Corona Diaries

Buddy

“Why does everything have to be ‘resolved’ with a fine? Where does the money go, I wonder?”

Background Information

Male, aged 55-64, Part time Historic Property Steward, North Yorkshire, White, Married with two

children.

Beginning of 2020

The following is from ‘bullet point notes’ from diary: -

- Julie has had a few hospital appointments for further testing on her current condition as well as

home visits by the community matron since her recent hospitalisation (December 2019) with S.O.B.,

low blood / oxygen saturation levels, difficulty in breathing, temperature with flu type symptoms. She

wasn’t very well at all.

6th January 2020 - GP appointment

9th January 2020 – MRI Cardiac appointment at hospital

15th January 2020 - Hand splints fitted

20th January 2020 - Scheduled home visit from Community Matron cancelled.

January 2020

We have recently heard through the news that a virus outbreak has affected parts of China. There are two

Chinese nationals in England who have taken ill whilst staying at a hotel (in York). It’s apparently causing

some great concern. It hits the headlines in a big way.

More news of the ‘Corona virus’ is spreading as faster than the virus itself and most people I speak with are

aware of it.

Arrangements have been made for the few having been infected to be taken to hospital and isolation under

strict arrangements so as not to cross contaminate. The nearest to us is Newcastle although other hospitals

in the south have been identified for the same.

4th February 2020

Morning home visit by Community Matron for Julie. Oxygen levels monitored and progress monitored.

Further appointment to be arranged over the phone.

9th February 2020

Began to clear the loft. (Been in the planning stages for over 10 years!) Removing the obsolete water tanks.

Over next few days I boarded the loft floor, rearranged the electrics for lighting and with Nathan’s valuable

help we fitted the loft access (Hatch and ladder). Once it was completed I was aching and walking around

like Quasimodo after spending so much time dodging the rafters and crawling about.

12th February 2020

Julie ultrasound scan on upper abdomen.

15th February 2020

To the gardens. Fairly busy day with plenty of visitors. If it continues the season looks promising with

numbers on the up. And the gardens are nowhere near in full bloom yet. I have been at EH for over a year.

Early retirement and voluntary redundancy sound fine, which it is, but it can get boring. EH has been the

ideal solution to fill in my time, doing something worthwhile and meeting many wonderful people. And

there’s no stress!

17th February 2020

Message from EH. Due to this Corona virus all EH sites will be closing at the end of the following week until

the 1st of May. I have arranged to go to the gardens on Thursday (19th March) and help with pre-season

maintenance.

18th February

Julie went to work for a night shift. She had developed a bit of a temperature and was feeling generally

unwell. The medical staff at her work suggested she telephone NHS 111 who advised she go home and

self-isolate for 14 days (as per Public Health England (PHE) protocol). Now that includes me although I’m

allowed out for essential ‘things’.

I emailed my manager at EH telling her of the situation and I wouldn’t be in on Thursday as arranged. She

acknowledged stating it wasn’t a problem and to take care.

19th February 2020

This is the 1st day of the isolation period. Someone calling themselves the Good Neighbours Group, has

posted a leaflet through our door. Our daughter Kayleigh was speaking with a neighbour, who had set up

this group to help those in isolation and needed support. Kayleigh told her that, due to Julie’s pre -existing

condition, we were in self isolation. She popped the leaflet through the door offering help on errands,

shopping, collecting medication or just a chat which was kind of her. As I was still able to go out and do

these things it was good to know that there was someone willing to do it for us should the need arise. It’s

amazing how quickly the British step in and arrange these things. Our next-door neighbour, has taken it on

herself to support Liz, who lives over the road, as she is unable to do these simple tasks for herself.

The weather is fine and sunny therefore I have taken advantage of it and kept busy by doing the following:

- A note put on the front door stating we are in self isolation and any deliveries can be popped into

the hallway. In addition, we cannot take in deliveries for our neighbours.

- Ordered a new light for the landing

- Cut the grass

- Assembled a cold frame

- Washed the garden furniture

- Cleared the loft of rubbish

- Board cut to size for the boy’s train set and placed in loft with rugs for it to sit on.

I must keep busy as I’m not one for sitting on my derriere in front of the TV watching dead head

programmes. It really is of the poorest quality.

Jen has talked with Lewis and Mike (our young grandsons) about the Corona virus and that we are in self

isolation. Also, about the need to stay away from us for the next two weeks. Mike is missing us already and

its only day 1. He is undergoing observations and tests as he has recently been in hospital with a

strangulated hernia. (Post op complication) If it flares up again he will be needing surgery to correct it. I

have started to read ‘The Time before you die’ a novel about the reformation by Lucy Beckett. All in all, a

full day but I don’t think I’ll be able to busy myself like it every day or for however long this is going to last.

20th February 2020

Julie has dental appointment. She seems OK to take herself there as I am working at the gardens today.

25th February 2020

I’m at the gardens today for pre-season training day. The gardens haven’t really got the facilities to

accommodate 30 plus people for a day on bite size EH, reminders of corporate stuff. We’re cramped into a

room, sitting shoulder to shoulder. One subject is Health and Safety which was commented on. Not so

much of the virus that is in the news but the fact if there is a fire. 30 of us heading to the one door and the

one staircase that leads to the way out into the priory grounds. It fell on deaf ears.

20th March 2020

Up with the lark, about 06.00. Weather is overcast but as the day progressed it turned into brilliant

sunshine, although it was cold. Continued to assemble the boys train set in the loft. Assessed state of the

track. Need to get some new pieces. Model number R1152 – The Flying Scotsman. As Jen is officially

Julie’s carer she and the boys visited for 1 hour to help.

Made a corned beef hash served with cabbage and Yorkshire puddings. Thoroughly delicious. I telephoned

George (eldest brother). He and Judith have today returned from an outing for a week in the caravan at

Scarborough. They have had a good time. I miss our caravan which we reluctantly gave up. Due to Julie’s

poor mobility I had to do all the work and each time we returned from time away in it I came back absolutely

knackered. Whenever it was just me and the grandsons on a boy’s week or weekend away at least they

were able and willing to fetch, carry and help in everything else that goes with it. It was great watching them

to have their freedom and do boys things such as exploring and making a den in the woods.

The government are broadcasting daily virus bulletins and today all pubs, clubs, cafes et al are to close. It’s

all about social distancing and minimising the spread of infection. The corona virus is now officially called

COVID-19. There is talk of how the virus started. Some reports mention it was caused by someone eating

an infected cat or whatever from an illegal Chinese meat market whilst another was it ‘escaped’ from a

laboratory. I don’t think we will know for definite apart from it came from China.

21st March 2020

A relatively quiet day. To ASDA first thing and joined the queue to get in. All I wanted was fruit, veg and a

bottle of Jamiesons. I was in and out in a flash whilst the hordes were there stripping the shelves of

anything and everything. Toilet rolls, hand wash, disinfectants and flour are top of the list of the most

wanted items. After Asda, to B&M – OMG – they have toilet rolls. Although we didn’t really need them it

would have been rude not to buy a pack of them. I only went in for light bulbs.

Telephoned a railway model shop and ordered some track for collection. They asked me to give them an

hour and collect from their delivery entrance as they were not opening for browsing. I had no intention of

browsing as I only needed the track. I duly obeyed and returned sometime later with the track.

Back home I continued with the laundry I started earlier then relaxed for a while reading. Later ripped music

from CD’s to my computer a simple task that I’ve been meaning to do for some considerable time. I’ve

received lots of jokes about the virus on WhatsApp which I have forwarded onto to my small circle of family

and friends who use technology.

22nd March 2020

Eased into the day. Sitting in the office with tea and watching the news. There’s no change on COVID-19

although total isolation seems to be the way forward. Turned news off as soon as they began to repeat

what I’d already watched.

Julie got up not feeling too good. She wasn’t running a temperature or had a cough or any unusual

shortness of breath, which are the symptoms of having the virus. She does get short of breath as part of

her existing condition. She takes up to 22 tablets a day which include an immunosuppressant which is the

real reason as to why she is in isolation. As she is in 14 days isolation there is a good possibility that she

will have to isolate for the full 12 weeks as per Public Health and Government guidelines. We have a joke

that towards the end of the year there will be a population boom (not a chance!) and the divorce rate will

increase. I feel it’s going to be difficult to isolate for such a long time.

More washing to be done (why are we generating so much when we’re not going anywhere?) Amazingly

simple answer, we are trying to have a normal day as much as possible and have got into a routine and

maintain as much of a structured day as possible.

I went to the loft and continue to assemble the Flying Scotsman. Had problems with it. It would start then

when it seemed to be OK it would stop. I checked the obvious, the power was plugged in securely and the

tracks were connected to maintain a constant flow of power. It was resolved by simply wiping the track and

the locos wheels with cleaning fluid. (UPVC solvent) It did the trick.

It was another fine day and warmish in the sun. Continued to rip CDs to computer. Cauliflower cheese with

bacon and home-made tortilla.

23rd March 2020

Looking out of the office window bat 06.30 the sun was rising over the sea and there, on the cars, was a

layer of frost which disappeared once it caught the sun.

The supermarkets and stores have had to implement ways that we shop. It’s all about social distancing,

keeping two metres apart from others. Some people have taken to wearing face masks or have thick

scarves wrapped around their face to avoid spreading or catching the virus. I’ll stick to the two-metre rule.

We have been fortunate that our freezer has been recently stocked. Our larder has also plenty of tinned

foods, pasta, rice and anything else to make a meal. Most of this is what we had in for over winter. One

thing we have learned since moving away from the Middlesbrough and into the sticks is if the weather turns

nasty in the winter we are prone to be snowed in, so we keep stocked up. I needed to go out for more fruit

and veg and bird food and sand for our budgerigar. Managed to get what I needed apart from the sand. In

ASDA it was quite clear that the locusts had been out and stripped the shelves of what everyone else

wants. No flour, eggs, bread, pasta, rice as well as cleaning materials. It’s just panic buying on a large

scale.

On the news there was a clip of a very tearful nurse who had been on a long nightshift and wasn’t able to

get even the basics to keep her going. She pleaded with everyone to stop it, there is plenty in the shops,

supply is good with enough for everyone. To me this highlighted the especially important work and

dedication that our nurses, doctors and all the support staff at the NHS are providing at this time.

Julie is becoming impatient and wants to return to work. I suggest she telephoned the doctor and seek her

advice, which she did. The doctor was adamant that due to her condition and the immunosuppressants she

takes she had to stay at home. Stay at Home has become the phrase used by the government in order to

get the message across of how important it is to slow the spread of infection and protect the now reported

overstretching of the NHS. Quite right. So she has been told, Stay at Home. She will receive a letter in due

course from PHE confirming her isolation period.

When I was working to improve the loft and make it into a place to ‘work’ in, the stairs and landing took a

few knocks and bumps along the way. I took down the stuff hanging on the walls, curtains and pole in

readiness to decorate. No rush, I’ve plenty of time.

The governments Covid-19 briefing has taken a serious turn. They are saying unless you are a key worker

(Nurse, doctor etc., emergency services and are unable to work from home) we are only aloud out for:

- Shopping – essential items, whatever they may be.

- 1-hour exercise per day – but not in groups, teams etc

- Medical need, including collection of medication

- Travel to and from work

Wherever possible us a food delivery service as offered by supermarkets. That’s a laugh. Sainsbury

contacted Julie via email stating that as she was vulnerable she was entitled to a priority home delivery

service. She registered only to be told there were no more opportunities to have this service. The only

service Sainsbury have been offering is lip service. For a while, before this virus hit us, they have been

poor on resupply of their stores and availability of items.

Julie spent a couple of hours in the garden sowing seeds and putting them in the cold frame to get started.

Pot works is about her limit when it comes to the garden which she enjoys as she can do a bit, rest and

then continue.

24th March 2020

Weather wise it’s another fine morning, and I’ve planned to begin decorating the stairs and landing. In the

past due to time restrictions, work and other commitments I would get as much done as possible and get it

out of the way. I admit I’m not too keen on decorating. I don’t mind the DIY stuff. On this occasion I’ve

decided to take my time and as long as Julie keeps away and doesn’t supervise me I shall be fine. I take

time preparing the walls and the woodwork but need to have a break and take an antihistamine. The dust is

beginning to affect me and one little tablet will put an end to that.

A few days earlier I took delivery of a new ceiling light which I ordered from Screwfix. I suspect if I need

anything, especially on the DIY front, I’ll rely on home delivery. It will save me the hassle of going out and

queuing, that is if store like Screwfix are open, which now, they are not.

The ladders and scaffold boards I’ve borrowed off Nathan (he’s a bricklayer) are arranged so I can reach

the highest point where the light sits. It’s a bit of a balancing act once I’m up there but I managed – and not

a supervisor in sight making comment on the health and safety of the set up.

Once I finished the preparation I took a walk with Kayleigh and Alan (he’s the West Highland White Terrier

she has) to the pharmacy on the High Street for my medication. They have created a system where we

queue, it is becoming the norm, and when it’s our turn we’re served at the doorstep. It’s a quite efficient

system and they continue to provide their usual friendly service. Another group of fine people to add onto

the key workers list.

Whilst I’ve been busy doing the above also managed to change the bedding and do the laundry. Finished

the day by thoroughly cleaning my bedroom.

25th March 2020

Once again up early. Whilst I continued at a slow pace with the decorating Julie spent time in the garden

planting a variety of onions and garlic in the raised beds. By the time this isolation is complete they should

be well on the way to maturing. The outside temperature has gone slightly but there is plenty of sunshine

and in the right spot it can be quite pleasant.

I listen to the radio whilst I decorate and its wall to wall Covid-19. I juggle from local radio to national, back

to local but settle on Classic FM. The only mention of the virus is on the hourly news. Later in the day I play

CD’s, some of which I haven’t heard for some considerable time.

After the ceiling got a second coat of white emulsion I did my balancing act again and permanently fixed the

ceiling light in place and fitted the bulbs. They are clear white LEDs which when turned on are as bright as

any stadium floodlights. Even though I took my time I had the painting of the ceilings and walls done in next

to no time. The carpet took a bit of damage even though it was covered with dust sheets, but it was on the

cards to replace it as part of this little project. Carpet shops are closed.

