Corona Diaries

Mia

“I can’t understand how it is that the weeks seem to pass so quickly when every day, for me at least, is like

Groundhog Day”

Background Information

Female, aged 65-74, lives alone in South Wales, Retired Teacher, Divorced, 4 married children and 10

grandchildren. 93-year-old Mother who lives locally, on her own and independently.

April 2020

1.4.20

All Fools’ Day and I have just enrolled on this project! This initial contribution will just be to give an outline of

my situation and that of my family. Unsurprisingly perhaps we have all been affected but in differing ways.

So far my son who lives in the West Midlands and my eldest daughter who lives locally have been in isolation

at home as my son had a cough, splitting headache and very tight chest. His wife and 2 daughters also

stayed at home, fortunately with no indication of having become unwell. The daughter was already working

from home when she woke up with a persistent dry cough which put her, her husband and their 2 teenagers

in isolation.

My youngest daughter who lives in South West England and her husband and their 4 children all had coughs

and, even though they appeared to be normal seasonal coughs, they made the decision to isolate – my son-

in-law had already started working from home.

My middle daughter and family live locally. She is married to an Italian who had been in the South of Italy

visiting his mother when the outbreak in the north was becoming quite serious. He arrived back in the UK at

the end of February and stayed home for 2 weeks to be on the safe side; other than that they have been

largely unaffected by situation as both work from home – although they are having to manage this with their

2 primary aged children at home since the schools have been closed.

My mother is fine and following instructions to stay at home. I am also well and am limiting the duration and

occasions that I leave the house.

In subsequent pieces I will endeavour to write something of our experiences and feelings since the virus hit

the UK in particular.

2.4.20

Since the virus was first reported in the UK at the end of January mild concern has steadily increased and a

variety of reactions among the population have developed including panic, blame, fear and selflessness. A

lot of this seems to be directed around shopping so, as I have just returned from an almost 2 hour shopping

expedition it seems appropriate to focus on my experiences of shopping.

First let me say that I have never panic-shopped or stockpiled and I’m not about to start now. (What on earth

did people think they needed all those loo rolls for?) When I did my normal shop at the beginning of all this I

think I only added a couple of extra tins of soup. Living alone I don’t need vast amounts and have limited

cupboard space anyway.

Since then the 4 of us who live locally have managed by including things for others both in online orders and

real shopping trips. The online shopping has now ground to a halt as it is impossible to get a slot for less than

2-3 weeks hence.

I combine a daily 15 minute walk with a visit to a local shop to pick up my newspaper, obeying all the

Government advice/instructions – as do the majority of the very few people I encounter while I am out.

However my children persistently berate me for going on this daily trip which in itself becomes stressful.

Today I drove to the Aldi and Tesco stores about 2 miles away. There was a queuing system in place at both

limiting numbers shopping in the store and then at the checkouts. There were tapes on the floor to keep

people 2 metres apart. Both queues moved forward slowly but steadily with marshals ensuring compliance –

this was being done in a friendly manner and all the customers seemed patient and accepting of the situation.

Once inside the stores I was able to get everything I wanted and I wasn’t aware of any restrictions on numbers

of items though I was just doing my normal shop plus a couple of extras in order to save havi ng to go out

again for at least a week.

I was relieved on my return to the house to find no missed calls from my children so I can keep this trip secret

and spare myself the inevitable harangue that I would otherwise be subject to!

Emotions

I’m experiencing a whole range of feelings – and I doubt that I’m alone in that.

Frustration – I am still trying to get my head round the lack of freedom of movement even though I fully

understand and support the reasons for it. My partner lives 200 miles away, my son 15 0 and my youngest

daughter 100. In normal times I’d be up and down the motorways at least every 3 weeks to visit them and

my partner would be coming down at a similar interval. In addition I would see my local family a couple of

times a week, now all I get is a chat from the front door when they drop supplies off or when I walk to my

mother’s and stand outside for a bit of a chat while she stands in her doorway.

Anger – with the idiots who cleared the shelves in shops without a thought for anyone but themse lves and

also with the shop managers for not restricting numbers of items for customers sooner.

- with the idiots who travelled miles and in ridiculous numbers on that weekend with the result that restrictions

were tightened more stringently and perhaps sooner than might have been the case otherwise.

