RootsChat.Com
General => The Stay Safe Board => Topic started by: Roobarb on Thursday 29 October 20 23:34 GMT (UK)
-
Only two of us contributed to Wednesday's diary, let's see how this one does.
It was another of those nights when I laid awake till 4am, felt lousy when I woke up. Eventually brought myself back to consciousness aided by lots of tea. Apparently it looks like we'll be going into tier 3 soon, not that it makes a haporth of difference to me, I don't have any social life in tier 2. Also we've been selected as one of three places in England that will be given mass testing which will be carried out by the army. I don't know where the other places are or why we've been chosen, we're just a small town. Perhaps they want to compare the demographic, although I don't know what information they ask for.
It was raining again today, eventually got up and did some more domestic things. Saw a couple of flocks of Canada geese flying overhead, honking loudly.
After lunch I sorted out some things for my Zoom art class tomorrow, did a couple of pencil sketches and a little bit of the tonal sketch but didn't complete it. Found a frame and hung my latest picture on the lounge wall, I like it better now it's on the wall.
The rain stopped about 2.15 so I went out, mainly around the walkways but also through the woods. Still didn't know if J and I would be walking tonight, we'd agreed to wait and see what the weather was like when she finished work.
Got prepared for my Tesco delivery, it arrived just after 4pm, did the usual sanitisation procedures. It wasn't raining, J was home about 5,15 so we decided we'd go for our walk in the dark. It's not going to get lighter any time soon. We stayed on paved areas, enjoyed the walk and the company.
Home for tea, telly, bath and bed.
I don't suppose anyone's day is particularly earth shattering at the moment but good to read how people have been getting on nevertheless.
-
I am back.
Have had a rough month so far but seem to be turning the corner. P's cancer is in remission although he has to continue with chemo, that makes me feel better.
Went for a walk to the end of the road and back. That's the furthest I have walked in 6 years. Felt good. I used to walk about 52km a day but that hasn't happened since 2011. Even went to the supermarket and walked around the whole shop, normally just do the first 2 rows and that's it. Got really brave and went to the clothing shop to have a look around. I normally shop online. More things to buy when you can see and touch things rather than read the description. Debit card a lot lighter by the time I got back to the car. Ah well, such is life. I am lucky to be able to do it with Covid everywhere.
Sorry to hear a lot of you are moving to tier 3. :-[
Stay safe Stay strong
Carol
-
Carol - great to see you back and wow able to do all that in a day is wonderful news.... 52km a day my that’s some going and very impressive... glad to hear your son is in remission at the moment... you must be breathing a little easier...
Roobarb- so pleased to hear you e been able to go out with J for a walk... albeit in the dark!.. interesting your areas been selected for mass testing... at least you’ll have some idea where you stand... sorry to hear you could be going in to tier 3...
Glad your painting looking good up on the wall...
Today was another one of rain pretty much all day... oh what a delight to know we’re stuck inside again!
No golf for OH today either so he’s not too happy either!
Had a read before getting up ... shower, breakfast... got in touch with our Son in Oz and we had FaceTime with him.... so lovely to be able to see him... who knows when it’ll be in the flesh... he told us they’d got all their money back from the holiday they’d been going to take in Bali to celebrate their 10th wedding anniversary last March.... just got to battle with Virgin to get airfares back now!... they are both getting on with life going about pretty much as normal... DiL normally in US for two weeks this time of year for conferences but all being done virtually... gathered all her people together at their local yacht club... allot cheaper than flying and she can come home and sleep in her own bed... she looked washed out poor girl... first appointment had been at 5am.... rather her than me...
After our chat did some tidying up and then made casserole put in the slow cooker..
after lunch went to sew more face coverings... did that until 6pm then came to finish off dinner made some herb scones put on casserole and finished off I the oven.... like dishes all in one just cooked sprouting broccoli to go with it...
Watched tv.. caught up with Portrait Artist... didn’t think some of paintings were particularly good likenesses but the winning one was quite good... didn’t know the sitters...
Off to bed for a read... pretty dull day all round... only excitement was listening to more infighting in the Labour party.... never going to get re-elected at this rate!
