Cameras, Cars and Ultrascans

Sunday. 3.35 p.m. Earlier this morning I was ready for church and about to leave, but when I went down to get in my car, I found a car blocking the exit, so I was not pleased. It seemed a bit selfish of the driver to park in such a way, that I could not get out. I returned to my flat and thought, if that's the case, I'll have to accept I would be able to go to church, so I made myself a cup of coffee and thought, I would be able to watch via Facebook. By the time I'd sat down with my coffee, I could see, by looking out of the window, that the car had gone, so I was able to drive to The Oaktree Centre. Thinking about the situation, I did think it might have been a carer, doing the sort of job that I used to do, and finding it difficult to find a space to park their car when visiting the person they were a carer for. It might have been, but that crossed my mind. 

Wednesday. 12.20 p.m. I have bought a new Sony digital camera. It not only takes still photographs. but is designed for vlogging, that is, videos that can be uploaded to various media platforms, such as YouTube, X (formerly known as Twitter,) Instagram, TickTock, and Facebook. It has a touch screen that can be swiveled around so you can take selfies and it has a built-in microphone, complete with a furry cover that eliminates wind noise when recording outdoors. I have been attempting to connect it to an app on my iPhone and it has taken a long time to get it to work. I took the app of the phone and reinstalled it and it seemed to work. I have ordered a hand grip for the camera, from Amazon, which allows you to hold it safely and control the camera. This should arrive sometime next week, by which time I can have it up and running and explore the various features.

Friday. 7.00 a.m. I had an appointment at the imaging department of Milton Keynes Hospital in Lloyds Court. I had been there before, so I had a good idea of where to go. I parked near The Point and walked through the shopping centre. It is further than I remembered. I checked in to reception went upstairs and sat in area B. You can't miss these area numbers. They are huge. I think it's for those who have poor eyesight. You definitely can't miss them. I was soon shown into the room and I had to lay on a couch. I had lubricant smeared on my stomach. KY Jelly I believe. The doctor (was he a doctor? I'm not sure.) used a device that was part of the ultrascan machine and put it on my stomach. The lubricant helped as he moved the thing about. I started off laying on my back, but then I had to lay on both sides. The procedure didn't take long and I was soon out of the office. But I couldn't find my way out. It was a bit of a maze, but soon I was walking back to my car and driving back to Dexter House.

All In A Summer's Day

Friday. 3.00 p.m. It is a fine and sunny day. My work on my family tree is going exceptionally well. I can't spell genealogy (not sure whether that's the correct spell, but the spell-checker hasn't made any comments, so I imagine it's fine.) I have around 500 people on it, and it goes back over 500 years.

Saturday. 2.50 p.m. I drove off to Chipping Norton, for the study day, which was about rebellion and revolution in Oxfordshire and, in particular, Chipping Norton, and featuring 'The Ascott Martyrs.'

I had done some research on Google Maps, in order to learn where I could park, and had found the postcode of one car park and had it ready to put in the car's built in satnav. I knew the route well, as   Carol and I had used the road on numerous occasions. It was a delight to be able to enjoy the Oxfordshire countryside as I drove along and got to Chipping Norton at around 9.20. I found a long-stay car park and then discovered that the town hall, where the study day was taking place, just over the road and there was a sign on the pavement to show the way into the Town Hall and up some stairs.

Going inside the town hall, I was greeted by a lady who checked me in on a list. I had bought my ticket online, and I didn't have a paper ticket, but my name was on the list. It just goes to show that technology makes this sort of thing so easy. In fact, if it hadn't been for a post on Facebook about this event, I would never have known otherwise. In fact, if it hadn't been for the internet, I would never have discovered about the Ascott Martyrs.

I then went up the stairs to the hall where the talks were to take place. It was a large, old-fashioned space,  that had seen better days. A typical multi-functional hall with a stage at one end, with rather worn set of curtains and a balcony the other end, presumably with seating for performance, and below, as I came into the hall, ladies behind a counter serving tea, coffee and biscuits.

The talks were due to start at 10 o'clock, so I had around 20 minutes to wait.

The three talks were as follows: 1: 'The Otmoor Riots In The Wider Context.' Given by Ciaran Walsh.

2: Priests, Property, or The Prayer Book,' Given by Adrienne Rosen.

