Phew! What a Scorcher!

Monday. 6.45 a.m.Oh, dear! I think I've pinched a headline from some tabloid newspaper, possibly The Sun, for my latest blog post title. I could have chosen something better, but as it's so good and appropriate, it can stay as it is.

Watching Good Morning Britain, ITV's answer to BBC Breakfast. Richard Madeley has taken over from Piers Morgan, who walked out in disgust over some racist comment, but I'm not sure what happened exactly. I am rather sick of the BBC's 'we know best' style of journalism, which is why I have decided to watch this today.

What I find crazy is that the BBC sold off Television Centre in White City. Meanwhile, ITV closed their studio down on the Thames, formerly home of London Weekend Television, so that it could be upgraded, bought into the digital age, and ITV moved Good Morning Britain to Television Centre, which has been revamped, with offices and flats in part of the site, but some of the studio space which remains (not sure how many are left since the refurbishing.) is rented by the BBC, through their Studioworks subsidiary, and several independent television companies rent the space for their own productions, many for both BBC and ITV. A really crazy situation and I can't see what the point of all this is. ITV must have sold off quite a few of their studio space all around Britain when the various local companies that used to make up the federated ITV when they all merged to become ITV p.l.c. back in the early 2000s. Not only is it crazy that ITV moved to  Television centre, but BBC Breakfast decamped to Media City in Salford. When Granada used to produce 'This Morning', (yes, I know. This is getting confusing, because Richard Madeley used to present that show with Judy Finnigan as the original presenters.) it used to come from Victoria Docks in Liverpool and THEY moved the whole thing to the former LWT studios on the River Thames when it became the main centre for ITV plc. Confused? You will be after all this! What was the point of all this? Just to decentralise the BBC, make it less London-centric. As for ITV, it's just confused and lost it's heart  and soul,when it was made into one conglomeration of all the smaller companies which it was made up  of, since its inception in 1955.

I've produced a second batch of scones. I made a double quantity of the dough and cut it with a larger, fluted cutter. I set the oven temperature a bit higher than last time and baked them for fractionally longer than the first batch and they came out slightly more golden, but much better generally. I have to say, still well cooked, centre fluffy and the outside slightly crisp. Now stored in a tin. Unfortunately, because the kitchen is so warm, it's not an environment I can work in comfortably, even with the window open.

Tuesday. 6.25 a.m. Yet another bright and sunny morning. Again sitting here with Good Morning Britain on my television. 

Just read on the Daily Telegraph website about how the EU is threatening Britain over imports of sausages to Northern Ireland. It just sounds like something out of one of those brilliant Ealing Comedies, made in the 1950s. Or perhaps it reminds me of 'The Goodies' comedy series, with Tim Brooke-Taylor, Bill Oddie and  Graham Garden, where they used to do very silly things. In one episode, where they sent up 'Northern' things, there was a scene where they played a game called 'Ekkey-Thump,' where they had to hit each other with black puddings. You probably wouldn't get away with it today, what with 'political correctness.' Probably the EU would put an end to it with some crazy directive. I don't think the EU bureaucrats would see the funny side. They have very little sense of humour,, or perhaps none. When did you ever see Angela Merkel laugh, or even break into a smile?

Later. 3.25 p.m. I've been out with Alfie. I was somewhat shocked by the amount of litter as we walked around Oldbrook Green. Going along the path on the Evans Gate side of the Green, there is a couple of picnic tables, and under and on the top, I see a certain amount of discarded packets of what look like crisps, burger boxes and drinks cans. A crow is walking around on the grass and it suddenly hops onto the table. It pecks around and then discovered some discarded snack, what look like Hoola Hoops. It manages to pick a couple up in its beak and flies off and lands on the grass nearby to eat the Hoola Hoops. It returns to the table for another couple of the aforementioned snack. It again flies to the grass, with the Hoola Hoops in its beak. I should say it's quite a difficult operation to pick them up and fly with them. A second crow comes along and must have discovered what the first crow was doing. It seems as if the second crow had learnt from the first crow, that it could get a free meal because some stupid human couldn't be bothered to put their rubbish in the litter bin which is close by. It's just fascinating watching all this going on, as I sat on a bench, but, unfortunately, Alfie isn't going to allow this. Sitting on a bench isn't interesting enough for him, so we leave the crows and walk on around the Green. Just fascinates me watching these highly intelligent birds. Alfie finds sniffing and stopping to have a wee far more entertaining!

Later. Just leant that Twitty and Unbalanced have said that lockdown restrictions being lifted should not happen until at least the beginning of July. I do hope we can just get out of this situation a good deal sooner rather than later. I for one have lost at least 18 months of my life. I haven't seen my grandchildren since Christmas 2019. I think by the time I get to see them they'll be starting university. I haven't seen the newest one at all, born on 10th May. People who don't have the vaccine are being irresponsible and selfish. They may not catch covid, but they are still likely to spread the virus without realising it. No excuses to not have it when offered.

