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Hi all  - hope everything continues to remain well for you all

Today's diary:

Slightly earlier start today as I had to get to the bank before noon but didn't want to miss my routine park walk.

A slightly different mob in the park today mainly Mums' and children and a couple of dog walkers.  I am now on nodding terms with two older couples and a older lady who has a very strenuous looking exercise routine.  Noticed  two Mum's obviously taking the government up with their new directive that you can meet with one other person outside your own house hold if you social distance in the open.  This seemed  great then I noticed each had a tot with them (say about 3 years old ish) they were off playing together.  I had to smile. Someone else was trying to access the tennis courts but they were still firmly locked.  Noticed that one of the many neighbouring gates that access the park directly had been painted blue!  I had to do a double take!  There are a number of houses that back onto the park and most have installed  their own gates. All are either just  natural colour or painted brown.  I can't believe I missed the blue gate and am sure that was done in the last 24 hours!  If not I must be going 'do-maley'. 

I had a companion on my walk today! One of my lot.  It was good that I was able to get her up and out of bed, but she's not really a great walking companion.  Conversation nil and my attempts to try and have an interesting conversation fell on deaf ears. 

Once back in I had to get changed, makeup on (!) and quickly into town to get to the bank before 12. It's a real problem as the local car parks aren't open so I do have to walk.  Long queue but managed to get my banking done.  Then over to M&S to get some top up shopping in.  Quite exhausted by the time I got back.  A marked increase in traffic for sure, but didn't think M&S or the town was particularly busy at all.  Did bring my 'mask' but reluctant to wear it, however no-one else seemed to have one on either, only the odd one or two.

Had lunch and sorted the shopping out.  I didn't bother with any clean down and got it all sorted and put away.

Have been trying to get some family history research written up, did some scanning and doubled checked some notes.

Moved the hoover around.

Mr CD has been busy ordering goodness only knows what as two very large boxes were delivered late this afternoon.  I left them in the porch as they are far, far to heavy to move.

A salmon stir fry tonight and later some telly.

Stay safe!
CD

The Thursday diary!  Awoken by a very loud sneeze in my ear.  I thought it was Mr CD, but it was the cat sounding very human indeed!  Another bright , sunny morning.  I really felt quite good.

The usual routine again this morning....park full of 'exercisers' today and very loud birdsong.  Some days I'm just not so aware of it, but this morning  very loud or maybe just happy birds or even more birds than normal?  Other days I see a profusion of squirrels but not so many today.

Back at the house, a bit of a general tidy round, answered some emails, then went outside to have some lunch in the sunshine.  I was greeted by a friendly 'hello' from the window cleaner,  , so  sadly had to decamp inside whilst he went about his cleaning.

A magnificent delivery today! Some weeks ago Mr CD broke his racing bicycle.  It was pretty old but according to His Nibs 'great quality'.  However he came off it some weeks ago and bent the wheel  so badly it could not be repaired.  Being so old he could not replace the wheel and he even eyed up my bicycle to cannibalise it for parts!  Unfortunately  .... this was not possible. Anyway he ordered a smart new bike online and we have all been awaiting the delivery.  It caused us much amusement the other day when a very small light weight box was delivered from the bike company and inside was just a water bottle!  We all wondered where the rest of it was.  Anyway, sounds like it is a great success and he is pleased as punch. At least someone is happy.

Not much else to report.  I reorganised my shoes and nicks drawer. Huzzah.  Baked spuds for tea, because quite frankly I'm devoid of dinner ideas at this stage.  Quite depressed after the 5:00 propaganda team were on, and of course on hearing Nicola Sturgeon's message.

This evening also heard of the death of a friend's sister of CV19.  She wasn't particularly old but did have underlying health problems.

Participated in 'the clap'.

What news from everyone else?

Stay safe!
CD

A really restless night last night, I don't really know why.  Continuing with usual morning routine- and another belter of a day here.  Park emptier than usual which surprised me. The trees really are coming out beautifully but the pollen! Oh my!  I can see that hayfever is going to be a real issue for the coming days.

Some washing and chores to do and then to town to get some 'essentials'  It's such a palaver these days.  On my walk to the shops people are leaping out of my way.  On the way back with heavy shopping in my trolley people are expecting me to move into the road. None of these scenarios is ideal.

Made a few phone calls I've been putting off, one to my Aunt.  There is only one topic of conversation these days and one which we differ greatly over. This is one of the reasons I really hate to ring her. Anyway I've made the call and can now rest easy. 

Had a late lunch and the 'eagle' returned!  It didn't stay long as it was harassed by a pair of crows.  Enjoyed a rest in the sunshine for quite some time...... and finally came inside to answer some emails.

Got tea sorted - a kind of pasta bolognese today and shortly heading for telly to see what wonders are on offer this evening!

Hope all well with everyone - I continue to be very weary of the situation.  Much more traffic on the roads today.  Boris will be hard pushed to put us all back in our boxes soon!

Stay safe!
CD

I'll start off today:  Well an uneventful start but slept not so badly. No cups of tea in bed  today sadly.  Another really bright sunny day which is always welcome.  Up promptly with usual routine now in place.  A companion for my park walk today (!), which was a nice change.  We are trying to encourage one of our family to have a better routine which we hope will help with her sleeplessness and anxiety.  It was a great morning to be in the park with barely anyone there.  A few pram pushers and fewer joggers.  Of note today a lovely young pine tree with the 'cones's just starting to form.  A really lovely colour as well.  I look forward to seeing how they develop!

Back home, threw in some laundry in order to get it hung out to dry in the good weather.

Put together a list of online learning for daughter to try and keep her busier than she has been.  Amazingly she found a number of free courses on offer that appealed to her. I'm hoping this will give her something to focus on.

I watched a couple of brief online talks myself offered by  various places - the National Gallery short curator talks are always interesting. Back to the Irish.  Need to type up some notes etc. but may need to put them back in their box for awhile.  A clearer idea of family connections is coming together, but of course no main burning questions answered.

A brief break in the sunshine.  No 'eagle' today.  A late after noon visit from the very large bothersome neighbourhood cat who scares my poor elderly pc (pussycat) to death.

Listened to the government briefing - so wished I hadn't

Chicken salad wraps for tea.  Hoping something nice on the box tonight....

For me a gentle day really. Hope yours was as well...

Stay safe!
CD