Ying Tong Diddle I Po!

 Thursday. 1.20 p.m. A bright and sunny day. I went to the Oaktree Centre and discovered that a theatre company is putting on a show, 'Songs From The Shows' or a similar title. After the Bible study, we set up chairs in the main hall for the show this evening.

6.15 p.m. Oh, what fun! I was eating my evening meal, as I normally do at this time of day, with the game show 'Pointless' on television, when the merry sound of the fire alarm started up. My immediate reaction was to close the door from the lounge into the hall and then put some loud music on my television set, playing through the soundbar. Fortunately, it didn't last for very long, because I heard a fire engine arriving and then there was silence! I think someone had burnt their toast or forget to remove something from their oven. I think if there was a charge for this, then there might be fewer of these incidents.

Friday. 5.00 a.m. Up out of bed and taking Alfie out as usual. It's a bit windy and overcast. I just hope the wind settles, and the sun comes out. Well, as the song says, 'The Sun'll Come Out Tomorrow.' 

12.05 p.m. I've been out with the Hohem gimbal, walking along the Grand Union Canal near Peartree Bridge. It was such a fine morning, with the sun out and a slight breeze, it seemed the perfect opportunity to have a go at some filming (actually videoing, but I'm being pedantic.). I was disappointed that there were no ducks, but I did see a heron. I must get the focus sorted out, as it was a bit off. Not a problem. I was also hoping to see some narrow boats, but none of them either. Perhaps I should start the walk next time nearer to where the Red Way comes out of Eaglestone, near the dinosaur sculpture and the patch goes towards Woughton-On-The-Green. I have already viewed the results on my iPad. I'm getting the hang of using the gimbal. It seems a good idea to attempt to keep the horizon in approximately the same position in each shot.

Saturday, 5.30 a.m. Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson has resigned. He says he was forced out, over the so-called 'Partygate' investigation. Well, all I can say, in all honesty, he had to go. Biggest liar of the century. Couldn't tell the truth if it came out and bit him. If you can't trust your leader, then, who on earth can you trust? It's the same with former U.S. President, Donald Trump. He lied just to get where he wanted to and then left office, taking important and highly secret and dangerous documents with him, which were found in his home in Florida. Just because he has money, he thinks he can pay off people and get away with it.

There is a health warning out today, suggesting that there will be a heatwave across Britain, with the possibility of temperatures reaching somewhere in the region of 30ºC. Those with a health problem, such I     have with my heart, are warned to keep out of the sun and remain indoors. I think sun hats and shorts should be worn outdoors. So, it's likely to be warm and humid.

10.15 a.m. I've been to Sainsbury's to buy a few items. Not a 'big shop.' It's relatively quiet early on a Saturday, so it's obviously the best time to go.

It's getting warm. I got home and then took Alfie out. I don't think he appreciates the warm weather. He doesn't appreciate cold, either. I think he's a bit like me regarding weather, we both like it mid-way, I suppose you might say 'temperate.' The digital thermometer currently reads 24º. I have windows open to create a through draught. 

A New US President and Flooding

(Thursday) Quite chilly when we went out at 7.30 this morning, but it wasn't raining. A cold wind blowing.

On BBC Breakfast, reports on the flooding, particularly in Didsbury, near the River Mersey. Water levels quite dramatically high and people's homes completely submerged. The situation is made more difficult when people have to be evacuated and issues regarding the pandemic, especially with social distancing and the fact that there was heavy snow falling which is really hampering any sort of work.

Joe Biden, the new President of the U.S.A., reversing a lot of Donald Trump's legislation and orders, particularly those involving climate change and no doubt at some stage, that connected with what's called 'Obama Care.' The big question everyone is asking is, will Trump be impeached for a second time? The American Senate has agreed he should be, after the awful storming of the Capitol by Trump supporters on January 6th, being motivated by Donald Trump. He will be the only President of the United States to be impeached twice, but it seems a bit odd if this second impeachment goes ahead now he has left the White House.

I've taken Alfie out again, around 2.30. We crossed over Oldbrook Boulevard and no sooner had I begun walking around the Green than an idiot on a bicycle almost collided with me. More interested in his mobile than the safety of others walking along. It's crazy that anyone would even consider fiddling with their mobile phone as they were cycling along. Just dangerous. For all that, it's been quite windy but the sun has been out.