Had a call from Jen. Mike is due a hospital appointment and has asked if James can come to us and stay

(which I interpret as being within the rules!) I spent the evening aching and reading. I finish the Lucy

Beckett novel ‘The Time before you die’. Very enjoyable and something that I wouldn’t generally read. I

haven’t read a novel for many years preferring the factual, historical and informative. Nevertheless, it was a

good read.

26th March 2020

It’s now over a week since we began self-isolation. Only yesterday we had to ask ourselves ‘What day is

it?’. This will be normal to remind ourselves at what stage we are at. There are one or two more jobs

needed on the stairs and landing which require my balancing skills. The curtain pole and curtains need

putting up whilst the framed pictures and stuff is rearranged on the walls. I need to scale the ladder again

and wonder why the ceilings and walls are so high. Not to worry, I’m almost done.

Had to take another trip to the pharmacy and collect Julie’s medication. Exciting eh? This time I went in the

car as she has medi-packs that is presented in a large parcel. I needed to get one of the cars out just to get

the wheels turning and avoid flattening the battery with it sitting on the drive. Having two cars I shall

alternate there use when I need to go out. There have been cases when sheer boredom takes over and I

take them out to give them a run up the bypasses that skirt around the neighbouring villages.

Another problem that Jen has with being a single parent of two boys. Some of the shops will not allow the

three of them in together. Apparently, some old farts who have been in the queue have passed comment

that they shouldn’t be out at all. Jen’s response to them is that as they are over 70 years old according to

the government guidelines it is them that should not be out but observing the stay at home rule.

James arrived as arranged later in the day. He doesn’t realise but he increased the conversation levels as

Julie and I have been running out of topics to speak of. She has been spending quite a bit of time colouring

pictures on an app. When she isn’t doing that she sleeps. I cannot really complain about that as it’s her

medication which makes her do it.

The past few days of DIY and decorating seem to have affected me. I’m not feeling generally too well and

I’m aching from the tip of my toes to the top of my head.

27th March 2020

Julie and James are still sleeping when I get up. I feel much better, perhaps all that I needed was a good

night sleep. There were one or two little jobs in the loft that needed doing which kept me occupied for a

short while. Now that the paint has completely dried on the staircase wall and bannister there are just one

or two spots at eye level that need touching up.

Julie was to decide and prepare what she wanted for lunch whilst I did a ploughman’s for myself and

James. We take time over lunch and have plenty of conversation as we have one strict rule at mealtime. No

technology.

Technology is important, especially now. It is an asset that we have become dependent on, but we do have

to temper its use. Lately Julie spends the best part of the day on the internet or apps that she has

downloaded on her phone and tablet. I can understand she is limited into her activities due to her mobility,

but it also suppresses our conversation. How I want a decent face to face conversation with someone else.

The subject matter doesn’t have to be important, it’s that human contact I need. At present James provides

boys talk but even that has occasionally dried up.

Overall it hasn’t been the busiest of days, but on the upside the rest has probably done me good.

28th March 2020

Spoke too soon, I woke early (again) aching all over and I had a disturbed night. Falling asleep is not the

problem, it’s staying in the land of Morpheus that I have been finding difficult of late. The weather forecast

doesn’t look too promising for today with the temperature dropping to levels normally associated with

January.

I email my time sheets to Dan, who is still having to go to MGP, work and check security etc. There is a

skeleton staff at all sites and apart from the site managers the only others who are working their full hours

are the gardeners. It’s a shame that no-one can visit and appreciate the gardens as nature takes over and

does its magic. The wildlife must be having a splendid time. MGP has resident frogs, rabbits, pheasant,

stoats and bats which will be busier than ever now that spring is well and truly under way.

EH have taken it on themselves and agreed to honour and pay for the days that we were rostered in for the

remainder of the month and for our normal hours for April.

As I have the paint, rollers and brushes at hand I decide to freshen up the hall. It’s the same colour as the

stairs and landing and it takes me an hour or so. As the day moves on the weather turns to wind and rain.

Oh well, it had to happen. We hunker down, go into idle mode. Julie and James are on their technology and

I was rather happy when Jen and Mike visited later in the day.

29th March 2020

The clocks have sprung forward by an hour. I have a late start to the day or is it just due to the clocks

changing? I continue to ache. Is it an age-related problem? A relaxed day, idling about.

James and I took a short walk not far from home and bumped into Nathan walking Alan. We stood chatting

for a while and at a distance. What did we talk about? The Corona virus of course and how we were coping

with these different times. Kayleigh and Nathan live about 75 metres from us. Nathan is occupying himself

by doing those jobs that have been on the back burner for years and this is purely down to the fact he has

been constantly busy as a self-employed bricklayer/builder. As the housing market is dodgy at the best of

times, many people are staying put and instead of moving to a new house they are having alterations

including extensions built which is good news for Nathan as demand has continued to grow.

Kayleigh is employed by the NHS, working on a programme getting job placements for those that need it.

These are, in the main, young people who don’t have the relevant education, lacking social skills and need

support. She has mentioned on plenty of occasions that she has no need to travel daily to an office at the

hospital. Using the technology at her fingertips she can have meetings, interviews and be much more

productive working from home.

Kayleigh and Nathan have started their day at about 05.30 each morning and take a walk around the

triangle (It’s a country walk about 3-mile circuit that is on our doorstep) which is extremely popular with us

here in Middlesbrough. They choose this time as, a. there is no-one about and b. the amount of wildlife is

taking advantage of this human isolation and using ‘their’ space.

We have noticed that in our gardens there is a wider variety of birds paying a visit. We have the sparrow,

blackbird, thrush and starlings as per usual. Each year we get short visits from the robin, wren and blue tits,

but currently they’re spending a lot longer with us. We know the wren and the tits have nested nearby and

are now regular visitors. One species that has visited in the past has made a couple of appearances is the

sparrow hawk which sits on the fence hoping for a quick meal.

A wren, which we believe is nesting close by, busy collecting meal worms and suet pellets.

For a Sunday, the TV is what they normally broadcast on a Sunday – crap!

Yesterday our EH membership magazine arrived in the post (another key worker) I scan through it and find

it’s a totally useless read as most of the features are of up and coming events around the country which

under the present climate will not get off the ground.

Kayleigh also told me that all this year’s concerts at Scarborough Open air theatre have been cancelled. I

had booked for the four of us to see Lionel Richie. Oh well, can’t be helped. Let’s see how fast

Ticketmaster will be at sorting out the refunds.

30th March 2020

Its Monday morning and I’m sitting in the office at 06.00 drinking tea looking out to miserable weather. It

doesn’t take a rocket scientist to realise the temperature has dropped again. It’s a day indoors so I begin

reading ‘The Volunteer’ by Jack Fairweather. A true story of a WW2 Polish officer who volunteered to enter

Auschwitz as an inmate in order to gather intelligence to be sent to the allies. For lunch I did chicken breast

stuffed with cheese and wrapped in bacon served with swede and potato mash and curly kale. This went

down quite well at about 13.00 hrs. This is something new for us. We have our main meal of the day early

afternoon instead of in the evening. It was something we did regularly when I was a child.

Jen and Mike called for James at about 1500 hrs but didn’t stay long. For the remainder of the day I did the

laundry but mainly sat back and read my book. I am rapidly running out of reading material and so I scan

‘The World of Books’ for something to take my interest. World of Books is an online site that specialises in

recycled books at a fraction of the cost of something new. It suits me fine. It has all genres, a huge

catalogue and always something to take my interest.

Now that James has returned home there is an awful silence in the house. There’s a long way to go in this

isolation lark and it can’t come quick enough.

31st March 2020

At 0300 hours I woke and was unable to return to the land of nod. As hard as I tried I couldn’t get

comfortable and tossed and turned. When it was time to get out of bed, I stripped the bedding and remade

the bed with fresh bedlinen.

It remained cold all day and as I had little to do I spent the rest of the day reading ‘The Volunteer’. It was

one of those reads that I found extremely difficult to put down and by the end of the day I had finished what

was an excellent book. I wasn’t expecting the outcome to end the book. Now I wonder what I shall put my

nose into next.

I looked on the World of Books website and ordered the ‘Red and Green Life Machine’. It’s an account of

the medical services during the 1982 Falklands War by (Commander) Rick Jolly. It’s a book that I’ve read

over and again. Some years ago, I lent my copy of it to someone and never got it back. So, to keep me

reading I think I’m restricted to magazines, brochures and the back of the cornflakes packet!

01 April 2020

Today is the end of my 2nd week in isolation. I was hoping to wake up to the news that COVID – 19 was a

huge universal April fool – no chance! The news did say that the UK death rate was in excess of 2000.

The day started once again overcast but by mid-morning it began to brighten up. Apart from the usual

chores around the house that took little time to do I have a binge session watching Monarch of the Glen

that I have been recording for a week or so. I have seen it all before and its quite entertaining and is far

better than watching morning TV or the news (we know what they will be talking of).

My car is fitted with a Car Genie which has sent me a message telling me my battery is getting low. To

avoid it going flat I should either start it up and let it run for 30 minutes or take it out for a spin. Well Car

Genie I am way ahead of you as I decided to take both cars out for a run for the very same reason. I gave

my car a good run, about a 12-mile round trip and take a set of drawers to Jen. This was spurred on when

Julie took delivery of a tall boy 5 drawer unit for her room. On the way back, I noticed there wasn’t a queue

at Aldi, so I took the opportunity to buy a few essentials. Perhaps after the period of panic buy everyone

has either bought enough, ran out of money or seen sense that panic buying doesn’t work. As I went a

shopped the shelves were full of a good selection of what everyone really wants.

A few days previous Julie ordered some new flags for our garden. Our others have taken a battering

especially with the recent high winds that have annoyed us all and have been the cause of the low

temperatures as they blow inland off the sea.

This afternoons temperature is on 9 degrees, but the forecast is it will double by the weekend. Maybe so,

but where?

I have put up a few printed rainbow signs in support of the NHS. It seems the thing to do on a Thursday

night at 20.00 hrs to stand outside one’s home and clap to show your appreciation for our NHS and key

workers. It’s the least we can do. Carl next door created a different noise by ringing cow bells that are often

heard from televised ski competitions in Austria or France.

As I haven’t a crossword book or nothing fresh to read, and I don’t use a Kindle, I have a book of Sudoku

puzzles that keep the grey matter turning over.

2nd April 2020

I was hoping for a good night sleep but was woken up during the early hours by the increasing wind. By

daylight and despite the wind the sun made an appearance. After breakfast I went through to Sainsbury at

Saltburn to collect a Sony Walkman MP3 that I ordered through Argos. Back home it was the usual chores,

laundry, ironing. Wow, is this the life or what?

Julie did yet another room change which caused her to have abdominal pains. After taking some painkillers

she had a lie down for a while. About 4 hours later I woke her just to check she was alright.

Another short visit from Jen and the boys with a picnic tea laid on. Everyone else knows it’s called a buffet

but they know it as a picnic. Mike was eating little as he is at that age when his teeth are falling out and he

has one or two loose ones. There is one of them that is hanging on by the tiniest thread. He won’t let me

anywhere near him so that I can persuade it to let go, not even with the promise of an advance on a tooth

fairy pay-out. I thought it may have swayed him but he’s made of stern stuff and knows his own mind. He’ll

soon let us know when it has come out.

At 2000 hours we stand outside with the rest of our neighbours clapping in appreciation of the NHS. At the

end of it and almost in unison we all put out our bins for tomorrows collection.

3rd April 2020

Today is going to be tough. I nor Julie have anything planned although there are jobs to be done outside.

The cold weather doesn’t really give me the incentive to stand outside so those jobs can wait another day.

I hang two framed pictures in the living room. It took me longer to get the hammer and hooks from the

garage than it did for me to hang them. One of the pictures is a scene of a poppy field whilst the other is

that of a wren sitting on a branch covered in blossom. To me at this time they both give me a feeling of

good times ahead, whenever that may be.

Later in the day I watched the governments daily Covid-19 briefing. The chief medical officer claims that the

prospects are looking good despite the 3000 plus deaths in the UK. What he didn’t mention was when will

we be out of the woods. I’m also planning for tomorrow. Nothing to be excited about, all I’m going to be

doing is cleaning the cars and jet washing the patio.

My biggest problem today is to resist the temptation and put up my feet. I woke at 03.00 this morning and

nodded off again two hours later only to wake and get up at 06.30. One day is rolling into the next without

incident. I tried to photograph the wren in the garden but the little bugger flits around so quickly I cannot get

it into focus. Maybe next time.

Jen telephones, Mike’s abdominal scan for next week has been classed as non-urgent, therefore its now

cancelled.

4th April 2020

Mike also had an appointment at the hospital for his hearing. This was also cancelled shortly after the

beginning of isolation.

First job today, to Aldi for a few bits and bobs before going onto the post office to send of eBay parcels for

Julie. This is an ongoing attempt to clear her bedroom of the excess that is stored in there. Quite a waste of

time as it seems for everyone item she sells she is buying two or three more.

I take my time and wash the cars on the drive and took the opportunity to have a chat with close

neighbours Arnold and Rex. We talked about what we usually talk of, metal detecting. We are fortunate

living out in the sticks that we have about 7000 acres of land where we have permission to search. There is

a rich vein of history from all ages along our part of the north east coast and that doesn’t include the

beaches on our doorstep. We spoke for about an hour which was good and broke the boredom.

Before I start on jet washing the patio I feel the need of a nana nap which I take. It last for about half an

hour but it was needed. As I finish the patio the sun does a disappearing act, never to return for the rest of

the day.

This evening we get a phone call off Mike. His tooth has come out. That will cost me!

5th April 2020

All being well, this morning as the sun is shining but still on the chilly side I intend to do a bit of work in the

garden. I haven’t any other jobs to do so I may as well be in the garden instead of looking at the same four

walls and listening to the same news being regurgitated three or four times an hour. How demoralising!!

Well the intention to do stuff in the garden was well meant that is until Kayleigh came round with fresh

baked cheese scones. We sit at the table on the patio chatting away with a pot of tea and delicious still

warm scones with the butter slowly melting inside. Just what was needed. An hour or so later, Julie went for

a lie down whilst I fix the broken vanes on a wood ornamental windmill that sits under the rowan tree in the

corner of the garden.

For lunch I cook pork loin medallions on a bed of potato/swede mash with curly kale and a redcurrant

gravy. We take time to eat and talk nonsense, which takes an hour. Julie has developed a urine infection

which is nothing unusual. This flares up every 4 to 6 weeks and is taken care of with antibiotics, which we

don’t have now.