'Cautiously Optimistic'

Wednesday. 6.25 a.m. 'Cautiously optimistic' was how Prime Minister Boris Johnson described how his infamous 'roadmap' out of lockdown which is supposed to be lifted on 21st June.  That is, unless there is a sudden rise in infections or something else to scupper the plans. He also said it about the Brexit deal that had been agreed with the EU. So, are we going to be celebrating our freedom from being bossed around? That is, if the by now more than a little bit famous Indian variant of the virus doesn't get a starring role over the next few weeks. 

Boris Johnson is a bit of what you'd describe as a 'loose cannon.' He is somewhat unpredictable and he doesn't work like any other Prime Minister I can think of.  The matter of making statements about letting dead bodies pile high rather than implementing lockdown, may or may not have been said by him. Also, the business around who paid for the alterations to his flat in 10 Downing Street, which  seems to have disappeared from being mentioned in the media, He gets away with all sorts of things that anyone else would be in court for. I see him as a combination of Winnie The Pooh, Bertie Wooster and Mr Toad, he of 'Wind In The Willows.'

As for the former political advisor to Number 10 Downing Street, Dominic Cummings, who has today been grilled by MPs in a Commons select committee about the Government's handling of the coronavirus pandemic, or perhaps that should be, lack of it. He was removed from his post in No 10 back in November and it seems he is attempting to stab people in the back in a sort act of revenge, worthy of something out of a Shakespeare tragedy, such as Othello, with Cummings in the role of Iago. He's definitely not the sort of person you'd want as a friend. As someone said, 'with friends like these, who needs enemies?" He's stuck the knife into several government personnel, not least saying that Boris Johnson wasn't fit for the position of Prime Minister. Well, someone also said that 'you get the politicians you deserve', and in some respects that's totally true. It was American President Thomas Jefferson who came out with that one.

Today would have been Carol and my 14th wedding anniversary. It's no good dwelling on things and she would expect me to get on with my life, which I am, except that it's all been cancelled due to the covid-19 coronavirus pandemic.

I was up and out before 6 o'clock with Alfie this morning. A bit overcast and it looked as if it might rain later, but one hopes not.

I have received a letter from the Nephrology department of  Milton Keynes Hospital. I have no idea what nephrology is, but never mind. I'm always keen to learn new words, so his is another to add to my growing collection.  It's regarding the 'incidental finding of a small renal angiomyolipoma' in one of my kidneys when they did the ultra scan. I have no idea what an angiomyolipoma is, but, having spoken to my doctor on the telephone recently, it isn't malignant, like a cancer. When I first heard about it I did panic, really as a response to not knowing clearly what it was, because of my memories of when Carol was first diagnosed with bowel cancer. The letter goes on to say that I should have an ultra scan done every 4-5 years just to keep watching it and seeing how it behaves. I shall be discussing this further when I speak to my doctor on the telephone on 11th June.

Calmer Weather

Sunday. 7.00 a.m. Thankfully the strength of the wind has reduced to virtually nothing. It's sunny at the moment but there's still a chill in the air. Any chance of me wearing my shorts is still not really advisable. We are being told on BBC Breakfast this morning that the weather is likely to improve dramatically by the end of the week. I'm not sure if that means we will experience a heatwave, but anything can be better than rain and howling wind. If that's correct, if will certainly follow the patter of 'May comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb.'

So, we got nil points in the 2021 Eurovision Song Contest held in Rotterdam yesterday evening. The contest wasn't held last year because of the pandemic.  All I can say is, I'm not really surprised, because it would appear that the judging isn't done from an artistic viewpoint (sorry, I can't honestly say there's much artistic in this naff festival of awfulness.), but more likely a political one, most probably because of Brexit and Britain's decision to leave the EU. I think it's about time we just gave up on the whole kit and caboodle and grateful that, because we lost, we don't have to stage it in this country. Our entry was really dire. I had never heard it before yesterday evening. Not that I follow 'pop' music. The whole Eurovision thing is one big yawn, having to listen to several hours of some of the worst music ever written in my opinion, such as it is. I really think we do can much better than this effort. I know it's supposed to unite  us internationally, but I'm sure there is something else we could be doing. I think it does have one thing that's relatively good at the moment, what with lockdowns and pandemics, and that it takes our minds off the awfulness of the last year or so. But as entertainment, I give it nil points. Saturday on any television channel is just awful. Endless gameshows and talent contests and lame drama, which Casualty has become. No wonder people prefer Netflix. Plenty or better viewing elsewhere. Now we have the Diana interview scandal, I think the BBC had better sort itself out otherwise it's days are numbered.

After church I went to Morrison's on the way home. I had precisely three items to buy and I decided I didn't want to queue at a staffed checkout, so I opted to use a self service till. I wish I hadn't bothered. I scanned in each item but when I got to the point where I had to pay with my debit card, the thing just wouldn't accept payment. It took two attempts with a staff member to get the thing to work and a further, third attempt didn't go as planned. There must have been something wrong with the thing, but it did eventually take payment. I just don't like these machines. Or more likely, they don't like me. I'm sure the more we have machines like this, and AI (artificial Intelligence) the more machines are going to take over, in more ways than one. If they got to think for themselves, goodness knows what life is likely to be. Something of a nightmare scenario, like a science fiction film. Remember that scene in 2001: A Space Odyssey, where the on-board computer on the space station won't open a door (or something. I don't remember exactly.) It spoke. We now have voice activated gadgets (think Alexa and Siri.) so it can't be that far into the futur

Things Can Only Get Better. Or Can They?

