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General => The Stay Safe Board => Topic started by: Roobarb on Sunday 18 July 21 22:25 BST (UK)
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As I write it's almost the 19th July, it will be so called 'Freedom Day ' by the time many of you read this. Many of us are anticipating this as something to be anxious about rather than something to look forward to, I count myself in the anxious group.
It's some time since this date was flagged up as being the date when all restrictions should be lifted but things have changed since then. The Delta variant is now responsible for the majority of new Covid cases and spreads more easily than others.. A sterling job has been done by so many dedicated people in carrying out the vaccination programme. Will much of that go to waste when people who have been double jabbed catch Covid as I have done? I hope that doesn't prove to be the case. I have no strong political leanings or axe to grind but it does seem like caution is being thrown to the wind. If it can continue to be made mandatory for face coverings on London Transport, why not for the rest of the country? Or don't we matter?
It will be interesting to see how the week goes on, what Rootschatters' personal views and experiences are and of course to hear the personal news of contributors. I sincerely hope our anxiety proves to be unfounded. Have a safe and happy week everyone.
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Good to see you posting Roobarb. In my humble experience I don't expect 'freedom day' to last more than a couple of weeks. The way cases are rising I suspect another lockdown is looming. Frankly I feel more depressed with the situation than I did 6 months ago. There just doesn't seem to be an end in sight. Take care of yourself x
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Jo I agree entirely with your sentiments and have just posted my thoughts on ‘Freedom Day’ in the previous thread ….. much of the same if not worse I fear…
Good to see you still posting Roobarb and I live in hope that your symptoms will soon recede having had both vaccinations….
Personally I shan’t be doing anything different to before particularly with my O.H still trying to fight off this mystery virus he has… now coming into week five! Thank goodness we live in a fairly rural community.
I think more lockdowns loom… if not over the summer assuming places will be functioning unless everyone is self isolating… by autumn I can see us being restricted… my goodness who would have thought that retirement could have been so dreadful…. First Brexit and now this….
Take everyone and keep on posting to help keep us all sane!
Caroline
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Well, here we are, so called 'Freedom' day has arrived. To me, it feels more like day 1 of a social experiment on how to deal (or how to not deal) with a pandemic. The eyes of the world will be on us in Great Britain, watching to see if we are going to sink or swim, over the next few weeks..
My feeling is that with the rising infections, we should be taking a more gradual and cautious approach now, than this.
It is a difficult one as I know we have to look after the economy but I fear for the casualties ahead .. God help us all now is all I can say ..
On my bus journey home from nightshift this morning, I see that the tape has been moved from certain seats so now people can sit anywhere they like. On the second bus I see that the distancing line, marking space from the driver, has also been removed. Thankfully, though people are still sitting apart and wearing masks .. just as well really as there is one man a couple of rows in front of me who has been sneezing several times.
Take care and keep safe everyone, the experiment has begun.😒
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Herd immunity, here we come?
I'm sure many new infections will result (helped of course by the footy the other week). Let's just hope that a new mutation doesn't result, but I expect that it "helps" (if that's the right word) that people get infected in a short space of time.
Ask an economist what we should do. Ask an epidemiologist what we should do. We would get two very different answers. Ask a pub landlord what we should do. Ask a bus driver what we should do. Different answers again. Possibly.
The thing is, we can choose to smoke or drink heavily, it's legal but it's not the best thing to do. We're told it can kill us. People make their choices.
We can eat too much and exercise too little. We are told that it will lead to a shorter life and long term health conditions. And yet, the majority of the nation (https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/sn03336/) ignore this and carry on regardless.
Every adult in this nation has been offered the vaccine. Two doses on the vaccine does a good job to keep people from dying from the virus. The group of people that were most likely to die from the virus has now largely been vaccinated.
The livelihoods of people have been wiped out.
It's a difficult balance, isn't it?
So we can choose not to be vaccinated, and go to nightclubs and mingle and party like it's 2021 if we want. In the same way, we can smoke, drink like a fish. We could even walk down the middle of the main road as we stagger home with our kebab at the end of the night.
We can also get double vaccinated, wait the requisite time for the vaccine to kick-in. We can go to the shops when it's a bit quiter, wear a mask if we want to. We can visit our friends, and be a bit sensible about it. We can go for a drive and avoid people staggering down the middle of the road with their kebabs. We will also be safe knowing that if we do catch covid, we are unlikely to die from it.
So I wouldn't call it an experiment. I would call it life.
It's down to us now.
Trystan
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I hope you’ll feel better soon Roobarb.
I shall continue wearing a mask indoors or crowded outdoor situations (not that I go anywhere particularly crowded!) as I’ve done when I was allowed out after long bouts of shielding. I see many shops are asking people to continue to wear masks. I can’t see our so called “freedom” lasting long.
I’m at the hospital this afternoon I’m expecting them to still be insisting on masks being worn. I’ll be wearing mine. I was going to walk there but as it’s so hot I might drive to the garden centre nearby and walk from there!
Candleflame I hope your husband gets an emergency dental appointment and gets sorted out quickly, toothache is horrible.
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I too feel very pessimistic about this new phase the Uk is entering.... or I should say England, because I believe the other Home Nations are being rather more sensible/cautious.
