Small Dog, No Go

Wednesday. 6.30 a.m. Nothing much to report. I have been out and walked with Alfie around Oldbrook Green.

I turned on BBC Breakfast this morning and discovered that there had been yet another massacre at a school in America to my complete and utter horror. It just doesn't seem possible that the American people can allow this sort of thing to be repeated so many times and STILL not have any sort of legislation in place to prevent it from happening. In Britain, we have had similar incidents, but then our government has dealt with it by bringing in legislation to prevent it, or at least make it more difficult for a madman to run amuck in society and kill people. In America, it seems too easy to get hold of weapons without any sort of control, such as requiring a gun licence. They just don't seem to learn from this sort of incident. Why was the gunman allowed to even get into the school? Why no security? C.C.T.V. or gates and barriers to at least slow down a rampaging gunman to enter? I remember when Carol was working at Milton Keynes Academy, to get in you had to stop at the gate (that is, if you were driving in, as I did many times.) you had to press a key on the keypad and wait for the receptionist to answer and then you were let in and then, once, inside the building, you were seen on C.C.T.V. and if you needed to go beyond the reception area, you would be met by a staff member. 

3.00 p.m. I took Alfie out mid-morning and as soon as I put my foot out through the door, I was almost sent flying by an idiot on one of those confounded electric scooters. I never heard it approaching. No noise, no warning or anything. I dread to think what sort of injury I would have received if I had been in the middle of the path. They never slow down and expect you to move out of the way for them. These things should be regulated and the operator/drivers should have insurance and wear a helmet. Then I saw one being ridden on the road, which is crazy because they don't have any sort of protection if they were run into by a motorized vehicle. Just an accident waiting to happen. Goodness knows what it must be like for people with poor eyesight or no eyesight or someone in a wheelchair or with poor mobility.

Thursday. 5.30 a.m. Today would have been Carol and my 15th wedding anniversary. I won't say any more about it on here.

Alfie and I went out at around 5.25 this morning. It was light, and I could hear the birdies singing, so it seemed a good idea. I don't lounge around in bed, as you probably realize.

1.55 p.m. I've been to the Oaktree Centre this morning to help set up and pack away for the playgroup that meets every week. Then I was invited to a Bible study and was the only man amongst about eight women. It didn't matter and then afterwards I helped pack the gear away after the playgroup.

The excitement doesn't get much better. Well, it might or it might not. They're going to plant a . . . wait for it, wait for it. . . . Make sure you're sitting down. . . . A Jubilee rose bush! Just think of it. It doesn't get much better. Sorry for being sarcastic, but do you honestly think we could live without this? Why on earth a ROSE bush? Why not a grand piano, or even a day out at the seaside? I had to stifle a guffaw when I heard. Who is going to plant it? Will it be bug-free? Will the slugs and snails nibble on it?

Friday. 5.25 a.m. I was out with Alfie at 5.10 this morning! How much earlier can I get out and walk around Oldbrook Green? I think I totally took Alfie by surprise when I picked him up off my bed where he had been snoozing.

So, this is the day I get to leave Fogeyville and drive to Worcester, not forgetting taking Alfie across Milton Keynes to be cared for by Whitney who has kindly volunteered to take care of him this long weekend. I'd partially packed up and organised and will start putting things in the car, which is already fuelled and ready for the off!

Later. I have to report that my trip to Worcester was cancelled. I drove to Wolverton Mill, where Whitney lives. She was going to look after Alfie for the weekend. I parked as close to her flat as possible and then unloaded Alfie and took him into her flat. But once I left him with Whitney, Alfie wouldn't stop barking and was distressed when I left him. There was no way I could leave him in distress and also I think Whitney was somewhat distressed. I wasn't expecting this situation. I really imagined I would be able to leave him and then drive away. Unfortunately, that wasn't going to happen. I think it's because he has latched onto me and we've been locked down together for two years due to the pandemic as well as just having me around since Carol passed away. I'm not sure how to overcome this situation so I can go to Worcester without him. If anyone has any ideas, please let me know.

As a result of going to Worcester, I hadn't stocked up with enough food for the weekend. I didn't have anything for the usual evening meal, so I ordered a rather tasty Thai green curry through Deliveroo, which I have never used before. The app has been on my iPad for a while, but I hadn't used it before. But we were back to the situation of the delivery driver not knowing where to deliver to. I had put on the order, to make sure the driver delivered to my flat in Dexter House, but I got a call from the driver as he couldn't find the flat. Even with a huge new sign outside! I'll say no more about this, but it is annoying.

Saturday. 6.20 a.m. Once again, Alfie and I were out bright and early. This time about 5.10. A chilly but bright and sunny morning. What more can I say? These reports are getting a bit repetitive.