On BBC News this evening, Boris Johnson has said that lockdown is likely to continue until the summer. I realise that it's necessary to control the spread of coronavirus, but we do need some sort of plan put in place or at least considered, how we will get out of this situation. If things aren't to return to as near normal as possible, I foresee more mental health issues as a result of uncertainty, what with not knowing what is going to happen, how jobs can be protected, particularly in the hospitality industry. I know I'm biased in this respect, but what about theatre? We hear a lot (in my opinion, far too much) about football and how it has been effected by lockdown, but theatre as well as other related industries, such as film and television production, is a vital part of this country's economy. Currently we have a large number of Hollywood films being made in British film studios, such as Pinewood, Shepperton and Elstree. Not only are actors out of work, many are self employed. Then there are the ancillary jobs which are connected to these industries, make-up, wardrobe, set construction, props, box office and so on. Then, consider all the restaurants and bars which are in the vicinity of a theatre which would be visited by theatre audiences. Add to that, companies who supply hospitality outlets, breweries, food, fruit and vegetable, meat and fish. The list goes on and on.

There's another variant of the coronavirus which is said to be more dangerous, although the R-number has fallen. They are now saying the epidemic is slowing down. Let's hope it just fizzles out and we can all get back to some sort of normal.

I've managed to complete the coffee table by building the drawer. One of the side panels was the wrong way round and I have now dismantled it and it's now the right way round. I then found that the handle for the drawer has a missing bolt which holds the thing together. I managed to email the manufacturer, through their website. I wasn't expecting such a quick response. They will post me a bolt and it should arrive within three days. Just means with  that in place  the coffee table will be complete. 

Weather Warning

 (Tuesday morning) There is an urgent weather warning. A yellow, covering most of the country, including Milton Keynes. A real danger of flooding and people told to keep well away from rivers. There  are some people who won't heed the warnings and get themselves into trouble and need rescuing. It's been called Storm Christoph. I know they use names which are in alphabetical order and alternate male and female names.

I had a text message from my doctor's surgery about making an appointment to have the covid vaccine. I rang this morning and it's booked for this Friday at 3.20p.m. Well, at least that will be done. I think we can definitely see a  light at the end of the tunnel with this current pandemic. I'm not suggesting for one moment that we can all go around hugging each other and that life will immediately return to normal, because it's not likely to. For a start, the scientists who have developed these vaccines aren't sure how long they will be effective for and, probably more importantly, whether, once you've had it, will you be able to spread the virus, which is the main problem and basically why we have to have social distancing.

Alfie has recently had the strange habit of sitting on the sofa next to me and staring at me. I hadn't the slightest idea what it's about. I took him out earlier and thought he needed to 'do his thing,' (do I need to explain further? Probably not.) Yes, he did. But when we got back in the flat, this 'staring' business continued. Then I had a lightbulb moment. Possibly he was hungry. Staring at me was his way of trying to communicate with me. So, I gave him one of the meat sachets I use to feed him in the evening. He scoffed it down completely, so that explains the staring at me. Situation resolved and he now seems a good deal happier.

(Wednesday) I didn't wake up until 7.30 this morning. I don't think I've woken so late for goodness knows how long. On taking Alfie out we found it was windy and wet, but not the torrential rain I was expecting. We'll probably get a real downpour later in the day.

(Later) I had to go to Lloyd's Pharmacy in Sainsbury's to pick up a prescription which had been made up for me and got one or two other items at the same time. It was relatively quiet and easy to get in and out including parking the car. As I write this, the wind is blowing half a gale outside (well, it would be worst if it was inside!) They were warning on BBC Breakfast about heavy rainfall in the north of England, particularly in the area of Yorkshire that we had holidays in, the Calder Valley in particular. I feel sorry for the householders who get flooded on a regular basis in that area. I don't expect their insurance companies will pay out if you have repeated flooding. 

(Later) I've been watching the Inauguration of Joe Biden, which had been shown on television. BBC1 had it as well as the BBC News channel. As expected, Donald Trump didn't turn up, although his vice president, Mike Pence, did.  Biden's Vice President, Kamala Harris, the first woman and of colour to become his Vice President also sworn in. 

New Lockdown Restrictions???

 (Tuesday) Not actually sure which day of the week it was. Just goes to show the effect being in lockdown has.