I made an early bread raid this morning, and learned that the bakery cafe has replaced all original table spacing. Theatres and cinemas will also be allowed capacity seating. Most folk in the supermarket at 08:15 were wearing masks, but the beach, (which I can observe from my balcony,) gets more crowded by the moment. All of this I can make choices about if I shall join in or not, BUT, if I am forced to get to work, or the Doctor on public transport, then surely I should have a right to protection mitigations, and in my opinion that means everyone should still be wearing face coverings.
BTW, the rest of the country certainly DOES matter. The Mayor of London apparently has the ruling vote over London Transport, and he insisted on the continued use of face coverings. Don't know who would have control of systems on Tyneside or Liverpool for example??
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Hello to you all from South Australia.
We have been extremely lucky here in that fast lockdowns have kept covid at bay.
However, it has now hit nearly every state, and after our first case surfaced here we will be in shutdown of non essential businesses from midnight tonight (3 hours time).
I am in the bush so can isolate pretty well.
The immunisation here has been very slow, and I am loathe to get AZ due to health problems.
Even my doc said to try to wait for Pfizer
After being fully immunised one can get covid, but can you still be infectious to others?
Roobarb, I hope all goes well with you, I too would be in the anxious lot!
Best wishes to you all.
Chris
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Yes, this going to be a balancing act. Infections are likely going to keep rising but we are also having to think of the economy.
It is heartbreaking that some businesses have gone to the wall and that people have lost livelihoods.
Even before this 'Freedom' day the affect of the rising infections has been felt in my area. Some people are having to pull together to work longer and harder and some services are having to be withdrawn already.
For example, where I live some bus services are having to be withdrawn on a daily basis as they haven't got the full complement of drivers. I am leaving for work earlier just in case problems arise. My DiL, who is a nurse, is having to pick up extra shifts.
The other day a man (I won't mention where he works, but he wasn't a bus driver) said that he was supposed to work a one to eleven shift but was having to work a six to eleven shift.
Yes, the big positive is that we have the vaccine and so many have been vaccinated and this will save countless lives.
An anti-vaccination person said to me the other day, that we should just open everything up and live lives as normal and let nature take its course. Yes, there will be so many different opinions out there. It is one of th e great things about our nation that we do have freedom of speech.
I think we have to be careful though still, so services don't end up overwhelmed and infections are kept under control.
Yes, I agree that it is down to us all now to play our part. Unfortunately, as we have seen some people won't.
I plan to keep wearing a mask, distancing and sanitising. I feel it is far too soon to dispense with this.
The eyes of the world will be upon us. Goodness knows how things will turn over the next few weeks. I just hope enough of us will be willing to step up and play our part so it will be more an outcome of swimming than sinking. Another potential lockdown situation almost doesn't bear thinking about.
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Ask an economist what we should do. Ask an epidemiologist what we should do. We would get two very different answers. Ask a pub landlord what we should do. Ask a bus driver what we should do. Different answers again. ...
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It's a difficult balance, isn't it?
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It's down to us now.
Trystan
Hello All
I am very sorry to hear of those of you who are ill, have ill spouses or family and those worried about family and friends who are ill.
Trystan, a summary of your main points (quoted) sums up the current dilemma!
I know what our GPs would opt for! My last recent encounter with a GP ... he opened the door and was effectively in a washable clothing with white wellie bottoms and spoke to me through a full facial visor and a mask.
This thought crossed my mind ... Am I in a Doctor's Surgery or a contaminated nuclear waste facility?
Unfortunately, a skin itch began whilst I still had a severe cough (I thought my skin itching was a coincidental change in washing powder, but it didn't go with rewashing with my old powder brand). I was prescribed skin treatment which made little difference, then suddenly I suffered an 'inflammatory response' March 2020, which was a substantial immune response. It took months to calm down and prescriptions had little effect. It was made worse again last Summer 2020 by insect bites in the garden ... Twenty-nine blood tests, 2 referrals to hospital for scans later, it is not over, but I feel more hopeful.
Had a right range of bizzare health problems, a few serious, caused by the immune response, the original virus having gone.
So I'm surprised mask wearing and distancing has gone, we already know this works extremely well. UK deaths were zero after the first Lockdown.
Hoping time will be a good healer and in the meantime I continue to pray that I will through this.
All the best, Mark
Added: one of my GPs has said my early 2020 illness was a strain of influenza.
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Hah! This takes me back to a memory from last year when the hairdresser reopened. When I went to make the appointment the hairdresser was all kitted out from head to foot, wearing a long white overall, full face visor etc. She reminded me of a doctor or a nuclear fall out worker.
I said "You look like a doctor". Not that there is anything wrong with this but she looked a bit taken aback.
Next time I saw her on the day of appointment, she looked a bit more 'normal'. Perhaps she felt the 'doctor' look might have been off putting to her clients (although, it wasn't and I almost wished I had kept my mouth shut).
That's good that you feel more hopeful Mark. Time can often be a good healer and I hope things continue to get better for you. All best wishes.
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I am truly apprehensive, longing to see family but not even at the back of my mind ,very much at the front, I feel absolutely sure the rise in numbers will
be astronomical.
How can the lockdown be ended when everyday hospital admissions double?
Again Andy Burnham talked sense.
Don’t always agree with him but as far as Covid 19 is concerned he has been pretty well on the ball.
This is all premature , so many unvaccinated people still, being a covert little HitlerI would make it enforceable for those unvaccinated by choice , to protect those like Roobarb ,vaccinated,careful , yet she has it!
