Spring-like Weather

(Saturday) It's a really sunny and bright morning. There are even more flowers thrusting their way through the soil. Not just snowdrops, daffodils (though I don't reckon all of them are technically daffodils) but also what look vaguely like bluebells and violets and there are catkins on some of the willow bushes (I imagine they must be because willows have catkins) and there is blossom coming out on the May trees. Well, I think they're May trees or Hawthorn. Since looking via Google I learn that they are one and the same.

(Saturday) From bright and sunny yesterday to being chilly and foggy this morning. I imagine that it will burn off if and when the sun comes out.

(Sunday) Another foggy morning. It hadn't burnt off when I went out with Alfie around 9.15.

I've seen several of the little robotic 'pods' over the last few days. One crossing over Strudwick Drive from the path leading to the primary school. It waited at the kerbside to cross over. How on earth do these things 'know' when it's safe for them to cross the road? I presume they have some sort of sensor which can tell when something or someone is close. But how far away? It then crossed the road and went in the direction of Fishermead. For some unexplained reason I can't use this service as they won't take orders within Oldbrook. Which seems odd, when I see these 'pods' going through the estate. I saw another one further down Oldbrook Boulevard, crossing from Oldbrook Green towards the school. I would like to order something just to give it a try. A newspaper of some sweets. Just seems ridiculous when they come through Oldbrook.

(Monday) Another Monday and a new month. I find it really hard to believe that we're three months into 2021. Christmas, such as it was, seems lightyears behind. It's cold out, and there's a thin fog hanging over Milton Keynes. I imagine it will burn off when, or if, the sun breaks through.

Later. I have managed to transfer all my handwritten material into word processing. I have used speech to text, which saves a good deal of time, as I merely read it out and it appears in more or less perfect word processed text. Mind you, it has a habit of mistaking some words and I need to check it, but apart from that, a few tweeks here and there and it's done. Around 27 pages and 7,000 words.

We're now being informed that there's yet ANOTHER virus variant. So? What do you expect me to do about it? If we keep on running away from this 'virus', in whatever form it's in, we'll never get out of lockdown. We should get some form of herd immunity as we do with any virus, be it from flu or other winter bugs that are flying about. You can't keep running away from it forever. I'm sure mankind has been able to survive for thousands of years with various viruses and bacteria. I remember my mother exposed us to all manner of bugs when we were children, having every sort of ailment going, from flu through mumps (not nice, I can tell you.) so we got through all those illnesses when we were young and built up an immunity. Also, living on a farm exposed us to dirt and muck and must have helped up build up immunity. As it is, today we're far to obsessed with cleanliness, anti bacterial this and that, which, in the end, does more harm than good. Killing off the natural flora which the body needs to fight infection. Look what has happened in hospitals with MRSA, the over-use of antibiotics such as penicillin and other similar drugs.

(Tuesday) A relatively mild morning with no fog. We were out around 6.30, which is great, because it's getting lighter earlier and earlier each morning. Very spring-like. Not much else to report at the moment.

Unlocking Lockdown

 (Wednesday) We have workmen currently in Dexter House. They have been taking out asbestos, as I must have mentioned before elsewhere in these blog posts. They've worked their way round three sections, along the corridors and finally they are working on the area around the SHO's office and front doors. Parts of the ceiling have been replastered and the walls painted. But today someone is using a drill, or at least,  noisy machine that is causing me to have a headache. It's not the most pleasant of noises, but I suppose they have to do it as part of the work, but I shall be more than pleased when it's finished.

Later. It's surprisingly sunny and warm today. Just been out with Alfie (10.10a.m.) The buds are bursting, the daffodills and crocuses are pushing their way up through the earth (by the way, is the plural of crocuses crocui? Also, the plural of stadium is stadia or is it an ae ending? Sports commentators on television never get it right, but probably didn't do Latin at school. Do schools even teach Latin? They should.) Banging and noise currently going on. I reckon it's in the adjacent flat, but  not entirely sure, but I hear loud footsteps going up and down the stairs and there's large bot-sized footprints on the stair carpet, so it must be. Getting a bit like Sherlock Holmes. The mystery continues.