3: 'A Restless Town: Civil Strife and Public Disorder in Chipping Norton.' Given by Simon Draper. This talk was the one that covered The Ascott Martyrs, although I didn't really learn much that I didn't already know about. Having said that, there was a great deal that I didn't know about, particularly The Otmoor Riots, The Bliss Mill strikes who happened in the period of the First World War, 1914-1918.

The talks finished at around 12.30, followed by an A.G.M. for the Oxfordshire Local History Association, who were responsible for the study day. After that, there was to be a guided walk around Chipping Norton, to look at the various sites that featured in the talks. I wasn't staying for the A.G.M., because I wasn't a member of O.L.H.A. and the walk sounded as it would be quite tiring for me, and, having had that blackout at the beginning of the year, I didn't think it was advisable to risk going on it. So, I decided to leave and find something to eat, such as a sandwich, and, on my way back to the car, I saw a Sainsbury's Local on the street corner, so went in and bought a sandwich, packet of crisps and a drink in their 'Meal Deal' and then went to the car park and began the journey home to Milton Keynes, with the intention of finding a stopping place on the road, to sit and eat my sandwich,.

Having done family history research, I am discovering ancestors who I had never known had existed (understandable, I suppose.) Also, in most instances, where they live, and many of the villages I went through on the drive to and from Chipping Norton, or were close by, where many of these ancestors lived. A really strange feeling, to be so close to where they lived and worked.

I didn't find a place to stop and eat my sandwich, so I just kept going until I got back to Milton Keynes.

Monday. 4.55 p.m. It's been a warm and sunny day, and, as I write this, it continues to be the same.

Tuesday. 7.25 a.m. I woke up a good deal later than usual. Alfie has been out and it seemed as if it had been raining. 

I think I mentioned the chat I had with the lady who was registering people as they went into the study day in Chipping Norton. I said I was there because of my possible connection to the Ascott Martyrs, through my family history research and their connection to my mother's family, who came from a village called Leafield, which is near Ascott Under Wychwood. I had hoped to have a further chat with her because she had mentioned something about a family history day, which was going to be held in Ascott in June. But it didn't happen, so I sent an email about all this, and she has since replied and told me that the family history day will be on Saturday, June 22nd, so if I go to this free event it is possible that I might find further connections with the Ascott Martyrs.

My family history research has exploded somewhat. I have almost 700 people on my tree and goes back as far as 1033, which is simply amazing. I thought, when I began all this work, that I might get back to about the time of William Shakespeare, which would be about 1560-70. But to get back before the Battle of Hastings in 1066 is fantastic!

Still Sunny!

Thursday. 7.55 a.m. Today, 9th May would have been my mother's 98th birthday. So sadly missed. It would have been wonderful if she'd been alive to see me and my grandchildren. I'm sure she would have loved to see them. She was only 56 in 1981 when she died. 

It's still bright and sunny. I just hope it stays that way.

I have always managed to put a link on my Facebook profile, which links to this blog. But several times recently, when I have attempted to do this, it has been refused by Facebook. It is only there as a means to an end, as I say, to provide a link for those who want to read my posts. I will give it another go and see if it is refused again. It doesn't always happen when I attempt to make the link available. A few seconds ago I tried to set up the link to Facebook, and it has worked. I don't understand why one moment it works, but another time it is refused.

I was going to drive off to The Oaktree Centre this morning, for our Thursday morning Bible Study, at around 9.20. When I got to the car, in its usual parking space, I found an Asda online delivery van parked across the exit, meaning I couldn't get out. The driver was busily sorting out his trolley with trays of produce balanced on it and ready to be taken into one of the flats within Dexter House. He said he would move the van down the street so that I could get out. But I saw that he was busy, so I said that I didn't mind waiting. I wasn't in a rush, so it didn't matter to me that a few minutes wait wouldn't make much difference. Then he pushed the trolley off along the street, and he disappeared into Dexter House. But it seemed to take longer than I anticipated, and when he eventually reappeared, he spent a good ten minutes stacking empty delivery boxes and sorting out his van. Fair enough, because he would want his van neat and tidy and nothing loose which would fall over and possibly get damaged. But this all took a good deal longer than I had hoped, but he eventually finished and drove away, which allowed me to drive out and go to the Oaktree Centre.