It’s been announced that the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson has been admitted to hospital with COVID-19

symptoms. He didn’t look too good when he was seen on TV the other day.

6th April 2020

I am searching my office high and low for a geometry set I have. I can picture it, a silver tin, containing the

usual protractor, ruler, two types of set squares, a compass, small pencil and I think an eraser.

Yesterday, Nathan asked if I had a protractor he could use. I said yes, give me 20 minutes and I’ll get back

to you. That was at 2000 hours last night and now its Monday morning. I can still picture it but I can’t find it.

To get him going I print him a few copies off the internet which I pop through his door.

The wind picked up again overnight causing a bit of a noise. The rain made an appearance which will do

the borders and raised beds the world of good. The shallots and garlic are doing well. I shall plant a second

crop soon. My reading stock is extremely low verging on the non-existent and as such I’ve gone off on a

tangent and ordered something that I wouldn’t generally take an interest in. I’m now waiting for delivery of

Brideshead Revisited – let’s see how I get on.

Again, I don’t have a lot to do so I find it difficult to be motivated. I’ve foraged most of the day which isn’t

good, but my foraging consisted of a lot of yoghurt. I have a spotting scope I use to bird watch or look at the

ships out to sea, but my primary intended use for it was to look at the night sky. (I can’t get to grips with a

conventional telescope and the scope suits my needs) I set it up on the drive and focus it on the full moon

where I am taken with the amount of detail I can see that constantly makes me say ‘Wow’. If the sky is clear

tomorrow there may be another opportunity to see it.

I have an early night. Doing nothing all day has tired me out!

7th April 2020

I cannot have another day like yesterday. I have got to keep busy. I change the bedding, clean the budgie

cage, put a load of washing in the machine then clean and disinfect the kitchen….and it’s not 0800 yet!

I pop my head into the garage, it needs sorting as its turning into a dumping ground. Maybe that’s my next

project. I’ll put it on the list of things to do.

I have heard on the BBC that fuel is to drop to as low as £1.00 per litre. Brilliant, or is it? What’s the point of

a tank full of fuel and nowhere to go. I nip out and do a small shop. Julie is waiting for the delivery of her

self-assembly tall boy set of drawers for her room. As soon as they arrive I’ll put them together, that will

keep me occupied. They eventually arrive at 1700 hours. Do I leave it until tomorrow? The instructions say

it takes an hour to assemble.

A cup of tea while I look at the idiots’ guide. I begin at about 1730. My watch must be running fast because

I finished 3 hours later! You can only assemble it if you have the space of an industrial unit to freely move

about, but I wasn’t going to rush it, there was no need to. By the time I finished putting the unit together it

was time to have another look at the moon. I would say that it was even better than last night’s appearance,

the detail I could see was fantastic. I didn’t see any Man in the Moon!

Today I also took a phone call from Ellie, my site manager at MGP. She gave me an update on EH stance

on the COVID-19 situation. We are to be furloughed. It wouldn’t surprise me if some staff, not just at MGP

but across the EH network will look for other opportunities elsewhere. I’m hoping no-one from MGP leaves,

we have a great team there. Having said that I will look for something to get me out and about. It’s not for

the money it’s more for my sanity!

8th April 2020

I think I may have overdone it a bit yesterday assembling the set of drawers for Julie. I wake at 0300 aching

all over. I did manage to fall asleep only to be woken by James’ WhatsApp message wishing us all a good

morning. Bless him. I know it’s a fine day with plenty of sunshine and warmth, but I really do ache. I hope I

don’t get called on to assemble any furniture again. I shall not be participating in anything physical today!

I spend about an hour in the garden but I’m not too keen on the amount of bugs flying around. Our

neighbours, Claudia and Matthew’s daughter, Becca is with Claudia in the garden. I have a few puppets

that I used to entertain our two daughters with when they were young. I introduce Becca to Gus. He’s an

orangutan about three-foot-tall and has gangly arms and legs. Becca took to him straight away. Then came

Ed the Duck, an original hand puppet who after 30 years is showing signs of wear and tear, but he hasn’t

lost his squeak. I nearly lost him to Becca.

I take the budgie in his cage and sit him in the garden for an hour or so. I make Arnold Bennett for lunch.

Delicious. We both agree that we may be eating too much which is influencing the digestive system. After

lunch I lie on my bed watching an old black and white movie. Fortunately, I wake up just before it ends.

That’s me screwed up for a good night’s sleep!

The government COVID-19 briefing is dismal as usual but as they say, and I quote ‘We are hopeful of

change soon’. Message to self, ‘Don’t hold your breath’.

9th April 2020

I can barely see the houses over the road this morning due to a thick blanket of fog covering us.

In and out of the loft today. The new loft access is a great help. I have decided to rearrange my office. I call

it the office, its where I have my books, computer and printer, TV, guitars and music systems. I use it for

A. Looking out of the window as I have morning tea and watch the news.

B. Reading

C. Researching and writing

D. Fixing toys

E. A haven, although I now have a loft to use for that purpose!

Over time it has become cluttered, but I cannot throw anything out just to create space. As soon as I do that

I will have the need for what I’ve just got rid of. I took a great deal of my books and arranged them on the

shelving in the loft. While I was up there I re-sited one of the lights for it to give better coverage and for

protection from me accidently knocking and breaking it. This burnt up an hour or so.

I have been researching into my great uncle who was killed in WW1. I know of his military career but little of

his personal life. My grandsons know of him as they have followed and understand what I have been doing.

I don’t want them to forget him. To make it easier for them to remember some time ago I decided to write a

play thereby giving him a character that they can relate to. Its working title is Castles in the Sand –

Wancourt and over the past months I have rejigged it. WW1 was all action, this play is not, it’s a reflection

of war, a conversation between two dead men, my great uncle and a platoon commander. I have

handwritten amendments that need to be included in the script which have been overlooked due to other

commitments prior to this isolation.

This afternoon I knuckle down and plough through the amendments. It has taken me a good 4 – 5 hours. I

download it to the computer, a memory stick and to the Cloud. I take a Rick Stein recipe and prepare it for

lunch. Pasta with toasted almond, basil and pecorino cheese pasta. In short – delicious.

At 2000 hrs we join the neighbours for what is now called the Clap for Carers. It is getting noisier every

week. It was a bit on the chilly side as we did it, so what? Julie kept to her room for the best part of the day

eating chocolate, sleeping and having lunch.

I’ve been aching all over for the best part of the week and it’s not easing off. There have also been painfu l

twinges in my knees. Here we go again, my left knee went about 6 years ago which required surgery.

10th April 2020

Its 0830 and its warmer now than it was yesterday, however, according to the forecast it’s not going to last.

To the post office, another eBay parcel then a little shopping for essentials. Today is Good Friday, the

Easter weekend looms, but it’s just going to be one day rolling into the next. I see the queues are forming

outside the supermarkets, panic buying as the shops are shut on Sunday. GET A LIFE! The post office is

shut, its Good Friday! There are no collections or deliveries which is a shame because waiting for the post

has been the highlight of the day of late.

A simple lunch of large mushroom stuffed with mozzarella wrapped in prosciutto. I also cook some sausage

wrapped in smoked bacon – just to make room in the freezer!

This afternoon I weeded the raised beds and planted a second crop of onions and garlic. The seedlings in

the cold frame are doing well. I suppose if I get really bored I can sit and watch them grow. I may be able to

have a conversation with them which is what I need now. All this inactivity is becoming a bore. I could

easily go to sleep but I hold off in fear of not sleeping tonight.

I email EH HR department for assistance to access the app EH use for training, corporate news etc. I

probably won’t hear until Tuesday, that is if I hear at all. Tonight, we had an incredibly quiet boring night in.

11th April 2020

Good morning world – lets us see what today has in store for us. The weather doesn’t look too promising

over the next few days, at least that is what the forecasters say. Do we believe them? If the weather is

going to be crap it may be a good opportunity to work in the garage. Let’s just go with the flow!

The morning has been like wading through mud. I thieve another Rick Stein recipe. Chicken Marsala –

chicken breast, sliced shallots (in this case sliced red onion) garlic, white wine (Supposedly Marsala but in

its absence, I used a white sauvignon blanc). Another triumph. I’m enjoying taking the time to prepare and

cook our meals. This is one to be done again.

I’m rather grateful to having Talking Pictures to watch on TV. In the main, good movies, with real great

actors. I record plenty to watch or just have playing in the background. Had a lovely French wine from Aldi.

Carcassonne, a palatable red.

12th April 2020

Easter Sunday. Had morning tea in the office and watched on BBC catch up, Rick Stein on his travels to

Greece. He has sold it to me. I want to go to Greece. The sunshine and warmth radiated from the TV. It

wasn’t one thing that has attracted me to it but the combination of the sun, the views and the food – what

more could you ask for?

In the garage I have an 8 foot by 3-foot sheet of 9mm thick plywood. I bought it originally to put a larger rail

track on but overstretched my expectations as I couldn’t fit it into the loft. I need some of it for shelving in

the loft whilst the bigger part is going under the carpet on the landing. I use the circular saw and have it cut

to the relevant sizes in about 5 minutes. It took me longer to take the sheet onto the patio where I cut it.

By 1000 the sun has disappeared and there is a sudden drop in temperature. By special request Julie

would like toad in the hole for lunch (well late lunch). Before this I have a power nap – for about two hours! I

think I’ve overdosed on trying to keep busy. Must try and relax and take it easy.

There are now 10000 plus deaths in England. Bloody COVID-19!

13th April 2020

Easter Monday and up with the lark at 0530. It’s cold. I have tea watching more of Rick Stein on BBC

catch-up. I also look at the news which hasn’t changed from last night.

An awfully slow start to the day as I expected. Following shower and breakfast I watched ‘A Hill in Korea’.

Not an exciting war film but in the absence of having something to do, it sufficed. I feel lethargic, perhaps

it’s all these early mornings, but I am one of those who, once awake, cannot just lie in bed. Julie did go

back to bed and I had to wake her at 15.30. It continues to be cold and looking outside I suspect everyone

is doing what we are doing. We have battened down the hatches and keep warm.

I look in the garage. Now that the huge sheet of plywood has been cut the garage looks tidy. Job done. I

am looking for some pieces of wood suitable to make supports for the shelves in the loft. When I find some

I’m up there to finish of the job.

It’s a bank holiday – what’s on the TV. A good old Carry on film – they’re always goods for a power nap,

which I took advantage of. Here’s hoping I’m more productive and active tomorrow. I go to bed early and

decide to watch something that will not tax my brain. I settle down to watch ‘The Muppets Christmas Carol’.

14th April 2020

Up at 0600 and there is a covering of frost on the cars but looking out to see I look at a promising sunrise. It

took its time, but the temperature rose to 13 degrees. It was cold in the house as we had all the windows

open to allow some fresh air to circulate. Household chores done. I have found a job that needs doing. The

hedge needs trimming which I quite enjoyed doing.

Dafydd next door has a blocked drain which happens every 2 – 3 years. I have drain rods and access to his

drains from my side of the fence. It took a little while, but it got done. Jen and the boys visited. They needed

a little coaxing to do their homework which they did without too much of a problem. A simple pasta dish for

late lunch, tomato base with diced sausage topped with cheese. The boys and I took advantage of the

warm weather and had a stroll around the estate. Had a chat with Nigel and Karen who were cutting

bushes outside their bungalow at the end of our road. They seemed to be coping well and were there usual

chirpy selves.

I suggested to Julie that we take a short walk later. She agreed and when the time came she backed down.

Had a glass or two of Jamison’s to end the day.

15th April 2020

Woke incredibly early, rolled over and managed to get back to sleep.

Today has been sunny but once again not that warm. There is a breeze coming in off the sea which is bring

the cold air with it. I’m not one for sitting and idling away the day. I washed the inside of the windows

downstairs. It didn’t take long as we have a Karcher window cleaner which is a good bit of kit.

Today I start to read Brideshead Revisited. I don’t think it will take me long to read it all therefore I must

look for other works. I took a break from reading a watched the lunchtime news in fashion. I nodded off – I

must have needed a nap!

In this crazy corona virus orientated world there is news of a WW2 veteran, Capt. Tom Moore – 99 years

young who becomes a year older at the end of this month. All he wanted to do was raise £1000 for the

NHS by walking around his garden 100 times (not in one go may I add). As I write he has reached his

target and more - £8million pounds more and rising. This gentleman has given the world so much

inspiration and hope that we can beat Covid-19.

16th April 2020

Capt. Tom has raised £11m and it continues to rise.

Today I have a planned shopping trip which is really becoming a bore. We must exercise social distancing

which creates queues. It’s not stressful, just a pain in the arse. Today I went to ASDA. The queue started at

the supermarket doors, snaked around the car park and eventually led us into the same doors that we

started off at. This morning I came prepared by bringing earphones to plug into my phone and listen to

music, on this occasion it was Brian Ferry, (Dylanesque) which worked out quite well as it ended just as I

made my way into the store. I suppose it could have been worse, it could have been raining instead of the

bright sunshine we were having. The whole shopping excursion from start to finish was over 1 1/2 hours.

Jen telephoned telling me that James is having a bit of a meltdown. He told her he is finding it difficult to

cope with COVID-19 situation. I suggested he come stay with us for a few days tomorrow. James agreed.

Capt. Tom has completed his 100 laps (it was on BBC news) and has raised in excess of £14 m – bravo

young sir. We join in the Clap for Carers at 2000 hours this evening, it was a weak affair but well meaning.

By 23.30 hours Capt. Tom has raised £24m.

Brideshead Revisited is turning out to be an entertaining read. I have a glass or two of Jamison’s whilst

watching the Vicar of Dibley to make the evening pass quite satisfactorily.

17th April 2020

It’s a cold and overcast morning and I’m feeling quite jaded due to a late night watching dead head TV. I

won’t be in a rush to do that again. As I age I’m beginning to really appreciate my bed and sleep. I also

appreciate and acknowledge the benefits of laying off the alcohol – these days even the smallest amount

requires a longer recovery period.

Julie took a call from HR department at ICL. There is a possibility that if she is checked out she may be

able to return to work. It’s something she wants. Since she has been in isolation she hasn’t shown the

slightest symptom of the virus, which strengthens our belief this is what she had just before Christmas. It’s

a waiting game. James arrived to stay for a few days, whilst Mike is experiencing periodic abdominal pain.

