Lockdown!

(Friday) Another sunny but frosty morning here in Milton Keynes. I've been up since 4.30. Nothing unusual in that, because I can do plenty of things. I started watching a documentary about the Normans which was on BBC iPlayer. It was presented by Sam Willis, and showed the use of a variety of weaponry as used by and introduced by the Normans. I didn't watch all of it and paused it and finished watching when I got up. A really interesting documentary and well worth watching. Made a lot of what else is on, such as soaps such as EastEnders or Coronation Street or endless reality shows such as Big Brother look pathetic and irrelevant, this is what the BBC does best. I think that, if you've read my earlier blog posts, you will know how I feel about EastEnders. A bit like sticking pins in your eyeballs. Just hateful and miserable. Why waste your time watching such misery when there's better stuff elsewhere, a lot on iPlayer? The BBC never seems to trail this sort of stuff and it's hidden away on BBC Four. Go on iPlayer and you will actually find quite a lot of archive stuff which is worth looking at.

I begin to wonder if the BBC, or at least, those who are entrusted with it's administration, have forgotten the first Director General, John Reith's mantra that the BBC should "Educate, inform and entertain." The guiding principles of what is known as Public Service Broadcasting. Too much of the 'entertain' and certainly plenty of informing going on but far too much 'entertaining.' Far too much dross being shown. Stuff that should be only available on commercial channels.

(Saturday) The excitement is getting too much! Scrolling endlessly on Facebook. People are desperate, putting trivia on social media. The effects of this 'lockdown' must be having some sort of effect on people. It is; just trying to keep busy, but, if you are stuck at home, not being able to work, then anything is better than nothing, so scrolling through Facebook and putting senseless stuff on your profile is one way of relieving boredom.

We had church on-line via Facebook on Sunday and will continue to do so every Sunday until this pandemic is finished. There is also the chance to use another on-line site called Zoom, which is intended for conferencing, similar in some ways to eater Skype or FaceTime, but which allows up to 100 people to communicated at one time and we will be using it for a communion service in a few weeks time.

There's quite a lot of free resources currently on-line, such as theatre productions, notably the National Theatre, putting what were recorded productions which were originally screened in cinemas on line through YouTube, 'One Man, Two Guvnors', with James Corden in the lead, which is loosely based on the Goldoni play, 'The Servant of Two Masters.' I had wanted to see this when it was originally staged, but never got a chance, so now I will be able to see it. These productions will be available to view on Thursdays, via YouTube.

I was supposed to have been going to an archeology conference near Peterborough today, but it has been cancelled, due to the coronavirus pandemic. Disappointing, I know, but I have just learned that I can do a free on-line archaeology course though something called 'Dig Ventures,' so that should more or less replace that 'live' event. It obviously can't entirely replace something which is 'live,' but at the moment, with the way things are, certainly better than nothing and it should keep me busy when it's not possible to meet people face-to-face in the 'real' world.

I have been attempting to change the time on my Casio G-Shock digital watch. It's very complicated trying to move on the time by an hour. I have had this watch for around 5 years and have always found it difficult to reset this watch. I found a video on YouTube, but even then it was a bit of an effort. I have now managed to reset the thing, but I think, because it's supposed to reset it set using a radio signal from the nuclear clock near Rugby, I think it did it anyway. The date seems to have reset automatically.

Stir Crazy

(Tuesday)This confinement is not easy. Just being stuck in my flat with just Alfie for company is having a somewhat deleterious effect on me. Mentally and physically. We are being told by the government that we can have one exercise session per day (which is all very well, but one small Yorkshire Terrier needs a good deal more than one walk per day.) I am reading a good deal more than I have done in some time, not just my book '"The Age of Decadence" by Simon Heffer, but articles from BBC History Magazine as well as History Today. Watching television has become somewhat predictable. Daytime television has become one endless session about buying and selling houses, mostly people who insist on moving to the countryside because they have more money than sense, and why would you want a house which is far too big for a couple, and probably have extra bedrooms for friends and family to stay so they can be entertained in the surroundings of a large house. Antiques are fine, but it's just becoming boring, experts driving around the British countryside and buying antiques which they find and attempting to sell them for a profit.