We pussy foot around things like this , we all have human rights but when people’s rights are violated by non vaccinated by choice people ,sorry
it is time to make vaccination mandatory .
We are not at the end, it is not even the end of the beginning or the beginning of the end or something like that .
I am not changing anything .
It won’t be easy when others are behaving differently and I am now really fed up with the isolation and difficulties which ensue from the necessary restrictions ,but as with others I have
three generations after me to consider, I have had a long life and they deserve theirs.
Viktoria.
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Thank you for good wishes folks.
I've just received a text message to say that my PCR test was positive. No surprise to me of course. Woke up coughing early morning but I'm pleased to say I haven't got up and coughed my insides up this morning like I have every other day. (Sorry, hope that's not too graphic!). Feeling exhausted but hopefully starting on the road to recovery.
I spoke to a friend yesterday who said she'd been down to our High Street and that most people were wearing masks in the shops and quite a lot wearing them outside. I was pleased to hear that. The local news reports also indicate that a lot of people are continuing wearing masks in supermarkets and other shops.
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Well folks, i have some really good news this morning but not from the person concerned, from her mother, my lovely granddaughter has got what what she wanted from her university degree, now she ìs following it up with a masters, about time there was some good news, how about other RC's with family getting their results?
Louisa Maud
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Roobarb so pleased to hear you’re feeling a bit better today, hope it continues.
LM, congratulations to your granddaughter, it’s great that she will now be able to continue with her chosen next step. It is as you say lovely to have good news and I think everyone in education has done so well to persevere with so much disruption (not forgetting all the other walks of life too of course). You must be very proud.
I’ve already mentioned my son’s good news and had some lovely comments from Rootschatters. Thank you all for you kind words.
Pinetree
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Yes Pinetree, the youngsters have had a difficult year, no face to face, all online or when they could get into the library , hope things improve for all next term.
Congrats to all
LM
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Good to hear you’re not feeling quite so bad today Roobarb… let’s hope that you’re on the turn now and the worst is behind you 🤞🤞
LM - Wonderful news for your granddaughter has achieved through this adversity and moving on with her life… we’ll done to her and we all need good news…
Caroline
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LM great to hear your granddaughters good news. Well done her.
We went to Asda for our shop today and most people were wearing masks, including us. The weirdest thing was the blobs on the floor near the checkouts had gone to keep distance , yet folk were still keeping back as if they were still there yet the queues were actually shorter! This is despite there having changed many checkouts to these self ones without a staff member. We always wait for a staffed one . You could tell it was sunny weather though - the soft drinks aisle and the ice lollies fridges had been decimated !
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We are forecast thunder, just heard a rumble
LM
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Just had a downpour… sadly it’s made no difference to the temp …28C!
Good to hear people are still abiding by the previous dictates….. not been anywhere to see yet…
Keep cool and safe everyone
Caroline
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Roobarb, I am glad to hear cough is less troublesome. It sounds like you are improving more each day. Thank goodness that you were double jabbed in time before this all happened, so you most likely have a good defence system working for you. :)
Candleflame, that is good news recently that your husband now has antibiotics. This will surely, improve things for him. :)
Louisa Maud .. Congratulations to your Granddaughter on getting the result she was after in her degree. How proud you must be feeling! These young people who have achieved this success have done doubly well considering the circumstances they have faced. Thanks for sharing this good news. :)
My diary:
Last night I was surprised to find that my first bus went direct into the bus station as it used to. It just hadn't occurred to me that this would change so fast. Pleasant surprise.
Quite a good number not wearing face coverings in the bus station last night. However, on way home after work this morning I see that the overwhelming majority of people are wearing masks and seem to be trying to keep to distancing where possible.
I had someone sit next to me on one return bus this morning as it was so busy.
I called at my local library to drop off some books and to pick up a book I had ordered.
Surprised to see that books no longer have to go into quarantine bins.
All little changes but I can't feeling a sense of surprise at each little lift of restriction, even though I know such things can now be expected. The weather is still very good. It is not often that it is this warm on Tyneside.
People seem to be in good spirits out and about.
Well, I had been skedaddle off now as I have to get myself sorted for nightshift ahead. Ta ta for now. :)
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Thanks for further good wishes everyone. I agree RTL, heaven knows what I'd have been like without the vaccination, doesn't bear thinking about.
LM, congratulations to your granddaughter, that's really good news.
Pleased to hear that lots of people are still wearing masks, particularly on your bus journeys RTL. Also good news that your husband has got some treatment for his dental problems Candleflame, it must be such a relief.
No rain here, it's been another scorcher although not quite as high temperatures as round your way Caroline.
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RTL - good to hear your bus services haven’t been affected and to hear people still continuing with face coverings and distancing…. Think it’s almost ingrained into us all now…
Well Roobarb we’ve had some right old storms this afternoon, thunder, lightening and down pours! Sadly made very little difference to the temps! Even now at just past 11pm it’s still in the 20’s!
Hope you’ll continue to make progress and yes what a blessing you’ve had both jabs!
Take care all
Caroline
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We had a mini storm yesterdy afternoon, it was quite strange, the wind blew up and then it rained , the wind was so strong the rain was almost horizontal blowing across the road, didn't last long but it was a tad cooler, this morning the sun is out and it is quite warm again, it didn't clear the air yesterday and hardly did the garden much good either
LM
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Glad to see educational successes amongst grandchildren. Well done to all. :D
No thunder here. It continues glorious, but I changed to our lightest duvet at the weekend, so we are comfortable at night.