Today (Tuesday 23rd March 2021) is the first anniversary of the original lockdown. It hardly seems possible that we'd still be held in the grip of this 'thing.' We're now being told that the rate of infections and deaths in Europe (does that mean the EU?) is increasing, and there's the threat of a third wave of covid-19. Please can we stop running away from this thing and just get on with releasing us all from the prison of lockdown? So can things get better? One would hope so.

I went to Sainsbury's this morning, around 7.45. There were very few other customers so it was easier to get in and out quickly. It helps to have a shopping list and stick to that. There were no people on the manned check-out tills. I don't mind using the self-service tills, but I often think if you don't use the manned tills, supermarkets will see this as an excuse to not keep staff working on the manned tills. 

It's really sunny this afternoon. Warm enough to not have to wear a jacket? I'm not so sure, but getting that way. The daffodils are almost completely out on the grass walking down Strudwick Drive. 

(Wednesday) Not a great deal going on here, but no surprise in that.

Being told on BBC Breakfast that we are likely to get the 'Third Wave' of the coronavirus in Britain. Surely we just need to clamp down on people going abroad and not taking the restrictions seriously, such as quarantining. Let's just hope we can keep this thing out and keep things aiming for a complete removal of lockdown by the summer, if not earlier.

I've had a text message from the NHS to book my second Astra Zeneca covid-19 vaccination. I could have followed the link in the text message, but though it probably better to ring my surgery and got an appointment for Saturday morning at 10.10a.m., so that means once that's done, I should be a little less likely to catch this wretched virus. 

I keep on getting mail for tenants who have lived in this flat. You would have thought that, if and when you moved to a new address, you would take the time and effort to set up a redirection with the Post Office so that your mail is delivered to your new address. I did this when I moved from the house in Eaglestone. It was a simple process, done on line, for a reasonable cost and I had it for around 6 months, by which time all  my post caught up with me at the new address (I have to admit that my Driving Licence didn't get changed, as regarding my new address. But that is now rectified and my new licence arrived the other day, only after some considerable effort on my behalf. I got another piece of post the other day. It arrived late, I think around 2.30pm., which was a bit of a surprise (I have noticed post comes later and later. Possibly caused by the pandemic, but I'm not sure about that.) Anyway, I opened it. But unfortunately it wasn't addressed to me. Well, if it's come through my letterbox I assume it's for me and I will open it. As I have had post sent to a house in Dexter Avenue and not Dexter House, I thought it must have been for that address, so I went over to that house but the gentleman who lives there told me it wasn't for him and that the name of the former tenant which was on the envelope had moved away years ago. Well, it must have been some while ago as I've moved here a good eighteen months ago, more or less. So, what to do with this post? I could just chuck it in the bin, but no, I handed it to the SHO, Barbara, and she can give it to the postman who can send it wherever such post goes (probably in a bin! I only jest.)

Soggy Saturday!

(Saturday)It was a bit of surprise to myself and Alfie, to find it was raining when we ventured forth at 7.30 this morning. Alfie wasn't keen, as I expected, but we soon got back inside after a bit of a soggy walk. I think I've been rather hasty in suggesting, in my last blog post, that spring was on the horizon. It's certainly not particularly spring-like today, with snow falling and being cold and positively wet and soggy underfoot. Never mind. Just have to put up with the weather.

I'm watching my fair share of television. No need to say why. The lockdown has meant I have more than enough television to watch. With Netflix and Amazon Video and something in the region of 20,000 hours of 'on-demand' material on BBC iPlayer and other services, we're spoilt for choice. 

How childish and pathetic! The EU is upset that we got our vaccine registered by the relevant medication agency and rolled out (I've already had my first injection of the Astra-Zeneca vaccine.) and can't get their own vaccine rolled out fast enough because of all the red tape that this crazy bloc has in the way. They have attempted to stop the vaccine being exported to the UK, and in particular, Norther Ireland. Just shows how unnecessary the EU is and I'm so glad we've left and can go our own way. They sound like spoilt little children in the playground who can't get their own way, so they have a temper-tantrum. Sour grapes more likely. 

This morning we had a Zoom Men's Breakfast. It was the first meeting of any sort for this group, which I have been part of for around two years. Not a 'breakfast' in the sense that we could enjoy a cooked fry-up of bacon, egg, sausage, tomato, beans, mushrooms, hashbrowns etc etc, but it was great to have a chat, even though Alfie couldn't understand why he wasn't getting attention (as usual!) We hope to be able to meet up at the Oaktree Centre for a proper breakfast and fellowship in the not-too distant future, depending, of course, on the lockdown restrictions.

i took Alfie out as soon as the Zoom meeting was over. It was raining slightly, mixed in with a flurry of snow. Alfie was extremely reluctant to stay out and really wanted to go home as soon as he could. I felt the same, to be honest.