The government has bought in stricter controls to attempt to slow down the spread of the coronavirus. Over the last weekend a lot of people have not heeded the social distancing. People crowding onto Underground trains in London as well as at beauty spots. If they are young people, in the 18-30 age group, the chances are they don't watch broadcast television and probably not read newspapers (at least in print-form at any rate.) and are not interested in politics and wouldn't watch the daily press conferences. In general, the British don't like being told what to do. Unlike communist countries where the population is spied on and their citizens controlled by The State. Bureaucracy gone crazy. Just look at the EU and then you have a good reason for the Brexit vote. Many European countries, such as Greece and France, were invaded by the Nazis during the Second World War, so you can see how they would just roll over and be subjugated by the EU. A load of 'you can't do-this-and-that.' Control gone made, so that explains why it has such a hold over people's lives. Rant over.

(Wednesday) The sun is shining. It's a lovely spring morning. No wind and no rain. But we have to remain in our homes. I've taken Alfie out for his second walk of the day. It's eerily quiet. Rather like a bank holiday. Very little traffic around. But the silence is strange, to say the least. People seem to be making an effort to be socially distant. At Dexter House we can't use the lounge or kitchen. It doesn't bother me because I don't utilise them much anyway.

(Thursday) The weather has changed. That's what makes the United Kingdom what it is; the fact that the weather is so changeable. It has turned quite cold and there was a light frost on the cars as I walked Alfie along Dexter Avenue before 6a.m. this morning. It is sunny and bright, but as I say, it has turned chilly.

If anything, this current situation has got we writing again. I have pages of notes as well as part-written bits and pieces of stories, which are part of a far longer piece. I have started off on an entirely different tack with my current piece of writing, sparked on my a BBC documentary presented by Lucy Worsley about Jane Austen. I've always loved Lucy's programmes and she has a wealth of knowledge. I won't divulge too much of what I'm creating, but I can't think of a better way to spark off an idea than from Austen.

Later. I spent some more time writing. As a consequence, Alfie didn't get an earlier afternoon walk, but I took him out at around 4.15. I noticed that some of Oldbrook Green has been mown. They had done the end nearest The Cricketers public house, but the opposite side had only been mown along the edge. Such is my life at the moment that I have to mention such mundane matters as mowing. Unfortunately, whoever does the mowing, they have to run their vehicles over the grass and leave horrible tyre marks. It would be nice if this doesn't happen.

There's been a crazy woman (I'm not sure if she lives at Dexter House or not, or whether she's a friend of one of the residents. I doubt it, because visitors aren't supposed to come here at present.) who has been outside in the garden, sitting on a deckchair and who has been wearing what looks like a thick coat with a fur collar. She must be a bit loopy, because it has been really warm today. I saw here when I was standing at the kitchen sink doing some washing-up. She must have seen me because she waved. Another woman was with her and I get the distinct impression they have been drinking, what is probably wine, as I saw them with glasses in their hands and one of them produced a bottle and poured whatever the contents were into one of the glasses. The things you see from your kitchen window when you are doing the washing up!

Friday morning. I was surprised by how cold it is out this morning, when I took Alfie out for his walk. It was well before 6 o'clock. Am I crazy, or what? No, definitely not. If it's light, we'll go out, regardless, even though he makes a great deal of noise as soon as he catches on I'm in the process of getting ready to go out.

Social Isolation

(Sunday)A weird sort of world we're currently living in. Government advise is that we should all go into a sort of hibernation whilst the coronavirus is rampant around the world. We didn't have church this morning, but instead Ross and his wife Joy did worship inline via Facebook. After some considerable effort I managed to watch using my Fire Stick plugged into my HD television, and I must say it was an interesting experiment and the quality of the picture and sound was excellent, as was the teaching. Alfie got and extra walk, because of me not going to church as I usually do at around 8.40.

It looks as if those who are vulnerable, and as I have already said, I will have to remain in isolation for 12 WEEKS! I know it's serious, having had two heart attacks, but being stuck indoors for that length of time is going to be really difficult. I'm not sure about doing grocery shopping, because I can do that on-line. What happens when the delivery arrives? Do they leave the groceries on the doorstep? Will I need to have gloves to handle the bags of groceries? Then, what about other on-line deliveries, such as from Amazon? Also, what about mail? The postman is going to be as much at risk of infection as any other person who delivers parcels, whether it be books, clothing, food or whatever.
Then there's my repeat prescriptions. I can make the order on-line, as I have done for the past couple of months and I usually get a text message from Lloyd's in Sainsbury's, which means I can then go to Sainsbury's in Witan Gate to collect the order. Will Lloyd's deliver to me, direct. (It's not far. Within walking distance, which takes no more than 10-15 minutes.