Yesterday we submitted our 6th blood sample to UCL for the Covid anti-body test. My blood flowed quite easily, but now my finger is a little sore for typing! :'(
It seems to me that H might have too much time on his hands! :-\
While I wasn't looking he bought one of those fancy pod coffee making machines. That goes against ALL my principals, and I can't tolerate strong coffee anyway, so it will be a fairly constant thorn in my kitchen for a while no doubt. :-X Ah well.....
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Put a tea towel over it MH, out of sight out of mind. ;)
I've just realised that despite my having started these threads I posted on the wrong one earlier today. ::)
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;D ;D Good plan!! Thanks Roobarb.
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Glad to read the good news from you all .
A very heavy cloudburst this early evening ,and I had just watered mine and my neighbour’s container plants .
Another real scorcher today, I was fit for nothing really ,but cooler now it has rained.
How horrible the rain in China and people trapped on the underground .
More drownings here too , what a shame.
Well Liverpool has lost its World Heritage status ,redevelopment is the cause but no one has actually visited it seems .
Peel Holdings wanted to build but the new building would have obscured The Three Graces .
John Whittaker of P.H .is a Ramsbottom man.
He is totally detested in the town.
He managed to buy up the Ground Rents of Ramsbottom properties,they are very long - 999 years , most building done in 1800’s so his heirs have a long wait .
They are very low too, my old house was £5-00 per year.
He has bought them but does not seem to colllect them ,I suppose he has worked all that out .
I opened a little bank account and each year that they were no longer collected I paid the amount in because bet your life there will be penalties for non payment .
When I left the house I left the correct amount due in cash for the new owners.Each year in a separate envelope dated .
Well, cooler now so some sleep tonight hopefully .
Weather forecast says in this NW area heatwave to continue to weekend when more heavy rain and some flooding.
Cheerio. Hope those unwell improve very quickly and those with worries get some peace of mind .
I see no end to this yet, and cannot agree with easing whilst numbers are still rising and many unvaccinated still.
Take care everyone.Viktoria.
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Interesting post as always Viktoria. Thank you.
Hope you had a good night, and that your day is as pleasing as can be.
I shall enjoy the good weather while it lasts, and continue to keep out of the way as far as possible.
My trusty face covering is attached to my bag, and I wear it if I can't avoid areas full of holiday makers.
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Sorry to hear that Mark, I must not get complacent re my blood sugar levels at 43, last time 42.
I wonder if the thirst is to do with your blood sugar levels, it is a frequent pointer to raised levels.
Chatted to a passerby yesterday, she had open toed sandals on and said her dog had trodden on her toes but that she could not wear proper shoes as she frequently gets inflamed toes and fingers round her nails
.Had been told it was pre diabetes.
The trouble is we can convert carbohydrates to sugars so bread,potatoes,pasta, etc can be almost as bad as sweet things .
I only weigh eight and a half stones at most , but pre heart attack in 2009 I was nearly ten stones which on my five foot two height was too much!
I read the small print on everything ,and it is apalling how much sugar is in supposedly “ Healthy “ bars and snacks .
Even a slice of tea loaf has a lot of sugar.
People say” have honey” ,but it is not the answer and fructose in fruit can be converted .
Hope you feel better ,Oh - and would it mean one vaccination would trigger our immune system which would be better than repeated boosters. ?
Cheerio.
Viktoria.
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I see our NHS are saying about sugar ...
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/how-does-sugar-in-our-diet-affect-our-health/#:~:text=Adults%20should%20have%20no%20more,day%20(5%20sugar%20cubes).
[The GP in January said Sugar consumption is responsible for other serious health troubles besides gaining weight and tooth decay. Some Scientists are also pointing at glucose very recently in relation to influenza complications]
I picked up a pack of two mini Cheesecakes about 2" in diameter each and turned it over to see a massive 20 grams of sugar and clearly stated in bold!
I still need to eat enough daily food in my three main meals, but 20 grams of sugar on something small, nice and very sweet - seemingly throws away 2/3rds of my daily meals sugar allowance and would also create an unwanted spike in my blood.
Keep safe all, Mark
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Simple solution, Mark - make your own desserts and then YOU have the control over content. Same applies to other courses. :-X
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Simple solution, Mark - make your own desserts and then YOU have the control over content. Same applies to other courses. :-X
Hi Bumblebee
My wife has purchased me two bars of Dark Chocolate, No Added Sugar and Two squares are less than 0.5g of which sugars.
Fortunately, I can leave it on the shelf in the spare bedroom and forget it is there.
Just had a one square fix and put it back :) ;) Because of my health, I can walk past the stuff now in the shop and make one (gift) bar last a month.
Making progress with my wider Family Tree circa 1800.
Take care, Mark ;) :)
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Good to hear it - stay safe!
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Just watched Cold Comfort Farm ,missed the first ten minutes or so .
Did not see Agony Beetle and the Jazz Band .
It was written as a sort of antidote to the books written by Mary Webb, they were a bit mawkish and often written from the point of view if a woman with very strong emotions but who sadly was not very attractive.
Mary Webb’s themes were very like those of Thomas Hardy, especially his Tess of The D’Urbevilles and her Gone To Earth.
G to E was written about the part of Shropshire where I grew up.