18th April 2020

Although Capt. Tom has completed his challenge the money continues to roll in (It eventually tops 28.8 m).

This morning we had a late breakfast. At James’ request we had pancakes, bacon and honey – tasty!

As I drive to the post office (another EBay item) I notice the car needs a clean. Just sitting on the drive and

its covered in dirt. I’m also getting low on fuel. It must be almost 6 weeks since I last had to refuel either

car. I read for about an hour whilst Julie kept James occupied making plaster of Paris mouldings of flowers,

cameos, numbers and letters. When they dry in a few days’ time, he and Mike can give them a splash of

colour. The three of us had a few games of dominoes. Later in the day I learn that he enjoys the Lione l Bart

version of ‘Oliver!’ which we catch the last half hour or so on the TV. I buy it on Google play and later in bed

I cast it to the TV which we both enjoyed.

19th April 2020

Up at 0530, James is still sound asleep. The sun makes a welcome appearance. I sit in the office where I

continue to read Brideshead Revisited. Why has it taken so long to read and appreciate this. To me this is

brilliant. I finish it with a feeling that I need to – and dare I say it – read more novels. Yesterday I took

delivery of The Tattooist of Auschwitz (Heather Morris) which I have heard of and another novel set in

WW2 called ‘Dear Mrs Bird’ (AJ Pearce).

I’ve decided not to start on either of these books yet so that I can allow Brideshead to sink in a little further.

James and I spent a good part of the day on the Wii before he returned home. I didn’t really eat properly

today; I shall suffer tomorrow.

20th April 2020

Monday morning and my first chore of the day is to shop at Sainsbury. Julie would like me to get some

items that I cannot get at Aldi. There was the shortest of queues to get in and once inside I was surprised at

how well it was stocked apart from no flour or eggs. I conclude that someone local must be making the

largest pancake ever!

There couldn’t have been more than 15 of us in the store (not including the staff) which made it quite a

pleasant experience, that is if shopping can be pleasant. On the way home I fuelled Julie’s car, and then

mine after I dropped the shopping off.

I started to read Dear Mrs Bird. Immediately I find it well structured, amusing and thoroughly enjoyable. The

wind is bringing that cold chill off the North Sea in, despite the sunshine, once again it’s cold.

21st April 2020

HM Queen Elizabeth birthday. There will be birthday gun salute this time round ma’am.

Last night Julie told me she was expecting an Argos delivery. A laptop with a CD writer. ‘No problem’, I

said, ‘What time is it due?’. ‘Any time from 0700 onwards’. Great, I knew she wasn’t going to be up at that

time. So here I am, up at early doors. It was promptly delivered at 10.00!

Whilst she was sorting the laptop I cut the grass and trimmed the edges. The reason for me to do it whilst

she was busy. I didn’t want to give her the opportunity of supervising me. It worked. The wind is still active,

but the sunshine is having no effect on the temperature. It’s OK if there is a suntrap, but we’re a bit short of

them now.

The daily brief reports that there are signs that an apparent plateau is forming. The number of patients in

ITU/ high dependency is down which is a good sign, but there is a long way to go. Continued with Dear Mrs

Bird. An easy read and it won’t take long to finish. I’m really enjoying the time to read.

22nd April 2020

Same shit, different day. Household chores out of the way this morning. This is probably the worst day of

isolation. Julie has been in a foul mood all day, so I retire to my haven and continue reading Dear Mrs Bird

which gets better as it progresses through the storyline.

Jen and the boys arrive who argue over a LEGO type toy. LEGO may be educational, but it causes more

arguments than you can imagine. It really pisses me off when they are arguing over nothing more than a

lump of coloured plastic. All I feel like doing is getting pissed! I’ve had enough of their bickering. This

evening I hoist the England flag in preparation for tomorrow, St. Georges Day. I’ve ordered two more books

from World of books. I am in bed by 2100 reading Dear Mrs Bird which I finish. Very enjoyable, relaxing,

humorous – it had everything going for it. It’s certainly one to keep.

23rd April 2020

Today is St. Georges Day and it’s also 103 years to the day that my great uncle George was killed at

Wancourt, France by what is now called ‘friendly fire’. I would call it an artillery shell in a creeping barrage.

The weather looks promising with the sun shining at 0600 and no wind. There’s a possibility I may have to

pay another visit to the shops as we are running out of milk – and I don’t even drink the stuff. So, I go to

Aldi with a growing list. They have the social distancing and crowd control off to a fine art so I’m in and out

in next to no time, but it’s still a chore. The reports are coming out, the daily death rate is slowing but it has

still reached 18000. On the menu today, I have slow cooked diced beef in Guinness with a few vegetables.

I make a few more amendments to Castles in the Sand – Wancourt. I am thinking of writing a novel

alongside, allowing me to put ‘more meat on the bone’. Its mulling about in my grey matter.

Is isolation to be relaxed? That is what is being reported on the TV and radio. The government want the

country to get back to work but it’s going to take a lot of testing and time. We must put our trust in them for

all our sake. Whichever way you look at it, our lives will not be the same as it was before all of this. I hope

some good comes out of it, to make us more aware of our responsibilities, we are just the tenants on this

planet. We don’t call the shots, nature and science does and we must listen to what they are telling us.

After the clap for carers Kayleigh told me about a mass observation project. I go online and look for details

as it interests me greatly

24th April 2020

I’m on remote control. Up at 0700, look outside at the weather. Top up the budgie’s food and water then

over a mug of Yorkshire Tea I begin to type my diary entries to a Word document. I’m interrupted at about

1000 when Julie gets up to use the bathroom. She is having the adhesion type abdominal pains. These

occur every so often, since 1999 when she had major surgery, and since then when this happens, there

have been occasions when she’s been admitted to hospital. She is petrified if it gets that bad she ends up

being hospitalised

I’m looking out of the office window and notice it is filthy. If I were more agile and younger I would be up a

ladder and giving them a clean. The weather is fine and warm with no wind, so today I shall jet wash the

drive. On with my scruffs and wellies and let’s get it done.

I move the cars and suddenly it seems the drive has grown. This is going to take ages. I make a start. As

soon as that jet of pressured water hit the block paving the surface grime began to strip off. It also removes

the build-up of silt and soft gunge that’s embedded between each brick and it’s this that causes the mess.

Fortunately, the drive is on a bit of an incline and the water with some of the silt flows to the drain. I shovel

up the rest of it to keep on the job in hand and the bricks return to their red colour.

After about 30 minutes I’m making good progress when Carl next door returns from a shopping trip. We

chat for about 15 minutes, mainly about the number of birds that are about, then as if on cue a pair of blue

tits make an appearance. Carl also mentions he has painted every room in the house including garden

furniture.

I pop indoors, change my sweatshirt for a tee shirt, get my MP3 player and headphones and sunglasses.

That’s it, I’ve got music and find I’m moving the lance in tune to the beat of the music. I’m on a roll.

Charlie Grey who lives along the road is returning from walking his German shepherd. I’ve not seen Charlie

since this isolation started. He’s coping well but does say he’s dependent on technology to fill his day. He

does quizzes with others in his social group and has set riddles for them to do. I offer some books for him

to read. He subscribes to Amazon Prime and has all he needs on there, but he did let slip he only reads

now and again. He has a caravan and mentions he should be out and about as is usual for this time of year

and wonders whether he and Isabelle, his wife, will manage to get out at all this year.

Back to jet washing, all in all it takes me about 4 hours to finish. The debris is washed away and there’s a

noticeable improvement. I’m filthy. I clean ours, as well as Matthew and Claudia’s downstairs living room

windows as they were in the line of fire so to speak.

Each person I spoke with that passed appears to have a renewed interest in the abundance of wildlife that

is taking advantage of our lack of activity. I mention to Julie I will ache tomorrow.

After a shower and something to eat I take a call from Mike Ward of Swansea university regarding the

Mass Observation Project. Let’s get typing.

James arrives for an overnight stay. He really isn’t coping well with the isolation at all.

A glass of wine or two just to round off the day.

25th April 2020

I thought today was Sunday. Wrong! After yesterday’s glorious weather this morning is very overcast which

contradicts the forecast. Spent an hour or so typing up diary entries but by 1030 the sun suddenly

appeared with a cloudless blue sky.

James and I cleaned the cars. They took a covering of silted spray from yesterday’s jet washing task,

despite them not being on the drive. I washed, he rinsed and did a shimmy with a chamois. He told me he

enjoyed it, I think he, like many of us, doesn’t like being bored.

Jen and Mike arrived. We all had a late lunch in the garden which was very pleasant. Yesterday’s

prediction was right, I’ve been aching all day but keep busy and moving in the hope it will ease.

Broke the back of typing my diary entries, I’m on top of it now.

26th April 2020

Having had a good night sleep my aching appears to be subsiding. Maybe I’m channelling too much energy

in trying to keep busy, its either that or I’m overexerting myself in what I do.

Looking in the bathroom mirror I see how much my hair is growing. I have bed head and look like a mad

professor! I was allowing my hair to grow before this isolation began but it’s in need of my regular barber to

keep it under control. It has been noticed and commented on those who are in dire need of a

qualified/experienced hairdresser/barber to sort out their hair. Especially amongst the male population.

Clearly, whoever has wielded the clippers don’t know what they’re doing. Stevie Wonder could have done a

better job!

Before breakfast I have a morning tea and look at the fine blue sky. Today is supposedly the last fine day

we’re going to have. The coming week the temperature is expected to drop with rain. Oh well, c’est la vie !

I join Julie for breakfast. She has her usual cereal whilst I want a change from porridge, soft fruit and

honey. I decide to have a BLT in malted bloomer sliced bread. That did the trick. As the weather is about to

turn Julie puts off pricking out the seedlings in the cold frame to small pots. Instead, I gather all the scraps

of bubble wrap we have and create a duvet affect inside the cold frame to give these tender growths further

protection and a chance of developing.

I contemplated on walking to the shop around the corner to buy a newspaper. It didn’t take me long to

decide against it. I envisage the headlines in ALL the papers being about COVID-19. Doom and gloom

merchants.

By noon, the sun had disappeared, and a grey sky covered for as far as the eye could see. It has suddenly

turned cold and rain is expected. A light tuna salad lunch followed by an age-old Sunday tradition of lying

on the settee sort of watching Dinnerladies on Netflix. I say sort of as I catnap later in the afternoon. The

BBC news reports a low daily death rate. Boris Johnson is due back in the driving seat tomorrow.

Jen telephone telling me about 5-year-old grandson Mike. Mike, lying on the settee with his tablet, sneezes.

‘Mother, I think I have corona virus’. He leaves it at that and continues to look at his tablet. He never calls

Jen ‘Mother’.

27th April 2020

Looking out of my bedroom window I see the birds are feasting on the young plums that have made an

appearance. We never get a look in. At least they leave the apples and pears for us.

Joined the short queue at Asda and bumped into few people I know. No prizes for guessing the topic of

conversation but it was good to see they were well and coping.

Took delivery of a couple of books I ordered last week also the cow bell arrived. That will get some hammer

on Thursday evening! Begin to read The Tattooist of Auschwitz while lying on my bed. Got through the first

chapter and woke about an hour later. Emailed Dan just to keep in contact.

28th April 2020

Wide awake at 0500. ‘I’m not getting out of bed!’. I read a couple of chapters of my book before I close my

eyes and sleep until about 07.45. ‘Now I’ll get up’. Nothing planned for today however Julie takes a call

from her HR manager. The company doctor will not allow her a return to work which is understandable

though there’s a higher possibility she can work on some safety orientated work from home. She used to

work in the safety department and is aux fait with the role. Before any of this can be implemented she’s

going on furlough for the minimum of three weeks which will give plenty of time to get things put in place. I

take a furlough form signed by her to Boulby mine for onward transmission to HR. The ball is in motion. It

also gives me the chance to give her car a run out. It doesn’t like standing idle on the drive.

Dan replies to the email I sent yesterday. EH are planning long term changes to the way we, the first point

of contact with our visitors, will be operating. I do hope it’s not behind a screen or sitting in a shed at the

entrance. We’ll have to wait and see. Dan seems to be well, which is good.

The post office are franking letters this week with a postmark in honour of Capt. Tom Moore who has raised

millions for the NHS. I write letters and post them one for James and one for Mike so that the envelope has

the commemorative post mark on the front. They can put them in the time capsule that Jen is putting

together.

I WhatsApp Erin from work jokingly asking if she has any spare hair bobbles I could use. Erin trained as a

hairdresser when she was younger. Attached to a smiling emoji Erin says she will have look if she has any.

Always good for a laugh is Erin. I miss her as I do the others. She asks how I am doing; I reply with

‘Coping’. She did say she’s had enough of it all now and can’t wait to get back. I’m in agreement but we

must persevere. I photograph tulips and apple blossom in the garden.

One of the many tulips adding colour to the garden

Baked cheese scones and for dinner I cook chicken with red onions and mushrooms in white wine. I know

we have had it twice already but it’s easy to prepare and cook but it is delicious and satisfying.

Apple blossom has appeared within the past week

29th April 2020

Today we are having delivered a new fridge freezer from Argos that I ordered on Monday. If I wanted it

delivered yesterday there was to be a charge of about £25.00. As it was delivered today there was no

charge. Doesn’t take a lot of thinking which to choose, it’s not as if we were going out anywhere.

It arrived earlier than the time I was given which was good. It had to stand for 4 hours before plugging in etc

which gave me time to read a few more chapters of The Tattooist of Auschwitz and sit camera in hand and

try and take a few photos of the visiting birds in the garden.

They are frantically feeding on anything that we put down and we notice there are also quite a few young

ones, mainly sparrows, swelling the numbers.

Mid-afternoon, it’s time to plug in the fridge freezer and transfer the food from the outgoing appliance to the

new one.

A sparrow on top of the mini chiminea checks out the best place to feed.

It’s not 17.00 hrs yet and unusually I fancy a cold beer. Why not, it isn’t a regular habit and as they say, ‘it’s

not a school night!’. In any case I need an early night as I’ve had a few late ones recently.

30th April 2020

Job for the day, take our old fridge freezer to Jen. It’s still got some life it which will be useful to her and the

boys. At about 10.30 I take it to her and at the same time pick up Mike as he wants to stay for the day…

and night.