Sorry to hear about all goings on in France too... as if any country needs anything else to deal with at the moment... I winder every night what the next days going to bring....
Look forward to reading what everyone else has been up to!
Caroline
-
Son brought a few fresh things for me but did not come in.
Grand daughter’s Birthday tomorrow.
Well today now.
Got winter duvet out from storage ,need a good blowy day to fluff it up.
I store it in one of those things you suck the air from ,so the pack is very small.
So much rain though a dry day could be some time off .
Nearly weekend again ,to say it is such a boring time, time is going by quickly.
Had to put a note out with the milk bottles , they are very cloudy
and streaky .
The dairy said it was the detergent cycle last time, but it has happened quite a few times .I don’t want to stop deliveries but the bottles look awful .
Too rainy for a walk today I am afraid , and I forgot to order from the garden centre .
Good news Carol, so glad for you .
How lovely to have a painting you have done hanging in your home Roobarb.
What are you reading Caroline? I am struggling with the small print in Martin Chuzzlewit , but so many drops ,but must be done.
I can’t settle to some only partly read books ,not my taste at all.
I have a biography if Henry VIII, for my sister ,but goodness knows when I will see her,tempted to read it and get another for her or just own up and pass it on!
Well bed calls ,so goodnight all ,until tomorrow.
Viktoria.
-
Collected my car from garage Tuesday morning but have not been out since. Each day follows the same routine and is mundane compared to others here. Yesterdays highlight was amending my Asda delivery order!
Woke up late today and a really dull day so had to have lights on. Rained in the morning. My nephews wife gave me a list of what to get the children for Christmas (as she kindly does every year) and have now ordered them all so various deliveries in the next few days. Two other items are collect from Smyths Toys and Argos so planning to collect them on Saturday.
Ran out of milk so had to pop out to the shop next door this afternoon. At least I remembered to take my mask this time. Last time I was about to walk in the shop when I realised I'd left mask at home. Aside from time spent on PC it's the usual sudoku and knitting.
That's about it really. Wish I had more to report but it is what it is.
Annette
-
Viktoria, if you like historical novels have you read Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel?
The TV series, based on the book, was good https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3556920/ .
I think I bought the book for OH years ago but he didn’t read it. He enjoyed the series which is why I bought it for him. :-\
Quiet Thursday for me. Helped out daughter with some tidying before her house inspection as she had to head off to work, removed dog from the house for a few hours in the designated inspection time slot. Waited for daughter to come home from work as she wanted to show off her just purchased iPad - very nice. She bought a nice cover with keyboard attached, plus a ‘pencil’ which is magnetised and sits on top of the iPad. Lovely design. They think of everything. Took dog for a walk. She only barked at a couple of dogs so was a fairly good girl.
Gyoza and edamame for dinner - quick and easy and out of the freezer. :)
-
Viktoria - good idea to vacuum pack your duvet they take up alot if space don’t they?
What am I reading you ask.... all sorts! I like genealogy based books so I’ve just read the new one by JM Lee in the Jane Sinclair series... all based around Manchester... Highly recommend it.. The Christmas Carol.... if you like Dickens you might enjoy this one...
he also writes a crime series that I’ve just read that new book too...
The Brothers York by Thomas Penn... that was a very long book but I like historical books...
An American Marriage by Tayari Jones... I found that a fascinating book... it’s going to be one discussed on Book Club on Radio 4 this Sunday so I’m interested to hear what they have to say...
I’ve got the new Ken Follett the prequel to Pillars if the Earth sitting on my bedside waiting to be read...
The Beekeeper of Aleppo by Christie Lefteri our book club choice by me... it’s a heart rending tale but inspirational.... could go on about books for ever!
As Ruskie says Hilary Mantel trilogy are also good reads...last one a 700+ pager!
I interested to know which book you have about Henry VIII you have ....
Currently I’m reading Underland by Robert Macfarlane.... all about what’s under the ground... from Neolithic finds, Anglo Saxon burials to cave systems...interesting I’m only a short way through it but it’s an unusual book and well written...