The Baptist Chapel where my paternal Great grandparents worshipped and were buried in the graveyard., they were used in the film as they were in the book.
The Stiperstones hills and a rocky outcrop called The Devil’s Chair,
A film was shot on the real location andI had gone back on holiday so met the stars Jennifer Jones, David Farrar( Ooooo! Sharp intake of breath )€Cyril Cusack ,George Cole,Dane Sibyl Thorndyke.
Mary Webb was a bit mawkish but she had a good insight into human nature and in her character Squire Jack Reddin ( another intake of breath) she really
summed up his failings “and he never knew what he had done “—-.
I did enjoy the book Cold Comfort Farm ,years ago but not so well the film today.
Well some rumbles of thunder this evening ,I still watered the containers though ,so hot again today .
I have done very little today, just felt no energy so thought go with the feeling and keep cool but I did get washing out early ,big bath towels were totally dry in minutes .
Changed my bed so a bath tonight or my mother will haunt me!
Bedding washed too .
Just watching “ Dunkirk” ,it is a miracle anyone got away ,what a feat,all the little ships.
Wonder if The Medway Queen ,the last remaining “ little ship “is still in existence?
We went to Dunkirk one holiday and my husband wanted to see a particular
memorial ,so we enquired at the Tourist office and to get a town map .
The quite young girl at the counter did not understand what we wanted ,especially about the memorial, eventually she said “Oh you mean when you ran away!!!!!————I nearly jumped over the counter to get her by the throat !
So she got all guns!
“ We came back though didn’t we!,
“DIDN’T WE!”
She half agreed ,but gave us a town map .
I wrote to the Bureau de Tourism and complained about her attitude ,and that she was not suitable to be employed in an area where so many British lives had been lost .
Well dustbin day is here again tomorrow , the weeks go by so quickly really.
Was going to Bury today but felt it was unwise given the extreme heat.
Hope everyone is alright , especially Roobarb, and those we know are ill .
Cheerio everyone .
Viktoria.
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My word Cold Comfort Farm is a blast from the past…. I can’t remember how many years ago I read it…. Very good critic there Viktoria…. Spot on.. sometimes when you’ve read a book then seen the film the latter can be very disappointing. I do wish they wouldn’t muck about with them…
Dunkirk was a very good film however… I’m not surprised you made a complaint to the tourist board… what a cheek!
With a typical French attitude when we visited Versailles one Sunday the queue was a long snake taking an age to get in once we reached the ticket booth ( 6 of us) there was only ONE booth open and we got the usual shrug of the shoulders from the chap inside… with the comment ‘this is France’…. Ah well it was worth the wait as it was the Sunday when the fountains perform to the classical music being played…
Hot here today 24C at 9.30 am…. I was pleased to see that everyone in Lidl’s was wearing a face covering with the exception being men!
Cut all broad bean plants down this afternoon, had a wonderful crop this year… along with beetroot and spring onions… OH usually in charge of veg garden but with him being unwell… still… it’s down to me… too hot really but needs must..
Keep cool everyone and do stay safe…hoping Roobarb is feeling better soon..
Caroline
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Concerning for you Caroline re your husband's health, I had intended to follow on from my late post week ending 11th and extend commiserations, congratulations etc and summarise week ending 18th, however I appear to have missed that window with door locked there now, lol .. do understand re confusing timeline though with threads.
It was a fuller schedule with family staying last week and much quieter this. Daughter had a lovely informal reunion with staff from her previous school on the Monday while I did grandma duties, demanding but delightful really. Husband came home feeling a bit under the weather feeling like he had bronchitis, a nasty cough all last week which seems now to be easing a bit come Friday this week. He had his usual flu jab before Winter started and we've both been double vaccinated with Pfizer jab and thankfully risks of infection remain low but many other seasonal viruses about. Lovely family addition with #2 sis getting a new grandson, her 2nd , born same date as a 2nd cousin 10th birthday and 20 years after his only cousin who has his birthday next week.
Tuesday husband stayed home, rescheduling arrangements, I went off to a knitting group for a couple of hours and the girls went off to the zoo, meeting up with a childhood friend and her 7yr old twin daughters for the day. The 3x 7yr olds only occasionally see each other being in different cities but have been keen to become penpals and written a few letters back and forth, mother is an optometrist and takes leave to be with twins, all different personalities but fun. A lovely outdoor day and good for the school break, same Wednesday. Essential shopping for me and took miss 7 for a walk to park and playground along the road while little one was meant to be asleep, some 'fomo' going on there though! They had been out for several hours visiting another close friend from way back, close in age and interests, attendants at each others weddings and our daughter is godmother to the teenage daughter and helped a lot in her care early years.Like all good friendships easy to pick up where left off, friend now caring for her aging and widowed mum in the family home of several generations, living across the road now herself and also caring for elderly mother-in-law and sometimes difficult circumstances, while running a small business from home.
I'd pulled out lots of books for daughter to look through and relieve me of, many from her childhood and the little ones already have so many and love them but happy to acquire more. Also have way too many toys and games for them here but we've had the room to hang on to them and are in good condition, again though, they have an abundance at home as well and I will have to pass many of them on elsewhere eventually. Spent much of Thursday playing and sorting and readying for them to go back home in the evening. Took both granddaughters to the park and playground, carrying little one beside the roads and forgetting how heavy they get!... and sending them off after dinner, bathed and ready for bed. We then prepared for a few days away ourselves!
