Day 37

I could start with Trump this morning, actually I could start with him every morning. there is not a single word that comes out of his mouth that isn’t stupidity personified. I have lambasted him enough though so lets discuss something else.
Have you given any thought to the things you most want to do when this lockdown eventually loosens? Do you think our lives have changed forever? What have you missed most?
There are the obvious choices and we all know what they are. What guilty pleasure have you been unable to do?
I confess yesterday evening and for the first time I started to get pissed off with the whole thing. I’m fine this morning. Normally I’m reasonably philosophical about what life throws at us but even I get fed up now and then. Most people that I have spoken with or heard from seem to be stoically enduring.
Think of the money you’ve saved, petrol and other sundries items under normal circumstances you would buy. I appreciate that there are those who are suffering great hardship.
I have this recurring fantasy (like so many) of winning big on the EuroMillions  and then using the money to help others. There is little I want or need these days. I am not suggesting for one moment I would not enjoy the money for ourselves but I have always thought large fortunes should be put to use for others. Call it guilt, call it altruism, philanthropy or any other appropriate word but what other use is there? Well that’s a fantasy and it’s easy to write what you would do, the real test would be if it happened.
It’s good to be happy and I’m lucky most of the time I am. I often say to my Wendy that I struggle to understand  those who suffer from depression and low self-esteem because I can’t wrap my head around why you would feel that way but only because apart form a brief hour here and there I never have? Please do not misunderstand I get it and we are all different. Wendy would not mind me saying that she has fought and still fights her demons on a daily basis. she has fought depression and the physical debilitation of fibromyalgia. I admire her strength and the courage it takes to get through each day.
I have had my “problems” over the years nearly died a couple of times but somehow I’m  able to cope and put it behind me and it seems to have little lasting affect. Perhaps I’m just senseless!
We all have our skeletons and demons who tap us on the shoulder now and then. The trick is how we deal with them!

Stay well

Day 36 (and counting)

I am a member of the Humanists Society. Their philosophy most closely matches mine. Like all organisations I do not agree with all they stand for but broadly speaking I’m with them.
This morning I received an email asking if I would take part in a survey on the government website.
It refers to protecting children from schools that illegally impose religions. This will come as no shock to those who know me and anyone who has read any of my views. I am an atheist and vehemently against organised religion. I have no issue with faith or privately held beliefs, that is your business.
But back to the government survey. I followed the links and once there  found the most unbelievable badly worded gobbledygook I have seen for a long time. Generally the government website is full of the most confusing language and officialdom. This survey was a shinning example of question of such nonsensical wording and structure you would need to be a linguist of unique talents to understand them. I confess in the end after at least trying to give sensible answers to the first few, I went into full blown fun and sarcasm mode and put in as ridiculous answer as the questions and there were 27 of them!
I understand that when you are writing questions to do with legislation there will be a certain jargon that most do not encounter on a daily basis but this was just impenetrable!!!!
Anyway on we go!

So what to do today. The weekly shop is on the schedule. Since this has begun I feel a little like Bono from U2
I still haven’t found what I’m looking for!

Stay well

Day 35

I cannot help myself but I have to comment on yet another load of bollocks that has spewed out of the Trumpster’s horrible orifice. Calls about taking bleach have spiked and he can’t understand why, I can only type **** ****. **** **** ****. I consider myself an eloquent man but words fail me!

So this morning, what is this wet stuff falling from the sky? This will test us!
Smile take a breath and relax, there isn’t that better?

Today is my sons 36th birthday and it is the first one he has had where we won’t be able to see him in person. Apart from the fact I find it hard to believe he is that age, it is at times like these you appreciate human contact. Yes we have FaceTimed but it’s not the same. I did drop off his present and card. No encroachment was committed and I left quickly.

I find reporting of the news, which I only skim over, has become far to centred on everything that has gone wrong and as always looking for someone to blame. It is in these times of crisis the reports should be positive and try to give us optimism and hope. Instead with the exception of a few feel good stories we only get negativity. I know bad things are happening and they need to report on stuff that might affect us all but it is a depressing litany of negativity.

And now I have depressed you with my negativity over their negativity, let’s lighten the mood!

A signalman on the railway in a remote part of the country is looking to get promoted. An examiner arrives to test him.
Right says the examiner your signal box is malfunctioning and there are two trains heading towards each other on the same line, what would you do?
I run out of the box to the manual lever on the track and pull the signal to red and stop
Great but it’s frozen solid now what?
I’d have my heavy mallet with me and hit the signal to loosen it
Great but it’s been hit by lighting and is immovable now what?
I’d run back to the box and open the emergency board where the button is to stop all trains on the line
Marvellous but unfortunately the power has been cut and nothing is working, now what?
Right, I’d run out of the box and go 250 yards up the line and get my Uncle Bob out of his house and bring him done here.
Why the hell would you fetch you Uncle Bob?
Well he’s never seen a train crash before!!!!!