(Monday) I have been looking at the government's official website where a lot of information is explained and it would appear that I'm not vulnerable, which I was expecting to be, having had a heart condition. Regardless of this, I still intend to be socially isolated, however difficult  it is likely to be (actually not that difficult, because since Carol died my life has become quite considerably more isolated as I don't do anything which we used to do on a regular basis, visiting National Trust properties for example. So it shouldn't be too difficult. It is, nevertheless, rather confusing. I have enough food for at least two weeks. All I really need is stuff like fruit, which I eat a lot of, easy-peel tangerines or satsumas, apples, bananas and probably those tubs of prepared pineapple which I love. Probably eating all this fruit has partially been responsible for my low cholesterol. Also, milk and potatoes.

There are many people who have simply not taken the government advice about social distancing and isolation. Yesterday apparently many outdoor places, such as parks, gardens and beauty spots were very crowded and it's clear that nobody adhered to the 2 meter distance from people. Why is this? Don't they realise that all this is serious, or are they merely selfish? It's the same with those people who panic buy and stock up on things like toilet rolls and then most likely just hoard them. I have been attempting to buy liquid hand soap, the sort that comes in handy pump bottles. Not a single one can I find anywhere, having looked in Sainsbury's and then at supermarket websites as well as Boots, Superdrug as well as Lloyds. Another case of selfishness. As long as I'm right, I don't care about anybody else.

(Tuesday) So, the government has now bought in tougher controls. The police can now arrest those who don't comply with guidelines. It's tough, but unless it's done, then this pandemic will never be bought under control. Whatever your political views, it must be difficult for Boris Johnson. Whatever he does will be criticised. He can't do right whatever is decided. He needs support and not get a lot of criticism.

I'm at home again today and not going to Camphill as I normally would on a Tuesday. I don't want to do this, but I know it's absolutely necessary. I really miss the guys in the drama workshop. I trust I'm able to return soon rather than later, but it obviously depends on how quickly this pandemic is bought under control.

Crazy Shopping and Bread-and-Butter Pudding

(Thursday) I've been to Sainsbury's this morning. I'm just a little bit shocked by the crazy behaviour of shoppers in there. Many of the aisles have shelves completely empty. People don't seem to be panic buying toilet rolls, but stuff like biscuits and dog food has gone. I wanted liquid soap, the sort that comes in those handy little pump bottles. Not a single one in stock. Sainsbury have put signs up as you enter the store, asking shoppers to restrict the amount they buy and then not being able to buy any more than three of certain items. Looking at shopper's trolleys and baskets in Sainsbury's this morning, it would appear that most people are not listening to this advice and as a result a lot of products are missing from the shelves. Just a very selfish attitude and certainly not caring that some people, probably the most vulnerable, are having to go without some items they need.

Just to change direction somewhat, I must mention my culinary capabilities. I like to think I'm quite capable of whipping up a meal without too much bother. I always managed to make sure that Carol, bless her, had a decent meal when she got home from a hard day working at Milton Keynes Academy, where she worked as a science teacher. This evening what I made was a bread-and-butter pudding, which has to probably be what I might term my signature dish. This was made with brioche, which I purchased whilst in Aldi the other day. Light and fluffy and I will have to make again. Cut fairly thin and spread with butter (make sure it's butter and not margarine spread.). Cut the slices into triangles and start to layer them in your oven-proof dish, adding a few raisins or currents, liberally sprinkled, and then, whisk up an egg in some milk, making sure that the egg is properly whisked and then pour this mixture over the bread and then put into your pre-heated oven for around 20 minutes at 200. It's probably a good idea to check on the bread and butter pudding several times whilst cooking, to make sure it's not burning. Serve with either custard or cream. De-licious, and so easy to make. You can make with standard sliced white bread, but brioche makes a far lighter pudding.