Left 8am Friday morning heading south, several refreshment and photographic stops along the way down the North Island arriving in Palmerston North 5pm. Dinner with some of group before meeting up at venue on the Saturday, a worthwhile event and great catching up with folk, then some exploring, set off for Auckland again Sunday 10.30am varying the route back and home at 9pm, an enjoyable trip.
This week more the usual home front routine, work and essential shopping etc.
The TransTasman travel bubble has paused further today for 8 weeks, with Nzers in Australia advised to get home on available flights. Fiji has continued to be a worry with increasing number of cases and troubling conditions. Our numbers have increased slightly at the border with cases from there testing positive on arrival but mostly the higher numbers being added are mariners off 3 foreign fishing boats having to enter our waters with majority of crew sick and testing positive and our obligation to look after them while they isolate.
Travelling anywhere internationally is obviously going to be a challenge for some time. The friend I spoke of a couple of threads back had to spend the last few days here doing his best on phone and visiting airport to get his return flight to UK sorted with UEA flight restrictions meaning transit would delay him hugely. Thankfully eventually Singapore route worked out OK, expensive changing flights and airlines but will get some money back, flight this Monday a lot fuller and less restful than expected and thought perhaps others were happy to be returning to 'Freedom' , him less so! However thrilled to be back with his wife and also other daughter for a few days in London, in time for their wedding anniversary as well … also mentioned the uncomfortable heat.
And for those who love or loath sport !! let the games begin … and they have!
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! Very long post ! A bit like the phone call with #1 sis yesterday, most of morning and gone noon when we rang off! We can talk! ... often too long gaps between though :)
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Viktoria, it is very interesting to read what you have written about Dunkirk. I agree, it was not running away at all. I would more call it strategic withdrawal war decision. Our troops and those who took part in the rescue mission were very brave and heroic all.
I think there is no point in being slaughtered recklessly and needlessly, just in order to be a dead hero, as many were expected to in the Great War.
I think they did the right thing at Dunkirk - strategic withdrawal and live to fight on another day.
I still haven't caught up with everything on here as I just finished nightshifts yesterday. I see I put my last post on the last week's thread by mistake. Sometimes I don't know if I am coming or going on these threads.
I see in the news this morning that the government are going to release some people from pingdemic self isolation so we can get through the empty shop shelves situation in some areas of the country. It sounds a better idea that these people will be able to test daily instead.
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Hope you can have a good rest RTL.... I am not surprised you feel exhausted much of the time.
Caroline, it is awful your husband is still so ill; I do hope you are seeing some signs of improvement.
Viktoria, we too watched Cold Comfort Farm.
I confess I never read the book, (seems awful but I think I was just born at the wrong time to catch it,) and I hadn't seen the film version either, but I rather enjoyed it, understanding that it was supposed to be tongue in cheek.
Some superb performances in there, and a good helping of glorious smouldering from Rufus Sewell.
Does the book reveal the Great Wrong which was done to Robert Frost? :D
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Thank you for your kind thoughts ladies, I haven't much energy to put my mind to writing a lot but have enjoyed reading all your posts. Mare, it's good to hear about what you've been doing and the situation as a whole in NZ.
Best wishes to your OH Caroline, very much hope he feels better soon.
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MARE.... thanks for your interesting post.... your friend finding it uncomfortably hot in London will be relieved that Southern England has returned to normal; it is cool and grey here with the threat of prolonged rain later. Conditions likely to remain less than summery for a few weeks according to the forecast.
Hope NZ keeps on top of the Covid cases..... and I wonder if I will ever get the big tour I was looking forward to in 2020.
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Early hours of the morning for the first time in weeks I has to climb under the bedclothes as it was chilly, when I went shopping at 8am it somewhat cooler, very welcome but since getting home i think we are in for the hot day, I close my lounge curtains to keep the room cooler and I think it works, the sun shines directly in for the hottest time.
MH, can you order a steady 70 degrees for August please , do your best!!!, my family would appreciate that, my brother is in Scotland and it is probably cooler there , perhaps we should be going north not south
Although I water my garden I feel my poor plants are suffering, hoping it will rain overnight
Enjoy your days folks
LM
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Well, a very sunny day but with a delicious ,cool ,gentle breeze .
A parcel arrived ,some long awaited Yardley’s Lavender ,talc soap and Eau de toilette .
For my friend in Shropshire ,bedridden now and in this weather!
Out of stock for ages.
Off to Bury today, but will drop off at PO to post the parcel on, came from Yardley’s to me,was not possible to get them to post it to my friend.
Noticed my Buddlea was a bit droopy ,so drenched it ,.
A flipping squirrel or something has been nibbling my Bramley apples!
I am sorry to read of those ill and the loved ones who are also ill.
It is a hard time to be ill and a big worry as although services are doing very well, things are not the same.
Sincere good wishes to you all.
I must get going now, the weather is much more comfortable but may not be so tomorrow.
M&S here I come ,plus the fishmarket for proper kippers.
I might even have fish and chips from a really good plaice ;D ;D ;D,no you know I mean place.Thomson’s a well known chain , very high standard .
Off I go , will look in on you all later.
Cheerio .Viktoria.
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Simple solution, Mark - make your own desserts and then YOU have the control over content. Same applies to other courses. :-X
Yes,I poached three conference pears in sugar free lemonade(Tesco’s nicer than Morrison’s ) I will either make custard using a sweetener or have
Carnation milk, but read the label on that !