Curtesy of Mr Connolly

Stay well

Day 34

I have spread criticism over these 34 days of writing. I have lambasted many people over a number of things. Today I want to praise those who usually unheralded have risen to the crisis and helped. We all know about the medical staff and specifically in the UK the NHS. They have been rightly lauded as heroes. I find it ironic that it takes a pandemic crisis to give them this praise but let’s not go there.
Individuals and organisations around the world have provided support and money and equipment where ever it is needed.
There is a Chinese billionaire who is shipping medical supplies all over the world and other necessities. There are thousands of examples of sacrifice and bravery during this world event.
There are many who like to vilify other nations for what ever reason they find convenient. The Americans in particular love to vilify China that are always looking for enemy and someone else to blame.
No country is all good but no country is all bad. Western so called Democracy is often no better than any other type form of governing.
I have said many times that those who behave badly overwhelm those who are doing good things every single day. Maybe that’s as it should be. Those quietly going about helping others are not looking for praise.
So let’s salute those whose actions are to help others and share kindness and good cheer. It is easy to be cynical and bitter during times of crisis. I fall victim to those emotions myself and far too often. The world is a difficult place and we can struggle to make sense of it all. Sometimes it is just easier to shrug your shoulders and bury your head in the sand.  (Actually it’s difficult to shrug your shoulders with your head buried in sand, try it you’ll fail!!!)
I have made it abundantly clear that I am no supporter of the Tories, Johnson and his cohorts but how would any of us, had we the enormous ego to want to be in their position, have dealt with the enormous challenge this virus has given the government of this and all countries affected?

You may have noticed I never refer to this pandemic by the use of it’s official title and always call it the “virus’. Why I hear you ask? Simple I keep spelling it wrong and the spellchecker comes up with odd corrections, so I don’t bother.

Stay well

Day 33

33 days, 33 days , 33 days man. I doubt if anyone will get that reference but in the spirit of helpfulness I will give a clue.......John Cusack and a movie.

So I read that domestic abuse has increased and that specifically abuse of children. I will refrain from stating the bleeding obvious that we are in lockdown!
Spare a thought for those who live in an abusive relationship of any kind. now confined with their abuser no respite, no relief.  I have written many times my thoughts on abuse and abuse of any kind. One persons torture of another whether physical or mental is abhorrent in all forms. It is especially reprehensible when it is perpetrated by a loved one. Somebody who should be caring and protective of you making your life hell is beyond words of explanation.
I once worked with a woman whose father was beating her on a regular basis. He was a bully in every sense. She would often come in with bruise on her face and arms which she had tried to disguise and classically claim some accident or other. Her colleagues all knew. One put forward the opinion that she probably deserved it and was rounded on by a number of us and told in no uncertain terms that he should shut up (not in those words and certainly not from me!) We tried in vain to get her to leave the family home.
She would say that he had nobody else and where would she go. Eventually when she had been hospitalised one weekend a couple of us persuaded her she must get the authorities involved. She did so with great reluctance even though he had broken her arm and caused other injuries.
When confronted, this father who was every way a bully to his daughter collapsed into a babbling heap, that is once he had stopped denying it. I know the whole thing dragged on for some time and though her father was charged he was never prosecuted. She did move out and go and live with a some friends.
It was and is tempting to storm in to a situation like that and confront the abuser. Perhaps even give them a taste of their own medicine and as a much younger man, I was perfectly prepared to do so but wiser heads prevailed. Now in my dotage I have learnt and only the admission and compliance of those being abused to take action will make the difference.

Another article this morning reports on the horrendous Priti Prytel reporting that shoplifting crime is down.......no shit Sherlock, what fucking shops would  they be robbing? Talk about proof positive that politicians don’t understand irony! They have cut Police numbers over the years and I would imagine the Police might like this lockdown to continue for good if it reduces their workload! I’m sure criminals are more than taking advantage of this situation but it might be nice for a while only to have warn sunbathers and the public from gathering!

I got a little serious there and for that I make no apology. Everyday someone of  vague authority makes some daft, stupid , factious,  nonsensical, fictional comment or statement and it is the task of us all to prick these balloons and puncture their pomposity.