Letting my imagination run away. Not a bit thing really.

(Thursday) I'm somewhat dumbfounded by the fact that the furniture item I ordered from Amazon on 3rd February was not delivered as expected yesterday. I can't see why it's taking so long, but I just have to be a bit more patient and wait a bit longer. No real explanation on the Amazon website, although it's being delivered by UPS and nothing on their website either.

Dafodills opening up all over Oldbrook, along the side of the roads and around Oldbrook Green. Definite signs of spring.

I have attempted to telephone UPS and the company who sold the piece of furniture through Amazon but absolutely no response and still no sign of the thing or any explanation as to why it wasn't delivered yesterday or any other details. 

(Friday) Been out with Alfie well before 7 o'clock this morning. There had been a frost overnight as there was evidence of it on the grass. A huge moon seen over the centre of Milton Keynes, looking really dramatic. It would have made a brilliant subject for a photograph, but, having attempted this before, it more than likely wouldn't be in such a good position over the buildings if I returned later.

(Saturday) Well, things not any different to the rest of the week really, so I'll have to wait and see if there's anything else to write about.

Frosty this morning, which was a bit of a surprise. The moon again a large silver penny (!) and quite surprising. 

Spring Is In The Air!

It may still be winter- officially- but there is a definite spring-like feeling in the air. The sun is out, the birdies are singing their little hearts out and there are even snowdrops coming out all over the place. I'm not sure of crocuses, but they can't be far off blooming. I saw daffodils on sale in Sainsbury's (which reminds me. Next time I'm in there I'll have to buy some as they were Carol's favourite flowers and I'd buy some for her when I could and put them in a vase. Can't think where the vase is, but I'm sure I can find one somewhere.) Next thing you'll see will be Easter eggs.

(Thursday) Another day. There's a surprise. Schools not going back until the beginning of March. It must be difficult home schooling. Getting children to concentrate. Glad it's not me.

I keep getting telephone calls. I had a landline phone and a mobile. When I answer, there's invariably a bit of a pause. A voice, sounding Indian or at least Asian. They can never pronounce my name, Murdoch, comes over as Murdosh. I get the idea. It's a scam of some sort. They usually ask 'our technical department has detected a problem with our computer.' Sometimes they say 'Microsoft,' which isn't the operating system of my computer. Or, they say there's a problem with my internet connection, which I know full well there isn't. Or my bank account, with a bank company i'm not with. I shan't say here. Do they think I'm naive and just go ahead and give them my bank details? Certainly not. 

It's sunny and bright when I take Alfie out. A definite feeling of spring in the air. Definitely no sign of snow or ice.

(Friday) A really mild and particularly unseasonable morning. Got out with Alfie a little after 7.30 and came in through the side door. I now have a key, which saves time, rather than coming back in through the front door. This is because next week the central area of Dexter House will be out of bounds as workmen are removing asbestos. I wouldn't have been able to take Alfie out through that area, hence the extra key to get out through the side door.

Yesterday afternoon, around 330 or so, I got a telephone call from Lloyd's Pharmacy to say they couldn't make up my latest repeat prescription. The alternative was for me to go into Sainsbury's and retrieve the printed prescription so as to get it made up elsewhere. I coupon't think where to take it without having to traipse around Milton Keynes, visiting endless pharmacies. I've never had this problem before with any of my medication, so this was something of a surprise. Probably something to do with the supplier they use, but I'm not entirely sure. I then thought I might go to Aldi which is opposite my doctor's surgery in Bradwell Common where there is a branch of Boots and then I can shop in Aldi's as they do a great selection of puddings and I can get a piece of steak for tomorrow's evening meal, a bit of a treat. So, I first went to Sainsbury's after I'd done my washing and drove to fill the car with diesel at the Esso station in Child's way and then on to Sainsbury's. I got the printed-out prescription and bought two bunches of daffodils, which is something I do (as mentioned elsewhere about the fact that Carol loved daffodils and I gt them at this time of year as a sort of memory.) Then, on to Bradwell Common. Boots didn't have the medication in stock (where have I heard this before?) but they could order it and I might be able to collect it tomorrow if I ring them to check they do have the medication. Just means a further drive tomorrow at some point or other during the day. Never mind.