I have watched a documentary on All4, the Channel 4 'on demand' service, their equivalent to BBC iPlayer. It was a documentary series called 'Time Signs,' which was presented by Mick Aston, who went on to be an archeologist on 'Time Team.' I think this series, which began in 1991 and ran for a couple of series, was the forerunner of 'Time Team,' which ran for more than 20 years and was very much responsible for my interest in archaeology and history. Mick Aston is best remembered for his brightly-coloured striped jumpers and somewhat unkempt appearance. He was extremely knowledgeable and there wasn't much he didn't know about his subject.

The post arrived really late today, around 4.10p.m. No doubt they will say it's 'because of the pandemic,' or something equally lame. No real excuse if you ask me. I've been trying to get Legal and General to contact me regarding a life insurance policy I have with them. I had an email (I think it was an email and not a letter.)informing me that they had written to me, but the letter was returned by the Post Office. I don't think they had my new address (it's quite difficult to make sure everyone has your new address when you move, although I had set up a 'redirection' account with the Post Office, but I think it was only for six months.) Anyway, I replied via email (this must have been at least four months ago.) and heard nothing. I have absolutely no idea what the letter was likely to be about. I attempted to get into my account on the L and G website, but it just would not work. It ended up with the system saying they'd send me a password in the post, which came the other day, but even then it would not work, so I couldn't see any mail that was likely to have been addressed to me and sent. I then emailed and I have responded to it with my telephone number so someone is going to ring me. All I can say is, what a performance!? What on earth . . .etc etc.

On another note, very similar in some ways. I have mentioned that I had my first covid vaccination a couple of weeks ago, at my doctor's surgery. I get a letter in the post this afternoon, inviting me to book an appointment for the second injection. I can ring a number or use their website. Which I decide to do, as it's a good deal easier. Or so I thought. Having got into the site, I put my postcode into the system, with the idea of finding a vaccine centre. All it came up with was centres miles from Milton Keynes, one in Biggleswade (the other side of Bedford) and even some in London. Ridiculous. No sign of my doctor's surgery in Milton Keynes. At the end of the letter it says 'if you've had the first vaccine, ignore this letter. The NHS will contact you when it's time for your second dose.' I have to wait until my surgery contacts me. So, why waste time, money and resources writing to me in the first place? This shows how the NHS wastes time and resources on this sort of thing. No wonder it's struggling financially. Over top-heavy with bureaucracy. 

Another Landmark! The 1,500th Post

So, another landmark for my blog! This is the 1,500th post. When I started this blog, back whenever (not sure exactly. I'll have to check.) I really didn't think I would be able to keep it going. I admit that some posts are mundane, but that's the whole idea of it in some way. I imagine when Samuel Pepys wrote his diary, he committed boring incidents to his journal, the everyday goings-on in his life. Not that I would consider my ramblings are in any way equal to his jottings, but who knows, someone a couple of hundred year's hence might find my blog posts of interest.

So, we're finally out of the EU! Boris got his deal approved by The Commons by a huge majority. We have two vaccines to deal with the coronavirus. Hopefully, by the spring, we might possibly be able to see a light at the end of the tunnel and the possibility of getting on top of the pandemic. Boris did say around a year ago, at about the time of the General Election that he would 'Get Brexit Done,' and he has done that, but it's been four and a half years to get to this point, with a great deal of effort and confusion along the way.

(New Year's Day) Nothing exciting to report. I did see the New Year in. I had a Whiskey Mac, my ideal drink on such occasions. I imagine my Scottish heritage takes over. I just like ginger wine and a slosh of Scotch never hurt anyone. I could hear fireworks being set off somewhere. I don't think it was an 'official' firework display. No doubt kids letting them off on Oldbrook Green. I shall no doubt find much evidence when Alfie and I walk around. 

(Later) I did find evidence for fireworks being set off on Oldbrook Green when I took out Alfie later. A lot of remnants of those fireworks and it looks as if someone had burnt the cardboard cases of fireworks by a couple of the bins which are scattered around Oldbrook Green. Alif wasn't in the least bit bothered by the noise as he has been in the past. Poppy was scared stiff of the noise and really needed reassuring around Bonfire Night. But if people will insist on setting off fireworks (which, according to a couple of notices around the Green, set up by Campbell Park Parish Council, which states that no fireworks are to be set off on the Green. Not that these individuals would take any notice. Similar to those dogwalkers who insist on not picking up after their dogs. There are notices on the dog bins which say 'we are watching you,' which is totally untrue. Just a pity that those that don't obey such notices don't get fined if they refuse to clear up after their dogs. It's a pity the Council doesn't have some sort of warden patrols to check on such behavior. They could also catch those who drop litter. It's shameful how much there is around Oldbrook Green, but at the moment, what with the pandemic, they have other issues to deal with. Although, saying that, I often see Council employees in hi-vis jackets, picking up litter.

I'm constantly meeting other dog-walkers whenever I take Alfie out for his daily walks as I have mentioned in my posts on here before now. We go out at least four times during the day. He's a dog that more or less insists on going out. I think because we have dogs it creates a sort of bond and I often talk to other dog walkers. I've mentioned Toto, a shizu, and when he sees Alfie he runs towards him. But we haven't seen him or his owner for a few weeks. He's probably taken out when I'm in the flat and we don't meet at times when we're both out. Some dogs can't cope with Alfie's friendly attitude. He always wants to be friends with the dogs he meets. Some can be very friendly but then others can be quite aggressive. I think this may be because they have been over humanized and not socialized to be with other dogs. A pity. Alfie has no issues with socializing. There was a rather nasty Yorkie we came across the other week which was very aggressive when it met Alfie on the path going round Oldbrook green. I made sure we kept away as I didn't want it to bite either myself or Alfie.