And if that was not pretentious enough for you come back tomorrow I’m sure that I can write even more pretentiously!!!!!!1

Stay well

Day 32

I’ve never written this blog for 32 days on the trot. It has been an interesting experience during a very strange time. I haven’t done anything brave or helped society. Probably very few if anyone has read any of my daily rants and moans. I try to be balanced and honest. It would be easy just to write in a long litany of profane swearing. Most subjects have a whiff of what the fuck!
My favourite tweet of today is from Rory Bremner who in reference to you know who, simply typed “I give up” a sentiment that many of us feel.
Boredom is a strange bedfellow. One persons boredom is another’s exciting activity. Imagination and creativity employed daily will help you get thorough the days. People have posted the most ridiculous, funny, imaginative, stupid, silly, amazing, dangerous and weird things online. some are entertaining, some make you laugh, many are just plain odd, many are informative or carry a serious message. A few are all of the above.
I have though about posting video of me spouting my nonsense but am far to lazy even though I know it is not difficult. My wife has done several video training classes for a couple of her clients and they seem to enjoy them.
I have a problem with hearing my voice played back, I sound a couple of octaves higher in reality than I do in my head!
I am a writer and a rather one track artist. I have written many stories some short some a little longer. I am currently writing a collection of shortish stories about Inspector Kilbride an ageing Detective who resides in a town somewhere in the UK. I’ve just finished the second about a serial killer.
I am not sure whether I would ever publish them or if they are any good but I enjoy writing them and getting lost in my own imagination.
Do you write or draw, paint, do something creative? If you do and for whatever reason keep doing it.

Stay well

Day 31

Desperate times lead to desperate measures. Since the beginning of this pandemic and it appears getting worse everyday, I have never read or heard so much nonsense spouted each day, often from people who are reasonably intelligent.
Trump’s latest “suggestion” is a doozy (I am not suggesting he is reasonably intelligent, he is the antithesis of intelligence). I’ve just seen another where some well known American bloke, who frankly looks like a pervert, has suggested they the “left” does not like Trump because they hate masculinity! We have engineers and mast being attacked because there is this crazy belief that 5G spreads the virus!!!
The plethora of weird theories and odd idea’s are legion. They are always around but at times of emergency they multiply like the disease itself. I understand that there are those who want to blame someone, something or a country for this virus. People want a quick fix and are willing to throw any crazy comment out into the world to get noticed or create controversy.
There will always be those for whatever reason take advantage of these tragic circumstances and it’s unfortunate that the loud voices of discontent drown out those of a reasonable and sensible persuasion.
However advanced humans become, however good medicine and technology are, nature will always outsmart us. Nature has no favourites and if Darwin was alive he would surely say this is proof of the survival of the fittest!
I truly hope there are no further deaths from this virus. I hope we will return to whatever normality we can as soon as is safe. Remember once this is over (if it ever is?) death will still come knocking for all the reasons it did before this started.
I have shied away from saying this, at this time of people loosing loved ones but a cull was needed there are far to many of us on this planet and it is only getting worse .
No doubt I will be condemned for writing such unfeeling reality but well....it’s been said!

Stay well

Day 30

On we go skipping merrily as we do.

The news is stagnant and so are our lives. Will it all change forever? I don’t think we will ever be the same. I wonder how history will reflect this global pandemic. Will it just be a footnote or a marker of real change? In one hundred or two hundred years will historians refer to this as the period that human lives fundamentally changed for the long term? We will all have our own thoughts and interpretation of what will happen next. Personally if the past tells us anything, it’s biggest lesson is that we don’t learn from the past. It is a cliche I know but it’s true.
It is weird in a world obsessed with possessions, churning out millions of products everyday, that when emergency strikes we unable to produce or provide the kit that is needed and there are shortages of all sorts products we normally take for granted. Ironically as the lockdown bites and we don't travel so much, the price of fuel drops and there will be a glut of products, that we under normal circumstances complain about the cost but now will be stockpiled and inevitably the price will be cut?
I have already written about the profiteering that has developed over shortages.

The planet has changed, it always does. There will those that come out of this with their reputation enhanced. We will have a whole raft of heroes. And then there will be a another raft of those whose reputations will be in tatters. I don't envy those who have to talk as spokespersons for authorities, the likelihood of saying something stupid is almost inevitable. With today’s scrutiny you have no chance of escaping ridicule. Having said that there is no excuse, you know what you are getting into!

Thursday, see I’m keeping up! Another exciting day of mystery, wrapped in an enigma and covered in a conundrum!

Stay well

Day 29

Apart from the reports coming out of America which is officially the maddest nation on Earth, I have little to say.
I could rant about several things but I’ve probably ranted about them before and shouting into the ether is pointless.
I am no longer surprised by anything I read or see. My wife often relates articles or other stuff she has read of seen and I merely grunt or nod sagely and comment “Well what would you expect” or something similar!
Like many I am tired of all the negativity but I cannot switch myself off from looking at the news. I’m like an addict. I wonder if there is a news anonymous “Hi my name is Paul and I’m a news addict” Perhaps there is a twelve step programme? I’m exaggerating of course. In realty I look at at the BBC website maybe three times in a day and never watch TV bulletins. the BBC long ago stopped being impartial or unbiased but they have become a habit and still nowhere near as bad as newspapers.

Shopping today. I’ve said this before but what has always been a chore has now become a dread. It has to be done.

Stay well

Day 28

I will try very hard not to rant about any of political leaders and especially my favourite...... you know who I mean.