When I got back from my little outing, no sooner I'd got through the door (I was preparing to take Alfie out at this particular moment in time.) the telephone rang. Hello, I thought, I can have a bit of fun here! It was another of those Asian voices, who can never pronounce 'Murdoch' properly. Also, being on my mobile, the number they are ringing from is displayed, Manchester. I immediately realise what their game is and say 'there really is nothing wrong with my computer or my broadband connection,' and say, 'I know this is a scam!" and they put the phone down sharpish. As my mother would say 'I may be green, but I'm not cabbage-looking!' or something like that as regards this type of thing.

(Later) I've had yet ANOTHER of those telephone calls. Again, I had a game with the person who rang. Do they really think people will fall for their scam? Probably some people made, but I'm not going to to fall for their game. I know that, generally, I am fairly what you'd call 'on the ball' with this sort of thing, but there are those who fall hook line and sinker for this type of thing and, unfortunately, get ripped off and some hand over their life savings to these criminals. There is even one sick person 'out there' sending either emails or making telephone calls attempting to get people to hand over money for the latest coronavirus vaccine, which as we all know (or at least, we should know) these vaccines are free. But people do fall for the scams.

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.

Getting Warmer!

(Tuesday) I'm still intent on going out with Alfie a good deal later. 6.20 is really far too early, but don't ask Afie for his opinion. It started out bright and sunny, but as I write this at 12.40p.m. it's become somewhat overcast. We are promised a bit of a heatwave later in the week. I do hope so, because my shorts and short-sleeved shirt still resides in the wardrobe.

Phil and his son Robert turned up at around 9.40 to attempt to finish off the garden. Robert used the new Strimmer they bought but it shed a piece that prevented it from working, apparently a spring which goes in the spindle on which the fishing line is coiled and which cuts the grass. He managed to cut down the grass at the back of the house and Phil has dug over the flower bed at the front of the house. I bought four plant pots with minature daffodils, which were a speciality of Carol's, and now they have finished he has dead-headed them and planted the bulbs in the newly-dug flower bed. A large amount of broken glass has been found in the flower bed. I can't think where it's come from. Possibly from a window, but I can't be sure. You'd think if someone broke it, from whatever cause, they could at least pick it up and put it somewhere safe. It's the same with the two garden sheds that go with this property. In each there is stuff which must have belonged to former tenants. I wish they could have disposed of it before they left. Part of a computer and oddments in the meter cupboard which is at the front of the house and ancient mattress and oddments in both sheds. Taking up vital space which could be my things and there's nowhere else to store it.

Garry is coming back to help put up the replacement clothing rail in the cupboard in my bedroom. He had to deal with a flood at the school where he works and next week one of his daughters is getting married so he's busy but be spoke to me earlier when Phil and Robert were here and informs me that he will go to get the parts for the clothing rail tomorrow morning. As I will be going to Camphill tomorrow I won't be home until at least 4.30 so he should be able to come and fit the rail tomorrow evening. I hope so, because currently I have the clothing which fell down when the rail collapsed last week. I haven't got enough space in the IKEA wardrobe to put this excess clothing.

The artful squirrel has been back. I saw it hanging upside down on the bird feeding station. How on earth it manages to hold on I can't imagine. I would love to get a photo of it, but  by the time I've set up the camera it would be too late, unfortunately. I suppose I could always set it up on the tripod with the telephoto lens fitted, but there again just a slight noise, probably of the shutter going off would scare it away. It sat on the fence staring at the house for quite some time. It's as if it expects me to be watching. Crafty thing!

Signs of Spring . . . and Snow?

