks, and we joined them to have our late breakfast. As we ate, it started to rain and looking at the sky, it was obvious the weather was not going to get any better. Reluctantly, we decided to postpone our walk and head home.
Sophie and I dropped Keith off at home and then we popped to Beckworth to get some treats for Sophie's friend, Laura. The place was pleasantly busy and I picked out two bottles of Pear Cider to try later in the day.
Back home I sat in the conservatory and read the Sunday papers and looked out at a sky full of grey clouds. Horrible! Sophie had a video chat with Laura and Daisy and I went to catch up with the news on television, which was full of the protests all over the country following the death of George Floyd in the USA last month. This year is turning out to be a horrible one...
Keith cooked a delicious roast beef for dinner this evening and it was a real treat to enjoy it. It's been so long I can't remember the last time we had a roast on Sunday!
Saturday 6 June 2020
Staying at home!
Day 75
Today has been spent relaxing at home and doing very little. It's been very enjoyable!
Keith went to Tesco this morning as he never went to do our big weekly shop on Thursday as normal. Mike starts his new job on Monday and so will need packed lunches every day. It's going to take some getting used to after so many months of not working!
Sophie and I cooked a cheese and asparagus omelette for breakfast and the rest of the morning and early afternoon was spent pottering about. We did have plans to go out but after the queues of last weekend, I said it just wasn't worth it.
The weather today has been a mixture of sudden heavy downpours and periods of intense blue sky and sunshine, so it made it very interesting! We even had several rumbles of thunder in the afternoon which seemed to come out of nowhere!
Sophie and I played cards in the afternoon and Keith came and sat with us, in between watching the horse racing, which started last week behind closed doors. We had a conversation about dinner tonight because we'd planned on a takeaway and we all fancied a pizza from Papa John's in Kingsthorpe. On the website, however, they weren't doing collections and they would never deliver out as far as we are! We looked at the Kettering branch and we were able to get a delivery via Just Eat, but in the end we decided to enjoy a Chinese takeaway from the place in Broughton again.
Towards the evening Sophie and I had a pamper session and we put on face masks:
Sophie's was such a vivid colour that she thought it was going to stain her face!
We ordered our Chinese and, as before, it turned up on time and was delicious. As a treat after dinner we watched the Oscar winning film, Parasite, which we all enjoyed very much. Sophie and I had meant to go and see it at Lings back in March, but before we could, the cinema was closed. When will be able to go again, I wonder?
We finished the evening watching Casino Royale, which reminds me, I need to order some more films to continue our James Bond fest!
Today has been spent relaxing at home and doing very little. It's been very enjoyable!
Keith went to Tesco this morning as he never went to do our big weekly shop on Thursday as normal. Mike starts his new job on Monday and so will need packed lunches every day. It's going to take some getting used to after so many months of not working!
Sophie and I cooked a cheese and asparagus omelette for breakfast and the rest of the morning and early afternoon was spent pottering about. We did have plans to go out but after the queues of last weekend, I said it just wasn't worth it.
The weather today has been a mixture of sudden heavy downpours and periods of intense blue sky and sunshine, so it made it very interesting! We even had several rumbles of thunder in the afternoon which seemed to come out of nowhere!
Sophie and I played cards in the afternoon and Keith came and sat with us, in between watching the horse racing, which started last week behind closed doors. We had a conversation about dinner tonight because we'd planned on a takeaway and we all fancied a pizza from Papa John's in Kingsthorpe. On the website, however, they weren't doing collections and they would never deliver out as far as we are! We looked at the Kettering branch and we were able to get a delivery via Just Eat, but in the end we decided to enjoy a Chinese takeaway from the place in Broughton again.
Towards the evening Sophie and I had a pamper session and we put on face masks:
Sophie's was such a vivid colour that she thought it was going to stain her face!
We ordered our Chinese and, as before, it turned up on time and was delicious. As a treat after dinner we watched the Oscar winning film, Parasite, which we all enjoyed very much. Sophie and I had meant to go and see it at Lings back in March, but before we could, the cinema was closed. When will be able to go again, I wonder?
We finished the evening watching Casino Royale, which reminds me, I need to order some more films to continue our James Bond fest!
Friday 5 June 2020
It's Friday!
Day 74
I popped over to Mum's house this morning to weed the gravel in her front garden and make sure the window-sills and porch were lovely and clean. If she gets any viewings within the next few days, it's important to make a good first impression!