So I am building a rockery in my back garden. I have shifted a lot of earth and as soon as I stopped both of our cats, Madame Roxallana and Lucifer Pudding, decided that this would be their new toilet!

Tuesday today, I am almost certain, will walk this morning after our Pilates/ yoga stretching. Have already made the bolognese. Rubbish is ready for the bin men. I tell you it’s been all go in this house this morning and it’s not even 8am!

For those of you who like being bored here is how my day starts:
Boil kettle for lemon water
Go to bathroom
Put on some clothes
Downstairs plug in iPad
Run water for  washing up
Open curtains in lounge
Milk off step if there is any
Pick up cat bowls and bang them inside bin to get rid of excess cat food
Put kettle on
Wash up
Wipe down kitchen surfaces
Put out washing if there is any (not every morning)
Place mugs on tray for tea put in tea bags
Drink glass of grapefruit juice and take vitamin D pill
Get out bowl for cereal (not Wednesday or Saturday they are egg mornings)
Pour water and let tea stew
Milk on cereal (either crunchy nut or muesli)
Eat
Read iPad BBC news , Twitter , Facebook, write blog in that order.
And importantly while all this is happening play music or a downloaded radio programme

There is one other important function but I shan’t burden you with that one!

I mean exciting or what. We live on the ragged edge.
As I’ve already said routine is the key.

Stay well

Day 27

The Americans are strange to the rest of the world. I am sure the rest of the world seems strange to them. They must be the only country where their rights for many, seem to take precedence over death for many more. I suppose in a land where gun ownership is clung to like a life raft we should not be surprised.
These protests they are having at the moment over being locked down are another example for certain parts of the population to have no thought for anyone but themselves. For a country with more enforcement agencies and every form of police force there is, they are unable to control their citizens, for there own safety. I am all for freedom but not freedom at any cost. Then there are those who espouse that it is all false, fake, whilst still wearing masks. The madness of  that country is beyond belief. Lead by a President who himself is totally mad it comes as no surprise. I am sure that these demonstrations would still take place if Obama was still President but I am equally sure they would be dealt with and not be on the scale they are under Trump.

So Boris recovered and everyone expressed their relief and best wishes for him. Well that sympathy did not last long did it? Noe they are lambasting him for not attending COBRA meetings and appearing not to be at the helm. Some are saying he faked his illness. I am sure if that were true the NHS staff would have broadcast that from the rooftops. He is a film flam man, an uncaring power hungry, pseudo-intellectual who like all that rise to that office think they know better than everybody else. We cannot trust him, we should never have trusted him or his cohorts. It seems many countries at this time in history are fooled in to voting into power the worse possible choice and then wondering why they did it. I’m sure like Trump he will always have his supporters and those who generally you would expect to have more sense (and you know who you are!) will continue to see the best in Boris.

Monday, I think, ironing, followed by bike ride and then who knows what delights are in store for the rest of the day.
Have you heard this ridiculous story that is completely fake that joggers and cyclists “puffing” out is spreading the virus!!!!

Stay well

Day 26

The world has always been a mad place. It’s full of us and we are stark raving bonkers the lot of us! It is only degrees that separate what we generally accept as “normal” and those we consider nutters.
Sanity to para phrase “is in the eye of the beholder”. At this time of extreme crisis the conspiracy theorists and self appointed guardians of reality come streaming out of the woodwork even more then usual. Whilst one should never dismiss all or any of these so called theories, they spout, they are generally produced by those, who want to do nothing but scare you and make you afraid of everything. Very few of us can do anything about any of this stuff even if it were true. A lot of it is worth reading if only to give you a good laugh. With people experiencing lockdown at present, it gives the pause to come up with all sorts of nonsense. By the same token I am sure there are lots of nefarious activities and dodgy deals being done which are flying under the radar as the pandemic and related subjects, gobbles up the news.
There will no doubt be stories that will emerge once this dies down we will discover. Many I’m sure will focus on how unprepared we were to combat such a crisis. I do not mean medically that would have been impossible. I refer to how governments conducted their reaction.
There is no doubt, as this, halted the general economic prospects of countries who have been affected, there will  have been many who will have profited from this tragedy.

We all know the world is an unfair and corrupt place, where those with the power and riches do everything they can to hold on to it and grow more powerful and richer still.
What can we do. Protest? Revolt? Expose? Shout?  Yes we could do all of those and should where and when necessary (which unfortunately is all the time!!!). My advice, born out of a longish life, there is little or nothing we can do but and it is a big but, we should never stop trying, no matter how small our effort might be.


Stay Well

Day 25
As I write I have the great pleasure of listening to Paul Simon’s Graceland album, a masterpiece!