2.45 p.m. I must have mentioned somewhere within these posts, about how I used to order my repeat medication prescriptions, then have it made up by Lloyd's Pharmacy within Sainsbury's, and, further, how Lloyd's in Sainsbury's closed down and how I set up an account via the Lloyd's app (called Lloyd's Direct. Well, it took some time to get it to work, what with one thing and another, such as setting up a password. It had been working well enough for several months, but a few weeks ago I was informed that Lloyd's would be merging with another pharmacy company called Pharmacy2U. They would take over processing my prescriptions, but I would need to set up an account with them. It has taken me several days, attempting to set up an account with them and the frustration of setting up a password so that I could sign in and order my repeated medication. It has caused no end of annoyance, but eventually, it was done and it works. Or, I should say, it seems to work.

Warmer Weather

Tuesday. 6.15 a.m. I have been writing this blog for quite some time now. In fact, this will be the 1887th post. You may have come to the post through Facebook because I have always used a link at the bottom of each post so that more people have the opportunity to read what I post. But this morning, having decided to publish the last post, I got a message from Facebook telling me my post had been removed. It was extremely rapid, only seconds after I posted the link. I am intrigued to know why this happened because there is nothing contentious in any of my posts, nothing obscene, racist, or controversial in any way. I will attempt to connect this post to Facebook when it is completed, and see if it happens again. I realize this wasn't done by a human and was most likely done by some sort of algorithm.  

Good. I have got that out of the way!

The weather seems to be warming up. I do hope so because we've had some awful weather, far too much rain and wind.

8.40 a.m. Strange, but true. I mentioned linking this blog to my Facebook profile, and it was rejected for whatever reason. Well, I've had another go, just to see what happens, and it was posted without any problems. 

Wednesday. 6.15 a.m. Apparently, according to the weather forecast on BBC Breakfast this morning, we are likely to get thunder and lightning at some point in the day, not necessarily in Milton Keynes. It's definitely warming up, but heavy, thundery rainstorms, according to Carol Kirkwood as I write this! 21ºC in some parts of the country.

I was more than a bit upset when I heard about the felling of the Sycamore Gap tree on Hadrian's Wall last September. I don't think I was the only person to be shocked when this was announced on various media outlets. I am now more than a little pleased to learn that the two young men who were responsible for this vandalism have been charged with causing criminal damage, and will have to now face court and, hopefully, some sort of penalty, no doubt some sort of fine or even prison. It upset me because Carol and I went to Northumberland for our honeymoon in 2007 and the cottage we rented was a short drive away from Hadrian's Wall, which we visited and saw the Sycamore Gap tree. It was featured in the film 'Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.' We also visited several other locations which were used in that film. On a later holiday we had in North Yorkshire, we went to Aysgarth Falls, which is where the famous fight between Robin Hood and Little John was filmed.

Health Issues

 Thursday. 3.00 p.m. I have a cold. I haven't had one in years. In all the time I was with Carol, I didn't have one cold. I can't think where it has come from, presumably caught from someone at church or perhaps in Sainsbury's or the shopping centre. It's not heavy, but I keep sneezing and have a sore throat, and it's just unpleasant and makes sleeping at night difficult, because of a really unpleasant cough. I have sweets to suck and I've taken Paracetamol. I'll just have to put up with it until it clears up.

6.30 p.m. I have been for an appointment at Central Milton Keynes Medical Centre. It was scheduled for 4.30, but I was still waiting at 4.50, so I asked the receptionist and was told that they were running late. I eventually got called to go to Room 16, which came up on the digital screen. I had assumed that I was going to have an appointment with a doctor, but when I walked through the door, I then discovered that I was seeing the pharmacist. I was to have my blood pressure taken.  The pharmacist lady did my blood pressure sitting down, but, after looking at the results, I had to stand up for the second test. It was shown that there was a difference in the readings between when I sat down and then stood up to have my blood pressure taken. It would have been blood pressure which was the cause of my collapsing on the floor and then being taken to hospital.

It was odd seeing my writing on the computer screen when the pharmacist had a look at the blood test results when I had to check it over a week.

As a result of the blood test results, I am going to have to wear a blood pressure cuff for 24 hours, and this will begin next Tuesday. It doesn't concern me, but it will be quite difficult to have to wear it in bed. Then I will have to go back to the Medical Centre to give the pharmacist the device so it can be checked to see what the results find and have an E.C.G. done, which will check my heart health.