A couple of weeks ago we came across a dog and its owner, walking along with the patch towards Oldbrook Green. This dog looked remarkably like Poppy, and I almost thought that Alfie agreed. Does he remember Poppy? It's difficult to know. Probably. Anyway, the lady who was this dog's owner (I forget the dog's name now.) said, walk along and let the dogs get to know each other on the Green, which we did. I let Alfie off, which isn't something I often do. I think I'm just being over-protective, basically because, having lost Carol, Alfie is my best companion and I don't want anything horrible to happen to him, such as getting run over or attacked by another dog. Alfie was having a lovely time, running around and really enjoying his freedom. She noticed my colourful socks. Something else I got from Oddballs. I also got a wooly hat. You get freebies when you spend over £30. I said there was no way I was going to wear dull clothing. Most men's clothing is grey, brown, or striped or has a check pattern, on shirts, etc, and socks were likewise dull, grey, black, striped, etc. 

I went out later in the day and as soon as we got out onto the path in Strudwick Drive I saw the same lady with her dog once again. Her little dog does look remarkably like Poppy, even down to her colour. I'm sure Alfie thinks so too. We had a chat and then walked on to Oldbrook Green and let the dogs off their leads. Alfie had a lovely time running around. He does come back to me when I call him. He follows me around, doesn't leave me for a moment. I know he won't run for it is let off his lead. He seems to know that he's going to be safe with me. He just loved being with the other dog (I don't know her name.)

Alfie had a slight problem. I don't need to describe exactly, but he needed cleaning up. I couldn't do it on my own, because he had been very difficult if you attempt to cut his coat. It needed scissors to deal with the situation. Eve (the lady's name.) suggesting going to her home to do this as she had scissors there. I don't usually go to ladies ' homes without being invited, but this situation needed dealing with. So we walked there and as she held Alfie, I used scissors to clip off the offending matter. Situation resolved! And Alfie was really none the wiser. We had a mug of tea and a chat and I returned home to Dexter House. Alfie was getting restless. I think due to his routine being changed. He was barking and it was somewhat distracting and once I'd bade farewell to Eve, Alfie took me back to the flat.   

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.

Weather- Wet and Windy

(Wednesday)The blasts of autumn are upon us. I woke in the early hours of the morning and I was almost certain it was raining. I sprung from my bed (I exaggerate somewhat, I know. Poetic licence is what it's called.), drew aside the curtains and, lo, it was raining! At that early hour, around 3.30, there was no chance of taking Alfie for his routine walk around Eaglestone Park. Try as I might, I could not get to sleep, so I decided to go downstairs and switch on the television. I'm not so sure it was such a good idea. Talk of Brexit. At the moment, whenever the television news comes on, I switch over. Politicians bickering is one thing, but within their own parties, what is the sense? It would appear that the Tories lost a vote or something, a lot of MP's lost the Whip because they voted for a piece of legislation which would prevent a No Deal Brexit. The EU must be more flexible, if it ever can be, what's wrong with a bit of common sense and compromise? What's with the so-called 'Backstop,'? Something to do with the Northern Ireland border with the Republic of Ireland (which is in the EU.) So, could someone please explain how it is that a country, such as Switzerland, which isn't in the EU, manages it's borders with those country which surrounds it, which are within the EU? There must be quite a few other countries in a similar situation, I can't name many, but who aren't in the EU, but next to member states. I think this situation regarding the Northern Irish border can be resolved amicably and it's just an excuse to keep us forever shackled to the EU. I don't remember this matter being mentioned during the run-up to the referendum in 2016, so why has it come up more recently?

(Thursday) I have had to ring Ashfield Medical Centre because the diazepam are coming to the end of their course. As I only get ten in a packet, it's a question of having to get another prescription and I was told that I should have a review before I can have more. I rang at 8.10 and was more than surprised that not only were the lines open but that I got through in record time. I had to wait for a doctor to ring back and I have to see Doctor Haye at 10 tomorrow morning.  I am keen to get a skip to use to clear out the small bedroom and other bits and pieces before I can move out of this house. I am somewhat shocked to learn that it will cost at least £160, which will make a huge hole in my bank account and which I can't really afford. So, because of this I thought I'd go to Bleak Hall Motors to get the brakes on the car dealt with. I rang the other morning and was told to just bring it in, but on arrival this morning, they said there were eight other cars being dealt with. I could have waited, but it's booked in for Monday morning at 8.30. From there I drove to the Oaktree Centre because the café is now up and running. I had tea and a really scrummy bacon and sausage sandwich and, speaking to John, who runs the café, mentioned the cost of hiring a skip, and he's offered to help because he has a trailer and will come to help me on the Saturday after Willen Furniture Warehouse come to collect the various items (as mentioned in th last blog post.) So, that is another problem solved.