There's the possibility of the measures the government has put in place to slow the virus's transmission might be strengthened. Matt Hancock,  Secretary of State for Health has said it may be necessary for face covering to be required by law when we're outside. But this is crazy, because, surely, viruses are dispersed in the open air. Obviously you need to wear one in enclosed spaces, in supermarkets, for example, but not outside. I don't see the point. I'm not really convinced that they make a lot of difference. As for me, breathing in my own hot breath is unpleasant over a long period. I was in Aldi the other day and I had to wait in a queue at the checkout and I was feeling quite uncomfortable. I think I was liable to pass out, not something I want to do in public. It's just not pleasant. Also, because I wear glasses, they steam up. Also, they make speaking really difficult.

I have been into Sainsbury's to collect the Bisoprolol which was ready for collection from Lloyd's Pharmacy. It's a good time to go grocery shopping because there were very few other shoppers in there. I got a few items which were running out, but I shall do a full shop tomorrow after I get paid.

I'm watching something rather special on the BBC iPlayer (it's also broadcast on BBC1.) It's called 'Staged' and has David Tennant and Michael Sheen in it. They are stuck in lockdown (very current.) and attempting to rehearse a play 'Six Characters In Search of an Author,' by Pirendello. It's what you might call 'meta' meaning it is self referential. These brilliant actors play versions of themselves and at times appear as if they're chatting via something like Zoom. It's very funny (but I warn you because the language can be quite strong. Quite a lot of swear words used, but having worked myself with actors, I know some of them can be a bit raw with their language.) But it's very good and well worth watching. I'm watching the first run of episodes and will eventually get to the second run soon. It's such a simple idea and I only wish I'd had the idea. I have mentioned 'Car Share' on my blog and that's a simple idea and something else I enjoy. It just goes to show that you can create a piece of drama in the most basic of manners and still be quite dramatic or funny.

(Wednesday) I've been back to Sainsbury's to do a proper shop. Enough food for several weeks so I shouldn't have to go out again shopping for a while, except probably to get milk.

It's quite mild this morning, although there was a fog over the city centre as we approached Oldbrook Green.

Later. I'm watching, via YouTube, the American Senate debating the Impeachment of Donald Trump. Last Wednesday there was an assault on the Capitol by a mob of  Trump supporters, attempting to disrupt the legislative process to allow the transition of Donald Trumps presidency to Joe Biden. Absolutely horrifying shots of rioters breaking into the building, the  home of U.S. democracy. Trump  did nothing to condemn the rioters. In fact, he seemed to positively encourage the disruption. He will be the only U.S President to be impeached twice. He will be leaving the White House on 20th January, when Biden is inaugurated as President. The motion of the House is that Trump attempted to an 'Incitement of Insurrection.' As a result of all this, Trump has had his Twitter and Facebook accounts suspended and possibly banned for goodness know how long, possibly permanently. The concern now is that, as America awaits the 20th January Inauguration Day, there is likely to be far more riots and disruption caused by Trump supporters. All this because Trump kept on saying that there was 'election fraud,'and that the Election was 'stolen.'when clearly there was no such thing. More than ever it's clear that the man is delusional and positively dangerous.

So, now Donald Trump is the first U.S. President to be impeached twice. Not a particularly brilliant legacy as he leaves the White House, but he has been whipping up unrest and deserves to be dealt with in this way. 

Cooler Weather

The British weather isn't very predictable, even though we get reasonably accurate weather forecasts on television. As I write this on Saturday 18th April, it's 5.30a.m. I'm awake because I can't sleep properly and I can hear what I assume is rain, so I peer out of the window and, yes, it is raining, although not heavily. Alfie will need to go out as normal. Yesterday he spent most of the day staring at me, regardless of the fact that I had taken him out at more or less the same time as we usually go out. I have to say that Oldbrook Green is beginning to be somewhat boring, just walking around it is not the most inspiring piece of grass in the country. I see that the metal construction (how to describe, a sort of bus shelter, with seats inside. I think, intended as a place for the local youth to sit. I wish I'd had somewhere similar when I was their age. The enclosed space. I think you call it a skateboarding park) with skateboarding equipment inside is meant similarly. It is enclosed by a fence and gates, but one gate is missing.) The Council has had notices fixed up telling people that their use is banned, but they could at least put 'please' and 'thank you' on them, but I don't think the type of bureaucracy who writes and prints these notices uses these words, but it would present a far more friendly attitude which might help in these times of lockdown due to the pandemic.) As I was saying, the metal shelter has tape all over it, with the intention of preventing anyone using it, but I see as I last walked past that it has been torn down. It just looks a bit unpleasant and unnecessary. It's the sort of blue and white tape that the police use when there's been an 'incident' usually of a criminal nature.