(Saturday) I was in need for milk this morning. I hadn't run out entirely, but I still needed to get some. I wasn't over-keen to go anywhere, because of the coronavirus outbreak and mixing with other people put me at risk. The government has now closed schools, theatres, gyms, pubs and other places where people gather. We are supposed to keep at least a metre between ourselves and others. What sort of measure is that anyway? I know a yard, but a metre? Is that an arm's length? I don't know exactly. It's fine for those who were taught at school to use metric, but I was probably the last generation to use and be taught imperial measures. Sainsbury's don't want customers to use actual cash and to pay using contactless with our cards. Fair enough, I don't have a problem with that. There were far more people in the store than I was expecting. Probably thinking like me, that there would be fewer other people, to avoid any sort of contact and possible infection. I still cant't find hand sanitiser, not even for ready money (to quote Oscar Wilde.) Also, no toilet rolls, again, for ready money. They didn't have enough staff on the manned checkouts and I'm not over-keen to use the self-service tills. Why is it, whenever I attempt to use them, they don't work properly? You scan certain items though them and they don't work, which means you end up having to get a member of staff to do it for you. I had a Nectar voucher, which meant, if I bought something in their clothing range, TU, which is Sainsbury's brand of clothing, I would get bonus points. I selected a rather nice short-sleeved shirt, but when I went to pay for it at the checkout and handed the lady at the till the voucher, it wouldn't scan, so I had to go to the customer service counter. It did go through and scan and I got my bonus points.

I took Alfie out again when I had unpacked. The woman who I have mentioned in these blog posts, who stands in the road at the crossing from Strudwick Drive onto Oldbrook Green and stops cars to ask for money was out at around 7.30 and again when I last took Alfie out at 9.30. The first time I was in the car and very nearly ran into her as she was standing in the road near The Cricketers and the second time she was walking in the middle or the road along Strudwick Drive. She's going to get run over sooner or later. I have let the police know on several occasions and also rung Milton Keynes social services department but unless they have the woman's name they can do nothing to help. Which isn't helping matters and there's no way I can find out her name. The situation will just go on regardless and there's nothing more I can do or anyone else for that matter.

Doctor's Phone Call and Coronavirus

(Monday)I had a doctor's appointment booked for this morning. I made it, following my blood test which was done a few weeks ago. It was easy enough to make the appointment by using the surgery's on-line service. It's very much less stressful than trying to get through on the telephone, although I haven't, as yet, done this. Since moving from Ashfield Medical Centre to Central Milton Keynes Medical Centre I have to say I'm a good deal happier with the new surgery. I got  text message a few days ago asking me if my appointment was urgent and to, please, telephone the surgery to let them know and I was prepared to visit this morning, but then I got a further test message to say that the doctor would ring me to discuss the blood test.

It seems, in general, the blood test didn't show anything much to worry about. My cholesterol is at 3.1. I'm not sure exactly what that measures, but it's a good score. They usually say that you have to get your cholesterol below 5. I'm not entirely sure what the number represents. I should do some research first. Apparently there is something concerning the doctor which shows up in connection with my liver and she suggests having a scan which uses a sonic device (I think similar to what they use to check on the unborn baby when a woman is pregnant and I think was used when I had a heart check at Milton Keynes several years ago.) and I will be sent a letter from the hospital when an appointment comes up for me to attend.

Then I had to ask about coronavirus. Considering my heart condition, which makes me vulnerable to coronavirus, meaning it could be serious if I caught it, would she advise me to stay away from Camphill at the moment? Not actually necessarily for my safety, but also for the residents? To which she said it would be a good idea not to go, which means isolation. So, tomorrow I shall stay at home. I texted Teo, the leader of the drama workshop at Camphill and he soon texted back to say he'd got the message.

Having been watching Boris Johnson this afternoon during the latest press conference regarding the coronavirus outbreak, it would appear that guidelines suggest that everyone 'self-isolates.' I can order from Sainsbury's on-line and have it delivered, but I'm not sure about my repeat medication. I'm not sure whether I can have my order delivered or whether I have to go and collect from Lloyd's Pharmacy within Sainsbury's.

(Tuesday) I'm at home today. I am 'self-isolating,' attempting to keep myself free of the coronavirus outbreak. I needed a few items of shopping and decided to go to Aldi in Bradwell Common. I drove away from Oldbrook and had intended driving directly there via Witan Gate and went along Evans Gate, but at the roundabout at Childs Way there was some sort of incident, with police in attendance and the road closed. It's only a short distance to Sainsbury's and then on along Witan Gate and then across several sets of traffic lights and over another roundabout and into Bradwell Common. Aldi is directly opposite Central Milton Keynes Medical Centre. So, because of the road closure I had to take an alternative route and turn left and onto the next road across. Arriving near Aldi, I was really surprised by the number of cars arriving in the carpark. Considering it was mid-week, the volume of cars and people arriving was quite unbelievable.