My Annette you ate well ahead with your Christmas shopping... I’ve bought one or two... Country Living have their virtual Christmas shopping event next weekend so will be looking to see if I can find some unusual gifts this year... need to get stuff sorted for Oz as the post is taking 5-6 wks to get there.... jars of Marmite have been requested by my son as apparently he’s not able to get them!
Have a good day everyone
Caroline
-
Glad to see everyone plodding onwards.
How fabulous to frame and hang your artwork Roobarb, and geese too. Marvellous. Did you see any Halloween decorations while you were out walking? My granddaughter has carved a remarkable pumpkin. 2 girls faces. It is excellent.
Great news you are out and about again Carol, and P is doing well.
So many books on the go Caroline, and Christmas shopping well under way Annette.
Ruskie, our electric clock reverts to Ozzie time every so often. This morning it jumped back an hour, which gave me a nasty shock! Bet that makes you giggle Viktoria. ;)
Nothing much to report.
Hang in there everyone.
-
.... jars of Marmite have been requested by my son as apparently he’s not able to get them!
Caroline
Caroline, tell your son that Marmite is available in the International Aisle in Coles supermarkets, usually on the bottom shelf, alongside a few other “English” foods. I regularly buy it and only this morning added it to my shopping list as I am running low. It is called “Our Mate” which it presumably is in the UK too these days. He might need to look in of the larger Coles supermarkets which have more International food.
I think they also sell it here https://www.chumleywarners.com.au/ which may be convenient for him. They have some English grocery lines but at hugely inflated prices, but if you’ve got a craving, sometimes you’ve got to pay to satisfy it. Their fish and chips are excellent. ;D
Added: I just googled and see that Coles have discontinued Marmite!!!! :o I am furious! I will have to go in and grab whatever is left on the shelves - typical though.... >:( :( ::) :P
Added: Amazon.com.au sell it in various sizes. It seems to be expensive. I might have to resort to Amazon too if it’s not available in store. The label looks different from the one I have at home - you would hope it would be the genuine product. :-\
-
Just looking at my notes from our trip down under last year...
"Sunday 20th October... Took a quick trip into Bega to replenish funds and get a few things from Coles including Marmite. but I got the wrong sort.. should have been Our Mate,"
but Andrew says even that is not a patch on the real stuff and so we send him a couple of jars at a time, the cost is quite disproportionate to the value of the stuff (£23), but it keeps him happy.
-
I don't normally post on these threads - it seems unfair when you are all suffering, to one degree or another, and we are leading normal lives :D
Yesterday, drove a lady friend (platonic!) over to Peel on west coast, for a reflexology appointment.
Afterwards drove to Niarbyl Bay cafe for lunch; she paid ;D
I had the most gorgeous Seafood Chowder; then sinned and had coffee-and-walnut cake.
Back home, went to pub as usual. My regular pint of flat cider (7.3%).
Then remembered I had a meeting to go to.
Ran (OK! fast hobble!) to the bus; got there in time.
Planning meeting for 2021 IoM Beer & Cider Festival - going ahead as normal.
Then a launch of the "Good Beer Guide 2021" - the only launch in the British Isles ;D
Followed by a pub-related quiz.
E.G. name of pub used by The Royle Family?
Name of pub in original "Wicker Man" film?
Name of pub in "Heartbeat" TV series?
-
I don't normally post on these threads - it seems unfair when you are all suffering, to one degree or another, and we are leading normal lives :D
;D ;D ;D.
You might not be able to visit your family at Christmas though without going in to quarantine when you return to the IoM.
-
Thanks Ruskie..... that’s why he’s asked me to send him some as it doesn’t appear to be available... he does normally buy it from the supermarket but not at the moment!!
I’ve bought him 2 large jars and it’s going to cost me £8.85 to send think I’m going to get some of the squeezy ones too as they won’t weigh as much and postage should still cover it! When they lived in NZ we took out twiglets and hola hoops...
need to get a shift on though as post could take some time!!!!
Glad to hear someone’s blue to lead a normal life KG.... unlike the rest of us in good old Blighty ....
Thanks for the tips everyone... I’ll stick to the ‘real deal’ and hope it gets to him ok!!!
Caroline
-
£8.85 postage is not too bad Caroline - total cost all in is probably cheaper than buying it from Amazon.