Too much fat stresses the Pancreas too ,where Insulin is made ,so low fat diet as well!
It is very difficult and sweeteners are not always the best answer.
They have “ musical side effects!”, I sound like a great timber built ship going aground on a reef, and the accompanying stomach cramps can be really painful.
Canderel is what I have used for a good while but I find the humble saccharin has fewer side effects .
Got some fancy stuff ,but no taste at all.
I must educate myself to dislike sweetness.
A friend was hooked on four teaspoons of sugar in their tea!
I suggested she take a small drink before putting any sugar in then put just one and the difference might fool her taste buds .
Still a full spoon of sugar in quite a few cuppas is still a lot.
It is easy when telling someone else! ::)
That worked for her ,but not easy to do that with desserts
I too was annoyed as I was told after several phone calls my blood test results were “ Normal” ,when I asked specifically re the blood sugar results they had gone up ,to 43, only one but at 42 after the last test was sent leaflets etc about a clinic for pre diabetic people.
Have not been due to Covid etc.
So why is 43 better seemingly than 42?
I need to speak to the Dr.
Best of luck ,I think 37 grams is the maximum an adult should not exceed a day ,and as there are often that much in desserts !
A Victoria sponge has four ounces of sugar standard recipe.
Four ounces is 110 grams ,so approx 28 to an ounce.
Cut such a cake into eight pieces and there are 14 gms in a piece ,nearly half the daily allowance for someone without raised sugar levels.
The flour can also be converted .
Let us know how you go on , and do try the pears ,just like the nice tinned ones we used to get for Sunday tea when there were enough points in our ration books!
Viktoria.
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So why is 43 better seemingly than 42?
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Don't think 43 is better than 42 - it is the rate of increase that they are concerned with! Don't know the time gap between blood tests but going up by only 1 over a period of time is hardly a rapid increase and probably manageable.
Pheno
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Seem completely to have missed this week - probably because it's been far too hot for me most of the time. Surfacing at last now it's a bit cooler - even did a bit of most essential ironing, but not more than that.
Really not wanted to ease up on things like distancing or masks, and certainly no wish to go cavorting in enclosed spaces. Oh dear, the world is still mad.
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43 is not better than 42, but at 42 I got leaflets pamphlets and information about being at risk etc ,a letter about a Help Line re raised blood sugar levels and times of a clinic.
Then along came Covid.
.My point was ,a little higher by 1 and it is considered normal , that is daft
surely !
I will speak to my Dr.,the above “ normal” came from the receptionist.
Viktoria.
Over 18 months since last blood sugar level test.
Viktoria.
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Have been reading the diary each day but have literally done nothing worth commenting on.
Was supposed to have visited my nephew and family on Thursday but due to the heat (I live in an upstairs flat which is like an oven when it is hot) had virtually no sleep and felt most lethargic all day. I decided it was best to cancel and now going next Wednesday.
We pray for nice weather and when we eventually get some it always ends up too hot.
I for one will still be carrying out the safety precautions done since 1st lockdown last March i.e. mask, sanitising. Read this week that the majority of all the new cases were of people in their 20's which is what I suspected. A couple of items I really wanted weren't available when I did my grocery order for Friday so late in the evening (when I deemed it would be quieter) I drove to my nearest supermarket. Thankfully, it was indeed quieter but there were quite a lot of youngsters there and over half of them weren't wearing masks! I was appalled!
One of our flats is tenanted by a Romanian couple and toddler daughter. Told by another neighbour that the guy had been quite vocal stating COVID was just a hoax!! Anyway, around 3 months ago I saw a car come for them and off the 3 of them went with lots of luggage. We have not seen them since! I emailed the owner of the flat to see if he knew what the situation was but he knows nothing. Was not aware that they have not been there for 3 months because they have still been paying their rent. I'm assuming they won't be allowed back in the UK unless they are vaccinated.
Aside from this, my life plods on as usual (well, as usual as it has been since March 2020).
Hope Roobarb is feeling better now and Caroline's OH gets his malady sorted sooner rather than later.
Annette
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I went to the supermarket yesterday afternoon. Thankfully, there didn't appear to be a shortage of food but there was a noticeable shortage of staff. So it took longer for queues to get through.
I am guessing this may be due to the pingdemic, perhaps?
Regarding people who believe the hoax idea, I wonder if for some, this whole thing feels too scary and the mind can't face reality. There has been too much evidence world wide for this to be any hoax.
I haven't been able to go to Church today as the online booking was full. Hopefully next time, I might be more fortunate. I have heard that they are hoping to gradually increase numbers allowed in.
Thanks, Mowsehowse I have had some rest on my time off but there always seems so much to catch up on. I will swing back onto day shifts this week so will have to be up at the crack of dawn tomorrow. I hope you have had a good weekend too.
I hope you continue feel better each day Roobarb. I am sure that we have all appreciated that you have been popping in to let us know you are okay. Very kind of you as you will not have been feeling 100%.
Caroline, I continue to hope that things will take a turn for the better for your husband. It must be very hard on him and you for this situation to have kept dragging on.
Take care everyone - I wonder what this week will bring?
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Hope everyone is doing alright ,especially those other halves , and Roobarb and people still working like RTLass .
Got a phone call from my friend in Shropshire, delighted with her Yardley’s Talc, Eau de Toilette and soap .