- with the elements of the media who continue to ask pointless questions about when the restrictions will end,

why aren’t all the measures being taken working immediately, has the government got it wrong, comparing

the UK with other countries with little knowledge of their systems or apparent realisation that this is a truly

global pandemic and the whole world is chasing the same resources. It creates a negative mood and has the

potential to undermine what the government is trying to achieve. I am quite sure mistakes have been made

and will continue to be from time to time but could anyone truly say that they have the solutions to all that

needs to be done? And of course we are unable to turn the clock back for the coulda, woulda, shoulda

brigade.

Distress – on so many fronts but mainly at the inability to see my family, especially my 7-month-old grandson

who is changing by the day;

- for my 16-year-old granddaughter who, because her mother had symptoms, was in isolation when the

schools were closed down. As a Year 11 pupil it has meant that she wasn’t able to say goodbye to staff and

friends – a big thing for a teenager. The cancellation of GCSEs has caused her great distress – in the papers

she has sat already she has gained A’s and A*s across the board and has been working hard to maintain

that in the final summer exams – something that has now been taken completely out of her hands. In addition,

she had just had the final fitting for her prom dress and who knows when that will take place now.

- for my friend of over 50 years whose mother died soon after the lockdown commenced (non-virus related).

The funeral will be held with just her and her sister in attendance – no other family or friends to support them.

To add to her concerns, her daughter is expecting her first child this month after 4 miscarriages, and she has

no idea what she will or won’t be able to do in terms of visiting and generally helping out.

Irritation – with the relentlessly upbeat images and postings of people saying how wonderful it is to be home

together, look how clever/imaginative/creative/funny we are.

- with all the suggestions of how to make the most of the enforced time at home – I KNOW WHAT I COULD

BE DOING!! Having the motivation to do any of it is sadly another matter.

- with my children who, and I know with the best of intentions and from a place of love, have been raising my

stress levels with their nagging about staying in. I feel it’s that they don’t trust me to use my common sense

and take care of myself as well as others.

- that the sole topic of conversation is Coronavirus. I suppose it is inevitable while our normal day to day

activities are so curtailed, but I do wish there was something else to chat about.

Good Friday

I think I am finally beginning to get my head round what is becoming the new normal, though some days are

better than others.

The weather has changed over recent days and is now calm, sunny and warm in Swansea. I have started to

be a bit more busy in the garden and am enjoying watching the birds come and go – blue tits, sparrows,

robins, blackbirds and even a fleeting visit from some goldfinches.

I have also joined my Pilates sessions online once a week, though am still trying to get to grips with the

technology.

My friend’s daughter has had her baby – after an emergency C section, but luckily all went well and they are

now home. The funeral directors were asked to drive past her house so that she could pay her respects to

her Grandmother. The glimpse that my friend had of the baby then was all she has seen of him other than

photos and the nearest she will come to holding him for who knows how long.

The devastating effects of the virus are starting to feel a bit closer to home. The mother of one of my

daughter’s friends in Llanelli died yesterday as a result of it; the pastor of one of my son’s colleagues has

also passed away and a distant family member is in an induced coma in hospital. And the news that Boris

Johnson had been taken into intensive care hit me like a punch in the stomach – I really felt it physically. As

I type he is recovering in a normal ward and I am keeping absolutely everything crossed for his complete and

speedy recovery.

16.04.20

It’s Thursday and I almost forgot to clap for the NHS etc. Someone nearby sets off a maroon which reminded

me just in time to dash out and clap. It’s a bit of a strange thing as I live on a main road which in normal times

would be busy all day and late into the evening, however it is pretty quiet at 8pm these days. I’m n ot sure if

there is anyone passing who appreciates the few of us spread along the street with our rather feeble effort.

When I go up for the night I have a habit of opening the front room curtains and with no people passing on

their way home from the pub and rarely any traffic I do sometimes wonder if I could be the last person alive

on the planet.

Family and friends continue to message and phone, sometimes video calling so that the grandchildren and

I can have a chat. The problem is that we adults have little more to say other than what chores we’ve been

up to or how much time we’ve spent in the garden.