I've had an email from Shenley Christian Fellowship. The quiz night has been postponed until October. I was really looking forward to this. It has already been postponed from before Christmas. The leadership team is meeting, I think today, to decide whether the Sunday services should be cancelled. It must be a very difficult decision to make when government guidelines say we shouldn't meet in groups and go into self isolation. It must be very difficult for families with young children.

(Wednesday) I'm bored silly. I'm reading more than usual. The next book in Simon Heffer's trilogy of books which lead up to the First World War. I've already read 'High Hopes,' which starts in C.1840 and ends C.1880. I'm currently reading 'The Age of Decadence', which takes the story from 1880 up until 1914.The next book, 'Staring At God,' isn't due out in paperback until mid May. As each book is around 800 pages long, I will be reading until at least then. Excellent reading and so detailed. Highly recommended if you're like me and have an interest in history.

Just been emailed by Ross at SCF. All church activities have been cancelled until the foreseeable future. Going to be odd not going on Sunday, but with the coronavirus pandemic, I can see why this has to happen. They are going to have some worship put on Facebook video, which should be interesting. Not entirely sure how it works. I can watch via my Firestick and have it on my HD television. I don't think I would want to have it on my MacBook.

I've discovered something called 'Sofa Singers,' which was mentioned on BBC Breakfast (I think it was there, or else it might have been on The One Show.' It allows those who are self-isolating to join others all around the world (or it might be just in the United Kingdom.) to join together and sing. Sounds like fun and a good way to do something to while away the boredom when you can't meet other people because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Signs Of Spring

It's still windy, but not quite as windy it has been lately. The sun is shining. It's getting light earlier each day and it's light till quite late.

Having said all that, it's gone very overcast as I compose this. The dark clouds are gathering. What with coronavirus, Ireland in (almost) in 'lockdown (well, schools closed. The children must be losing it! Probably not so the parents.), Italy in 'lockdown,' (I feel somewhat sorry for the tourist industry, which must be a large part of their economy.) and the United Kingdom moving from 'containing' to 'delaying,' amid criticism of this move (there's always someone who has to complain about things.) Whatever the government does, then someone will pick holes in it, whether right or wrong.

There are daffodils blooming or at least beginning to bloom all around Oldbrook at the moment, along the grassy areas which edge in particular Strudwick Drive and then there's a different yellow flower blooming on the opposite side of Oldbrook Green to The Cricketers public house. I don't actually think they are daffodils, but Alfie likes wandering in them whenever we go out.

The 'mystery building,' which has been built on the opposite side of Oldbrook Green and which I have walked past since it was begun several months ago is now complete. I'm still somewhat intrigued to know what it's purpose is. It has a wall which encloses a yard with a metal gate and the wall has metal spikes along it's top surface, giving a somewhat sinister and almost militaristic feel to the structure, so if that's there then no doubt it is intended to house something of value.

(Saturday) I've been to the Men's Breakfast at the Oaktree Centre this morning. I needed to get some cash out. Well, £5 for a great cooked breakfast can't be bad. I thought I'd go to the cashpoint outside Tesco's in Oldbrook Boulevard, which must be the closest. I got there and parked and then went to the machine, put my card in, and nothing happened, a lot of whirring and strange noises. No cash appeared and I began to get a bit concerned. You usually get you card back before the thing spits out your money, but still nothing after around 5 minutes. I press 'Cancel,' and the card is regurgitated. much to my relief. It did make me wonder if it was some sort of scam. I don't know, you have to guard your P.I.N. number when using an A.T.M., who knows if some criminal has the where with all to 'clone' your card if you put it in a cashpoint machine? I then went to the A.T.M. machine at the Shell petrol station along Grafton Street, but worked fine and I was able to drive off to Shenley without any problems. There was no sign on the machine at Tesco to say it was out of order and whatever. Although that did come up after I took my cash.

We had our usually fantastic cooked breakfast at the Oaktree Centre and then we watched a video (I have an idea it was on YouTube) which had Eugene Petersen talking to Bono about the Psalms.

(Sunday) Having said at the beginning of this post that the weather is becoming 'spring-like,' as I write this at 4.30a.m., I can hear a howling wind outside, together with a little dog snoring his head off on the sofa next to me. Alfie is stretched out fast asleep and for such a small dog he can't half make a lot of noise!