Friday. 7.30 a.m. I have put my washing in the machine. It's supposed to start at 8 o'clock, but I can't be bothered waiting. Just get on with it and start the machine. No point waiting, I say!

It looks like another mild morning. Please, no rain or wind!

Saturday. 12.25 p.m. It's bright and sunny. I can say, for the first time this year, that I've gone out WITHOUT A JACKET ON!

This morning we had Men's Breakfast at the Oaktree Centre. I arrived at 8.40 and the smell of frying bacon as I approached the building. So, a superb cooked breakfast of fried eggs, bacon, sausage and tea. I rarely eat fried food, so it is a treat and great to not have to cook it myself.

Richard, who usually leads this event, wasn't in attendance, so someone else was leading.

Sunday. 1.15 p.m. I haven't been to church this morning and attempted to watch the service via Facebook. I say 'attempted', because of technical issues. I have a Portal, which sits on the top of my television set and has a camera and microphone in it. It should allow you to communicate using Facebook (it is a product of Meta, the company which owns Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram. At one time you could view video from Facebook on it, but for some reason, this feature has been removed. You can use Zoom on it and other apps, which was handy during the Covid pandemic, when we weren't supposed to meet 'face-to-face.' 

I started watching the service through my iPad, but part way through things went pear-shaped, I lost video and only had sound and then that went, by which time I gave up, unfortunately.

Anything Goes!

 Thursday. 4.00 p.m. The Acorns playgroup, which meets at The Oaktree Centre, and the which I help set up and clear away on a Thursday morning, met for the last time until September. Around eight of the children were leaving, probably going on to reception classes in local primary schools.

6.25 p.m. As I write this, it's pouring rain. It's reasonably heavy, and I have a feeling that we will now have to endure flooding. As the grid roads in Milton Keynes don't have cambers, that is, the traditional method which is used elsewhere, and even used by the Romans when they built roads, there is more likely to be flooding, especially on roundabouts.

Friday. 5.00 a.m. I've only just come back indoors, having taken Alfie out. It's dry and reasonably pleasant, weather-wise.

We had a Church Family Meeting yesterday evening at the Oaktree Centre. It was mostly about finance. Not particularly well attended.

As I came in from driving back from the meeting, I noticed a large pantechnicon parked further along Strudwick Drive. I couldn't see exactly what it was doing where it was, because I had turned into Dexter Avenue before I got a chance, but this morning I could see it was a removal vehicle, with the words 'Bussy's Removals, painted on its side. I imagine it was full of furniture for a family moving into the area. 

Saturday.  5.05 a.m. It rained yesterday, but not heavy. Just thin and a bit pathetic, so it put paid to any more videoing by me. Today is the Grand Car Boot Sale at the Oaktree Centre, so any rain will not only put off customers but would make things extremely difficult. Then, on Sunday, we have the annual church picnic, so that would also be affected by the inclement weather. I just hope the weather holds off for the entire weekend, but having been out a few moments ago with Alfie, it was dry, although looking decidedly unsettled, looking at a somewhat dark and cloudy sky.

2.15 p.m. I got a message via Facebook to say that the Car boot sale had been cancelled due to the weather. But no sooner had I seen this message, than the rain stopped, and the sun came out. Typical British weather! Supposedly it will be run at a later date.

3.55. p.m. I've been out with Alfie. I have now hit the 10,000 steps target, wearing my FitBit. We walked around Oldbrook Green and met several dogs. Today is Alfie's 16th birthday!

It's windy out, so, what with cancelling today's car boot sale at the Oaktree Centre, I doubt that the church picnic will go ahead because the wind is strong and might be dangerous. We will have to wait and see what the weather does tomorrow.

Milder Weather

Tuesday. 7.55 a.m. It's foggy at the moment. It was something of a surprise when we went out at around 7.10. I hope it clears as the day progresses. It's not too thick, and visibility is about 20-30 feet or so.

6.05 p.m. The fog lifted gradually, as the day progressed, and the rest of the day was bright and sunny and really pleasant. The drive to Camphill was stress-free, with no queuing onto any of the roundabouts.  I think this was because it was half-term, with parents not driving their children to school.

The day at Camphill, in the theatre workshop, was spent reviewing the feedback from the two performances of '12 Nite.' (That was how it was spelt on the programmes and in the media. It was done to show that it wasn't actually as William Shakespeare wrote it, but an adaptation to be performed by a group who have a range of disabilities and for their capabilities.) Ticket sales were amazing and as a result, some £1,200 was made from the total sales. There has been a great number of positive reactions on social media, such as Facebook and Twitter.

