I woke up this morning to the news that we're facing a second lockdown in England, coming in as soon as next week. To be honest, I wasn't surprised. I had a feeling that before long we'd all end up in Tier 3 with the way things are going. This lockdown will be slightly different from the one that started in March, though, with schools, colleges and universities staying open.
The weather outside was stormy and unpleasant, too, today! We had the first of our named storms, Aiden, making an appearance, and we all began to regret making an appointment in Market Harborough to have a chat about our kitchen today!
We sloshed our way over in lashing rain and strong winds and parked in the usual car park. As we were a little early we ran to Starbucks for a coffee and something quick to eat. The cafe was packed but we finally found a table, and Sophie ordered the drinks and snacks.
Keith had chosen a toasted sandwich and halfway through eating it, he had a coughing fit... Not really what we want at the moment! The lady sitting next to us got up and left but nobody else batted an eyelid!
At 11.30am we walked the short distance to Harborough Kitchens and met with Les who had designed a plan for us. He showed us the difference between what they made, and what we would get if we went to a larger company like Magnet or Wren. We all loved the look of the cabinets and especially the worktops and sinks, but how much would they cost? That's the burning question!
We went over the plans again, and Les said he would have something over to me with regards to price by the end of the week. The weather was still nasty so after buying a newspaper we drove home. Luckily, the roads weren't as drenched as they were on the way over, but it was still horrible!
Back home I put all the recycling I had collected (and been given) into the back of my car, and Sophie and I drove over to Milton Keynes to take it to George.
I didn't think I had that much to take, but it filled the boot of my car! We had Tassimo and Nespresso coffee pods, pet food pouches, ink cartridges, and some cat food that Monty won't eat.
On the way, the rain came down even harder, and at times visibility was terrible on the M1. I was glad to get to George's house and offload it all! Sophie and I then drove to Woburn to have lunch and a mooch about the shops.
We chose to eat at the Woburn Brasserie and took a seat in the window. It was lovely at first and then the sun made an appearance and I was blinded! We had a look at the menu and fancied a ciabatta each - Sophie had a club sandwich while I went for the brie, bacon and cranberry. We ordered a side of skinny chips and a glass of wine each.
When our food arrived, Sophie was not happy. The bacon had barely seen the grill, and the chicken looked anaemic. There was no mayonnaise or salad inside the ciabatta, either. Mine was also cold with just slabs of cheese, the same undercooked bacon and a smear of cranberry sauce. We really should have complained but Sophie didn't want to make a fuss, especially as the place was quiet.
The chips were hot and salty, and my side salad had a delicious dressing, but I doubt we'll go back in the future. When the bill arrived we found that we hadn't been charged for Sophie's ciabatta... normally when this happens we would say something, but as we had been so disappointed with the food, we paid up and fled!
Outside the sun was still shining, and it was lovely to wander around and have a look in the lovely independent shops. I bought two bottles of white wine in a tiny wine shop, and Sophie bought two Christmas tree decorations in one of our favourite little shops, Minchin and May.
We had a look around the homeware shop which is set out in different rooms and then decided to drive home, via the grounds of Woburn Abbey. Up ahead the traffic was at a standstill, and we realised it was because a large herd of deer were crossing the road!
We took a meandering route through some gorgeous countryside to get back to the M1, ending up at Junction 12. Back home the house was empty - Keith was watching Sileby play, and Mike was with Abbie. I lit a candle and put it inside our little terracotta pumpkin, and hoped that some children would be out trick or treating. I hadn't been expecting anyone but when we saw a little group in the distance, I put out some wrapped chocolate biscuits for them! There certainly wasn't as many groups as in previous years but it was still good to hear their excited voices!
Sophie and I started watching Psycho but at 6.30pm we turned it off and switched to BBC1 to hear Boris's speech. He was late on and it was almost 7pm by the time he appeared with his scientific advisors. I actually hate seeing them on television now. They just bring bad news, and the first ten minutes was taken up with graphs and statistics. This was to prepare us for the news that a second national lockdown would start on Thursday 5 November, and last until the 2 December, in an effort to reduce the number of infections. Pubs, restaurants, cafes, non-essential shops, gyms, leisure centres, golf courses, soft play and beauty/hair salons would all close. The furlough scheme would be extended to December but it likely means I will be off work for a month. We will have to wait until Monday to hear more from our management team.
I chatted with my colleagues on our WhatsApp message board, and the two girls working tomorrow were very worried, and not sure what to say to customers who call tomorrow. We watched Strictly and ordered a Chinese takeaway for all of us (Mike and Abbie included) from the Far East in Broughton.
The food came at about 8pm and we had a lovely meal and a real laugh around the dining table. I don't think the news has really sunk in yet for us!
No comments:
Post a Comment