-
I don't normally post on these threads - it seems unfair when you are all suffering, to one degree or another, and we are leading normal lives :D
;D ;D ;D.
You might not be able to visit your family at Christmas though without going in to quarantine when you return to the IoM.
Our flight link to London City is under review - and in any case, don't fancy travelling on Tube through London!
All other options are via Tier 3 areas :o
Being diabetic, old, and therefore vulnerable, I don't fancy those options either!
Staying home this year I think ;D
And 14 days self-isolation on return as well.
-
Not a lot to report but just to say I did my antibody tests today, we have had such a laugh with the questions, you don't have to reply to all them, one was, words to the effect, had I embraced anyone over the last 24 hours, could have said " no comment" to any question, also lots of other questions including my income, took all in all about 50 mins including the test test, thankfully it was negative.
Live to fight another day!
Louisa Maud
-
Lovely to read everyone's posts. :)
Carol, great to hear you're doing so well, I'm amazed that you used to do 52km per day. Lovely for you to be able to go clothes shopping again.
Caroline, these wet days are rather depressing aren't they? I suppose we'll all get into the swing of things during these autumn and winter days. Good that your son and dil are able to get on with things.
Viktoria, sounds like you're reading actual books rather than on Kindle. Adding to those already recommended, the one I've just read The Familiars by Stacey Halls is set in 1612 and is written around the Pendle witch trials, it's very well written. There are used paperback copies available on Amazon for about £4.
Annette, well done on getting ahead with your Christmas shopping.
Ruskie, I'd never heard of gyoza, had to Google it. I did know what edamame are though. :)
MH, yes, several houses around here are decorated for Halloween, there's one opposite my house where they've had a huge transfer on the window for weeks. Several have had pumpkins out for a while, I was thinking they might go rotten before tomorrow.
KG, good to hear that things are normal for you, something for the rest of us to look forward to.
LM, I think my response to the question about embracing someone would be 'chance would be a fine thing'! Glad to hear you're okay.
-
Must admit we did laugh , the questions were quite strange, all they didn't ask, from memory was how many lived in my household, still over and done with now
We all have to try to be upbeat despite the weather , I am beginning to wish I was a duck with all the rain we have had
LM
-
I do like Philippa Gregory ,have read a good few of hers, Hilary Mantel too but occasionally she writes and I can’t fathom it.Others have said the same.
Cleaned out the cupboard on left side of the fireplace today.
Doesn’t really get dusty I thought ,but was surprised, gas pipe for fire runs through and the hole is not much bigger than the pipe so I was surprised the cupboard was quite dusty ,perhaps if I seal rounds he pipe it will be better.The other side has loads of videos and CD’s , I should get rid of some .when I do that side.
Grand daughter’s Birthday today.26.
Sent money and vouchers for Lakeland, she has as I think I told you a little business ,cakes made to order.
She has level five food hygiene but there are regular checks seemingly ,she has one side of her sizeable kitchen dedicated to the cakes, separate utensils etc and needed bigger and solely for the cakes scales.
She at one time wanted to be a chef ,did a good part of the course but the hours and poor pay whilst learning were hard.
And a young girl in an environment where Gordon Ramsey language was the norm!Finishing very late and not wanting to accept lifts ,meant Taxis or her Mum picking her up from Manchester in the small hours of the morning .
So swapped ships in mid stream. Went to accountancy and nearly finished
now ,then fully qualified.
Works for her Mum’s franchise , her Grandad would be so proud over and above her nice character etc,.
Well another rainy day folks , and only nearly November.!
I need to do some sewing so will look at the old machine when son can lift it for me.Just arm caps for the soft furniture .
( You do have to learn patience when you are old )
I got some covers, a bit neater than throws ,and an extra one to make arm caps .
Why I am so tight re buying a new machine I don’t know , I hate change ,am resisting s new phone ,hope to goodness I don’t get one at Christmas from some kind well meaning interfering child!
Curtains going to be cleaned tomorrow, cleaners will collect.
It is not far but as they will collect , why not.
Have others up, my second best ones! ::)
Hope everyone is well, good news about Louisa Maude .