To date I have missed a granddaughter’s birthday – though fortunately I had already bought her gifts so

was able to post those; one of my sons–in-law’s birthday and that of one of my daughters. My son has his

birthday next week but I have been able to buy a book for him online and post it to him.

29.04.20

The end of the month looms and it seems that the whole atmosphere has changed as the lockdown goes

on – and on.

Thank heavens Boris Johnson has recovered and is back at work – and to add to that good news Carrie

had their baby this morning.

I have managed to organise free newspaper delivery so am no longer going for a walk other than when I go

over to my mother’s house – news greeted with delight by my children.

The garden is also beginning to show a bit of improvement after an hour or two spent in it most days.

BUT – the situation feels never-ending. I still fully support the continuing lockdown but that does not make it

any easier to suffer the lack of real contact with family and friends.

Worst of all is the relentless stream of bad news both national and personal. The relative who was in a

coma in hospital sadly passed away this week and another, who works in a care home that has lost 9

residents to the virus, has just tested positive for Covid-19; fortunately, she doesn’t feel too poorly and is

isolating in her own home. On top of that, my mother had an email today from her niece in Australia to say

that her mother, my mother’s sister-in-law, died this week. It was not Covid related but still adds to the

feeling of loss and misery. I have come to realise what having a heavy heart means.

May 2020

So that’s another month done – I can’t understand how it is that the weeks seem to pass so quickly when

every day, for me at least, is like groundhog day. The weather has been remarkably good – a bit too warm

for my liking currently but I am at least making slow but steady progress in the garden.

A few random thoughts and experiences over this month:

• Shopping hasn’t been a great problem in terms of obtaining slots and most goods, though I will be

glad to be able to select fresh food and meat myself. Social distancing outside the couple of shops I

have actually been to is absolutely fine, but when I get inside most people seem to have completely

forgotten about the 2 metre rule – where it is more important - and this results in my levels of anxiety

and frustration going through the roof. I have taken to wearing disposable gloves and a mask when

inside shops.

• We now have a weekly family quiz, each member taking it in turns to be quiz master. We use Zoom

so it is great to see everyone and enjoy the ensuing hilarity.

• It is strange not to talk to people very often – and I sometimes find I can’t string a proper sentence

together. A friend rings most days and my partner and I speak every evening, often for an hour or so

though I’m not sure how we manage that when we have no news or anything out of the daily ‘routine’

to discuss.

• I had been quietly hoping that at the most recent review of the lockdown measures I would at least

have been able to drive to the border and meet up with my partner for a day but sadly the current 5-

mile limit wouldn’t get me out of South Wales – and he of course is not permitted to cross Offa’s Dyke.

That certainly did lower my spirits considerably even though I fully understand the reasons – I don’t

believe that Wales is managing to keep the infection rate down well enough yet, and it is a close run

thing in England.

A few thoughts on the Dominic Cummings debacle – I have always thought he must be some sort of weird

love child of Rasputin, Machiavelli and Svengali and doubted whether his ro le in government was a great

idea. Needless to say that opinion was created by what I had read and heard in the media as I don’t know

the man, had never met him and know no one who has. I watched his statement from the Downing Street

garden and have to say I changed my mind about him – not so much because of what he said but more

because he came across to me as an ordinary, rather shy sort of bloke. As for taking his family to Durham,

I’d have done whatever I felt was right for my family in such circumstances in a heartbeat and suffered any

consequences later. The outing to Castle Barnard was a different matter and whether eyesight related or not,

it was ill-advised – especially for an advisor! However, let him who is without sin cast the first stone – I went

for a daily walk to get my paper (non-essential) for a couple of weeks; I have visited my mother a couple of

times a week ever since the lockdown – staying outside but sitting in the garden with her on a few of those

occasions (not permitted). And that’s not to mention all the people who have crowded beaches and beauty

spots at various times throughout lockdown; they weren’t influenced by Cummings’ actions and the assertion

that many people would be is frankly an insult to the majority of the population. There is undoubtedly a fair

amount of political capital being made of the event and a huge media storm – anyone would think he’d killed

his grandmother. The baying for blood is unnecessary and is a continuing distraction from focus on the

ongoing fight against the spreading of the virus.

