General Chat

Mandy, yes I was worried that Sandra might be breaking the rules of lockdown. Mainly by moving in with somebody else. I am not sure that is allowed. Just hope they don't get caught or reported by nosy neighbours.

Afternoon all, Not feeling great today, had a bad night and not very good on my "PINS" today.

Ros has gone to get some bits with Carolyn. She made a saucepan of STEW before she went out, so that's tonights meal sorted.

Haven't rung Simon today, as he told me not to ring him every day. He says he is fine, and I shouldn't worry about him.

I'm sorry that I haven't read the posts again. But thought I had better pop in, I don't want you worrying about me.

Heating is on, and I have a fleece one as Iam not feeling great. I think I will see if I can get forty winks, before Ros comes home. STAY SAFE and KEEP WARM. xxxx

Afternoon Frank, you probably don't feel right because you are tired so hopefully a nap will do you good.
I have just put the heating on it is very cold indoors although it is warmer outside than the past few days, 6 degrees now.
I did dust the lounge, dining room and two bedrooms so I have at least done something. Other than that can't get motivated, keep thinking about T and wondering what he is thinking about.

Done the big wipe down and we've had lunch which oh got ready while I was just finishing off. Only two subs and that was his beer and his ginger ale so that was good. I crossed my wine out so did'nt have any this week.

I am not so sure that Sandra should be moving during lockdown and she should'nt be in someone elses car. She seems to have you just where she wants you Gill. Did she just come for Christmas????? Sorry but I am really cross with her.

This morning it was grey and cold, this afternoon it’s grey, cold and wet.

Sorry you are a bit shaky today Frank. Perhaps a little snooze in the warm will help you to feel a bit better.

My heart goes out to you AnnG. You must feel as though you’re in never-never land at the moment. I think T is probably comfortable and it’s a case of no news is good news. I am sure the hospital would contact you or your daughter if T were any worse. Stay strong and take care of yourself.

Gill, How is your Mum now? I’m another one who doesn’t think Sandra should be moving in with someone else at the moment but you can only tell her the rules and the possible consequences of breaking them. Then she must make up her own mind. My son was complaining about one of his daughters who is not complying with the rules as well as she should, even though she knows and understands them. He seemed amazed when I pointed out that she was exactly like him at her age. He was a real rebel and caused us endless worry. But it is very unfortunate that her rebellious streak is potentially more serious with the current situation.

It was interesting to hear how you paint your skies with watercolours Ann. I should think you have to take a lot of care. I’m so cack-handed that I’d probably get all the paint running everywhere, and end up with a multi coloured splodge. On the other hand I could give it a fancy title - how about “Lockdown Life” or “Hands, Face, Space” - and sell if for a small fortune :-). Well, if Tracy Emin can make money with an unmade bed .........ignore me, I can be very silly sometimes. Just put it down to cabin fever.

Back to reality. I didn’t have a good night again and ended up reading in the spare room, but I have got a few jobs done this morning. I made a cake and while it was cooking I did the ironing. Then I checked all the tender garden plants and cuttings in the conservatory and watered where necessary, de-iced the bird bath and filled the feeders, and just did some general tidying up and putting things away. All I have to do now is prepare some veg to go with the salmon I took from the freezer this morning.

OH went to the optician’s this morning. He said it all felt quite safe. Of course he needs new glasses. I am going on Thursday and I expect I’ll have to have new ones as well so it will be MORE EXPENSE as Frank always says.

I must remind OH to take the recycling bin down the road before it gets dark as tomorrow is bin day. It should be the garden bin as well but the council suspended those collections just after Christmas as Covid has left them short staffed. Our bin is full and if it isn’t emptied soon some of the contents could start to get a bit slimy and uggy.

Time for an afternoon cuppa and a piece of cake so I’m off to put the kettle on

Thanks for your reply Anng. It is definately warmer out there and nearlly all the snow has gone now but its back to wet wet wet and very soggy and fine eain all day.

Mandy, can you check the pattern for me please. I am just about finishing the rib but I have just noticed the pattern has cut off a bit of the left hand
Edge where it says work in 1:1 rib fir 11 cams ending with a ? Row.

I've email you the bit I hope is right AnnG

Thank you Mandy sorted now.

Re the bugs we haven't been getting AnnG, the experts have said that it is the spread of viruses that gives them more opportunity to mutate more quickly, so we may be ok. Our bin men called today, but left 3 bags of rubbish and an old shower curtain in the bottom of our bin, so OH phoned the council as they have done this before. They were supposed to call back today, but haven't. We had a general email tonight to say they hadn't managed to access some streets in the area with the bin lorry because of the snow and would do those bins on Thursday so I think/hope they will do ours then.

It doesn't sound sensible for Sandra to be moving, and certainly not so far just now Gill. Do you know this friend well and does she understand how to deal with Sandra? I remember you spending ages on the phone with Michelle explaining how to deal with her and Michelle had grown up with her. I know people can move house and that students share houses, but why put herself at extra risk when she already has a home? I suppose she is determined though, but who will look after her if she gets covid when she is that distance away. She seems to be causing you more worry since she left and came back.

That's better on the substitution front Mel! I have been doing some of our next order tonight as I hate having it all to do at once.It takes me ages. About half of our snow has melted now and we had some sleet this afternoon.