I stayed for about an hour while Keith popped to Tesco, and when he returned he looked at the shower tray in their en-suite which needed some attention. The plumber we called to come out and look at the plughole in the sink hasn't been back in touch - he was waiting for a part to arrive but I have a feeling he might not call me again... perhaps the job is too small for him.
Keith and I went home where I had a shower and then sat and relaxed. The phone rang and it was my Mum saying the nosebleed she'd had all morning hadn't stopped and the pharmacy she uses had advised her to call an ambulance and go to A&E! I told her that was the last place she wanted to go at the moment and I said I would go over. I really think at the moment that our ambulance service should be used for emergencies, not nosebleeds!
At Mum's, her nose was bleeding, but not badly at all, and when Binty suggested going to the pharmacy in Tesco I agreed. On the way over, it stopped, so I was relieved, but annoyed that the pharmacy had caused a lot of fuss for nothing. I dropped Mum and Binty off at the entrance to Tesco and told them to let the staff member on the door know they were heading straight for the chemist. The queue to get into the supermarket stretched all the way to the top of the car park!
Within five minutes they were back out so we went to Aldi to do Mum's shopping, something I had planned to do this afternoon anyway. There was a bit of a queue, but nothing like Tesco, and would you believe it - the two of us could shop together!
Mum doesn't normally shop in Aldi and she was a bit goggle-eyed at the speed with which the checkout lady threw her purchases down the conveyor belt! I said there was no point trying to put it all in bags and that the trick is to bung it all back in the trolley and pack later. I doubt she would have been able to cope though!
I dropped Mum and Binty back home and then returned to my own house where I had lunch. The weather today has been a mixture of sunshine and showers and for the first time we got hit by rain when we were queuing!
When Sophie returned from work we had a glass of wine and played cards in the conservatory, which was very pleasant. Dinner tonight was baked cod fillets and homemade chips served with roasted asparagus. Delicious!
I popped over to Mum's house this morning to weed the gravel in her front garden and make sure the window-sills and porch were lovely and clean. If she gets any viewings within the next few days, it's important to make a good first impression!
I stayed for about an hour while Keith popped to Tesco, and when he returned he looked at the shower tray in their en-suite which needed some attention. The plumber we called to come out and look at the plughole in the sink hasn't been back in touch - he was waiting for a part to arrive but I have a feeling he might not call me again... perhaps the job is too small for him.
Keith and I went home where I had a shower and then sat and relaxed. The phone rang and it was my Mum saying the nosebleed she'd had all morning hadn't stopped and the pharmacy she uses had advised her to call an ambulance and go to A&E! I told her that was the last place she wanted to go at the moment and I said I would go over. I really think at the moment that our ambulance service should be used for emergencies, not nosebleeds!
At Mum's, her nose was bleeding, but not badly at all, and when Binty suggested going to the pharmacy in Tesco I agreed. On the way over, it stopped, so I was relieved, but annoyed that the pharmacy had caused a lot of fuss for nothing. I dropped Mum and Binty off at the entrance to Tesco and told them to let the staff member on the door know they were heading straight for the chemist. The queue to get into the supermarket stretched all the way to the top of the car park!
Within five minutes they were back out so we went to Aldi to do Mum's shopping, something I had planned to do this afternoon anyway. There was a bit of a queue, but nothing like Tesco, and would you believe it - the two of us could shop together!
Mum doesn't normally shop in Aldi and she was a bit goggle-eyed at the speed with which the checkout lady threw her purchases down the conveyor belt! I said there was no point trying to put it all in bags and that the trick is to bung it all back in the trolley and pack later. I doubt she would have been able to cope though!
I dropped Mum and Binty back home and then returned to my own house where I had lunch. The weather today has been a mixture of sunshine and showers and for the first time we got hit by rain when we were queuing!
When Sophie returned from work we had a glass of wine and played cards in the conservatory, which was very pleasant. Dinner tonight was baked cod fillets and homemade chips served with roasted asparagus. Delicious!
Thursday 4 June 2020
Great news!
Day 73
Keith and I went to get some shopping for my Dad this morning and headed to Aldi in Kingsthorpe. There wasn't really a queue to go in but I was told I couldn't accompany Keith even though he was shopping for us. We each had to take a trolley! This led to a rant from me about the rules at the moment - can we at least have some consistency? Some stores let two people in together, some don't and that includes the same supermarkets! What problem is there with two people shopping together? We had to use two trolleys, therefore risking spreading the virus (if we have it) to two different pieces of equipment! Once in the store we walked around together, which makes a mockery of the rules! I sometimes think that people just issue these orders because they can, and a little bit of power goes to their head! Common sense seems to have gone out of the window at the moment!