Some people don’t appear to understand why there are differences between four nations of the UK and so

there is consequent confusion for them. I also don’t see the problem with the ‘stay alert’ message; it strikes

me that it is even more important now as more people are out and about, whether for work or exercising

purposes, and with the start of a return to schooling. I have to say that I have little sympathy with the teaching

unions – and I say that as a former teacher. Many schools and teachers have been in work all through the

lockdown with no dire consequences reported that I am aware of. And how on earth can they justify their

stance to NHS staff, carers, emergency services, food producers, packers, retailers and all their staff, delivery

workers of all types -doubtless many of whom work in much more risky situations.

So another 3 weeks of lockdown to tolerate here in Wales. My daughters who live locally both work from

home so I’m not sure that there will be much opportunity for two of our households getting together but I live

in hope.

June 2020

Flaming June comes to an end as a bit of a damp squib but we certainly had our fair share of great weather

too. Needless to say I have spent much of recent weeks continuing to work in the garden and a gardener

was able to come and cut back overgrown trees and bushes. I’m hoping the blue tit chicks were able to leave

the nest box safely but I’ve had to keep shooing away a pair of magpies which were sat like sentinels either

side of the bird box awaiting their chance.

I have also cleaned all my mirrors and windows inside; the window cleaner finally returned and did the outside

so to quote Johnny Nash (or Jimmy Cliff) I can see clearly now..!

It has been a month of mass gatherings sadly, with demonstrations in protest at the tragic, senseless and

inhumane death of George Floyd. It appalled me and I fully understand and feel the anger too but cannot in

anyway condone the subsequent marches of thousands of people with no regard at all for the care needed

in order to prevent the spread of Covid nor the vandalism and destruction that took place. There surely has

to be a reasoned and reasonable discussion about how British history, good and bad, is remembered; whilst

the people represented by some of the statues that have been attacked were involved in trading practices

that were undoubtedly inhuman, they often also made considerable contributions to the betterment and

education of people in the UK. That of itself does not today justify veneration – and I suspect that for many

people a lot of these statues are just part of street furniture only visited by the pigeons. However, maybe it is

an apposite time to review many of them and consider moving them to museums; I do not believe that they

should destroyed as they form a part of our history which should not be air-brushed but serve as a lesson for

all generations in the long term impacts of our actions and the cruelty man was – and still is – capable of

inflicting on fellow man.

As for the illegal raves, street parties and thousands of visitors to beaches and beauty spots, I’m almost

speechless with incandescent rage. We are all sick and tired of the lockdown and restrictions that have gone

on for so long but that does not mean that the virus has gone – as demonstrated by the increase of infection

rates in certain areas. It is bad enough that these people have scant regard for their own health let alone that

of others but there is no excuse for the mountains of rubbish that has been left in their wake for other poor

souls to clean up, so much for the “good sense of the people of Britain”.

I am also somewhat perplexed by constant questioning by the media about when and where people can go

on holiday – really? Why on earth are people apparently desperate to spend hours in an airport, more hours

on a plane breathing the same recycled air as everyone else and sitting in close pr oximity to strangers, to

then spend days and weeks at a destination where who knows what restrictions will be in place and what

attractions and places of interest will be open. I sympathise fully with the desire to see something more than

the 4 walls of one’s home and the local surroundings but a foreign holiday and all that entails in the current

situation does not seem like a recipe for anything other than further stress and anxiety, not to mention risk to

health.

On a happier note, Mark Drakeford’s announcement of the forthcoming easing of restrictions at the beginning

of July gave me some hope of being able to see my family in England and form a ‘bubble’ with my partner. I

am keeping everything crossed and on 6th July plan to drive the 200 miles for the first time in almost 4 months!

And another source of joy - I have a hair appointment for the end of July! That will be 6 months since my last

one as I had to cancel the one I had booked in March.

There were 2 more family birthdays this month, a grandson turned 5, luckily on a warm sunny day so I was

able to go and sit in their garden for a couple of hours and enjoy a proper chat rather than a few words

exchanged on the doorstep. My mother had her 94th birthday at the end of the month but the weather that

day was miserable so for the first time in over 3 months I went into the house and sat, socially distanced, for

an hour or so enjoying a cup of coffee. My sister also came later and did likewise, as did one of my daughters.