Everyday seems to bring more evidence of the stupidity of people from around the world as they cannot grasp the seriousness of the current pandemic. Even in Greece which has been so well behaved thus far, has over their Easter weekend flouted the isolation they have been so strong with. Just go to show how religion far from keeping people safe makes them do things they know they should not. It is a harsh thing to say but those who seem to have no thought for themselves and for others deserve, everything they get. Trouble is, it is others who will have to deal with the consequences of their thoughtlessness! No amount of warnings, advice , instructions or any form of communication seems to have any effect on some people. Their selfish behaviour is a disgrace and that are being rightly condemned and pilloried on every platform daily. Unfortunately no matter how many warnings and how ever much they are shamed there are always those who continue to behave irresponsibly.

So today Saturday it is raining. We’ve been lucky thus far in the UK, so don’t let this turn in the weather dampen your resolve or spirit. There are plenty of jobs left to do....aren’t there?
I am writing a series of Detective stories in the mode of a collection like Conan-Doyle did with Sherlock Holmes. Let me make it very clear I am not in anyway comparing myself to his genius.
Of course if you read them and you want to well............
My “hero” is Inspector Kirkbride. One story in the bag and the second will be continued once I have finished this.

Stay well

Day 24
So another three weeks of social isolation, no great surprise. Any government is damned if they do and damned if they don’t. Torn between getting the economy running and peoples safety, in my view you must ere on the side of safety. No one will thank any authority because they managed to work but lost relatives and friends because vigilance was eased to soon.
I have lived through the end of rationing, three day week, rubbish littering the streets, more economic downturns than I care to remember, recession followed by boom and then another recession. I seen us join the European Union lived through the years of Thatcher and now watched as we make the worse decision of them all and leave the European community. I am not going to repeat all the reasons why. I am no hero and I live in relative comfort. I’ve never worked at the coal face or done hard manual labour. I survived Leukaemia and had accidents that put a severe dent in my nine lives. I am retired so I have no work to return to. I say all of this to show, that whatever the current situation we will and can survive until we have genuine respite from this virus. Whilst many have lost and will lose their lives and that is tragic, it will be far more tragic if caution is not exercised. So whilst most os us stay comfortable in our homes remember you are making sure that this epidemic does not spread.
Do not for one instant think that these rules do NOT apply to you or that things are getting better I’ll take a small risk!
And if you do and the worse happens don’t come crying to the NHS and expect sympathy.

Now what to do today oh the choices it’s just to much!!!!!!

Stay well

Day 23

I will try to be upbeat today after my rants of the previous two days. The sun is shining through my front window as I write and I have another day to be creative in.
Wendy and I have said quite a few times now that the days seem to be passing quickly. We often comment “Is it 5 o’clock already”!
We occupy ourselves with physical and mental activities and try to keep the TV watching limited.
Yesterday we watched The Rise Of Skywalker the final? Star Wars film. It’s well done and exactly what you expect. Naturally it is formulaic but it does go at a pace and there is plenty of action.

In our lives we have seen thousands of hours of TV. We have watched many many crime series to the point where we are able most of the time to divine who the baddie is well before the end. Actors pop up that you have seen in many other series playing small parts and you know they would not be introduced unless they were integral to the story.
We try new programmes, often and usually within a few minutes, we know whether we will continue to record them. Many series are hyped up and recommended only for disappointment when you give them a try. Others you don’t bother with only to find that you were missing out on a great series. These days there are so many to watch, that sometimes it is impossible to keep up with them all. We do love a good documentary on almost anything. Good ones are entertaining, informative, educational, revealing and usually well presented. We saw a fascinating one the other evening on the history of the Chinese in Britain and learnt a lot.
There are programmes we have watched for years, some of which we eventually give up on because they have become stale and gone past their “sell by date” One such for us was Criminal Minds, which having watched since the very first series we gave up on two series ago. I see that it has not been renewed. Some series become tired and the plots get repeated but you carry on watching them. Many have some background story hovering behind each episode which can often be tedious and Wendy and I sit there saying how much we wish they would stop because it is becoming boring.

I know we all have different tastes. Personally I do not like reality programmes, not all but certainly the ones that follow groups of usually younger men and women whom it seems are only in it for their fifteen minutes of fame and to see if they can become a “celebrity”! there are many channels and a lot of time to fill. CheapTV is easy and it has always been said that it will eventually cater for the lowest common denominator. Fortunately amongst the dross there are still programme makers who want to stimulate and stretch our minds and entertain.

Stay well

Day 22

I apologise straight away but I am going to have yet another rant about Trump. There have been many people over my lifetime who I have disliked, mostly men, some women. I won’t bore you with a list.
I don’t think I have ever hated many people but Trump makes me so angry I almost become apoplectic with rage over him! Never in my life has one man been so divisive and egotistical and somehow has been voted President.
There have been worse “leaders” dictators and despots that have perpetrated far worse things than him but as the President of the USA he is, surely by a distance, the worst of all time. I am not going to describe all the things that make him so awful, it’s a very long list and most of you with an modicum of intelligence will know by now.
Now he has withdrawn the USA funding of WHO. He says they did not react quickly enough to the pandemic! Talk about the pot calling the fucking kettle black. I will stop now because I will just type swear words and expletives. words don’t generally fail me but in his case it happens everyday!!!!