I started off this blog post by describing the weather as 'the blasts of autumn,' (a good expression, worthy of Shakespeare, I reckon. Thinking about it, I wonder if he had got there before me, but never mind.) But as I sit in the lounge writing this on my MacBook Air, I can see out of the window into the garden (if that space can be termed 'garden.' I think not. Just a fenced-in space with grass in, a ratty, tatty, crumbling shed and several yards of washing line stretched across the grass.) and that the sun is shining and it's really quite warm.

Went to Sainsbury's this afternoon and a large area is closed off for a re-fit. It's the area where the TU clothing is the focus, also, the household items, such as kitchen equipment. It must be difficult for stores to do a re-fit without totally disrupting things, by keeping other areas open to shoppers. All will be revealed in the fullness of time, as they say. I have to say it's somewhat annoying when you go shopping, especially if you go to the same supermarket as I do with Sainsbury's, you get used to the layout, you know exactly where items you regularly shop for are within the store and then suddenly, without any sort of warning, it's all moved around and you can't find what you want. They've done that in the pet food aisle. The cat food is where the dog food used to be. But WHY? I think it's to confuse the shopper, so you have to go and hunt for whatever it was you were looking for. Very annoying.

(Friday) I was more than ever determined not to get out of bed quite so early. There really is no need to be up and about at 6a.m., but it's convincing Alfie of this fact. I took my time, getting dressed, shaved etc etc and sorted some washing and we were out at around 7.a.m. I'm annoyed that the Fitbit has failed. (See next blog post.) so the number of my steps are not measured. Oh well, such is life! Let me finish this off and get it published.

Turn on the television to discover that Robert Mugabe has died, former President and tyrant of Zimbabwe (formerly Rhodesia.) Makes a change from depressing news about Brexit.

It's Too Darn Hot!

(Monday) Nothing much to report today. I went to the Willen coffee morning in the restaurant at John Lewis. I was the first to arrive and thought that I would be on my own, but people began to arrive around 10.10 and quite a few people were away, presumably on holiday. I obviously couldn't go last week because of going to Worcester to see my new grandson, Arthur.

Tuesday. It was a hot and clammy night, but I did manage to sleep. It's supposed to be hotter than ever tonight, but I can always read and have plenty to keep me occupied.

So, by lunchtime we should hear which of the two Conservative contenders in the leadership contest wins and becomes Britain's next Prime Minister. It would appear that if Boris Johnson wins there will be a wave of resignations. I'm not convinced that whoever takes over will manage to get  deal with the EU so Britain leaves on 31st October. It all seems just jostling for position, just attempting to further their political careers. As most of them when to fee-paying schools, they don't have the least idea how the ordinary folk live and survive. It's down to the 'man on the Clapham omnibus,' who probably couldn't care less about whether we're in or out of the EU.

4.30 p.m. I've just come in from a day at Camphill. It has been one of the hottest day so far this year it's over 35 C, but as that doesn't mean a great deal to me as I'm still in Fahrenheit. And to cap it all Boris Johnson has won the Conservative leadership election and will become Prime Minister in the next few days.

The traffic going to Camphill this morning was easier than usual. I imagine that it's because schools are now on holiday. None of that awful aggression I've had to endure going along Chaffron Way and Brickhill Street, although the traffic was quite heavy at the roundabouts at Childs Way and Portway.

Quite a few of the drama guys were either on holiday or had appointments elsewhere so it was a bit thin on the ground. Paul, who is Teo's assistant (not sure he is actually, but never mind.) managed to get a check-in from those who had turned up (actully quite late, probably because it was so hot.) This is how each session starts off, which each resident telling us all how they're feeling and even as a support or permanent member staff you have to give a brief account of yourself. I was quite overwhelmed by how everyone greeted me after what happened to me last week and it shows how much they care for each other and members of staff. Such a lovely place to work at and I'm touched when they showed so much concern, but I explained what had happened and that it wasn't heart-related and trying to explain how the pain I experienced in my chest was difficult to differentiate between an angina attack, a bout of heart-burn or indigestion (which it was) and a full-blown heart attack, so that should it happen again I'm able to explain to a first-aider or paramedic what is going on.

With those in the drama workshop group available we did a line-run of Three Little Pigs: Stranger Danger, with the lines of those not present read by the two workplace students who are working with us, one from Japan and the other from Brazil. It's fantastic that Camphill is such a multi-cultural place and also that people are prepared to come to Milton Keynes to work there (as well as other Camphill communities within the United Kingdom.) Later, we watched the video of Stranger Danger, more for the benefit of the two students, and then the intention was to get them to ask the actors who appeared in it what it was like working on the video, the different styles of performance required between making a video and performing a 'live' play. The idea being that Paul was making notes on the iPad and the residents comments would be useful when their reviews were due and could be incorporated into any written documents. We were having a great discussion with the guys about how the play was created, where the inspiration came from, where it was going to be performed 'live' and Teo had the idea to get the two girls to teach some of the actors to speak in their respective languages, either Portuguese or Japanese, by getting them to choose their favourite line and then to have it translated into whichever language and then to repeat it word by word. It was surprisingly successful and it showed an amazing level of potential from each of then actors and to me proves what a level of concentration they have and how difficult it must be for some of them to be able to stand up and speak as well as remember their lines when they have so many difficulties of their own.