(Later) I went to church as normal. There's meant to be a quiz night on Friday, but with the threat of coronavirus there is a vague possibility of it being cancelled. I hope not, because I was looking forward to this event. It was postponed from just before Christmas when there was a low number of people signing up. I'll just have to wait and see whether it goes ahead. From the Oaktree Centre I drove to Sainsbury's. I had to endure a car tailgating me all the way down Chaffron Way. She, for it was a female driver, was virtually touching the back bumper of my car, but I wasn't moving out of the way for her. Arriving at Sainsbury's, I was really surprised by the volume of cars entering the underground carpark. I have never seen such numbers of cars arriving. It seems that Sunday is very much a normal shopping day for some people and there were even more people going up on the travelator into the store and then even more customers pushing trolleys and many with large packs of toilet rolls in them, even though there was a sign up at the entrance reminding customers to buy more realistic amounts of 'certain products,' which would be referring to hand sanitiser as well as toilet rolls. But it seems people don't read these notices or just become selfish (there would be plenty of everything if people would purchase at a reasonable level.

Coronavirus Panic, Camphill and Television Viewing

Just been watching the penultimate episode of the latest season of 'Doctor Who,' and I have to say it's really rather good. It would appear they've thrown everything into this story, with better special effects and generally a better story and all the assistants had plenty to do. I still don't understand the second story, presumably set in Ireland. Then (spoiler alert!) a central enemy of the Doctor appears in the closing moments and there's the finale episode of the season still to be seen . . .

(Tuesday) I've now seen the final episode of he season and it's good! But there's rumours that some of the actors who play the assistants are leaving, notably Bradley Walsh, due to other work commitments.

(Saturday) Today would be my lovely Carol's 56th birthday. I'm upset and I miss her, but I know she wouldn't want me to dwell on things and I'm getting on with my life. It's ironic to think that, had I not been driving to Willen Hospice to see Carol when she was there and going past the entrance to Camphill, I might not have thought to become a volunteer there and make so many friends with the group of residents in the drama workshop. I'm sure she'd be so pleased to think I'm doing something I enjoy and using what skills I have to benefit that group of people.

(Sunday) It's bright and sunny. There was a fairly strong wind blowing when I took Alfie out and we walked partially around Oldbrook Boulevard, but it was still chilly.

(Tuesday) Only at Camphill until 12 o'clock because they were having training and then community assembly. We did a line-run of 'Stranger Danger.' It's getting better and stronger each time the guys perform it. Every line very clear and you could hear each word spoken. I again was a 'Little Piggy,' because one of the residents, who never seems to appear before midday, wasn't with us. Then we watched part of 'The Sound of Music.' Another film I remember going to see when it was originally released, probably around 1965, and going with my father instead of my grandmother, and all he did was complain about the cost of the cinema seats, no doubt shown at the Granada cinema in St Peters Street, now demolished and the site now a branch of Lidl. Great pity. At one point it had the second largest cinema screen after the Odeon Marble Arch in London. Just one question I have to ask about the 'Sound of Music.' How come Captain Von Trapp (played by Christopher Plummer) is a sea captain, because if the film is set in Austria, which has no coastline, how come they had a navy? Or did they? Which navy was he a sea captain of? Then we did an improvisation, based loosely on the scene where the children march out when the Captain blows his whistle. I'm not sure it worked but we will need to rehearse it some more before it's perfect.

The residents at Camphill have done some sort of training since the coronavirus outbreak. They mustn't shake hands but touch elbows. Although i'm not sure that isn't as bad as hand-shaking as it's still touching. Wearing of face masks, which we see a lot of on television news since this epidemic began, somewhere in China, because these things are mean't to be worn once and then only for a shot time and then, if you touch them on the outside when you take them off, that would spread the virus, so in that case they are pointless.

(Wednesday) I've been shopping in Sainsbury's this morning and I saw the aisle where the toilet rolls are and a lot of shelf space is empty, due,  no doubt, to total panic buying. I can't see why particularly toilet rolls. Pasta as well, apparently. No doubt some crazy item in one of the more reactionary newspapers, such as the Daily Mail or Express. It's a sort of siege mentality.

It's nowhere near as blustery and cold today. Do I get a sense of it being almost spring-like, or is that being a bit too optimistic?