There is only ONE way this virus will be stopped (not eradicated) and that is by isolation. If the virus has NO host it CANNOT live.

My wife has just told me that the World Wrestling E? Are restarting because that say they are an essential service? WTF!!!!

The stupidity in this world and indeed the UK  beggars belief. There is all this pressure and danger for NHS and other services, why is there, what I hope is a minority, making their life more difficult by not behaving as asked?

I’m sorry that today I have said nothing positive. I am off shopping soon. Not my favourite task at the best of times but a positively miserable experience at present.

Stay well

Day 21

Who came up with ridiculous theory that the virus can be carried by 5G. Whoever is a proponent of this stupidity does not understand basic biology. Any virus needs a warm biological host to spread and carry it. 5G is electronic not biological, end of discussion.

Still observing incidents of non conformity with social distancing. It is exasperating especially when we are so careful to make sure we do.
Had a horrible dream where one road lead me to a clear demarcation of people taking care to distance themselves from each other. Another road lead me up a familiar street where nobody seemed bothered about keeping apart and strolled aimlessly, whilst I did every thing I could to try and avoid them. The worst thing was that for a reason not clear I had to go up this road to get something important. Fortunately I woke up. The mind is a powerful and strange place!

I read that Trump says he has the ultimate power to decide on when America should relax the lockdown. He obviously has not read the constitution. All his press conferences seem to be about how wonderful he is and how the press are all misrepresenting him and are all stupid. I have no words left to express how appalling he is. It would be laughable if it wasn’t reality.

Today is Tuesday? Have I got that right? Now if my calculations are right it will be Wednesday tomorrow. You have to be very clever to get something past me!!!!

Stay well

Day 20

PM out of hospital and whilst we have all had sympathy for him being ill and wished him well, let us not forget he is still the same blustering, power hungry, duplicitous, prejudiced, man he’s always been. Let’s hope that his brush with death will make him a little more humble and understanding, especially for the very people who did so much to keep him alive. Social revolution is required it is broken and we do need to fix it!
I know many of you support Boris and think he is wonderful and your entitled to your view but it is a shame he is able to fool you!
There is my rant for the day out the way.

The weather has turned colder this week. do not let this distract you from staying in doors with only necessary time outside for exercise and shopping for food. In my humble opinion there is evidence everywhere of people flouting the rules. Even minor infringements like the two guys talking in a front garden last night with one of them’s car engine running parked at the kerb. There is no risk worth taking because affects us all!!!
People are dying. It matters not whether you old, young, rich, poor, famous, it has no exceptions, it will kill you if you are unable to fight it. Don’t risk infection.

Sorry that was not my only rant of today.

What will today bring I wonder. I hope you are all coping. It must difficult for those of you who have to keep children entertained. A real test of your parenting skills. I’m sure you are learning as much as as they are. Imagination and patience is the key. I write from long distant experience. The key for me was trying to behave just like a child. Some would say I never grew up anyway!
I don’t know if this is something kids still do but in the days of figures Ninja Turtles, WWE and many more the boys and I used to set them up as two opposing forces and then fire rolled up paper at them with an elastic band, hours of fun!
I suppose those days have disappeared with all the electronic games now available?

Stay well  

Day 19

We are going to make some masks for the care home where Wendy’s mum lives. I say we I mean Wendy. They have run out and can’t get any.
It was almost inevitable that during lockdown and this is the Easter Bank holiday that the weather would be brilliant. I urge you all do not be tempted STAY inside and follow the rules.

We have found that following a loosely structured routine is helping with our days. Doing things at almost the same times, breaks the day up and gives each of us a task to look forward to.
I’m sure we all have our different methods of coping with the isolation. Routine can also be boring but humans tend to operate best when we have one to follow?

Stay well

Day 18

I mentioned my neighbour opposite has been a little suspect over the isolation. There have been people coming and going who are not part of the household. On our walk yesterday we came across a parked Police car. I asked the officer what  we should do. He took a note of the address and told me that have a special unit who visit homes where the rules are being broken. There was more evidence of outside visits yesterday. I’m not obsessing over this but as my wife points out if the infection is carried unknowingly then who can say what the knock on effect is? The whole point is to be isolated from ANYONE!

I have gone on endlessly about Trump but everyday he says something more insensible, outrageous, moronic, unintelligible and is unable to string a coherent sentence together. America seems incapable of understanding that he is not just a terrible President but a horrible man. The rest of the world knows what tosser he is and this crisis has only furthered proof of his incompetence and lack of humanity.