During the lunch break, there was an incident, when one of the young men in the theatre workshop had a 'moment.' He got somewhat annoyed and swore at one of the girls, who got really upset, which was totally understandable. There was nothing violent, he didn't hit anyone, but it caused a situation which had to be resolved. As a result, Terrie, the workshop leader, had to get to the bottom of the incident and went off to deal with the young man. Generally, the group are very supportive of each other and there are never any raised voices, they all get on remarkably well together. Terrie had to interview all those people who witnessed the incident, including me, and write a report. 

During the time Terrie was out of the theatre, the rest of the team played a series of drama exercises and games. One, 'Grandmother's Basket' was played, with the team sitting in a circle and one person being given an empty basket and putting in an imaginary item, such as a boo, a dragon, a gold watch or whatever, and then the basket is passed to the next person who has to say the last item added and puts their own item in and the basket passes on round the circle with each person saying the last items and then their own, until it gets to the end of the circle, in this case, myself, who had to remember all the items, which was quite a feat of memory and add my own! I did manage. So glad to be part of all this! 

Then Paul, who is Terrie's assistant, suggested playing a game which might be useful in the development of a silent film which the group might make. The group was split into two and was given a theme for a sort of 'silent' or 'mime' piece. Then each group had to decide how to present the 'them' to the other group, who had to guess what the 'theme' was. My group had to first show a doctor's surgery, so we had the doctor mime, with patients arriving and him checking the patient. The other group theme was a school, with a teacher being the head of the class and some pupils arriving late, but in both exercises, no one could speak. It was a great success and even more than ever showed how well the teams work together. One of the definite positives of Camphill and showing the success of the community.

The afternoon was then spent watching a video on YouTube of a silent film, starring Buster Keaton, which was shown to give the team inspiration for making their own silent film. 

The day ended at 3.30 instead of 4 o'clock because Terrie and other members of staff had a meeting with the lady who is in charge of things at Camphill, to discuss the various things involved with the production of 'Twelfth Night.'

Wednesday. 7.50 a.m. A bright and relatively mild morning, but I did notice that there was a light frost on the grass when I took Alfie out at around 7.10 a.m.

9.00 a.m. The sun is shining, and I'm about to go to Aldi to do a bit of shopping.

11.00 a.m. I'm back from my trip to Aldi. In and out relatively quickly. I made a mess up with a one-pound coin in the trolley. I put one of the two I had with me in the wrong trolley and then found I couldn't release it, unfortunately. It might seem a triviality, but I never have a pocketful of pound coins, probably because I pay for most things with my debit card and usually not with cash. You need a coin for car parking or for these supermarket trolleys, Sainsbury's doesn't have trolleys which unlock with a pound coin, but Aldi does.

A Foggy Day In Milton Keynes

 Sunday. 8.10 a.m. I awoke around 4.30 and then went back to sleep. I felt the wrath of a small Yorkshire Terrier who came in and poked me, which got me viewing my watch. I thought it was 6 o'clock but found it was 7.20. As it was getting light outside, I quickly got dressed, but not quick enough for Alfie, who was barking vigorously when we went out onto the path alongside Strudwick Drive, I discovered it was foggy as well as crisp under my feet, meaning frost.

Monday. 8.00 a.m. A bit of light relief this morning on BBC Breakfast, about a duck who lives in Chorley, Lancs, and with a name, Ham. He lives in a run, or, at least, he should, but he has a habit of escaping and wandering around the neighbourhood. He has quite a following, on TikTok and Facebook. It seems he's quite a character and wears a scarf. 

It's quite clear and fog-free this morning, but frosty nonetheless.

11.05 a.m. My HP printer is causing problems. I last used it quite some time ago, but it just refuses to cooperate. I really need to print out some material. It seems to be fine taking to my MacBook Pro and connects wirelessly, but then it will not go on and print. It appears to have plenty of paper and ink, but when I hit 'print' it refuses to do just that.

1.30 p.m. The workmen are back today, repairing the roof along the corridor. A great deal of noise, currently what sounds like drilling or something. They have brought in a load of wood and tiles and a machine which I can't identify.