I've discovered that there's going to be an 'Alice In Wonderland' exhibition to be staged at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, starting in June. I am something of an 'Alice' fanatic and read it avidly when I was a child and it has really fascinated me even as an adult, so it's a must for me to visit an exhibition which is going to have some of the original artwork which was done by the illustrator Sir John Tenniel as well as preliminary artwork for the 1950's Walt Disney animated cartoon as well as a good deal more, so I will have to get my ticket on-line, which is the only way it would seem you can get to see the exhibition, timed-ticket only. I only found out about this exhibition whilst listening to Classic FM which I had on when I was driving to Camphill the other day, so thanks to them and whoever was the presenter, I think probably John Suchet. I think I may wait until the coronavirus situation is under control before deciding whether I go to this exhibition. I don't fancy going into London and putting myself at risk of catching the thing. I don't want to, but it makes sense.

Calmer Weather and Camphill Days

I'm now taking Alfie out for his early morning walk a good deal earlier now that it's light by 7.30. I had to wake him up, which is unusual because it's usually the other way round. I was surprised that there was some ice on the car's rear window when we walked past and it was good that the howling wind had gone and no rain! The puddle along the path which we walk along towards Oldbrook Green was gone and I am glad we don't have to walk through it. By the time we'd crossed Oldbrook Boulevard and went to the doggy bin I saw the 'Mystery Lady' walking along the road near The Cricketers public house. She was hardly dressed appropriately for such a cold morning, although I don't see her stop any vehicles.

I went to Camphill as usual. We did a rehearsal of 'Stranger Danger' and I stood in for one of the regulars who doesn't always appear in the morning. I got into trouble from one of the ladies. I'm not sure exactly what I was supposed to have done wrong, but anyway, we didn't rehearse for long because after last week, when we had the visitors and things were disordered as a result of not knowing they were coming, this week we watched more of 'Oliver!' and then began to work on the improvisation that Teo had suggested. We still have to more of the films to watch, which I expect we will get round to next week.

(Thursday) Another calm day on the weather front. I'm going to Camphill this morning, helping with a teacher's conference which is being run in the Chrysalis Theatre. I'm not leaving home until after 9 o'clock in an attempt to avoid the aggressive driving I have to endure as I drive there and the volume of traffic should hopefully be very much reduced.

I left for Camphill a good deal later than usual and the traffic wasn't as hectic as it is if I go earlier. Cross the roundabouts at Marlborough Street, Childs Way and Portway, before I eventually reached Camphill was a good deal easier than on other occasions.

Three tables had been set up in the foyer of the Chrysalis Theatre, with coffee and tea and cups as well as biscuits and other snacks ready for the conference delegates. A couple of the residents who are part of the Tuesday drama workshop were already in attendance behind one of the two bars, organising coffee and tea, but Matthew, who has latched on to me since I started volunteering with the group, wasn't around and I soon learned that he was in hospital. He is diabetic and he doesn't take control of his blood sugar levels, which often get dangerously high. So, because he wasn't there, I had to help serve tea and coffee and make sure that there were adequate supplies when they ran low. The delegates arrived around 9.45 and we started to serve them their tea and coffee. The first session the delegates had was at 10.30 and two of the residents did the introduction to The Chrysalis Theatre, which we had done several weeks ago as a practice and it reminds those who use the Chrysalis things such as fire safety and where the toilets are. This gave us time to get the cups washed and they were stacked in the washing machine behind one of the bars and then taken out when finished and repositioned on the tables ready for when the delegates came out (which was around 12.15.) I had been wondering what they were going to eat for lunch and discovered that they were having pizza, but I imagined that they would order from Domino or Pizza Hut and have them delivered, but I soon discovered that they were being made in the Camphill bakery and that we would have to go and collect them with two trolleys. We went over to the bakery with the trolleys and, walking into the bakery kitchen, there was a delicious aroma, of pizzas and on several metal serving platters were the pizza slices, which were placed on the trolleys and then taken over to the Chrysalis. Unfortunately they had to be put on tables which had been set up on the stage, behind the screen which had been lowered for the conference, being used for the computer projector. We had to sneak into the theatre with the trolley and put the pizza on the tables, but we weren't actually supposed to go in with the conference still in progress, but there was no other way to get in and set the platters up. It has only just occurred to me that the Chrysalis doesn't have dock doors which would allow scenery to be taken in or out and very little space to store scenery as you would normally have in a theatre, something I have used and seen in the theatres I've worked in. This would normally been how we could have got backstage without disturbing the conference.

A lot of the pizzas didn't get eaten. There were several platters which came back to the foyer and it meant that we could eat some of them! The remainder were taken to the various homes within the Camphill community. I just don't think the teachers who came to the conference were all that keen on pizza, but Camphill and in particular, the Chrysalis, doesn't have a professional kitchen to prepare food, with the main consideration being storage of food in refrigerators to keep food at the correct temperature.