The Chrysalis Theatre at Camphill is used by many different groups, not just residents at Camphill. Some of them help backstage and also appear in shows produced by various drama groups. It is also hired out for other groups for conferences and meetings. Later in the week there is to be a conference of local teachers which will focus on educating Primary School children about healthy eating. As a result of this, there was a fair amount of work to be done, organising equipment and unwrapping some of it, which is what we did for some of the time on Tuesday. Some of the teachers involved in organising this event came to speak to Teo and were there to arrange how things were to be set up and we helped with some of the work later in the afternoon.But the heat didn't help.

Wednesday. It was a hot and clammy night and as usual, even with the windows open, not easy for me to sleep. Alfie doesn't like it as hot as this and finds it difficult to settle down and kept wandering up and down stairs. I haven't been out except to Sainsbury's for some salad bits for my evening meal and some more fruit as I'm attempting to eat as much as I can.

Reading and Watching-1

As I've mentioned in an earlier blog post, I have an interest in history. Our lounge is full of books, infact, one of the two IKEA bookshelves, which we bought from the house in Crownhill when we had to move (see earlier blog post for more information on this.) is crammed full of books and magazines, one of which is in serious need of attention as it's not fixed to the wall, and leans at a slight angle. Many of these books and magazines are on history. I'm always looking for more history books to read and such shops as The Works are always good places to find a bargain, the last one being on The Norman Conquest' and another on 'The Battle of Waterloo'. We have now managed to order a new bookshelf unit on the IKEA website. Paid for and it will be delivered next Thursday. We decided to have it delivered as it would unlikely not fit in the car, so to have it delivered means someone else will have to lift it into the house. As we have a similar unit in our bedroom it shouldn't be too difficult to assemble and it's possible to buy baskets, drawers and boxes which can be slotted into the unit to make it even more flexible.

I've been reading 'Never Had It So Good,' by Dominic Sandbrook. It's 'A History of Britain From Suez to The Beatles.' Which is about all you need to know about the subject matter. I read a later volume of his set of history books called 'Seasons In The Sun,' which takes his series up until 1979. At the time I read it, I was unaware that it was the latest in a series of books (of which 'Never Had It So Good' is the first.) So I decided I wanted to read the series from the beginning and managed to buy all the books on Amazon. As I lived through the period covered, I thought it would we worth a read, although I wasn't old enough at the time the first book covers to be aware of the incidents recorded, such things as the Suez Crisis or the Profumo Affair or the 'Night of The Long Knives.' As with any account of history, it's interesting to see how we got to where we are today, what with Harold Macmillan's attempts at negotiating a possible membership of the Common Market or 'European Economic Community,' as it was called in the late 1950's and early 1960's (now the E.U.) and how the President of France, Charles De Gaulle kept blocking our entry. Interesting when you compare it with the Brexit negotiations following the Referendum vote to leave over the last few months.The rest of the Sandbrook series are 'White Heat,' and 'State of Emergency,' which I will read in the fullness of time. Each book is very thick; the first book is some 800-900 pages long.

I'm a real fan of Alan Bennett. I enjoyed the plays he wrote for the BBC in the 1960s and 1970s, in particular the very first one called 'A Day Out,' which was made in black and white and about a group of men who go on a bicycle ride in Yorkshire and set just before the First World War. Not a great deal happens, but his attention to detail, particularly his depiction of the individual characters is very detailed. It's directed by Stephen Frears who went on to make some large-scale cinema films such as 'Dangerous Liaisons' and 'The Queen.' Alan Bennett is interested in the small things in peoples' lives, the every-day, the mundane. He has also written for the stage, most notably for the National Theatre, with plays such as 'The Madness of King George III,' and 'The History Boys.' I have read most of his diaries which get published on a  regular basis, and was given the latest collection, covering the millennium, and called 'Getting On, Getting On,' and given to me as a Christmas present by Carol last year. I am about to read it.

I've watched the first episode of the new Sky drama series, "Britannia," which is on Sky Atlantic. It's set in a Celtic Britain at the time that the Roman invasion is about to take place. It's somewhat preposterous, so if you watch it don't expect an accurate history lesson. I had serious doubts about this when I first heard it was being planned, but it turned out to be a good deal better than I expected. It has David Morrissey as the Roman general (I assume he's a general) who leads his troops across the Channel and then pillages and burns the Celtic villages and murders a few in the process. It also stars Zoe Wanamaker as a sort of tribal leader. Another actor who is in it is Iain McDiarmid, who I have a connection with as he was in the company when I was working as an A.S.M. at Liverpool Playhouse in the early 1970s. I did the book for a production of Alan Ayckbourn's play 'Relatively Speaking,' which also had Thelma Barlow in the cast, who went on to play Mavis Wilton in 'Coronation Street.' It's good to see Sky producing stuff which at least has some sort of British connection, however accurate it is. I notice that all the episodes are available to view on catch-up, obviously in an attempt to follow the same principle as such on-line television services as Netflix and Amazon, where all the episodes of their shows, such as The Crown are available to view instantly. Apart from some strong language (which, frankly, adds absolutely nothing to the thing in my opinion.) it's a good rollocking yarn and will no doubt attract a young, male audience, who no doubt enjoy such shows as 'Game of Thrones,' and a good many video games. I shall watch the rest of the series with interest.