(Saturday) I have been out with Alfie and it's a bit of a shock to my system to discover that it's quite chilly outside. We weren't out that long and came back and I turned on my television to find that Bill Gates was being interviewed (presumably via Skype or FaceTime) by Charlie Stayt on BBC Breakfast. This man is amazing. He should be President of the U.S.A. instead of the raving idiot that is Donald Trump. He's pouring millions into healthcare, and will hopefully be responsible for funding research and the eventual production of a vaccine to combat the coronavirus, Covid-19. Putting his personal fortune into so many good causes. I can't see Trump doing anything anywhere similar. He has stopped financial support for the W.H.O. (World Health Organisation) what is his problem? A total maniac. Narcissistic idiot. He thinks it’s fine to end the lockdown in the U.SA. He knows nothing about the science of the virus that’s causing all this. Bill Gates is supposed to have predicted this pandemic a few years ago, but nobody took any notice and we weren't prepared. I don't think Trump could predict to the end of his stupid nose.

Later. I've been to Sainsbury's. I didn't really want to, but I had to collect a repeat prescription from the ins-store Lloyd's pharmacy. I had ordered on line yesterday morning and was amazed when I got a text to say that it was ready to collect. That must be some sort of record, because it usually takes a couple of days. I imagine that my new doctor's surgery was keeping up with repeat prescriptions. No doubt because they won't be any patients visiting the surgery for appointments. I can't imagine Ashfield Medical Centre working so hard.

A queue to get into Sainsbury's when I got there, around 8.15, and certainly not as far back into the lower carpark as it was a week or so back. People are being very cautious, as I imagine they would be, and the store is far easier to navigate compared to pre pandemic.

It is raining fairly hard now and Alfie will have to wait until it stops or at least isn't so torrential before I take him out. His treat tin is well and truly stocked up because I bought some more in Sainsbury's and he knows perfectly well that they are in the . So, he got a couple and he's now laying contentedly on the sofa near me.

(Monday) It's bright and sunny this morning, which makes life under lockdown considerably easier. I'm signed up to do another Futurelearn course, this time from Strathclyde University about the lives of those who worked in 19th Century Mills and Factories. This is something that interest me because most history is told from the viewpoint of the upper classes, the aristocracy, monarchy and politicians. It's great to get the voices of those who worked, were generally downtrodden and in a lot of cases, ignored.

I've continued with some of my writing. Not necessarily new material, but stuff which has been on my MacBook for some time. I've unearthed the handwritten stuff in the notebooks I have and transferring much of that to the iPad, using the dictation. Mind you, as I have already said. I have to keep an eye of what it writes as so much of it is incorrect and some of the things it comes up with are hilarious, as I've said. I continue with that and see how far I can get, but I think i'll give it a rest for the day as I've been on it more or less continuously for most of the morning. Alfie has been staring at me and I gave in at last and have just been to take him out. I have heard that the little Westie, belonging to a lady who lives in another flat in Dexter House, has died. I did wonder if there was something wrong with this dog, as he seemed to have strange breathing difficulties. I have been given the dog food which he had left over (not actually sure if it was a he or she.) but it is sad nevertheless. Fortunately it's the same food which Alfie already has.

(Tuesday) It's 6.15a.m. I haven't taken Alfie out yet, but he's laying on the sofa next to me and he keeps looking at me to see if I'm going to take him out. It seems quite a bright and sunny morning, so it should be pleasant out. I have done my medication and have found I have run out of dispersible aspirin. It's quite difficult to keep up with the medications which run out at different times. At one time I could order everything in one block and it was easy to keep up with repeats but somehow or other everything runs out at different times, making it difficult to keep it going. This is made more difficult at the moment with the lockdown caused by the virus thingy. I will just have to go to Sainsbury's and get some over the counter. They sell aspirin dispersible in small pots, which I prefer to those horrible blister packs. I suppose I can see why they are preferred by pharmacies as they are easier to store and probably more hygienic. Never mind, I can go and get some more fruit and a few more other items which should last for a week or two. Only problem is I have to write a list so I don't spend more time in Sainsbury's than is absolutely necessary and can just go in and me out relatively quickly. The only problem is you have to queue up which can add around 45 minutes to the shopping trip.