Got there quickly.
Well no real news so cheerio.
Viktoria.
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RTL, my church today allowed singing with masks on, other than that restrictions will be the same till about 1st week in August, I suspect the diocese will tell us more later
Louisa Maud
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Thanks everyone, I'm slowly improving. My cough is much better, still have no sense of taste and smell and no appetite but I'm eating things that look nice and will nourish me. Today I've been able to increase my moving about, have to keep taking rests but it's definitely an improvement.
Good to read all your news, stay safe. :-*
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Glad things are improving but you still sound very fragile.
My friend from girlhood days ,(whose hubby did top kitchen cupboards mahogany bottom ones light oak ) was hoping to see her first son and family fromCumbria,but he is president of the Rugby Club and although they met outside - presumably other officials - he has tested positive !
Feels like an aching cotton wool filled head and tired and dizzy .
Hope you continue to progress Roobarb ,and everyone else who is not in the best of health , get well soon .
Viktoria.
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Good to hear you’re improving Roobarb… we’re all rooting for you…slowly does it.
RTL - not sure which is worse early morning for day shifts or working at night… you’re a real trooper and I’ve great admiration for you.. pity about your church services but hopefully next time..
LM - I’m sure even singing with face coverings on felt uplifting for you…
Annette - hope your get together with your family goes ahead next week… weather due to be a bit cooler… how odd that no ones heard from the Romanian family perhaps returned home and now not able to get back to UK.
Viktoria- how pleasing for you to know your friend received her lovely goodies from you so quickly…hope you get your sugar levels sorted soon..
Thankyou all for your kind words re my OH… the last couple of days seem to be improvements… eyes looking better… lawns mowed ( took all day though with rests) and yesterday apple tree pruned… maybe a bit too much as today he was wiped out but keeping 🤞🤞 he’s turned the corner especially as it’s now coming up to 6 weeks since it all started…😳😳.
Take care everyone and stay safe… still…
Caroline
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Oh that is good news ,thanks for letting us know,make sure you look after yourself too,!
Listen to your Grandma,! ;)
Viktoria.
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Hello all.
On Friday we had my father's funeral. A cooler day than the rest of the week so much better for the tone of the day. We were joined by about 30 family and close friends and was a wonderful day. Tears and laughter as we reminisced about my Dad. Tears closed as we left to "My Way by Frank Sinatra"
As Dad used to say it's a funeral classic. ......so we did it Dads way !
I hoped for some contact from Dads brothers family. We've not seen any of them since 1997 so have no idea if my uncle is alive. I have checked but nothing. The family that came are Mums side but they've always been close to Dad so that meant so much more to see them.
Last of the paper work done and bills paid. Time to plan ahead now. We're off to Northumberland on Friday hubby boys and myself just for a week. Time to breath and slow down.
Tazzie
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Thanks for relating that, it sounds just right..
There needs to be laughter at a funeral ,it is not disrespectful but a part of life and you would want to celebrate your Dad’s life .
Enjoy your break, and join us again .
Viktoria.
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A lovely celebration of your Dad's life Tazzie, I hope you enjoy some relaxation in beautiful Northumberland. If you've been there before it's a lovely place to return to and if you haven't I'm sure you'll love it. Take care :-*
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Simple solution, Mark - make your own desserts and then YOU have the control over content. Same applies to other courses. :-X
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Too much fat stresses the Pancreas too ,where Insulin is made ,so low fat diet as well!
It is very difficult and sweeteners are not always the best answer.
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I too was annoyed as I was told after several phone calls my blood test results were “ Normal”, when I asked specifically re the blood sugar results they had gone up, to 43, only one but at 42 after the last test was sent leaflets etc about a clinic for pre diabetic people.
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Best of luck ,I think 37 grams is the maximum an adult should not exceed a day ,and as there are often that much in desserts !
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Let us know how you go on , and do try the pears, just like the nice tinned ones we used to get for Sunday tea when there were enough points in our ration books!
Viktoria.
Just been reading some of this thread.
Keep making progress Roobarb and best wishes for a good recovery.
Caroline, I do hope your Husband continues to improve and I send my best wishes.
Viktoria, 42 is better than 43. According to Diabetes UK these numbers sound like your blood HbA1c readings?
Be careful of tinned fruit, it is the syrup, it is full of sugar. I have recently rinsed the juice out of the tinned fruit with water, to use 2 tins of peaches before their BBE date.
Mrs P tells me our local newspaper claims our Doctors around here are inundated. Up to 40 mins of repeated engaged tone, cancel and immediate redial is not unusual, to book a GP 'phone appointment.
I'm not obese, but realised last year after a virus some normal body functions, e.g. body temperature had been left low (bordering hypothermia) and other changes, another is my outer facial skin layer flaking off and renewing every two weeks.
My immune system was over-reactive, I've known since a teenager, even against a prescribed medication and now have 3 newly discovered prescribed medications off-limits.
Been eating foods lower in sugar since last January, after GP advice. Even fruit and fibre has higher sugar than cornflakes or weetabix, no fine sprinkling of sugar on weetabix or cornflakes now :( , watching every gram of sugar.
Purchased a blood monitoring kit, with lances, test strips and metering device. They seem too busy to offer any Clinic Services, which I would attend if offered.
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Low blood sugar is also a problem. Speak to your GP or Doctor first about new health issues.
Mark :)