We took the shopping to Dad and then headed home to make sure Mike was ready for his interview at 12.30pm. This time there were no blue skies for the golfers, just a chilly wind and heavy, leaden clouds. Mike emerged from the clubhouse after about ten minutes and told us the decision was between him and another lad and that he would find out this evening.
Back home, within half an hour, the phone rang and it was the guy at the golf club letting Mike know he had got the job and would start next week! Woohoo!! We were all so pleased and relieved and it looks like Mike will be wearing a work uniform which is good news as he had to supply his size.
I did some housework in the afternoon and when Sophie finished work we had a drink and started watching the series about lottery winners in Florida. Just what we needed on a cloudy day, but having said that, the sky did clear up in the evening and we saw some sunshine.
Keith excelled himself with dinner tonight - a delicious home-made beef pie with loads of vegetables and gravy. Perfect for a chilly June day!
Keith and I went to get some shopping for my Dad this morning and headed to Aldi in Kingsthorpe. There wasn't really a queue to go in but I was told I couldn't accompany Keith even though he was shopping for us. We each had to take a trolley! This led to a rant from me about the rules at the moment - can we at least have some consistency? Some stores let two people in together, some don't and that includes the same supermarkets! What problem is there with two people shopping together? We had to use two trolleys, therefore risking spreading the virus (if we have it) to two different pieces of equipment! Once in the store we walked around together, which makes a mockery of the rules! I sometimes think that people just issue these orders because they can, and a little bit of power goes to their head! Common sense seems to have gone out of the window at the moment!
We took the shopping to Dad and then headed home to make sure Mike was ready for his interview at 12.30pm. This time there were no blue skies for the golfers, just a chilly wind and heavy, leaden clouds. Mike emerged from the clubhouse after about ten minutes and told us the decision was between him and another lad and that he would find out this evening.
Back home, within half an hour, the phone rang and it was the guy at the golf club letting Mike know he had got the job and would start next week! Woohoo!! We were all so pleased and relieved and it looks like Mike will be wearing a work uniform which is good news as he had to supply his size.
I did some housework in the afternoon and when Sophie finished work we had a drink and started watching the series about lottery winners in Florida. Just what we needed on a cloudy day, but having said that, the sky did clear up in the evening and we saw some sunshine.
Keith excelled himself with dinner tonight - a delicious home-made beef pie with loads of vegetables and gravy. Perfect for a chilly June day!
Wednesday 3 June 2020
Decisions made...
Day 72
Well, the weather forecast was certainly right today and the lovely blue skies have disappeared to be replaced with heavy grey cloud. Horrible!
I mooched about in the morning catching up with some jobs and felt a bit stressed - I'm certain the weather matches my mood! Mike received an email from the manager at the golf club asking him back for a second interview tomorrow, so that was good news! Keith and I just wished he'd seen it a bit earlier, though, so he could have gone today!
Keith and I went out and posted my Dad's Attendance Allowance form and while we were out, the phone rang and it was his care home to say he had fallen over again while trying, on his own, to get into the wheelchair. This makes me even more reassured that he needs to go into a care home as I seriously think he will end up back in hospital if he falls over at home.
In the afternoon we went over to Mum's and had a cup of tea. It looks set that they'll be going to the care home in Kettering, as a care assessment was done for my dad and they can take him, which is a relief. Before we left we had a call from the estate agent and we confirmed we wanted the house put up for sale. It feels very real now and I'm not sure how my Mum is going to be over the next few weeks when the reality hits.
In the evening Keith and I played cards in the conservatory but there was no blue sky to gaze at. Dinner tonight was a bizarre concoction of grilled meats, new potatoes, roasted veg and noodles. Hmmm! Less said, the better!
Well, the weather forecast was certainly right today and the lovely blue skies have disappeared to be replaced with heavy grey cloud. Horrible!
I mooched about in the morning catching up with some jobs and felt a bit stressed - I'm certain the weather matches my mood! Mike received an email from the manager at the golf club asking him back for a second interview tomorrow, so that was good news! Keith and I just wished he'd seen it a bit earlier, though, so he could have gone today!
Keith and I went out and posted my Dad's Attendance Allowance form and while we were out, the phone rang and it was his care home to say he had fallen over again while trying, on his own, to get into the wheelchair. This makes me even more reassured that he needs to go into a care home as I seriously think he will end up back in hospital if he falls over at home.