Of course, strictly speaking none of that was allowed, but at 94 how many more birthdays is my mother going

to have? We are all very alert to the potential risks and are extra cautious where she is concerned even

though she is in good health so it would have seemed cruel not to have visited her.

I have read that many people have been experiencing vivid, even psychedelic dreams since the pandemic

began to take effect here. I had thought it was just something I had had; though not psychedelic I have had

many very vivid bizarre dreams, in colour, featuring random friends, family members and others. They have

become less frequent recently and I can only put it down to my subconscious trying to make sense of this

strange new way of life.

Since the non-essential shops have been open I have only made one visit and that was to Laura Ashley; I

was about to order some items online but then saw that no returns/refunds/exchanges could be made. Armed

with mask and disposable gloves I joined the queue on a Sunday morning thinking that it might not be too

busy – I got that wrong! I persevered though and did find one of the items I had wanted. It was not possible

to try on in store but they were allowing 7 day returns – luckily all was fine as I was not keen to go back. I

certainly am not in a hurry to go shopping again, it is much too stressful.

So, at the end of the month I can say that I have become pretty accustomed to the new way of life and

accepting of the reasons for the restrictions, although that does not mean that I am not sick to death of them.

It seems to me that I am being given a taste of what life might be like in older age – and I am not sure that I

like what I see.

July 2020

A busier, slightly more normal month at last – though the weather hasn’t been conducive to doing much in

the garden so a lot to go over again when the weather picks up.

I have been to North West of England twice to form a ‘bubble’ with my partner and was able to call to see my

daughter and my son, who both live in England, en route; my partner has also been down to me. It has been

great to see the family again, even though just for a couple of hours.

It all felt a bit strange though – no hugs with the grandchildren, spending the time with them in the garden or

socially distanced in the kitchen if it was raining. My partner and I usually have a browse round charity shops

and visit local cafés but most of the charity shops were still closed and we were uncomfortable about going

into cafes so sat outside. We went for walks in the locality every day, very conscious of trying to keep a

distance from other people – most of whom didn’t seem in the least bit bothered.

I sell clothes outgrown by the grandchildren and other odds and ends surplus to requirements on ebay from

time to time and that has become a bit of a pastime over the last couple of months and kept me busy as well

as earning a bit of pocket money for the children. I think a lot of people must be as wary as I am about going

shopping and are happier to find things online – and, if times are hard financially, getting a bargain.

Spending so much time at home I keep seeing things that have needed attention for years and have finally

organised restoration of a couple of pieces of furniture and have a list of plenty of other things to see to.

My brother has a house in the south of Spain and went out for 2 weeks this month, leaving just before the

quarantine requirement was introduced. Fortunately it shouldn’t make much difference to them, I just hope

they stay safe.

My partner has family in Ireland and he usually flies out every 3 weeks or so to see them but hasn’t been

able to go since February as there have only been flights to and from London and Cork. Some flights were

listed in June and then this month but they have all been cancelled (with no explanation) as have ones that

he’d booked for next month; he is thinking of going over on the ferry now – at greatly increased cost and

inconvenience.

All in all a better month than previous ones but still very strange and I find things more stressful when I’m out

and about than during lockdown. I’m not sure that the ‘old normal’ will ever return.

August 2020

This is the 5th month for which I am submitting an entry and it is beginning to seem as if we are heading

backwards with regards to Covid – just as I, and many others, were starting to hope that there might be some

sort of a return to the ‘old normal’.

My son has a camper van/small mobile home which means that they can be pretty self-contained when they

travel. They decided to take a much needed break from working at home up to 10 hours a day for him and

teaching key workers children for my daughter-in-law as well as home schooling their 2 daughters. Instead

of heading to popular coastal resorts they chose to head to Northumberland for a few days and then go on

to Scotland for the rest of their break in the hopes of avoiding crowds of tourists. They had a great time and

hardly saw another soul! They have since been down to Wales spending a couple of nights parked/camping

on my mother’s drive and a week on a small campsite in Pembrokeshire ‘enjoying’ the wild weather. At least

it meant I was able to spend some relaxed time with them on the beach and in my garden.

The youngest daughter and husband decided to buy a towing caravan this month which has enabled them

to go away for a couple of weekends. They have stayed quite locally to them so far while they get used to it

but are planning to come to a small campsite at the Gower at the end of next month. Once again the idea

has been to be able to be as independent as possible whilst having a break away from home and they are

thoroughly enjoying it so far.