What shall we do today? So many things to choose! Yesterday we sunbathed.
My wife is getting excited about her birthday which is a month away.

I noticed that this enforced home life has even got me looking at videos and photos of cute, funny, or clever animals. I’ve even reopened my Facebook account.
Ah well onward and upward

Stay well

Day 17

My worry, especially with the Easter weekend now here, that many will flout the rules and we will end up with enforced isolation. We have already had many examples of stupidity and complete disregard for the real need to stay home. There are always those who believe they are immune or it wont happen to them. Well whether they can or can’t catch the virus is not the point, it is for the protection of  ALL of us.
The death toll is rising and it will most likely get worse.  Only strict adherence to the rules will slow and finally stop this pandemic.
Those who believe in God should not need to go anywhere to worship this Easter. If they truly believe then it should not matter where they pray or follow the precepts of their religion.
As an atheist, naturally I think it’s all a load of crap but if it brings you comfort so be it.

Path is coming on nicely in the garden. I’m taking my time, after all whats the rush.

Still keeping an eye on our errant neighbour and since the last incident they seem to be behaving. there is the strange sight of a barbecue standing in their front garden?

I glad to see Boris is making a recovery and is no longer in intensive care. I don’t like him but I wish him a full recovery.

Stay Well

Day 16

I am building (is that the right word) I am laying a path using old bricks. We found them when the back of our garden was cleared and old broken greenhouse removed. It’s not something I’ve ever done and I’m very proud of my progress thus far. It not exactly building the Pyramids but satisfying.

We have a neighbour, who a few of us have noticed are flouting the lockdown. People they know have come to their house and there is no attempt at social distancing. Last night as we returned from our walk, a couple with a pushchair we’re leaving their home and there were hugs and kisses. We made it very obvious we disapproved by staring pointedly at them. They certainly noticed but no words were exchanged. They are east European (I use that simply as a cultural reference) and the husband looks to be rather intimidating. He has a reputation for being unfriendly. We know for a fact (because she told us) that he made his neighbour feel so uncomfortable that she moved. He did not like the her because she is gay!
I’ve thought of saying something but frankly we are opposite and it does not affect us and I don’t have the energy to cause any trouble.
It’s a small example of not sticking to the advice but they all add up.

It will get worse before it improves we have not peaked yet. Be vigilant.

Stay well

Day 15

 First please let me express my sympathy to anyone who has lost a relative or friend during this time.
This insidious infection will claim more lives and our hard pressed medical and other vital services will be stretched even further as they try to stem the damage.
I want to say a few words about our PM. I wish him a speedy recovery. I hope he gets well and is returned to his family. I would hope this for anyone (except Donald Trump) but let’s us not turn him into a hero should he survive or not.
There are those who support him and believe he is doing a good job. I am not of that opinion. I will admit that the governments handling of the situation has been good. They had little choice and perhaps should have imposed the lockdown sooner but generally well done. This should not mask (see what I did there) or disguise his shameless manipulation of Brexit in order to gain power. His racially motivated language. His deliberate bumbling avoidance of any questions he does not want answer. Boris Johnson is a liar and a con man. Do not be fooled by his everyman act, he cares little for ordinary people and as the Conservatives have always done will support the haves and not the have nots. When this pandemic is finally controlled don’t for one moment think that he will not continue to bluster and blather his way forward whilst telling us all what a wonderful future we will have. He is a film flam man.
He has come to power at a time when the has been a void of credible leaders in British politics. He cleverly took advantage of weak opposition both in his own party and on the benches opposite at Westminster. He is the ultimate opportunistic politician and he was able to sit and wait for that opportunity and ruthlessly grabbed it when it arrived. I am aware political ambition is a dirty game and that politics in general is littered with with those who have risen to the top only to fall or fail and face the word resign.
So let me be clear I wish Boris well from his illness but as a PM and a politician I wish him ill!

As for the ongoing lockdown, nothing new. Still furious of those who think the rules do not apply to them. Many of our friends have expressed similar anger. It is frustrating when you follow the current advice only to see others flaunt it. Let us hope good sense prevails. Unfortunately I doubt it!

Stay well

Day 14

So Boris is in trouble and not the kind he’d probably want to be in. I hope he recovers.
I have said this very loud on social media. I am speechless that there are people who flout the current advice and social distancing. Their ignorance and disregard for the seriousness of this pandemic is beyond belief. Selfish fuckers the lot of them.
Nobody wants to be imprisoned in their own homes and we understand it is frustrating but there is a imperative reason why and we should all be doing it until we are told we can stop.

For no reason at all other than I am annoyed with them, I urge you to never become a customer of Scottish Power. I have recently left them and I will not more you as to why. Within 9 days their final payment was increased by £50 from their first notification!!!!