In the afternoon we went over to Mum's and had a cup of tea. It looks set that they'll be going to the care home in Kettering, as a care assessment was done for my dad and they can take him, which is a relief. Before we left we had a call from the estate agent and we confirmed we wanted the house put up for sale. It feels very real now and I'm not sure how my Mum is going to be over the next few weeks when the reality hits.
In the evening Keith and I played cards in the conservatory but there was no blue sky to gaze at. Dinner tonight was a bizarre concoction of grilled meats, new potatoes, roasted veg and noodles. Hmmm! Less said, the better!
Tuesday 2 June 2020
Giving blood in the time of coronavirus...
Day 71
I went and picked up Mum this morning at 9.30am as we were going with Dad to the fracture clinic at Northampton General. He was being collected from the care home by a community ambulance and we arrived at 10am to find one already there. I thought it was for my Dad but it was for another resident who was going to A&E.
Mum and I sat and waited in the car... and we waited and waited. One of the staff called me to say the ambulance was on its way, but it finally arrived at 11am so we wasted an hour. I was not amused! Dad was brought out in a wheelchair and we said hello, and then followed the vehicle to the hospital. We weren't sure if both of us were going to be allowed into the fracture clinic with him, and in the end, neither of us were. I was fuming, to be honest, because it was a waste of our time!
The ambulance driver said he had been told to collect my Dad at 12.30pm so Mum and I had no choice but to go and waste another hour somewhere. Ordinarily, we would have gone for a coffee in the hospital but no cafes were open! We drove to Morrison's where we were able to buy two takeaway coffees and the newspaper, and we decided to head over to Abington Park to sit in the car.
I still think back fondly to when Mike worked here last summer and how pleased we were that he'd got a good job that paid well. It seems incredible to think that he hasn't worked since... We sat and enjoyed our coffees and chatted and then made our way back to the hospital where we went to see Dad for five minutes. I managed to get him to sign his Attendance Allowance form so I can get that sent off tomorrow. He seemed fine but still looked a little frail. He needs a good dollop of sunshine!
We followed the ambulance back to the care home, but when Mum got out of the car she felt a bit dizzy, so we said a quick goodbye and I took her home. It has been warm and sultry today and there was a thick band of very white cloud looming over us, making the blue sky seem even bluer! This slowly cleared away and it came out very hot again!
At home I had lunch with Sophie and then watered the garden. I had arranged to go back with Mum to the care home in Kettering for 4pm as she wanted to have another look. The problem is, that it's very expensive but it's more like a hotel than a care home and Mum and Dad could have two rooms next to one another - one to use as a bedroom and one as a sitting room. We had a very pleasant chat with one of the staff and I dropped Mum back at home after saying we would have a good discussion about what we would be doing.
It certainly has been a busy day today because Sophie, Mike and I had an appointment to give blood in the evening. I had wondered how they would manage it, but it was all done very well, with only a few changes to what we would normally expect from a donation session.
When we entered the building we were asked questions by a St John's ambulance man and then asked to go and wash our hands thoroughly. We then waited as normal, but at a distance from other people. The staff who were taking blood all wore masks, as did some of the people arriving to give blood but we weren't made to wear them.
Mike sadly didn't donate today as they couldn't find a vein but Sophie and I gave a pint each so now I have donated 40 pints (although I have given more than that as I started when I was 17 and then stopped).
Afterwards, we sped home to find Keith putting the finishing touches to a dinner of chicken fajitas. It was late to eat, but I'm very glad we went and donated - we have booked another appointment for the middle of September so I'm hoping things will be back to normal then!
I went and picked up Mum this morning at 9.30am as we were going with Dad to the fracture clinic at Northampton General. He was being collected from the care home by a community ambulance and we arrived at 10am to find one already there. I thought it was for my Dad but it was for another resident who was going to A&E.
Mum and I sat and waited in the car... and we waited and waited. One of the staff called me to say the ambulance was on its way, but it finally arrived at 11am so we wasted an hour. I was not amused! Dad was brought out in a wheelchair and we said hello, and then followed the vehicle to the hospital. We weren't sure if both of us were going to be allowed into the fracture clinic with him, and in the end, neither of us were. I was fuming, to be honest, because it was a waste of our time!