I hope Frank is feeling better now after some rest.

Vera, I don't know how things like the unmade bed get to be so famous. I could do a far better job with my bed!! lol. :-D I hope you have a better night tonight.

Speaking of which, I think I will turn in now. I think OH is ready too.

We tried to explain things to Sandra but because of her age we can't stop her moving out. We have told her that she can't come back here until we've all had our vaccinations with her dad being a carer, which is understands. Even Michelle said she was taking a risk moving, but since Sandra's come back here she's become very bossy and does what ever she wants, so there's nothing we can do with her being almost 36 years old. She's known her friend for over 10 years, we're not keen on her as she was a bad influence when they were in school together, but Sandra said she's grown up now and we spoke with her husband on the phone who sounds mature so I'm sure he'll keep an eye on her. Time will tell if it works out though. All we can do is keep our fingers crossed she'll be alright.

I'm off to bed now I feel shattered. Hope everyone has a good night's sleep.

Sorry Vera I forgot to say mum is okay now apart from being very tired but I believe that's part of the after effects of Covid. She only had a mild dose but she can't have her vaccination now and has to wait until around the middle of February until they call her up to have it. She's another one who doesn't think the rules apply to her and is out and about again. I feel like OH and I are the only one's abiding by the rules, the rest of the family don't seem to care.

Good morning, woke up at 0700 after a night of sleeping/waking then went back to sleep until 0915.

Grey and foggy here this morning.
Gill I had not realised that Sandra's friend was married. Will he have to take on responsibility for her with social services or does she not have to report the move to them?

It seems that life with Michelle woke up all sorts of feelings with Sandra and she has now decided she can do what she likes. You need to concentrate on you for a while now and your OH.

Morning Anng and all,

A grey day again this morning with no break in the sky at all but it is warmer and not raining at the moment.

Gill its good mum has got over Covid now and she's bound to feel tired as that is an after effect. I don't know if you know this but you can still pass covid on even after having the injection. Only one person has mentioned this on the tv. Lots think that if you've had the injection you are safe to go out but its not the case. It only protects you from getting covid badly but you are still ill.

Nothing planned for today so shall just see how the day goes and what I feel like doing.

Hope you all had a better sleep last night all.

This from the gov web site:

The vaccine cannot give you COVID-19 infection, and a full course will reduce your chance of becoming seriously ill. We do not yet know whether it will stop you from catching and passing on the virus, but we do expect it to reduce this risk. So, it is still important to follow the guidance in your local area to protect those around you.

To protect yourself and your family, friends and colleagues you still need to:

practice social distancing
wear a face mask
wash your hands carefully and frequently
follow the current guidance

Good morning to you all,

Terrible night last night, went to bed around 10.30 couldn't get off so got up and read my book. When I went back I laid awake. I looked at the clock at 3.00 am and then dropped off. I then looked at the clock at 6.00 am. Laid until 8.00 and got up for my COT. Ros came out about 9.00 am.

I have been busy on Ebay looking for half sovereigns as Ros has been paid out by the Insurance. She needs FOUR and FOUR MOUNTS. I have put bids in on FOUR and bought one mount so far. So will try again a bit later for the others. Paul the jeweller Ros uses charges £100.00 for half sovereign mounts. The one I bought was £50.00. So he won't be getting her business this time around.

Dreary sort of day here. The snow is all gone, but no sign of the sun. I haven't been out so can't say what it's like.

The STEW was lovely let night. It's F & C man tonight, Tomorrow I think will be LAMB SHANKS. which Ros bought yesterday.

Whats going on with SANDRA ?? I thought she was settled at home.

Nothing planned at this end for today, so I expect it will be back to my book. I hope you are all keeping well, and staying away from the COVID.

Will get back to you all later. Take care and stay safe. xxxx

Interesting piece in the DM today referring to the comments of how bad our death rate is compared to other countries.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-9190521/Why-gaffes-unhealthy-ageing-nation-blame-BEN-SPENCER-analyses.html

If you don't want to read it here are the main points.

Ageing population
Our ageing population has meant a far greater number of people were vulnerable to Covid than in younger nations. Age is, by far, the biggest risk factor for Covid deaths.Someone aged 85 to 89, for example, has an 8.9 per cent chance of dying if infected. For someone aged between 70 and 74, the risk is 2.3 per cent. This explains why wealthy countries have generally fared worse than developing ones where populations tend to be young.

Population density
Britain has 273 people for every square kilometre – more than twice the European average of 108. One study, by the George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia, predicted that population density accounts for 84 per cent of the difference between infection rates in different areas.

Fat man of Europe
Obesity, diabetes and heart disease all increase the risk of faring badly if infected with coronavirus. Britain has one of the worst obesity problems in Europe, with one in every three children and two in three adults overweight. Some 7.6million people suffer from heart disease. Five million have diabetes.

Just had an email from the lady who runs the 100 club for the village hall and I have won first prize!! I think its £25 so thats nice. We have done the 100 club for years and this is the first time one of us has won anything.

Frank, stew, F&C and lamb shank all sounds lovely. Stay warm

Mel. I guess you paid well for that £25 then :-D

Yes I have over the years but its still nice to see a return of any kind from the money I have put in.