Tuesday. 8.05 a.m. It doesn't seem as cold as it has been over the past few days. Looking out of my window at my car, which is parked below the window, it didn't seem to be as frozen up as it might have been earlier in the week. I have just been down to spray the windows with de-icer and scrape off the ice, the idea being that I can drive off to Camphill in about 40 minutes without having to clear the windows.

Wednesday. 1.50 p.m. A great day at Camphill. Most of the play was rehearsed and some of the actors knew their lines, but not entirely. There was some sort of incident with one of the residents. I'm not entirely sure what it was. I think someone got hit on the nose or something. I don't think it was intentional, more likely an accident. Staff had to deal with it (away from the theatre, in one of the houses.) I have a feeling Terrie, the lady who leads the theatre workshop, had to fill in accident forms, so was out of the theatre during the early part of the afternoon, but soon joined us after we had done some fun warm-up exercises. 

I have been attempting to get the HP printer to work, to actually print. I managed to find the helpline number, after a lot of searching online. But as a result, I didn't get the confounded thing working, but I did discover that this particular printer has to print on far thinner paper. I went to Asda to buy a packet of far thinner paper than I had in stock and, as I write, I have tried it and still no results. Also, following advice sent via email from HP, to check the paper intake slot and underneath the machine to check if there was any debris. I found a piece of sticky tape which is used to secure the machine in transit and which should have been removed before installation. Still no success printing.

Thursday. 8.00 a.m. It's a good deal milder this morning. No fog, no icy-frost. Hopefully, no need to scrape ice off the car! According to Carol Kirkwood, the BBC Breakfast weather lady this morning, it is going to get milder as we approach the weekend.

4.40 p.m. I am still struggling to get the HP printer to work. I have no idea what to do with it next.

Wheels Came Off The Bus

Saturday. 7.30 a.m. So, the wheels did actually come off the bus with Boris Johnson's resignation. The big question I have is, did he jump, or was he pushed? I think he was totally deluded if he thought he could remain as Prime Minister, considering what has been going on regarding 'so-called' 'Partygate' and the goings-on regarding Chris Pincher (I won't go into details on THAT.) 

This morning I have now moved the unit which had my microwave on it into the lounge. A bit of effort was required to do this, rather like a big game of Tetris. One thing moves, another thing goes into the space created, and then another bit of furniture is moved in. It has taken a considerable amount of thought and effort to achieve this. A bit like when I worked in stage management, working out how scene changes would be achieved, and often in a very short space of time. The problem is, now there's more furniture than the room can really take. It's going to be a bit of a squeeze, which is something of an exaggeration, but I will have to cope until the work in the kitchen is completed. 

12.50 p.m. I now have china and other kitchen items stored in the unit, which I moved from the kitchen (it was opposite the oven. I was hoping I might have got a new unit in that space, and, as there are what must have been screw holes in the wall above, I assume at one time there was a wall unit, but unfortunately I won't get this, as they are only replacing 'old for new.' Shame, but it's just as well I have this unit, which came from Amazon. 

I went into the main Milton Keynes shopping centre around 9.30. I just needed a break from the flat and all the shifting of stuff. I had intended to buy a magazine I have had on occasion, called 'Current Archaeology.' But W.H.Smith, from where I have managed to buy it before, have seen fit to rearrange their magazine section and the magazine doesn't appear to be there. Just very annoying. I think it might be worthwhile having a subscription and, as a result, having each monthly edition delivered, the same way I have two other magazines, 'BBC History Magazine' and 'History Today'.

The mention of those two magazines makes me think about how they are delivered, by the Royal Mail. But there is a slight problem. Well, not actually a problem. You may recall all the flats within Dexter House had their front doors replaced. But the letter box in each of these doors has a flap inside, a sort of curved metal buffer if you like (I can't think of a better way to describe it.) It may be fine if ordinary letters are inserted through the letter box, but with this metal contraption, anything larger, for example, a magazine, will get mangled. Not such a clever device. Meant, one supposes, to prevent smoke from getting into the flat should there be a fire. But nobody tested these things to find out how they would prevent larger items from being put through the letter box. 

Sunday. 5.30 a.m. Another warm and still morning. 

12.35 p.m. I didn't go to church this morning, but watched the service online, via Facebook. 

Currently, the temperature, according to my digital thermometer, is 82ºF. Just quietly roasting, but does it matter? Seems not. I have attempted to get this reduced, but no one will listen. Crazy.