I'm glad all the episodes of 'Britannia' are available as a box-set, because you can watch all the episodes one after the other if you so wish. I've watched the second episode. I'm really hooked on this show and can't wait to see the next episode. It's got a real 'have to watch the next episode' something about it, rather like a good novel where you can't put it down. Generally I need to get through about 15-20 minutes of a new drama series to know whether I'm going to continue watching and this certainly has that 'something.' Unlike a lot of similar shows, the dialogue is convincing. They seem to have avoided the somewhat stilted dialogue that you tend to get in a lot of dramas set in a 'certain period,' and the whole thing is rather tongue-in-cheek, it doesn't take itself too seriously. It has a sense of humour as well. And they haven't made it pretentious in any way, unlike a lot of costume dramas that are precious and rather unrealistic, not that you can make a show set in 43 A.D. as nobody knows what they spoke like. It's not exactly historically accurate, but who cares? Definitely entertaining and that, in all honesty, is what one needs at the moment. The fights are convincing, too, and you get the feeling that the Romans have more than a hand-full of soldiers in their invading army, they've spent quite a lot on extras to fill out the scenery. 

True British Grit, where has it gone?

Oh dear. Here we go again. A little bit of snow and the whole country grinds to a halt. What's the matter with people? We're British and a little bit of the white, cold stuff, and we just get on with things. Go about our lives without letting things bother us. Just like Brexit (I hate the term, but we know what it means). Once we've been freed from the EU, we're going to manage perfectly nicely, thank you. I did vote to remain, but finding out about how the negotiations to leave have been going on, I think I'd be perfectly happy to be separated from this 'bloc.' (More like block-headed, the negotiators in my opinion. They need us more than we need them. I shan't make mention to this further as I don't want to bring politics into this blog.) British people are not effected by the weather, if it rains, we just get our umbrellas out, or don Wellingtons and macintoshes or wet-weather gear and continue. The old 'Dunkirk Spirit' comes into force. Have we really become so wet and wimpy to allow a spot of snow to effect our lives? Probably, yes. But why have we become so pathetic? There has to be a reason for this state of affairs. The media has a part to play in this. Weather plays a major part in the 'discussion' in the press and television. Scenes of snow make pretty pictures on BBC Breakfast or on the front page of tabloid newspapers, The Mail and Express in particular. When there's no other news, then our weather makes easy headlines, whether it's going to be a 'scorcher' or a 'chiller,' of course, depending on the time of year. No big political news, scandal, party-division or squabble? Then write a story about snow, sun, fog, frost or whatever. Easy peasy. And then big it up, hype it, mash it, over-write it and you have a story and a big headline, in over-sized type. Sells papers. 

As for the weather, well, we have a couple of inches and the motorways grind to a halt. When I was at school in the 1960's I seem to remember we managed to get there in the worst winter on record (I think it was the winter of 1962-3) and even had to help clear the snow in the school playground. None of this mamby-pamby 'health and safety' business then. We shovelled the snow into a pile at one end of the playground and against a wall. As the snow fell, and it froze and then thawed, but mostly froze, the wall began to get pushed over. I don't think it actually fell, but it began to lean at a dangerous angle. I can't imagine today's children shovelling anything. If it snows nowadays, schools close down. Pathetic. Are we creating a new generation of children who can't cope when problems arise? They can't cope with a little bit of snow and ice? They need to have a bit of resistance, some back-bone to cope with life's little problems. If so, they'll never be able to cope with bigger issues that arise, far bigger than what the weather throws at them.

A few inches of snow, and our railway system grinds to a halt. Excuses such as 'leaves on the line' or a little bit of frost and the whole network is thrown into total confusion. People insist on flying off for a break over the Christmas and New Year holiday and can't understand why they get stuck in long queues on the motorway and when they arrive at the airport they don't like the idea that their flight has been cancelled because of snow and ice on the runway or perhaps their plane is covered in ice and needs thawing out. Oh dear! Why not just stay at home and be environmentally friendly?  Just get a shovel out and start clearing the snow instead of wingeing on about compensation. If you insist on travelling when the weather is bad, just pack a thick jumper, a scarf, a wooly hat, a Thermos of tea, coffee or soup and put up with it.

Come on folks, if you don't need to go anywhere, unless your journey is vital, just stay at home. After all, we know perfectly well that it's winter, and the weather can become very treacherous and dangerous. The weather can cause very low temperatures, so this is what we can expect. The whole country grinds to a halt. Councils send the gritting lorries out. Apart from that, we just don't prepare for winter when we have such harsh conditions.

As for Brits becoming a lot of wimps, I blame things like Health and Safety regulations, burocratic spoil-sports, you can't do this, and you can't do that. Can't people take responsibility for THEMSELVES? Live a little life, even if it's a bit dangerous. Too much reliance on government departments and especially the N.H.S.