Once back home it turns out to be one of the laziest days I’ve had. I tried to join in a video conference

briefing with EH but was unable to get a connection. I suppose I’ll find out what the score is as and when.

Late afternoon Mike and I make some chocolate crispies. Broken up shredded wheat mixed into melted

chocolate topped with hundreds and thousands (that was Mike’s idea!).

Its Thursday night and Clap for Carers. It’s also raining but Mike wants to be in bed by 1900. He snuggles

down and watches some cartoons on his tablet. He’ll be asleep within half an hour. He’s a boy who

operates on a strict regime. He’ll probably be up early in the morning.

Today was Capt. Toms 100th birthday. The day started for him with the news that he is now an honorary

Colonel with his unit, The Yorkshire Regiment, followed by a fly over his home in Bedfordshire by a Spitfire

and a Hurricane of the Battle of Britain memorial flight. Shortly after this he is then made an honorary

member of the England cricket team. He’s going to be knackered by the end of the day!

I will know how he feels but I just knackered by sitting around and having a lazy day.

1st May 2020

Falling asleep is easy, staying asleep is another matter. I am up at 0500, wide awake. I am not

complaining, I enjoy the early mornings at any time of the year. I regard it as my time. I sit, read, listen to

the radio, or watch the TV for a short while. I am capable of multitasking any of the above whilst having a

mug or two of black tea, just to kick start the day. If the sun is shing, well, that is a bonus.

3rd May 2020

I finish the Tattooist of Auschwitz. One I would highly recommend. Over the past couple of days Julie has

had a great struggle with managing the isolation. She has spent most of her time on her phone using a

colouring app, filling in image after image. Hardly challenging, it seems she is addicted to it. No matter what

I suggest keeping her active, she takes no notice. It is getting to a point where, how busy I keep, her way

and attitude to tackling the isolation, is depressing me.

The other day there was a delivery of a S.W.A.T model for Mike. Julie ordered it off eBay. It is not LEGO,

but a Chinese rip off. I tried to build it yesterday. Every piece is black, it came in numerous packs but were

not organised in model kits (its claimed that 6 models can be made), but in similar shape size and they

have some of the smallest pieces I’ve ever seen in a kit of this style making handling them very difficult. I

gave up after four hours. I was no sooner adding a piece to it, as per the rather dodgy instructions, when

another would fall off. The pieces I had not used were collected and put into a tub (why? they may come in

useful) whilst the abortion of an attempt to build a truck cab went straight to the bin. Perhaps the ones I

saved will eventually be recycled.

On Thursday evening I ordered flowers from M&S for Julie in the hope they would brighten her day and

bring her some cheer. They arrived yesterday afternoon. The delivery driver apologised for the state of the

box they were packaged in. Saying it was wet and damaged is an understatement. It looked as though

bomb disposal had had a crack at it. It was far from presentable. He did say that the flowers would be fine.

Julie took delivery and was pleased with her surprise, but when I opened the box and began to transfer

them to a vase, it became quite clear they were not ‘fine’. The heads had fallen off six of the stems, one of

the purple flowers (do not ask me what it was) was dried and nothing like its others. Then when I

transferred them to the vase, about half of the stems were drooping.

I received an email from YODEL, the delivery people, asking for a review. They got it, warts, and all, but I

do not expect a response. Although they are responsible for the condition the order was delivered in, I also

thought M&S were not at fault in this. I accessed their website, then directed to a telephone number which,

after twenty minutes of music interrupted by constant COVID 19 messages, I was cut off. This is not the

M&S I know and so I emailed them as well. I will give it time to see if they respond. So, with attempting to

build a LEGO rip off model and chasing up the issue of the wilting flowers I have wasted about five hours or

more of my day.

Early evening, Julie’s sister, Maeve, telephoned which was good for them both. As I listened, they both

caught up with family matters and also opened to each other on their difficulties with the isolation. Mainly

they are both bored and affected by not seeing anyone. Maeve is also classed as vulnerable as she too

has recently diagnosed health issues like Julies. They chatted for about an hour which pleased Julie.

Maeve asked if she could pass on my contact details to some old army friends who would like to get in

touch. Not a problem I say.

6th May 2020

Monday morning, I telephoned M&S. In a short time, a lovely sounding person called Leah answered. I

explained my reason for calling to which she gave a good response. She reordered the flowers stating they

will arrive tomorrow. What did surprise me was she took time out to have a pleasant general chat which

gave me a lift for the remainder of the day.

My copy of The Oldie arrived the other day. Under normal circumstances I would scan through and

subconsciously arrange an order in which to read through it, although I always begin with the letters page.

Usually, once I start, I plough through the articles which to me has great entertainment value providing

factual articles, general nonsense, a bit of history and even a page or two penned by some grumpy old sod.

All the articles in this edition have one theme, Covid 19! Is there no escaping from it?

Therefore, I read an article or two and then put it down for another time, and so the process continues.

I do begin to read another novel with the backdrop of WW2. ‘A Woman of War’ written by Mandy

Robotham. A tale of ‘A forbidden love. An impossible choice. A fight for survival’, so it says at the top of the

cover above an image of a nurse walking towards the entrance to Auschwitz. Is it for me? Almost halfway

through and it’s going well so far.

Whilst I busy myself doing the usual chores Julie is, shall I say without raising my blood pressure, doing

nothing apart from spending time on her tablet, watching American crime programmes such as NCIS and

others that invade our TV screens. Considering the situation, we are all in, the TV programming is

somewhat dire. I am rather glad I can get off my backside and do something either practical or making my

grey matter work. This ‘routine’ of hers is pathetic but if I suggest on how to occupy her time it is usually

met with some feeble reason why she should not do it. I have stopped suggesting. It makes me think, ‘is

she just lazy?’

I spoke with Kayleigh yesterday. She lives just around the corner. If our neighbours house were not in the

way we could speak with each other face to face whilst observing the distancing rule.

On Friday it is the 75th anniversary of VE day. The end of the second world war in Europe and so the road

she lives on are having a street party. Not the conventional type portrayed in grainy black and white images

from the 1940’s, with adjoining tables, end to end, along the length of the street bordered by terraced

housing. They are going to move the cars to the road to free up the drive, set up a table with sandwiches,

cake and tea whilst celebrating the occasion and chatting to their neighbours at a safe distance.

On most mornings I have taken to sitting in the kitchen with a cup of tea and camera looking out of the

window watching the birds feed in the garden. It takes time, patience, and a bit of luck but when it all comes

together, I get an image that I am more than pleased with.

8th May 2020

The replacement flowers, which were in far better condition, arrived the other day as promised by the lady

from M&S.

My contract with EE is almost up so I called them to see what was on offer. Again, I spoke to another lovely

person who I learned, as our conversation progressed, that she was working from home. I asked if it were

something she would like to continue when we get back to some ‘normality’. With certainty, and with good

reasoning, she would prefer to be at the office just to be with other people. Fair one!

The new phone arrived yesterday which took me all of five minutes to get up and running. We continue to

restrict listening to the ‘reports’ and constant media analysis on Covid 19. The government briefing has

become a bit of a daily ritual, which is more than enough for us.

Today is the 75th anniversary of VE day. I bake carrot scones as per a wartime recipe courtesy of English

Heritage. Although I enjoy cooking and can produce good meals, I am not the best baker having had some

previous disastrous attempts, but these were superb. A good spread of butter with a light covering of

strawberry jam. It will not do my diabetes any good at all I know, but as I was told at the clinic, ‘everything in

moderation’.

We arranged to have tea in the garden, which I draped with red, white, and blue bunting, Union Jacks, and

anything else creating additional colour to our surroundings. Julie prepared sandwiches, freshly brewed tea

and all the trimmings. Our neighbours were also doing the same with 1940s music playing in the

background, very British.

Just as we were about to tuck in something else ‘Very British’ happened. The heavens opened giving off a

downpour which looked as though it was here for the duration. We and our neighbours, goodies in hand,

carried out a tactical withdrawal to shelter. Afternoon tea resumed in the kitchen as we looked outside

watching the rain fall for about the next half hour or so.

The garden photography continues. The visiting birds, some chaperoning their young, provide plenty of free

entertainment as they feed on the suet and meal worms.

11th May 2020

The past few days have been spent catching up on emails to and from work colleagues. They too are ready

to get back as they have just about done everything, they can on the home front with the restrictions in

place. We are a team of about 12 and I have missed them all and cannot wait to see them again.

My back is continually aching. The short walks are not enough for me to loosen up. Although I am

overweight, I had a good level of fitness which has suffered during the isolation.

Yesterday Boris Johnson addressed the country about moving forward and lifting some restrictions. One

that I shall certainly take advantage of is the extended time and range of daily exercise. We can travel to

places to take exercise, so I intend for James and me to take the bikes to a stretch of disused railway track

which is on the way to Whitby. We still must be conscious of social distancing, so this will do nicely.

A few years ago, I would not have hesitated to get on my bike and use the local country lanes to exercise

but as I get older, I cannot handle the hilly terrain where we live.

Saturday was the last of the good weather and it turned quite cold. The wind is from the north and comes in

off the sea which, for those living on the coast, occasionally feels quite Baltic. The forecast is very much the

same for the rest of the week, but I suppose we cannot complain too much as we have been lucky with

some good spells of sunshine and warmth.

Julie has begun listening to audio books which has further decreased conversation. On the plus side she

continues to self-isolate in the house as per the advice for the vulnerable. In addition, she has been making

plaster of Paris moulds of flowers, cameos etc that once dried she can paint. I wonder where they are

destined for.

I was flicking through The Oldie – again, checking if there was an article I had overlooked. I shall attempt

the genius crossword later; it will take me a few weeks to hopefully complete it. I browsed through the

adverts which mainly are about stair lifts, care homes and publishing. Whilst another was for carbolic soap

which many years ago every home would have a bar or two. I can almost sense the sterile smell wafting

around the house. Maybe it is the way forward.

One advert did catch my eye which I found amusing. It was for The Oldie travel insurance that boasted

benefits for ‘travellers with pre-existing medical conditions.’ Sounds good but the benefit that hit my chuckle

button was ‘under 75’s are covered for up to 3 bungee jumps and no extra premium’. I try to picture the

scene; full sets of dentures being launched mid-flight by the blue rinse brigade as they bounce up and

down on industrial strength elastic. I’ll pass on that offer.

15th May 2020

This week it has been announced by the government there will be a slight easing of the restrictions. For

almost everyone, there is no time restriction on the amount of outdoor exercise if the distancing protocols

are followed. James and I take a bike ride in an isolated spot. We travel the short distance to Goldsborough

and follow the disused rail track to Runswick Bay. I wondered if my hip would take the strain as it’s been

over a year since I cycled but after the first mile or so, after my legs had warmed, I found it tolerable.

When we had finished James said he needed that and really enjoyed it. The following day, mid-morning,

we did Marske to Redcar and noticed everyone else had the same idea, but there was plenty of space. I

mention that because, although the government advice was to take exercise: walk, cycle, do anything if you

can keep a distance. Not according to the leader of our council who obviously did not see the same briefing

that the population did. She does not want people to go outside. It created much warranted criticism from

readers when it was reported in the local press.

The exercise and the change of scenery that James and I have been doing gives you that feel good factor.

It is much needed as I felt I was also being affected by the isolations and restrictions. Another factor that I

cannot do anything about is Julie’s attitude. I am fully aware of her condition, I too have lived with it since

her diagnosis, but she will not make the effort to do anything to keep motivated. I believe she is adopted a

sense of ‘I am a victim’ attitude when she is not. She has her problems but will not get her head around the

fact that she must keep as busy as she can to see the day through. She is also spending less time in the

garden, preferring instead to sit and fester.

As either of us will not be returning to work any time soon (although we hope to hear if arrangements are

being made for Julie to work from home once the minimum furlough period is over) I contacted the building

society and requested a mortgage holiday. This is more of a safety net as we do not know what is around

the corner and it will hopefully stop Julie fretting and getting wound up during this period of uncertainty. If,

by chance, either one of us can return to work we can revert to the status quo.

19th May 2020

Each day continues to be much the same as the previous.

James and I continue with our cycling trips. We are averaging five miles a day which, for the time being, is

enough for both of us. I need to look for other level routes that are not going to be busy and offer a different

view. I should have taken to get on my bike a lot earlier as my choice of exercise.

The other day Julie had a bit of a meltdown. As we have a little more freedom, she does not due to her

being ‘at risk’. She will not cross the line for fear of contracting the virus. Also, she continues to ignore any

advice or suggestions to make her day busy and interesting which eventually led me to have words,

basically telling her to get motivated. She was having an adverse effect on me and the boys when they

visited. Not unusually, she adopted an obdurate attitude and refused any conversation for twenty-four hours

or so. I have been there before!

On the first of June, Mike is scheduled to return to school for one day in every three in a reduced class size.

Yesterday I looked at him from a short distance and realised how much he has grown recently. His

abdominal hernia continues to cause him trouble.

I took my car for its annual service and MOT. We are a little larger than a village having just about

everything, shops, garage, pubs, pharmacy, and GP practice, on the doorstep. I drop the car off at the

garage by 0830 and walk up the hill to home.

The brakes on the car were replaced which I thought would have been its downfall for the test. La ter I

collect it back and savour the feeling that it always drives like a new when it is had some TLC.

24th May 2020

I have stopped watching the daily brief as well as limiting my ‘news’ intake. The daily briefing reminds me

of the 1982 Falklands conflict when the daily government progress report was broadcast to the nation. I

was preparing to make the move to my new posting to Osnabruck, Germany. Ian McDonald, the appointed

spokesman, gave the brief in the dourest of presentations. We in the military were wary of the truth in the

detail. Despite the task force being 8000 miles away we were in constant training and readiness if needed

and so were updated on events. Whereas the broadcasted reports were contradiction of what was

happening, or events not mentioned at all. In short, censorship. This is no different today as there is a lot of

contradiction and uncertainty of what can and cannot be done.

On top of that a government aide, Dominic Cummins, has reportedly breached lockdown regulations by

travelling from London to Durham on two occasions when most of us could barely cross the threshold of

our front door. He, (at the time of writing) is being supported by Boris Johnson despite calls being made for

him to be sacked or resign. A clear case of one rule for one and one rule for everyone else. I cannot see

this event doing the Tories any good at all.