The conference came to a close at 2.30. We were wondering if the delegates would come out and spend time in the foyer chatting and want coffee and tea, so we were ready, but nobody wanted a drink although some gathered in the foyer area but gradually dispersed. One the theatre was clear we began clearing up, folding the tables, folding the table cloths and generally tidying and I was finished by 3.30.

In Like A Lion and Out Like A Lamb

(Thursday)I was out with Alfie at around 6.50 this morning, but no sooner had I gone out of the front door of Dexter House I realised that it was wet and then suddenly, that it was snowing. Alfie isn't a fan of snow, so we weren't out there more than five minutes and as soon as I said 'shall we go home?' he turned tail (quite literally) and we were heading back to the warmth of the flat. I'm just glad that I don't have to drive anywhere today if that's the case as I don't enjoy driving in falling snow, or, indeed, any snow of any sort. Just unpleasant.

I took Alfie out again at around 9.30, by which time the snow had more or less stopped and as I write this at 10.35, the sun is shining and there is very little sign of snow.

(Friday) This morning, not a hint of snow. Hardly seems possible that barely 24 hours ago I was looking out of the window with the white stuff fluttering down from the heavens. Not a single speck of the stuff, mercifully, but it's now raining. The pavements outside are wet and there's more than ever puddles walking along Strudwick Drive towards Oldbrook Green.

(Saturday) Another night with a howling wind which kept me awake. I'm writing this at 6.15a.m. Alfie is determined to get my attention and wants to be taken out, but with the wind at full strength, I'm reluctant to go out, although we will be going out at around 6.45, or at least, as soon as it gets light. Apparently this storm is called Jorge, but I don't remember the names of the storm prior to this one, because the last one was Dennis. What about E, F, G,H and I?

It's Leap Day today, which might not mean much unless your birthday is today. I can't imagine what it would be like to have a birthday every four days. Seems to be just an excuse for companies to attempt to cash in on selling you something or offering so much of the price of something you probably didn't want or need in the first place.

(Sunday) Colder than ever this morning. It might look bright and sunny at 7.15a.m., but as soon as I had gone out with Alfie, I was surprised how cold it was. In fact, I was shocked by the cold having an effect on my heart and I thought I was going to have an angina attack, but it didn't come to that, although I had my G.T.N. spray in the pocket of my Regatta jacket. I was glad to get back to the warmth of the flat and so was Alfie!

I'm shocked by the amount of litter that is to be found all around Oldbrook Green. There are several rubbish bins dotted around the area, but still people seem reluctant to put it in any of the bins. There is a sort of covered seating area which is used by youths and then all around it are beer bottles and cans and the nearest rubbish bin is a mere handful of feet away. Just laziness in my opinion that they can't be bothered to put their rubbish in the bins. Then, a gang of youths, presumably from Milton Keynes Academy, walking along the path towards Oldbrook Green, and only a short time later a litter of rubbish, presumably from them, dropped along the path when I follow them with Alfie only minutes later. I was always under the impression that this generation of children were aware of environmental issues, probably more than my generation, so why is there an issue with dropping rubbish everywhere? It's just sheer laziness.

So, why 'in like a lion and out like a lamb'? Having done a bit of a search on the internet, this is what I discovered:

According to a saying which dates back to the 17th century, or, according to a later account, sometimes the other way around. The old saying is a cliché in modern meteorological circles, but it's not necessarily  a reliable forecasting guide. March is the transition between winter and summer, often starting with stormy weather before becoming mild later. In this sense the saying is simply an observation of the common seasonal pattern. However, it fails if it's taken to be a specific weather predictor, with studies failing to find a correlation between especially bad weather at the start of March and good weather at it's end.

One idea which has recently gained currency is that the saying refers to the stars. At the start of March, the constellation Leo (The Lion) is on the eastern horizon at sunset. By the end of the month. Aries, (The Ram) is on the western horizon. It's an ingenious explanation, but fails to account for the saying occurring specifically in weather folklore. According to another theory the saying is biblical. Jesus's first appearance was as the sacrificial lamb, but He will return as the Lion of Judah, hence those symbolic animals, inconveniently though, the older version definitely put the lion first.

Regardless of all the above, this morning (Monday) it's quiet outside. No wind and reasonably sunny and definitely NO RAIN. In fact, it's really quite spring-like. Let's just hope that it remains that way for the time being.