No Milk!

(Saturday) I've done it again! The milk was off so I couldn't have my breakfast bowl of cereal or my mug of tea. I'll just have to wait until the local shop is open and then, once I've munched my cereal and drunk my tea, I can take Alfie out around Eaglestone Park. He's watching me on from his position on the sofa. Never mind. I just didn't realise the milk was off. It came out with horrible floaty bits in it so that's the end of it.

Later. I've been to get milk from the One Stop shop in Garroways, Coffee Hall. I came back and  took Alfie out for his walk. There was absolutely no way he was going to let me have my bowl of cereal and cup of tea before we went out. But I had this when we got back. Funny little dog, a bit of a control freak, but I love him to bits. He's been a fantastic support for me during Carol's diagnosis and since she's died. made myself a cup of tea

I went to Aldi at Bradwell Common. I'm trying to wean myself off Sainsbury's. Nothing wrong with them as a supermarket, but compared with Aldi, they are not cheap. I was in and out in barely 10-15 minutes. No lingering, which is how the big supermarkets want you to behave, selling stuff that you don't really need, such as clothing, so you put it in your trolley and before you know it, your final bill has doubled or trebled. I like the fact that Aldi, as well as Lidl, is relatively small footprint and that you have little choice for some products so its easy to make a decision. Why have so many versions of the same thing, washing-up liquid, breakfast cereal, coffee or tea? Just put it in our trolley. Then, at the checkout, they speedily scan it through. Someone has had the sense to make the barcodes easy to find and they're larger than on other supermarket's packaging. You just have your shopping scanned straight into your trolley and you pack it into your own bags on a nearby shelf once you've paid, which means less waiting in the queue.

Yesterday was hot. Infact, far too hot. After the glitch on Thursday, when my heart rate increased when I went out on my way to the Oaktree Centre, I made sure I stayed indoors and out of the heat. This morning it's not as hot, although the sun is shining at 6.55a.m. I have taken Alfie out around Eaglestone Park, a bit of a surprise for him and before I had my breakfast. Now watching BBC Breakfast and Donald Trump visiting the D.M.Z. (Demilitarised Zone) between North and South Korea. I'm not sure how the pictures are being transmitted, probably via a satellite link, but the pictures keep freezing. Trump preening and making the most of the photo opportunity. He really is a narcissist and relishes being the centre of attention. But, it depends how you read this 'historic event,' and I suppose it it, but don't forget that Trump intends to stand again for next year's Presidential Election, it's just a photo opportunity. But will President Moon, North Korean President, turn up to meet him? Of course, Trumpy has to broadcast this all over Twitter. Just surprises me that the President of the USA should be allowed to use Twitter or any social media, more from a security perspective than anything else.

I've decided that the world, at long last, will have to endure the sight of my knees and my legs! I've put on my shorts and the short-sleeved shirt I bought in Marks and Spencers some while ago. Just need to keep cool today, that's all. The sun continues to shine at 8.15a.m. Just sitting here in my armchair in the lounge writing this.

I've been to Shenley Christian Centre. The speaker was someone from Newlife Church called Dave Eyeington. One of the guys I work with in the drama workshop told me he went there. No end of people in the café area during the break between services when they serve tea and coffee. But NO BISCUITS! I know, I shouldn't eat them, but I do like a biccy with my cuppa and disappointed when there wasn't a Hobnob, Ginger Nut, Digestive, Jammie Dodger (I like them best, especially the red, jammy bit in the centre.) or Custard Cream. Now I've talked myself into going out and getting a packet from the local shop. I think it's called, I can't think now, but I know what I'm attempting to say. Something to do with psychology. It's how supermarkets get us to buy, buy, buy.

I left the Oaktree Centre and immediately drove down Chaffron Way and went to Waitrose and into the café to have a latte, egg sandwich and rather nice Danish pastry. I have bought myself a water bottle because I think I need to drink more, particularly in this warm weather. I think it was when my heart rate increased because of the heat the other evening that encouraged me to buy this item. I just now have to remember to actually fill it with water and take it with me and not leave it at home.