Anyone else who breaks the lockdown is slapped with a fine. Why does everything have to be ‘resolved’

with a fine? Where does the money go, I wonder?

Its due to the regurgitated news, briefings and opinions of reporters and unheard-of experts in every topic

going, that I have watched some excellent old movies on Talking Pictures. And, as I cook, I listen to

Hancock’s Half Hour, The Navy Lark, Round the Horne and a soupçon of Julian and Sandy. Real comedy.

The garden is on hold as we have had some very windy weather causing a bit of damage here and there.

30th May 2020

Yesterday Julie is told arrangements have been put in place by her employer for her to work at home. As

from Monday the 1st of June she will be busying herself with working remotely for the safety department.

This is good as she has, over the past three months, become very lazy. In addition, she has a negative

mentality about the future. She does not look at things in a positive state of mind and questions whether her

job will be safe for her return, despite being told by the HR manager there is nothing to worry about. If she

were not on the vulnerable scale, she would be in at work on every given opportunity and be classed as a

key worker. What makes her role even more secure is that her shift partner is due to retire in August and

no-one has been trained to step into his shoes. It is a role that takes about a year of on-the-job training

before being accredited by the mine inspectorate.

James and I continue to cycle just about every other day, gradually increasing our mileage as our, or

should I say, my stamina, increases. The conditions are favourable but recently we have had some rather

hot weather which means a relatively early start at 0700 hrs for a cool ride. The biggest bonus is there are

very few people around on our route.

This week we have an addition to the family.

Jen’s Shit-zu, Gizmo, recently had a litter of six. Five have been found new families whilst the sixth Jen

intended to keep as she was the runt. At birth, Jen had to resuscitate her and, as such, a strong bond was

created between them. The father, Rufus, more recently had been attacking the young one. Thought had

gone into having the drastic decision of having Rufus put to sleep as we were concerned, he would turn his

attention to James, Mike, or anyone else that came in the firing line. The vet was satisfied and would carry

out the act if needed, that was until we said that the young one could stay with us. Rufus has calmed down,

which is good, but my workload has now increased.

As for the puppy’s name, well, it does cause some wonderment and chuckles. Mike was given the job of

naming her and she is known as, and responds to, Derek.

In medical and scientific circles, it has been identified that one of the symptoms of Covid – 19 is having a

lack of smell. Well, I can safely say that I do not have COVID 19. I can easily detect when Derek has

deposited a little parcel. She is improving though as she occasionally tells me when it is time to go outside.

Back to the working front. I received an email from the ivory towers of the English Heritage HR department

yesterday. Personally addressed, it told me I was to be furloughed until the end of July. I contacted a

mother and daughter who also work there, asking if they received the same letter. At that time, they had not

received any notification.

Later in the day, they got back to me and confirmed they had also had the letter. We find this further

furlough to be very strange as about three weeks ago we were told we were one of the sites opening in

June. Despite telephoning and messaging Dan our site manager, we are no further forward as he has not

got back to us.

5th June 2020

Government advice has been given allowing some restrictions to be eased. More shops are planned to

open soon if social distancing is observed. With the best will in the world it is quite difficult to manage. Carl,

our neighbour, has recently returned to work at a large popular garden centre. She says that once the

customer is managed through the doors all social distancing measures go to pot. They also get too close to

the staff especially when they have a query about a plant or other product.

Derek’s training is going well. She has me up and own tending to her every need, so in effect she has

trained me well. I have managed to return to my own bed for a relatively good night’s sleep. This is

because I bought a cage that she sleeps in. There was a bit of whimpering from her on the first night but,

as time goes on, she settles quite well. I am beginning to enjoy our short walks throughout the day. It is

something which gave me breathing space when we had Oliver, our Westie who died 7 years ago this

week. He was a marvellous dog and knew when I needed a walk and open space to chill out. I’ve a feeling

Derek will, in time, do the same.

Julies sun lounger showed signs of wear and tear, but we cannot complain. We have had our money’s

worth out of it over the years. A new one arrived via mail order, and she gave it a test run. Unfortunately, it

did not go as planned. She failed to set it up properly and subsequently it collapsed as she sat on it. I do

not think it did any good when I commented she was a disaster waiting to happen. She began the day in a

foul mood which was exacerbated after this little episode. Here we go again!

It was not until later in the day after a conversation with Jen that there may have been a reason for her

awful attitude. It was the anniversary of her father’s death. I can never understand why she gets upset

about him no longer being with us. In short, he caused all sorts of problems between his sons and

daughters and was just a nasty individual. I only tolerated him because we lived 300 miles away from him.

On top of that, Julie’s plan to work from home has stalled due to the laptop they were to provide

disappearing. It is eventually found, almost a week after her due work from home start date, which I collect

from the site reception. Now there is plenty of work to keep her busy.

The weather has turned quite wintry with a drop in temperature, wind and rain and is expected to last over

the weekend. To my advantage it is not a bad thing. Two of my neighbours and I are off to the beach at

Saltburn on Sunday morning to have a couple of hours metal detecting. The bad weather will keep the

tourists away therefore social distancing will be a piece of cake.

11th June 2020

The other day Julie found out the vulnerable isolation period is to be extended until the 30th of June. That

did not go down well with her. At least she has her work to occupy her mind.

James has also had another melt down. Basically, he just cannot cope with the restrictions. As much as we

continue to home school, we manage but we are not teachers. Instructing and teaching are two totally

different animals. He spends a few days with us to relax and compose himself which seems to work but

what he is missing most are his friends. He also misses his twice weekly boxing training. There is no

indication as to when he can return to school or boxing.

Mike on the other hand is fairing far better. His thoughts are focussed on his 6th birthday next week. Even

having to spend his day at school does not faze him. No doubt he will enjoy it the only way he knows – with

plenty of gusto. Derek is doing well. She has settled in and made the house her home. As we have our

short walks, she meets plenty of people who think she is cute. If only they knew what a mischief she can

be. The weather is still garbage!

15th June 2020

It’s Mikes birthday and he has not let us forget that he is now six years old. I have recently heard that we

are to be contacted by EH in the next few days regarding getting back to work. There is a possibility that it

may just happen within the next two weeks.

I also followed an English Heritage Zoom webinar meeting which was unsurprisingly focussed on returning

to work. All these faces on the screen asking questions on what we already knew. It appears to me that

they were being seen to justify their roles. One comment to a question regarding PPE, face masks, rather

annoyed me. The person answering the question said that he was trying to source white face masks that

would go with the uniform. What planet are these people on.? I decided not to comment on this statement

but post a message on the page (A platform for EH employees to log into and stay in contact)

I made my point quite clear as to what point does the colour of PPE come into the procurement equation

when the focus should be on the standard and quality of protection the masks and other equipment are to

provide.

It hit the right audience. I knew that more EH staff would log in and within a short time the number of visits

to my comment were rising rapidly. A message was later put out by EH management to admit they have

listened and took notice to the response and the quality of PPE overrides the colour. So, someone does

read the posts. I may have mentioned it already but the communication with the EH staff has been almost

non-existent.

The stairs and landing have finally been finished. We have been waiting for carpet shops to open. Our

neighbour is a carpet fitter and within two days of ordering our chosen colour and style, it is fitted. The

following day James and I load the old carpet, underlay and some wood that has been sitting on the drive

into the car. We both go to the recycling centre to drop it off. Fortunately, there are no queues to get in, so it

is a speedy process. James helps throwing the items into the skips and once back in the car he says, ‘I

quite enjoyed that!’ I ask why, to which he replied, ‘I got some satisfaction just throwing it in the skip and

getting rid of it’. I think I know what he means.

The bad weather is still with us. We have continued to have plenty of rain and spells of low temperatures.

The forecast for yesterday was ‘change’. In our little bubble on the northeast coast, it was a case of

‘different day / same weather’.

I manage to get Julie into the car and take her and Derek for a drive to Whitby. Not specifically to get out of

the car, more of a change of scenery. Withing ten minutes of driving along the coast the sun is shining, the

temperature has risen, and the car windows are open. It is another world.

We did not get out of the car as its Whitby was busy. It would have been impossible for Julie to maintain a

safe distance as she is officially still in isolation until the end of June but can got out for an hour. On our

return home we still have the fog and chill in the air.

What if we had not been so lucky to have had almost three months of fairly good weather but have a

prolonged period of the rain and cold. I believe it would have been torturous for everyone.

19th June 2020

Hurrah! A call off Dan. The backroom boys (is that the wrong thing to say?) The backroom personnel have

been busying themselves planning for getting the sites back open and the staff back to work. The intention

is to return on the 29th of June and re-open the doors to the public on the 4th of July. In the meantime,

without overstepping the furlough rules, we are to complete a few online training packages. What a bore!

Training on the cheap. Although it must be done it seems to be somewhat an insult to the intelligence. I am

not too bothered; it gave me something to do as the weather has not been too kind. When it is not foggy, it

is raining and occasionally the wind blows icy from all directions.

As I mentioned the weather, I must say the fruit trees are barren: not an apple or pear in sight. The birds

have had a go, the recent winds have given a battering and now the lack of heat is having a bash. There’s

always M&S.

This past week has been busy for birthdays. Jen and Mikes was last week with Kayleigh’s yesterday. In

addition, Julie went into depressive mode as it would have been her father’s birthday yesterday as well. I do

not understand why the low mood and short temper, she did not really get on with him. The only way I

could tolerate him was because at any one time I was 300 odd miles or more away from him.

Derek continues to make her presence known name amongst the neighbours. She is enjoying meeting

people who continue to comment on her name. Away from the home front and Covid 19 the life goes on

and it all sounds rather depressing.

The national and international news has gone crazy about Black Lives Matter. Recent police killings of

blacks by police in the US has sparked international outrage. Quite right. Not just black lives, but life in its

entirety. There are plenty of black, Asian and minority ethnic who have made their mark for the better good

in this world. I will not use the term ‘integrated’ as that may imply, they are changing their ways to fit with

the white perspective. I know and have known many of the BAME (awful term I think!) community.

One of my military friends, who I had the greatest of respect, belonged to this acronym, although he did not

know it. In the military nick names are extremely common. He went by the name of Goosey, a name he

accepted and would often introduce himself as such. He was in the British army when racism was at a high,

not rife in the military I would add, but in many countries including the UK. However, we were all in it

together, we had all gone through the military training and more to get in the mindset of how the army

wanted us. I had trust in Goosey and one day we may have had to rely on him for our survival.

As an engineer he went on to complete and pass the notorious demanding commando course allowing him

to wear the green beret, again, earning the utmost respect. He was one of the lads. Unfortunately, he was

killed in 1982 during the retaking of the Falklands. I and my Sapper friends shall always remember Goosey.

What a lot of people do not know is that, whilst at Chatham, he raised much needed funds through

sponsorship mainly for the British Heart Foundation. He organised darts matches, sponsored walks,

anything that would raise the cash for everyone. To me he was unique. Not many like him would have

attempted and succeeded as he did in the seventies and early eighties.

When he was killed, he never made the headlines. Very few of those who gave their lives did. Perhaps he

was mentioned in his local London newspaper. Yet his name is clearly etched on the wall at the National

Memorial Arboretum and firmly documented in the History of the Corps of Royal Engineers and military

records.

More importantly Goosey is still remembered by his many Sapper mates. They are the ones who served

alongside him and hold the memories of a different age. How long these memories will survive is anyone’s

guess. In the future Goosey will still be there, on the wall, in print but not in a living memory as we are

getting fewer as each year passes.

Peters was of Afro-Caribbean origin who was my sergeant major and a character in the Corps of Royal

Engineers in the 70’s and 80’s. A disciplinarian, he treated everyone the same but there are few who

disliked him. Not for his colour but he was an archetypal sergeant major. He helped mine and others career

to flourish. His knowledge of military engineering was second to none and a person who was there if you

needed advice. Stand out of line and he would jump on you but, after he was finished, that was the end of

the matter. We moved on. He earned respect and is still talked of 40 years down the line.

I am in favour that Life Matters, but history cannot be changed. There is no need for this current violence,

vandalism, and hatred. It does not solve anything apart from agitate feelings and make matters worse.

History is what it is. History. We know we have learned a lot, and now, for the betterment of mankind, it is

time for everyone to move on.

Goosey and Peters didn’t allow any prejudices interfere with getting on with life. They did what was asked,

reaped the benefits and, more importantly, earned respect.

24th June 2020

The 29th of June is getting closer. I am getting into ‘preparing to get back to work mode’. Fortunately, my

trousers still fit (only just!) and my bum bag is loaded with spare masks, gloves, sanitising gel, and anything

else I may need for my personal hygiene and protection. I never thought I would see the day when I would

happily look forward going back to work.

The weather has gone from downright miserable to scorching. I am finding it difficult to tolerate the heat,

but tolerate it I must do, as I have prepared in the garden to erect a decking platform for somewhere to sit

in an upright position. The only way I could dig the holes for the footings was, with a little help from Derek,

by doing them a bit at a time. I really had no choice as there being so much rubble below the surface.

When the house was built back in the 1970s, it was the last semi on a row, so the builders just shovelled all

the spoil into what our garden is now. I have a few days to recover as B&Q, ‘due to Covid19’, cannot deliver

the materials until next week.

Maeve, Julie’s sister, is 60 today. She has recently had short spell in hospital as her general condition has

been deteriorating for a while. She returned home at her request following diagnosis of terminal cancer of

the lung. She has not been given an indication as to when she will succumb, but I suspect it will be sooner

rather than later.

If it happens before the end of July, there is no way Julie will be able to attend the funeral on several

issues. One, she is officially still in isolation and should not run the risk of catching the virus, in effect,

throwing away 4 months of isolation. Two, she is working from home, and should she mention to her

employer she is unavailable and going to Kent, I do not think they will take it too lightly for her travelling.

And three, there are still minimum numbers allowed at such gatherings.

I feel that she will not take any notice of these conditions and only create problems for herself whilst at the

same time giving me grief…again!

29th June 2020

Today is the beginning of getting back to work beginning with a stock take. A change of plan though as I’m

not required until Friday and the weekend when we officially reopen. I’m quite happy for others to do a

count of what is on the shelves and discard the stuff past its sell by date.