My middle daughter, her husband and children went to Italy to stay with his mother for most of the month.

They debated long and hard whether or not they should go, making the decision a matter of days before they

went. All was well but they didn’t go to the beach at weekends to avoid crowds, nor did they go out to eat or

meet up with friends as they would normally have done.

My eldest daughter and family were due to go to France but had cancelled that right at the beginning of

lockdown. Their ‘holiday’ consisted of a couple of days out instead. Their daughter got her awarded GCSE

grades and was pleased to see that they were pretty much as she would have hoped to achieve.

My partner did take a ferry to Ireland to visit his family but had to quarantine for the whole of his visit. He had

to complete a form with contact details and hand it in on arrival in Ireland, but was not contacted duri ng his

stay. At least he got to see the family and do some odd jobs while he was there – and didn’t have to quarantine

on his return.

Not much has changed for me – I have been up to Northwest England again and my partner has been down

to me twice. The weather hasn’t been good enough for me to spend much time in the garden so I continue

to sell things on eBay, attempt the puzzles in the newspaper and get through the pile of books that have been

waiting years for my attention – only 3 left in the pile now!

I have made the odd visit to town to do a bit of shopping but tend to have a list, a planned route and be on a

bit of a mission. I wear a mask whilst I’m indoors anywhere and try to keep a distance from people but so

many just don’t seem aware or bothered, so I still find being out and about quite stressful. I do wonder how

bad the repercussions will be of so many people gathering in large groups and or not following the advice

and instructions we have been given, in addition to the increasing return to work for many.

September 2020

I almost forgot to complete this month’s entry to the diary; I think I have become so accustomed to life under

Covid conditions that very little seems remarkable anymore.

One major change of course is that schools have fully reopened and are trying to establish as normal a

routine and environment as possible in the current situation. (I am even more pleased than before to be

retired and not have the additional difficulties to have to deal with.)

My eldest granddaughter joined Yr12 in a new school and had hardly been back 5 minutes when the whole

6th form was sent home to isolate because a pupil had tested positive. The following week her brother had to

do the same as Yr10 at his school had 1 positive test. Normal service has now resumed.

The biggest upset to my plans for the month has been the postponement of my birthday celebrations. I turned

70 and had booked a weekend for all 21 of the family at a hotel, golf and spa in England in order to mark the

occasion in some style. We could actually have gone ahead, but with all the restrictions in place it would in

no way have been the relaxing fun-filled gathering I had envisaged. The hotel has been very understanding

and rebooked everything for after Easter next year; by then I’ll be nearer 71 and past caring, but one of my

daughters will be 40 in April so we can celebrate her big birthday and what I hope will be the first family

gathering since this wretched virus struck. On the day of my birthday though the weather was kind and my

eldest daughter arranged a small garden party with some of the family and we had a lovely afternoon there.

Sadly, the number of positive cases of Covid has been rising steadily and restrictions have started to be re -

applied. Fortunately, my partner and I had been able to get together a couple more times and I was also able

to meet up with a friend for a coffee. There will be no opportunity to do any of those things for some weeks

now as we are not allowed to leave the County or meet up with members from other households indoors.

There is speculation the that people living alone will be able to visit/be visited by one other household; I

certainly hope that is allowed or I am not sure how my mother and I will manage.

At least the month has ended on a high for me as the daughter and family with the caravan came down to

visit on the last glorious weekend of the month and I was able to go down to meet up with them and spend

hours on the beach together.

The next few weeks and months certainly look rather bleak at the moment, with poor weather giving little

possibility of getting out in the garden even and severely limiting opportunities for seeing the family.

It will be interesting to see how/if things have changed when we reflect on this year in December.

December 2020 – End of Year Review

To be quite honest it has been very hard to know what to write as so little has changed since September –

and nothing for the better, sadly.

In October new restrictions were introduced and then relaxed enough to allow me to continue to visit my

mother which I usually do a couple of times a week, otherwise the first 3 weeks were relatively fr ee for

shopping and getting out and about – and then the circuit breaker lockdown. I had fortunately had my hair

done before.

The weather was fairly kind so yet more time was spent outside trying to tame the garden, though half term

week was a wash-out.