I am thinking of getting a fixed wheel bike. I used to ride one many years ago. I’m probably fooling myself that riding one again is a good idea. It is a different experience than riding a bike you can freewheel on. My youthful memory of riding one may well no longer be something my much more aged body can do? I have been pleasantly surprised how affordable they are, having looked online. I was going to convert a bike I don’t use but the rear forks are not ideal for the fixed format.

May I encourage you all to arouses your creative juices and take up some activity you might otherwise not do or tried and abandoned. Writing, drawing, painting, sewing, to mention just a few.
Perhaps like me you might pick up that musical instrument you never really got to grips with and give it another try?

Below one of my drawings.

Stay well

Day 14

So the idiots in various places could have spoiled it for the rest of us by stupidly congregating when they are perfectly aware they have been told not to. There will always those who flout the guidance and they are endangering themselves and the rest of us. We must be vigilant and not afraid of politely telling others to behave if we see any gathering or people ignoring the rule.

The garden is looking spruced. It has never had so much attention. I finally discovered what all those garden tools are for !

I wonder how many people will continue their exercise after this calms down? I hope they continue though many will be returning to work.

Highlights of the week
Today ironing
Bike ride
Bread making
Cooking
Tomorrow
Bin men
Wednesday
Shopping (miserable)
Thursday
?
Friday
To far away
Saturday
AAARGH!!!!

Stay well

Day 13

Went for a slightly longer bike ride. Other than fellow road bike riders, there were Many others out on bikes. Whole families. Now whilst I would encourage everyone to ride bikes, it had the faint whiff of garages and sheds being opened for people to discover that they own a cycle. Call me a cynic but I suspect once this is over they will be returned  to gather cobwebs once more. If, however it encourages more riding once this is done great. The weather obviously made a difference.

Just heard a good one liner:
Wife “Do you want something to eat?”
Husband “ What are my choices”
Wife “ Yes or No”

Reading the news, there are reports of large gatherings in Brighton and London in parks and on the beach. It is unbelievable there cannot be any excuse not knowing. Especially the young who walk round with their mobiles glued to there hand!!

Social media at present has the content you would expect and not to be a hypocrite, I have joined in. Lots of messages of caution and support and of course plenty of warnings.

We will get through this. It will become a memory and for some a very sad and painful one. It will pass, everything does.
It will bring about changes that we may not like and some that will be for the betterment and benefit of all of us, I hope?

Stay well

Day 12 


What is the betting that as stir crazy Britons find it more difficult to stay isolated that they start to break the advice and gather. In reality staying in and not going out at all for everyone would stop this virus far quicker than even the strict rules at present.

Messages about being kind are circulating which is encouraging (though to be fair they are always around) Let’s hope that these sentiments are not conveniently forgotten once this has finally ended? It is easy to write about being kind when you have the nothing but time to think on it. It is a completely different thing when busy lives are back to normal.
Don’t misunderstand, people on the whole are helpful and kind whether under current conditions or not but our general perception is one of a horrible world. Let’s hope that changes.

We have been looking old movies that we have not seen for a while. At present we are on a Gene Hackman series and yesterday watched Class Action. We’ve seen it many times and throughly enjoyed it again. today maybe Hoosiers or possibly the first Star Wars or Indiana Jones, maybe Grosse Point Blank?
What are your favourites?

Stay well

Day 11

It is apparent that this isolation will remain in force for some time yet. Our estimate, though we are no experts, is at least another 8 weeks possibly longer. I think it’s true to say the initial novelty has worn off and already there is a faint tedium to each day. 
Exercise is good for the body and the mind. There are many activities (behave!) that can stimulate. The difference now,  this is an enforced situation and although technology is good, it cannot be a substitute for real human group activities and interaction. I hope that once we are back to “normal” it is a more inclusive and friendly country and world, than before? You have to be optimistic. 

We missed the applause last night because we got engrossed in a film and forgot. It is no small thing to show your support and appreciation for those on the “front” line. Our health service and other support services for all there faults (not necessarily of their making) should rightly be praised for their dedication and care. We all understand the strain the service is under at the best of times and this pandemic has increased that strain beyond any acceptable level.
My daughter in law is a Matron with Intermediate Care and is always under pressure to provide care. The coming weeks will only get harder and our support is vital. My fear is that once this die down they will once again, be right where they were before it started!

Who knows what today will bring? Our condolences go to those who have lost loved ones due to this horrible virus.

Stay well

Day 10

The most miserable day so far. Went shopping at Sainsbury’s, horrible experience made worse by a heavy handed security man . My behaviour was nothing to be proud of but he was an arsehole.
Unfortunately this coloured the whole day and as Wendy was not feeling great either, it was a horrible day all round.
We cheered ourselves up by watching The Mirror has Two Faces starring Barbara Streisand and Jeff Bridges from 1996. This is a film we must have watched over 20 times but is one of those that we always enjoy

I’m signing off now and am going to try to forget yesterday. Hopefully today will be better.

Stay well