James returns to school for two days a week and, fortunately, they are the same two days that Mike is

already there. James desperately needs the structured tuition that we find it difficult to give, despite our

best efforts we are concerned that he is missing out. It will only be a few weeks before the school holidays

begin but it’s a start of getting them back into the swing of things. Hopefully by September they can return

to structured, normal and formal schooling.

I have breathing space this week to begin erecting the decking in the garden. There have been

thunderstorms recently and the winds have picked up. If the weather holds, I can get started and, with a bit

of luck, could have it complete by the time I return to work on Friday. I’m lucky to have Derek to supervise!

8th July 2020

Staff returned last week to prepare the site for our visitors return. The English Heritage booking app shows

the weekend is almost at its allowance of 250 visitors per day. The protocol is now a pre – booked timed

ticket required only for arriving and not for the length of the visit. This hopefully allows the process of

accessing the site manageable, easing of car parking, avoiding queues and above all safe.

My first day back was Friday the 3rd of July when, with the help of our volunteers, we had a dry run of

accepting visitors to make sure everything was going to plan. So far so good.

We were however missing one piece of kit that is vital to the admission process. As part of the government

track and trace programme we are to scan the admission which hold the visitor’s details on a barcode. The

scanner had not arrived and so over the weekend we worked off a printed list of those who had booked.

There are flaws with the list, a. it is not in alphabetical order and b. nor is it in time order. That slowed me

down a bit.

I worked alone on the admissions from a pop-up reception sited in the car park as the house, the usual

entry point, was closed as social distancing cannot be managed. Our first day went well. The visitors were

very appreciative of the work done to get the site open. The gardens were in top form and the café was

open, albeit for takeaway only, which satisfied those that needed their coffee and cake.

Sunday, our second day of the new season, was a different matter. I arrived and the tent had been

relocated to the other side of the car park by the extremely high winds. On any other day, if the wind had

reached a certain speed, the site would have been closed. The sensible decision not to close on our

second day in was made. Overall though our visitors enjoyed their time and were glad to move around in

such open spaces. The tent, despite its brave battle with the strong gusts, had its legs taken away.

English Heritage tent relocated by the high winds to the other side of the car park.

By the end of the day, the legs had gone making access to inside the tent somewhat difficult.

Just before I returned to work the materials arrived for the garden decking. The holes for the uprights had

been prepared some time ago and within a short time I had those in place and set in concrete.

I made an early start the following day as I didn’t want to stop and start once I returned to work. The

weather forecast was for a dry but temperate day, ideal for the work ahead. Instead, I got a dry day with a

blazing sun beating down.

As I get older, I find it difficult to tolerate the heat, but I needed to soldier on and make a good start. I think I

had four or five pints of water or squash throughout the day. It did the trick as it helped a great deal when,

by 16.30, the decking was complete bar a few little jobs that could wait until the following day.

As soon as I cleared away the tools and began to tidy the garden…it rained!

The fruits of my labour after a hard day in the heat and sun. Almost there, the little jobs to finish it off will get

done in.

13th July 2020

Julie’s sister isn’t too well, and it doesn’t look good. She has had numerous scans and the usual poking and

prodding that seems to be obligatory when spending time in hospital. A tumour has been identified on her

brain which they operate on. Remarkably she begins to show a great improvement and thankfully turns out

to be benign. Julie is just as anxious as ever to speak and see her.

Julie has been to see the GP at work and has been given the green light to return to work, and work alone,

at the beginning of August. She also has more freedom to venture out if she takes care to avoid close

social contact. On the spur of the moment, she decides she needs to go to Kent and see Maeve. Jen

volunteers to take her and Mike also goes with them. Just over twenty-four hours later they return, tired but

satisfied the whistle stop tour was worth the effort.

James, Derek and I had a day out at Middleham castle. Although it was overcast and occasionally drizzling,

we had a good time. Derek was shattered with the amount of running around and climbing of steps and

walls.

On the work front, things continue to go well. Visitors welcome the return and continue to be grateful that

they can get out. However, there are the minority who appear to thrive by whinging, complaining and be

just downright rude. There seems to be a particular type of person who will fall into this category. They are

always women, middle aged to senior and always National Trust members. We are a joint site where EH

takes the lead on finance, running and staffing of the site whereas NT are in name only. National trust

members who visit are in short, stuck up. EH are operating on a pre book system which, on arrival at the

sites, a copy of the ticket needs to be presented, whether it is hard copy or on a mobile phone. It is always

the NT who think they are above being included in this system and will try and evade production of a ticket.

One spiky woman arrived, accompanied by her husband, and tried to avoid showing a ticket.

The arrogant individual said, ‘It was too much of an effort and a waste of energy on her phone to show such

a useless document’. To which I replied, very calmly and witnessed by my colleagues, ‘If I don’t see your

ticket, you don’t come in’. The procedure is part of the governments track and trace programme.

Her response to that was ‘I won’t be coming here again’. I looked at her straight in the eyes, smiled and

said ‘Ooh, that’s nice’. Somehow, I don’t think it registered with her that I was taking the piss. Though the

queue of people behind her did. She was eventually admitted to the site where she was seen by a

colleague in the café complaining the coffee wasn’t hot enough and the flavour of the cake wasn’t to her

liking. Miserable sod!

The school holidays have begun, and we are gradually becoming to a busy period. Hopefully with the

remaining sites scheduled to open on the 1st of August there will be more choice of places and prevent any

disappointment when looking for and booking a place to visit.

29th July 2020

As with the few years of constant BREXIT broadcasting that we have endured. I have now distanced myself

from the reporting of Covid 19 via the media that included TV, online forums such as Facebook and the

radio. Radio 4 Extra was a blessing and continues to serve and entertain well without the need of looped

news ‘reports’ to pad out the inane chatter by broadcasters. Come back Kenny Everett and entertain us

please.

At the beginning of this deadly virus the government of the day took hold of the reins and have been under

constant criticism. No-one predicted the pandemic, it's effects and impact on the world. The defence and

health of this country must be at the forefront of any agenda of every government. In this case I honestly

believe we have had the right government in power at the right time. Any other would have totally screwed

it up and they certainly would not have had the funds to see us through.

They, the government, have reacted, listened, supported, and despite stuttering when initiating procedures,

they have so far got us through. There may have been u turns, decisions have had to be made and then

amended because no-one on this planet has ever experienced anything like this.

The vital importance of our NHS has been highlighted and shown its true value. One only must look at

other countries and take notice how fortunate we are to have that service available. Yes, it does come at a

cost and, we should accept that is the price we have to pay.

All the opposition parties, if they had any gumption about them, would have helped alongside the

government instead of constant criticism being bandied about. With their support perhaps they may have

scored more points from the public, but they don’t have the common sense to realise, if they did, they

would have done some good for themselves.

This state we are in will continue for a long time. We must change and accept the way we live, slow down,

reduce our carbon footprint, use technology to distance, listen and heed the advice to make it a safer world

in which to live. We must remember, we are only the leaseholders of this world. We are just passing

through but ever since our occupancy we have nibbled away, destroying the fragile balance required for it

to survive. I wonder, is it nature’s way of retaliation?

I have been and heard many stories of the good side of humanity from the very start of our exposure to the

virus. Whether it be raising funds a la Capt. Tom and those who have gone that extra mile supporting

national and local charities allowing them to survive and support their chosen cause when most needed.

We must not forget how communities and neighbourhoods have been brought together and help each

other. This includes the elderly, infirm, the lonely and those who have been busy providing vital essential

services for everyone. In the main everyone has done their bit.

If everyone is ‘in this together’ and pulling in the same direction, there is always the element who have a

total disregard for the advice and lacking self-discipline needed to get us through this. I expect the ones to

ignore the isolation as the younger population who think it’s OK to hold raves, meet up with their associates

and have a total disregard for the official advice that everyone else is abiding by. They choose not to

understand or ignore that they are not vulnerable to whatever is thrown at us.

Understandably it is extremely difficult, if not impossible, to police but we are all let down by a system when

individuals are brought to task only to be given a slap on the wrist. Handing out fines is no longer a

deterrent and doesn’t solve anything to make them understand that lives and life are at risk.

The one case which seems to have stuck in most of people’s craw is that of Dominic Cummings, a so-

called senior government advisor. It has not done the Tories any good at all by A. employing him, B.

Listening to him, and C. not getting rid of him when he clearly thought the rules, he advised on did not apply

to him.

People do not forget, and this may have an adverse impact when, in the future, Boris is fighting to keep his

job and the Tories are campaigning to be re-elected to power. I trust Cummings as much as I trust the

Americans and the Chinese. He is a dangerous individual.

On the home front I have had to isolate with a wife who, having been declared as being vulnerable, most of

the time has adopted a negative approach throughout. Despite strictly abiding by the advice, she was

convinced she was to become a statistic.

We do believe before Christmas she had showed the classic symptoms of the virus which needed

hospitalisation, oxygen, and post discharge monitoring. It took about six weeks for her to recuperate. I am

sure she has been showing mental stress for some years which has been exacerbated by this ongoing

isolation and shielding process.

Despite words of advice and encouragement, she refuses to address it with the GP. I cannot give

assistance as its far beyond my capabilities to do anything and help. As my endless words of support and

positivity continue to fall on deaf ears, I immerse myself in further isolation. This time it is from her constant

negativity and increasing depression affecting everyone that meets her. A welcome short period of working

from home helped, in a small way, but not that much to have a lasting effect.

I did inside and outside DIY jobs and, in between, managed to read books I would not have thought I would

enjoy, but I did. I was overly impressed by Brideshead Revisited (Evelyn Waugh) and The Time Before You

Die (Lucy Beckett). The World of Books had some good trade from me to keep my supply topped up.

As restrictions were eased, I thoroughly enjoyed cycling three or four times a week with James and my

daily early morning walks with Derek, our newly acquired Shitz Shu bitch.

My return to work at the beginning of July was a great relief. It was marvellous seeing everyone again. I

honestly believe we all missed each other’s company. With ease, we have managed to adapt to changes

made to give our visitors a safe environment allowing them much needed freedom, albeit at a slower pace.

Within a few days of returning, we were soon in full swing welcoming our appreciative members and paying

visitors.

This may be the new norm for me. I have no need nor desire to rush about, and I can distance with ease. In

fact, I am spoilt for choice as, apart from being back in the workplace, I can find isolation pottering about in

the garden or working in the garage. I also have the luxury of escaping into the recently redesigned loft,

listen to the radio, watch the model trains go round the track whilst enjoying a glass of red - multi-tasking at

its best! I am already working on a winter project to rearrange the rail track.

Once I get up there, I may be some time.

January 2021

Since my last submission, time has slowly moved on, the seasons change and we are now in a new year

surviving, albeit quite differently. One aspect of lockdown that the majority have had to adopt is to expect

change. No-one has experienced anything like this. That includes those in government, their advisors in the

scientific and medical world and the population of the world. The book on how to deal with this ever-

mutating virus is in the process of being written with daily updates being added to it. We are making good

progress; we have a vaccine or two in the armoury which is being administered in an orderly process.

There is an element of the selfish and impatient who believe they should be first in the queue to have the

vaccine. We are all exposed to what is going around and as such we have to wait our turn. Join the queue ,

it’s what we are good at, be patient and it will be in everyone’s arm soon.

The recent lockdown has been tough for a lot of us. What makes it difficult is that we are in the middle of a

seemingly colder winter than the previous few years. On most days there is little option but to stay indoors.

That is not the problem, it’s how to occupy our time whilst confined indoors to stay safe. For the past year I

have tried everything to keep busy and so far, it is working but it does have its down sides.

At the priory last year, the visitors continued to come despite the deteriorating weather conditions. What

was not so good was standing in a car park checking the admissions, giving information whilst tolerating

the visitor who target the staff to vent their disapproval at having to pay car park fees and complain the

coffee too hot. Yes, the miserable sods of this world continue to visit.

By August I was feeling constantly tired. I put it down to trying to cram a lot into a week just to keep busy in

the restricted times we were, and still are, in. When at work I was on my feet for eight hours a day.

Standing on the hard pea gravelled surface with no insulation, apart from my thick socks and sturdy boots

for protection, took its toll. It became painful to walk especially when my right foot developed plantar

fasciitis.

Despite airing my (and others) complaints to the hierarchy nothing was done to make it bearable to do the

job. So, by the end of August, I tendered my notice and leaving at the end of the season. Unbekno wn to me

so did Kayleigh who left the day before I did. As I keep in contact with Nick, I am told they struggle to keep

the site open due to the shortage of staff. Some of those remaining on the books don’t work the winter as

the zero hours contract fails to give them enough hours to make it worthwhile.

To make their situation worse EH are not recruiting over the winter, so what they will do for the new season

ahead is anyone’s guess, that is, apart from struggle. I have resumed being Julie’s carer as Jen’s nursing

studies have gathered pace and as I write she has started her secondment at the hospital. This is good,

she has waited and worked hard for over a year to get to this stage. This means I will be having James and

Mike a lot more which isn’t a problem as they already spend quite a bit of time with me.

Keeping them entertained isn’t generally a problem as long as the weather is kind allowing us to get out for

a walk. Despite the beach being just over a mile or so from where we live, we have been avoiding the coast

for some time. The beach has been just as busy during the cold weather as it has been in the summer.

As the lockdown rules stated that groups of people could not meet in houses, on Christmas Day families

found a spot on the beach (not hard to do, the tide was out!) cooked their festive dinner on a gas barbecue

and enjoyed the day as best they could.

Mike really has been taking the Covid situation in his stride. He is fully aware of what’s going on and takes

each day as it comes keeping busy on technology, Lego or anything else that takes his interest.

James and I have spent some marvellous days at the forest which is about a 40-minute drive away. It’s a

huge space of freedom where we would take the mountain bikes and spent hours doing the various trails

on offer. I must add, my age prevents me from doing anything challenging and extreme nevertheless we

spend quality time in the outdoors.

Our visits have been curtailed for the time being as it is deemed too far to travel for exercise. The whole

isolation, lockdown restrictions and limitations on travel and freedom have taken a massive toll on James’s

well-being. When both boys stay with us, I try and plan something for that time as it gives them something

to look forward to. We both agree this period of isolation is different and a lot tougher than before.

Recently the weather hasn’t been on our side. It’s extremely cold, constantly damp and not enough

daylight. Yet we are luckier than some around the country who have had floods to cope with. I’ve always

said, if we get flooded, the country will be in big trouble. We are high up about a mile from the cliffs on the

northeast coast and water only flows downhill. Yes, we are lucky.