My granddaughter had to self-isolate following yet another Covid positive case in the 6th form at her school.

November continued in much the same vein, the odd bit of gardening and also trying to get some Christmas

shopping done. I’d much rather go to shops to select what I want as it gives a proper idea of colour, quality,

size etc but I bought much more online this year in order to avoid making too many trips to town. When I did

go in, I made not just a list of what I wanted to buy, but also a plan of the route I would take so that I could

get round and back home again as quickly as possible.

I have continued selling on eBay with some success but the piles of surplus items don’t seem to reduce

much; at least it keeps me fairly busy.

The numbers of Covid cases continue to rise and there is evidence of a new variant which is causing concern

as it seems to be more easily passed on.

Into December and plans people had been starting to make for Christmas had to be drastically curtailed. My

mother and I were able to spend Christmas afternoon with my sister and her partner – within the rules and

socially distanced! It was a pleasant change and much appreciated by all of us. I did break the rules on

Boxing Day though as I took Christmas gifts to my daughter and family and spent a lovely couple of hours

there.

Things are looking decidedly bad for the New Year unfortunately with Covid case numbers rising steadily and

lockdown across the UK – a miserable winter ahead methinks.

April 2021

It seems appropriate that on 1st April ’21 I am writing my last entry for the project exactly a year since I

wrote my first – and who would have thought that we would just be beginning to come out of a second

lockdown?

The beginning of 2021 has been pretty miserable both in regards to the weather, and life in general. I feel

as if someone has pressed the pause button on life’s remote control which was then mislaid and we’re all

waiting for it to be found so that the play button can be pressed again.

One good thing has been the incredible progress with vaccinations – I have now had both and several

people I know have had at least their first, some with a date for the second.

Children going back to school is another great step forward; my grandchildren are all thrilled to be back –

as are their parents as home-schooling challenges come to an end.

With the recent improvement in the weather, I have been able to get some jobs done in the garden; it has

been nice to get out of the house into the fresh air.

Needless to say, my big family birthday celebration has had to be postponed once more and is now

scheduled for September – a whole year later; I keep my fingers crossed for third time lucky.

As restrictions begin to be eased, I have been able to sit in one daughter’s garden on the occasion of my

granddaughter’s birthday and enjoy a cup of coffee and a slice of cake, which was lovely.

Even with the relaxation of the lockdown restrictions so far, some people are never satisfied, asking if

things can be eased sooner than the earliest dates put forward and are still worrying about going on

holiday. I just don’t understand how they still fail to realise that the virus is very much with us and that it is

transmitted by close contact and that until transmission is much reduced and the majority of people have

been vaccinated life cannot return to anything like normal.

That said, I am of course looking forward to being able to see all my family in the coming months. It will

seem very strange to be able to eventually go into each other’s houses, sit on the floor and play with the

children or sit them on my lap and share a book together, but that still remains a long way off.

So, to conclude my entries to this project, what are my over-riding thoughts and impressions? It has been a

long, long year in which the simplest of life’s routines and pleasures have been taken away: shopping,

meeting friends for a coffee, visiting family, going out for a meal or to the theatre and so much more. A year

in which the most basic things could lift the spirits – a phone call, a sunny day, an unexpected letter,

watching the birds in the garden, completing some long-planned job in the house or garden.

I have appreciated beyond words how fortunate I am – I have a home with a garden, my health is good, I

have a great family and we have all come through relatively unscathed, my income is secure – in fact I

have saved money.

I cannot begin to imagine how people less fortunate have coped and as for staff in the NHS and care

homes etc, how they approached the second wave of cases knowing what the hell the first wave was is

beyond my comprehension.

I am full of admiration for all the people who have volunteered and helped out in ways big and small all over

the country, whether it was looking out for a neighbour, delivering shopping to the housebound, assisting

with the vaccination testing and delivery or in a myriad of other ways.

The actions of the selfish, inconsiderate, thoughtless, ignorant people who have continued to flout the rules,

show complete disregard for others, and who have littered the countryside, appal me.

And now to look forward – a decent summer hopefully, being able to spend time with friends and family and

making a resolution to appreciate all the small joys that will come with the increasing freedom that we will

hopefully soon enjoy.