I haven't written a blog post for the past couple of days. Not like me to miss a day or two, but in all honesty there's not a lot for me to talk about at the moment. So with this post I may just waffle on a bit. So here goes. Don't blame me that it's going to be boring. It's up to you to decide.

When I started writing this it was a bright and sunny morning. It's mild out as it is at the moment. I actually went out yesterday without my coat. I had a short-sleeved shirt on. It was so hot in the car. It's crazy. We're lead to believe that it's going to turn colder and we can expect more snow. I sincerely hope not. The expression 'nay cast a clout until May be out' does make a lot of sense. We're not into the month of May. This is early March and surely we can expect cold weather. It's the thing I mentioned a few blog post back, about British people putting up with most things. The stoical nature of this nation. Or so I thought. We've become pathetic and don't seem to be able to deal with bad weather, a bit of snow and cold. So, if we do get a couple of day's of frost and snow, we should just buckle down and get on with things instead of wingeing and whining. If a train is late, just grin and bare it. Why have we become a nation of complainers? Is it because, particularly with the internet, it's so easy to make a complaint when you're not in a sort of face-to-face situation. Would people be so ready to make a statement to someone's face if they had to? You can hide behind the facelessness of the internet where you wouldn't if you were in the same room as a person you're complaining to or making unpleasant comments about.

There are definite signs of spring. We have bulbs coming up and blooming in the garden. There are the first green shoots of daffodils on some of the roundabouts around Milton Keynes. We saw daffodils blooming in one of the courtyard gardens when we visited the hospital the other day. I'm not actually sure that they were daffodils. I think they were the miniature variety. Perhaps not actually a daffodil but a jonquil (which I learned having done a Google search.) The famous Wordsworth poem 'Daffodills' was inspired by William and Dorothy Wordsworth coming across some daffodils, but there's a real doubt that the flowers they saw were actually daffodils and probably some sort of narcissus similar to daffodils. How I manage to wander from the subject. But does it matter? I think not.

Alfie is in desperate need of a trim. He needs to go to a groomer's and have a really good haircut. His nails need a trim. He has go caught up in one of he crocheted blankets the other day and he has nasty matted mess under each eyes which he won't let us touch, which I presume means they irritate. It's managing to fit in his appointment when Carol isn't having chemotherapy which is difficult. I had hoped to take him to The Groom Room at Pets At Home at Bletchley, but they are always booked solid.  We then decided to try and find a mobile groomer. We used one a couple of years ago, but they were booked up and weren't taking on new clients. So I went on line and Googled 'mobile dog groomers' in Milton Keynes. I rang a couple, without any success. I wanted to get a booking in the next week or two. Not possible. Or, again, some were not taking on new clients. Then having left our number at another groomer, I got a call and I've managed to get Alfie booked in for a groom on 4th April in the afternoon.

It's almost 4 o'clock as I write this. It's still quite bright and there's almost certainly no sign of snow. It's just not cold enough for the white stuff. Will it or won't it? Do the weather forecasters ever make a mistake? We'll know by the morning if the forecasters got it right . . . or not. 

Signs Of Spring

Goodness gracious! What's this? The sun is out and there are definite signs of spring. There are daffodills blooming outside the Academy and crocuses are popping up all along the Milton Keynes grid roads.  Having said all this, the roads around here are in a really bad state of repair, most likely as a result of three really bad winters. There are potholes on many of the grid roads and roundabouts which are really hard to avoid. Some of the drains along the kerbs are in such a bad state of disrepair, particularly where you come off the roundabouts, that you have a really difficulty avoiding. I wonder how many people have their cars damaged by these pothole and put in claims for compensation from Milton Keynes Council.  This may account for one of our front tyres always loosing pressure as it always needs air putting into it as it is always virtually flat whenever we go out in the car.

There has been something of a cold wind blowing, not metaphorically, but genuinely and when I dropped off Carol at the Academy this morning we almost got blown away! Hopefully if the weather holds up we can go out this weekend. Let's hope so.