I mis typed then, put “ goon news”, well it is all getting ridiculous but no better really , worrying now as Christmas approaches and people wanting to get together.
Well folks,I am warm, well fed ,comfy, smug having done one cupboard ,
and might be the proud owner of a new sewing machine in a bit .
Then again as a technophobe ,I must see which will be the best cost wise, ( fibber, I won’t understand half the instructions)repair The one I have which will include it being picked up ( I hope) repaired and brought back ( I hope)OR a new one many of the functions of which will be beyond me .
Or the very old one .
In the grand scheme of things not problems really are they !
So goodnight ,hope everyone is well , look after yourselves.
Viktoria.
-
Sleep tight Viktoria
LM
-
Morning everyone
We don’t have the ‘level restrictions’ in Scotland yet, they are coming in on Monday but we have been very restricted particularly in the central belt since late September.
We have not been allowed to go into each others houses, the restaurants and pubs are closed but cafes are allowed to open until 6 but can’t sell alcohol.
Our rule of six which came into force in mid September was up to 6 people from 2 households, i.e. you and one other.
As said this is no longer allowed but still applies if meeting outside so you can only go for a walk with 1 friend.
When the restrictions come in on Monday even those in level 1, mostly those in the Highlands and Islands won’t be allowed anyone in their homes, which is tough for them as the cases are low up there.
From Monday we are advised not to travel out with our local authority area. A good friend lives in Midlothian and I’m in Edinburgh, we live about 5 miles apart and have met up previously to walk her dog and have a picnic but not from Monday.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not moaning, it is what it is and we have to get on with it but I do think it would be easier to have a firebreak lockdown and I do wish there was some continuity between the nations i.e the rule of 6 meaning the same country wide.
To have a cuppa and a catch up with a friend seems such a challenge these days, on a wet day like yesterday it was getting dark at 4.30 so no chance of meeting up after work.
As I say I’m not morning, I’m hale and hearty and count my blessings, it’s just life at the moment.
I’m dreading the winter and I fear Christmas is cancelled in Scotland.
Oh well on the bright side it will save money ;D
-
Good Morning
I fear Christmas will be cancelled in a lot of cases, although in the true spirit Christmas will still happen
My granddaughter, in Phase 3 is coming home for Christmas, I read that students will need to isolate for 2 weeks, if she is home on 20th December and goes back 4 weeks later that will be our Christmas sixsome get together cancelled, will need to isolate after seeing her?, if we do see her of course
It is a real worry to all concerned this year but we have to go by the rules I assume, my granddaughter will be sad as well as we will not seeing her, we will have to wait and see what happened nearer to Christmas
I think she can be tested before she comes home
Take care and stay safe
Louisa Maud
-
I agree OFG, it would be much simpler if all the nations did the same, although I can see how hard it is for places like the Highlands and Islands. There's talk now of the prime minister considering a month long lockdown in England so that thing could be eased for Christmas.
As you say LM, Christmas in its true spirit will still happen. Sadly a lot of people have lost sight of what that is, it's just become about overspending and overeating.
-
Well in this worrying and sad time a little cheerful spark,
Dry cleaner’s called today to pick up the curtains ,I told the chap who came to let me know the cost and I would try to have the right money for him.
He said ,if I needed anything to let him know and he would get it from the little convenience shop close to the cleaners’and bring whatever when the curtains were returned.
How kind, mind you ,perhaps it was because I had my specs on the end of my nose and was looking over the tops at him and can’t remember ( ::))
If I had my teeth in ——.
No seriously I do have two teeth on a little plate ,but I did have them in, wouldn’t be seen dead without them,- Well I might be !
My OH did not find men wearing the kilt as attractive as I did!
I said he would look good wearing the kilt, ( he still had his football muscles!)
He said he would not be seen dead in one ,I said he might very well be !
Right off to do something useful like polishing the potatoes.
Viktoria.
P.S.I too think some very strict measures now might mean some easing for
Christmas, and how wonderful if people could celebrate much more modestly
and think of the real meaning, If not the strictly religious meaning , then the sense of family and caring at least.
Viktoria.
-
You do make me laugh Viktoria, oh she of the shiny potatoes! ;D ;D