Note to self, should we sell the house add the above fact in the benefits of living in a house exposed to sea

views. It may add some value!

The home schooling goes on. I’m doing well. Not in teaching the subject matter but refreshing myself in

mathematics and English. It’s the terminology they use in schools today that has me somewhat baffled. The

hardest part is keeping the boy’s attention on what they are doing and thankfully that is where Zoom has

the edge over my limited skills. They can see and speak to the teachers and schoolmates in real time which

keeps them focussed them on the subject matter.

For some reason the garden birds are thin on the ground. We have our usual feeders out with high protein

suet balls, pellets and seeds that have hardly been touched. When I take Derek out for her morning walk,

long before the sun makes an appearance, there is plenty of birdsong with the robins sounding the reveille.

They are just not coming into the garden.

Our plan is to have plenty of sunflowers growing in the garden this year. Our neighbour has one or two on

the fence line that have been left over winter and are attracting a steady flow of sparrows, tits and

dunnocks.

My self-diagnosis on my mental health is that I am aware it has been affected. I take Derek out for more

walks. I have been bought a fit bit which monitors among other thing the number of steps I take, and

distance walked. Apparently, it tells the time which really doesn’t interest me at all. I know when I need to

get out of the house.

Which is more than what Julie is doing. She is back on furlough and will not set a foot over the threshold.

Hopefully once she has the vaccine it may give her confidence to go out, even if it is for the shortest of

walks. Time will tell.

I continue to read adding more business to the World of Books trade figures and profits. Robert Harris can

tell a good story around historical events. More recently I have returned to researching my great uncle,

George Hebron, killed in WW1. I know I have exhausted the online ancestry sites which really are very

limited in what they can offer, and I know as much about his military life as I’m going to. George Hebron’s

family life is unknown to me, therefore I have contacted the parish council of the tiny village in between

Middlesbrough and Stokesley where he was born. The secretary has been extremely helpful especially with

what they can do for me. As soon as we get a window of hope to stretch our legs and venture further afield,

I am meeting her as she has kindly offered to give me a guided tour. This personal tour will also coincide

with a visit to the North Yorkshire records office where the parish records are kept. Again, she has offered

to accompany me and show me how to be more productive in my search. My previous attempts have not

given me the fruits I am looking for. I have a feeling she also knows more than she is letting on. Time will

tell.

My mental health is coping but hopefully, once we can see light at the end of the tunnel, it will give hope

and the energy to move forward, that is as long as we follow the advice and wear a mask and keep our

distance.

March 2021

Well, February didn’t hang about. In a moment it overtook January with a prolonged period of icy cold air

and miserable weather. What was I expecting? We were and still are in the depths of winter although as I

write we have now entered the meteorological definition of spring. The climate is slowly changing, not by

much but the plants are showing signs of green shoots and the buds on some of the hardier shrubs are

beginning to appear. I just hope our fruit trees decided to have a lie in. This time last year, as the weather

was mild, they budded early until a period of harsh frost curtailed their progress resulting in them barely

producing enough fruit to make a pie.

The garden is looking bedraggled and is in desperate need for attention. This will have to wait for a little

while longer. The ground is still wet which will only make a mess should I start on licking it into shape. The

raised beds and borders could do with weeding but that too will be done later. As my uncle used to sa y

when we both worked on his allotment, ‘It’s not a race, a bit at a time, it will be fine’. The man was so laid

back he was almost horizontal.

I have recently had my first Covid vaccination which was done at a G.P practice which is not too far from

where I live. I was impressed with the procedure and care of all the NHS staff and volunteers who treated

everyone as an individual and not part of the mix going through a sausage machine. We should also be

grateful on the speed that the country has rolled out the vaccination programme. Now we are unchained

from the EU we are making our own decisions and moving forward whereas other countries are still

deliberating as to which age groups should be prioritised.

Yet a neighbour, who is a few years older than me, has somehow slipped through the net for his jab. After a

few phone calls he was offered a place at Gateshead, Durham, York or Brighton. BRIGHTON!!!! Now,

according to the AA route planner, that is some 321 miles away. A journey of five or six hours on a good

run, and that is only one way. So much for following the government advice and staying local.

The current chancellor of the exchequer, Rishi Sunak, has also delivered his budget. Over the past year he

has provided money to support just about everyone during the pandemic. Individuals have received

furlough, businesses awarded grants. The list is endless. Money has been provided to see us through so

far and following the budget it is to continue. However, there will still be the moaners who will always be

critical of what has been done to benefit everyone.

At the very beginning of the pandemic assistance was provided but even the most myopic must realise that

what has been put in place and welcomed will eventually come at a cost. This was made in no uncertain

terms at the budget, eventually the purse strings will have to be tightened and the coffers replenished.

Although nothing will be implemented in the near future, it will happen and when it does, we shall hear the

moaners again.

One person who, in my opinion, has shot himself in the foot and also shown how useless the Labour party

continue to be, is Kier Starmer (when I first heard his name, I thought there was a new model of car coming

off the Korean production line!)

Here in the northeast, we learned we are to benefit from a HMRC hub being sited at Darlington

and Teesport being identified as one of the new freeports designed to increase trade and economic growth.

Instead Starmer criticises the region for such success, the very same region that was once a Labour

stronghold. What an arse. Just about everyone is more than happy with the area being recognised with the

prospect of well-paid jobs on offer. It strengthens my stance of having never voted labour and never will. I

also suspect, from reading the comments via the online news that times are changing. More has been done

by the conservatives in the past few years than Labour in the past 40 or 50. The work is there, for those

that want it and those that don’t.

I hear from the younger generation that they too have little time for labour which surprises me somewhat.

When asked why not labour, the usual reply is that ‘They are never out of work when the conservatives are

in power’. Sums it up really.

At long last the anticipated wait for the schools to fully re-open has arrived. The grandsons have been back

to school for two or three days a week since October and as such, for them, its business usual. Mike has

always been on packed lunches as he is gluten intolerant, and the school does not cater for him. James

has, during lockdown, been taking a packed lunch as the school, although open, has not been catering

meals for the children. Now that they are back, he has asked to keep taking his lunch and no longer wanted

school meals. When asked why he simply replied, ‘School meals are horrible’.

For the past week I have been doing the school run. Once again, the playground is a hive of activity and

noise. The children seem to have grown taller, some outwards, their hair is longer and, even though the

school catering service is back on, more of them are carrying lunch boxes. Say no more.

The new school week also coincided with Julie eventually being given the necessary equipment to allow

her to work from home. Its only taken her company about two and a half months to get to this stage. On her

first day logging on and accessing the necessary files proved a problem for her. The text was in Hebrew.

The European branch of the Israeli company she works for is headquartered in Holland and we suspect this

is where the laptop came from as they do a lot of business in Hebrew. Now she has commandeered my

office, working a full day with the obligatory coffee breaks, but at least I am able to get on with what I do

without interruption.

I am also able to get out with my two fellow detectorists and search some local land before the owner starts

to sow. On our first time out in about ten months we spent time on a very large area overlooking the sea.

During both world wars it was used as a training ground with trenches where the troops would practice

advancing with live ammunition. A few coins, most more recent than those from the early 1900’s, were

found but not unsurprisingly by the end of the morning we had four hand grenades. Despite being caked in

mud they were easily identifiable and although lying dormant for a century are to be classed as live

ammunition. One of the grenades had been fired from a rifle as part of the fixing on the base could be seen.

This fixing is attached to a rod which fits into the rifle barrel. A blank cartridge is fired sending the grenade

some hundred and fifty feet into the distance. There’s a good chance the grenades we found were not

primed properly. I just hope they got it right when they were on the front line.

There is another bonus to being in a field with no-one nearby and that is the sound of birdsong. For me

there is one particular bird that signifies spring, and the warmer weather is just around the corner, the

skylark. On those rare occasions I get to hear one it never fails to bring back memories of childhood when it

was common to listen to them from way up above.

I have a little bit of a problem. Nothing for me to get overly concerned with but it may take a long overdue

visit to the dentist to help with. I am missing teeth on both sides of my front top teeth. This is mostly caused

by my days in the army back in the 70’s through to 1989. The army dental services were contracted to ‘look

after’ the teeth of serving members and if accompanied whilst abroad, their families. In the case of the

serving member all that needed to be done was to make sure they had no problems with their gnashers

and were able to fly anywhere at a moment’s notice. The remit was satisfied by either drilling, filling or

pulling.

For some years I have worn a partial denture, which I don’t mind but with isolation I have not found the

need to wear mine as often. I am now used to the comfort of not wearing it for prolonged periods,

sometimes weeks, and I am quite enjoying it. I do like wearing my false teeth even if it is, in part, for vanity

reasons but mainly they give support to the remainder of what is left of my upper quota of which I intend to

keep for as long as possible. I need to begin to re-educate my mouth and the denture so that they once

again operate in harmony. So, starting very soon the prosthetic will take its place and hopefully readjust

and do the job it was intended.

We are now in the middle of March with the country poised to getting back to some normality. Julie has

received her letter from the government. She, and millions of others on the vulnerable list, no longer have

to shield. She can return to work with a planned date of the 4th of April. By this time, she should also be on

track to get her second vaccination, so that will also give her some confidence to venture further, as long

as the usual precautions continue to be followed.

April 2021

It’s been declared by the weather forecast people April 2021 has been the coldest, but driest and sunniest,

since records began… And I thought it was just my age at not being able to tolerate the low temperatures

that seem to have been with us since October 2020. Here on the northeast coast, we have had snow in the

final week of April, nothing major, just a noticeable coating. Mrs and I has been potting some flowers and

veg which are protected in the cold frame but unfortunately those that went straight into the ground and

larger pots have suffered the quite harsh overnight frosts we have had.

I had my first haircut of the year the other day. At lunchtime I drove to my 12.30 appointment and parked

the car outside a Wetherspoons. Once again, weather wise, it wasn’t the best of days. The temperature

was about 4°c, occasional sunshine with heavy showers and sleet yet there were people sitting outside,

wrapped up like polar bears, having a beer. Now they are either out on day release from some

experimental institution or, alternatively, they are desperate for alcohol.

Mrs has had her second covid inoculation. She still will not venture out, apart from going to work. Now that

the restrictions are being lifted plans are in place for me and the boys to get out into the wide-open spaces.

We are hoping to spend May early bank holiday Monday exploring the forests at Dalby. I have primed them

should the weather be typical bank holiday style we will still go and make the most of it. They have their

waterproof boots and clothes to make it bearable, I just hope they pack their sense of humour.

I had a call from my GP surgery asking if I would like my 2nd vaccination. I thought it was a bit on the silly

side to ask considering I’ve had the first jab but to get the full protection its essential the second is a

necessity. On the 5th May I shall be having the jab and then I shall be a fully paid-up member of the pro

Covid vaccination programme. I know quite a few people, mainly in their forties, who are not sure of it and

are refusing to have it done. Maybe they’re the ones who were sitting outside Weatherspoon’s.

As the weather has been at the forefront of my comments for April, I must add that I have gone back to

basics with regard to retiring to my bed on a night. I have an electric blanket, and in the depths of winter it

has been of great benefit. About two weeks ago I decided to put it away, thinking that a. the weather was

going to warm up and, b. I could tolerate getting into a cold bed and let the duvet do its magic. I was wrong

on both counts, so I searched out the hot water bottle. I decided not to put the electric back onto the bed.

Now on an evening, as per the instructions, I fill the bottle with hot water and place it under the covers. The

unmistakeable warm smell from the bottle as the water is poured in and heats the rubber takes me to being

a child again when this was really the only way of jumping into a warm bed. So simple, so effective.

That’s enough on the weather. It may have been sunny and dry(ish), and it was fine for Prince Philips

funeral, but I wish the thermometer would begin to rise.

May 2021

Despite having that little extra freedom, I have been in such a routine of not venturing far from home I have

found many ways to keeping busy. I have spent a lot of time with the boys which can fill my days, however

there are times when I think I should be doing other things. One of those other things was a job that I would

do on a rainy day. I took my box of odds and ends that I have found when metal detecting and leisurely

cleaned and inspected each item just in case something was worth holding onto. A lot of the stuff was

scrap, but at the time of finding because it was so pitted, I couldn’t identify it.

One item was obviously a coin but needed some serious cleaning. A little bit of light scrubbing, and

detergent showed it was a 10p piece. As I looked at it, I got to think, ‘Is it legal tender?’ Our money, coins

and notes change that often sometimes it’s hard to keep up with what’s legal and what’s not. Also, it’s such

a long time since I’ve had cash in my pocket and every time, I have been shopping it’s been paid with a

card.

Derek was spayed recently and post operatively it was a quiet time at home as she was on some fairly

strong pain killers which calmed her down a little. She also had her dew claws removed which I think gave

her most discomfort during her recovery phase.

My car went in for its MOT. It has been running fine with no obvious work needed. I arranged for the garage

to service it at the same time as the MOT. As I haven’t done anywhere near the annual mileage I would

normally do it became apparent I needed four new tyres. There was plenty of tread on them but as the car

had been idle for such a long time, they showed signs of cracking. Worst of all they were only about 15

months old. Another great expense that I could have done without. There may be a day when we can go

down to one car.

On the subject of cars, I was speaking to a neighbour who has ‘invested’ in a Fiat 500 electric

car. It’s hardly a family sized motor and at 30 k very expensive. It’s an excellent idea but I can see its going

to be difficult for people to grasp the opportunity and purchase one.

A couple of more questions I’ve asked myself concerning the easing of the lockdown restrictions First, do I

want to get out and enjoy our open spaces? The answer is obviously a resounding yes, who wouldn’t and

there is plenty of space to explore at leisure.

Secondly do I want to go where the crowds go. Absolutely not. I have no desire to go to huge shopping

centres, town centres or even visitor attractions, unless they are safely managed but as

lockdown eases, we are relying too much on the effectiveness of the vaccine. We can still be infected but

not suffer the symptoms of Covid yet still transmit to others. Opening these places is fine but they need

managing effectively to avoid yet another spike and the consequences that they will bring.

Additionally, as I get older, I am reluctant to go where the crowds gather, so, give me space and avoid the

crowd.

As I write this the bank holiday is almost upon us and the weather forecast is warmth and sunshine. At last!