There was quite a queue of cars coming out of the carpark and going up the slope leaving Waitrose. Why on earth is it such a tight turn coming up that slope? Why do drivers insist of trying to turn right coming onto Chaffron Way? It's a particularly dangerous turn in the first place and surely it's safer and easier to turn left, go round the roundabout and go straight ahead, or is that too simple and easy and far easier? I just wonder how many accidents there have been at this junction. The local authority needs to put some sort of barrier in the centre of the road so that people can't turn right. I imagine if they did this, then there would be an outcry. Always someone who will complain, even if it's a safety measure. Driving at full speed around Milton Keynes, at whatever the speed limit is is also dangerous, but it needs to be no more that 50 miles per hour.

As I drove back along Chaffron Way back home I got a phone call through the media system in my car. I have managed to connect my iPhone to the sound system via Bluetooth. This was only the second such call I have had since setting this up. It was from a friend, Margaret, who goes to Shenley Christian Fellowship. It was inviting me for lunch at 2 o'clock. I immediately said yes. It's nice to be invited and a chance to get out of the house. Also nice not to have to prepare a meal and also it means I won't now need to have a meal this evening. They live in Downhead Park, which is next to Willen, no just Willen Hospice (barely a five-minute drive when Carol was in there) but also Camphill.

Trumpery, Brexit and A Bitterly Cold Morning

A really bitterly cold morning. The ice on the car really took some shifting. I almost used up an entire bottle of spray anti-freeze. I have to be really careful with cold that intense. I get a real pain in my chest. Not sure I want to induce another heart attack as a result. I think it's because your arteries close up or something. Stops blood pumping through. I'm not going to see what happens so I'd rather be in the warm. The central heating is on. I turned it up a notch yesterday.

So, today is Donald Trump's inauguration. I'm not so sure how I feel about the man. He's made some really nasty comments, he's divisive, what will his Presidency be like? How will we, in Great Britain, get on with the man? More or less the complete opposite ideologically, to Barak Obama. Sorry to see him go. Let's wait and see what happens. I think Trump's style of campaigning during the run-up to the U.S. Election was based on his experience of being on the reality television show "The Apprentice." These shows rely on 'sound bites.' They need them so that people make comments on social media, such as Facebook and Twitter. He has used these 'sound bites' to get a reaction, to get people talking, whether for good or bad. He just needs to temper his comments. He says something, and then sometimes regrets it. Something like "The Apprentice" has catch phrases such as 'Your Fired!" which everyone knows. The same with "Strictly Come Dancing" which is manipulated by the media to give it the best stories which can be reproduced in the Tabloid press. Whenever one of the judges says something nice or nasty, it gets a headline in 'The Sun' or 'The Mail.' (Other tabloid newspapers are available.) Do Americans realise that 'Trump' has a different meaning in this country? As George Bernard Shaw so succinctly said about American and British 'English' and the difference, 'two countries divided by one language.' 

As for Brexit (I'm sorry, but I hate the term.), why didn't our politicians make more effort to actually EXPLAIN what the E.U. was about, well in advance of the Referendum in June? How many voters in that vote actually know what they were voting for? So many people, particularly those in the youngest age-group, say from 18-30, don't appear to have any interest in politics. I know the scandal of M.P's expenses a few years ago tarnished the reputation of Parliament and it's members, which is understandable, but how many people really understand what we got out of the E.U.? If you don't understand the process of Parliament or the E.U. (which also has itself to blame.) how can anyone make an unbiased decision, to leave or remain, if they aren't given the facts? most young people seem more interested in celebrity culture, reality television, the latest football results, than politics and in particular, the E.U. How many people do you see walking about the streets with their mobile phones in their hands, and not actually interacting with the world around them?  When the result of the Referendum is going to have such far-reaching consequences, wouldn't it have been more important to vote in this important Referendum than keeping your face glued to a stupid mobile telephone? It was the tabloid press in Britain who were very much responsible for giving the E.U. a negative presentation, which would have swung there readers towards voting to leave. I also blame the government who drafted the legislation which allowed the Referendum. Why did they not have a clause in that which said that the vote either for or against, had to be of a certain percentage one way or another, to allow for a leave or remain decision? The fact that the 'Leave' vote was so low, I don't know the exact figure, but it was as low as 1-2% in favour of leaving the E.U.

Having done some research on the subject of the Referendum on the internet, I find that around 25,000 votes were invalid or blank. What are we to make of this? Why were they 'invalid'? Are some people so stupid that they spoilt their ballot papers so they became invalid? Didn't they think the vote was important enough to use this Referendum properly and actually vote one way or the other? If they had voted, perhaps the difference in the outcome would have been very different. It just shows the ignorance of some people knows no bounds.