The ambulance driver said he had been told to collect my Dad at 12.30pm so Mum and I had no choice but to go and waste another hour somewhere. Ordinarily, we would have gone for a coffee in the hospital but no cafes were open! We drove to Morrison's where we were able to buy two takeaway coffees and the newspaper, and we decided to head over to Abington Park to sit in the car.
I still think back fondly to when Mike worked here last summer and how pleased we were that he'd got a good job that paid well. It seems incredible to think that he hasn't worked since... We sat and enjoyed our coffees and chatted and then made our way back to the hospital where we went to see Dad for five minutes. I managed to get him to sign his Attendance Allowance form so I can get that sent off tomorrow. He seemed fine but still looked a little frail. He needs a good dollop of sunshine!
We followed the ambulance back to the care home, but when Mum got out of the car she felt a bit dizzy, so we said a quick goodbye and I took her home. It has been warm and sultry today and there was a thick band of very white cloud looming over us, making the blue sky seem even bluer! This slowly cleared away and it came out very hot again!
At home I had lunch with Sophie and then watered the garden. I had arranged to go back with Mum to the care home in Kettering for 4pm as she wanted to have another look. The problem is, that it's very expensive but it's more like a hotel than a care home and Mum and Dad could have two rooms next to one another - one to use as a bedroom and one as a sitting room. We had a very pleasant chat with one of the staff and I dropped Mum back at home after saying we would have a good discussion about what we would be doing.
It certainly has been a busy day today because Sophie, Mike and I had an appointment to give blood in the evening. I had wondered how they would manage it, but it was all done very well, with only a few changes to what we would normally expect from a donation session.
When we entered the building we were asked questions by a St John's ambulance man and then asked to go and wash our hands thoroughly. We then waited as normal, but at a distance from other people. The staff who were taking blood all wore masks, as did some of the people arriving to give blood but we weren't made to wear them.
Mike sadly didn't donate today as they couldn't find a vein but Sophie and I gave a pint each so now I have donated 40 pints (although I have given more than that as I started when I was 17 and then stopped).
Afterwards, we sped home to find Keith putting the finishing touches to a dinner of chicken fajitas. It was late to eat, but I'm very glad we went and donated - we have booked another appointment for the middle of September so I'm hoping things will be back to normal then!
Monday 1 June 2020
Ten weeks and counting...
Day 70
So, it's another new month and it's now been ten weeks since I stopped working and my normal routine from then seems a lifetime ago. I never dreamed I would be away from work for so long - it will be very strange indeed when we all do go back, and I'm sure the changes will be far-reaching.
I spent the morning pottering about and catching up with jobs that needed doing - the weekend was a busy one so there were lots of things that I needed to catch up with! Needless to say the weather has been gorgeous again today but there is a definite change coming mid-week with a drop in temperatures and rain forecast. It will be a shock!
At lunchtime I went over to the Post Office in Brixworth to send a parcel for Sophie. Luckily I didn't have to wait long and bumped into a neighbour for a very quick chat, so that was good! From there I drove to Mum's and we went through some of her paperwork before I headed home to relax. Keith and I played cards in the conservatory and he roundly beat me this time! It was a much more subdued evening as we have all decided to cut out alcohol for a few days!
We had planned on having a barbecue this evening but we oven-cooked the meat instead - Sophie took charge and we had a delicious dinner of pork steaks and burgers served with crushed new potatoes and salad. Keith was very pleased he didn't have to clean the barbecue out!
So, it's another new month and it's now been ten weeks since I stopped working and my normal routine from then seems a lifetime ago. I never dreamed I would be away from work for so long - it will be very strange indeed when we all do go back, and I'm sure the changes will be far-reaching.
I spent the morning pottering about and catching up with jobs that needed doing - the weekend was a busy one so there were lots of things that I needed to catch up with! Needless to say the weather has been gorgeous again today but there is a definite change coming mid-week with a drop in temperatures and rain forecast. It will be a shock!
At lunchtime I went over to the Post Office in Brixworth to send a parcel for Sophie. Luckily I didn't have to wait long and bumped into a neighbour for a very quick chat, so that was good! From there I drove to Mum's and we went through some of her paperwork before I headed home to relax. Keith and I played cards in the conservatory and he roundly beat me this time! It was a much more subdued evening as we have all decided to cut out alcohol for a few days!
We had planned on having a barbecue this evening but we oven-cooked the meat instead - Sophie took charge and we had a delicious dinner of pork steaks and burgers served with crushed new potatoes and salad. Keith was very pleased he didn't have to clean the barbecue out!
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