5.00 p.m. Alfie has been for a second visit to the family who is, hopefully, going to look after him when I go to visit Worcester. He seems to be settling down and enjoying being with them. We will have one more session and then let's see what happens next.

Monday. 6.45 a.m. So, this is it! All the waiting, all the frustration, the screaming, the shouting, the stamping of little feet. What am I referring to? Why, of course, the runners and riders in the race to select the replacement for Prime Minister and leader of the Conservative Party after the resignation of Boris Johnson. It makes me laugh when you see the two-faced behaviour of these MPs, one minute, all smiles and patting each other on the back, and, no sooner as any of them come forward as candidates, they're stabbing each other in the back (metaphorically, of course!) Rather like something out of a Shakespeare drama, such as 'Julius Caesar.' More like the television series (which I worked on, the BBC version, that is.) 'House of Cards.'

The last of the things have been moved out of the kitchen, and here I am, ready for the workmen to arrive to refurbish my kitchen. It's a bit of a squeeze in my lounge, with more than enough extra bits of furniture, but if it means I get a new, improved kitchen, then I don't mind.

8.25 a.m. Two workmen have come to start breaking up the units in the kitchen. I am going to have a temporary sink so at least I can wash up and make a cup of tea. Temporary that is, until the brand, spanking new sink unit is installed. (Intend to post each step of the journey from old to new kitchen on here. I am photographing it as well.)

Hey Ho, The Wind and the rain!

Saturday. 7.55 p.m.  We had Men's Breakfast at the Oaktree Centre this morning. We haven't had one of these gatherings since the one at The  Fountain in Loughton. 

There was a break in the rain. The sun came out, surprisingly. As I write this, it seems still outside.

Sunday. 6.30 a.m. It sounds suspicious as if it's gusting outside as I write this.

9.15 a.m. I've just been out with Alfie. It is as windy as ever, but probably not as powerful as it was in the midst of Storm Eunice on Friday, but still advisable to be wary of falling branches and roof tiles falling off buildings. I saw a large branch had fallen off one of the trees along the path around Oldbrook Green yesterday mid-afternoon, the Shackleton Place side.

1.30 p.m. Now we have Storm Franklin on his/her way. The highest wind speed ever recorded has been measured on the Isle of Wight, at 122 miles per hour. I wonder if all those wind turbines we see all over the area are busily converting these winds into electricity.

I didn't go to church this morning, because of the wind. I have seen pictures of the damage caused by the high winds on Friday, and they had really put me off going out. Cars being smashed by falling bricks, lorries blown over on a motorway, damage done to the O2 dome and the top of a spire in Wells, Somerset didn't exactly help matters. But I managed to catch today's service from the OTC via Facebook.

Monday. 5.44 a.m. The wind is still raging outside.

Since the pandemic struck in late March 2020, I have built up quite a pile of boxes and packaging, some of it left from when I moved into Dexter House, but a great deal from buying items online, mostly from Amazon. I am now in the process of breaking up the boxes ready to take to the tidy-tip but will wait until the wind has dropped. All of these packets and boxes are in the pantry (for want of a better word to describe the small storage room next to my kitchen.) It's not so much the actual boxes that are the problem, which I am breaking down so that some will fit inside other larger boxes so that it will fit into the back of my car, but also the material which is used within the boxes, plastic material, card as well as polystyrene. Much of this has been broken up and put into recycling bags which are taken out to the bin yard at the rear of Dexter House, but the rest will go in my car. As you have to prebook your visit to the tidy tip at Bleak Hall, which is done online via the Milton Keynes website, I want to make sure all this work is done before I book my place so that all this rubbish can be taken away.

10.45 a.m. It's as windy as ever. But, regardless of the weather, more bulbs are popping up out of the ground. The daffodils are beginning to show some signs of appearing along the bit of grass opposite The Cricketers in Strudwick Drive and there are catkins on the bushes the furthest side from The Cricketers on Oldbrook Green. As the saying goes, 'the first green shoots are appearing.

7.45 p.m. I am fairly certain that the wind has subsided. Well, I really hope so. Let's just say it would be nice for things to calm down.

Jam Yesterday, Jam Tomorrow, But Never Jam Today

 The title for this blog post, that is, if you weren't aware, is from the Lewis Carroll book, 'Through The Looking Glass, and What Alice Found There.' It seemed somewhat appropriate for the current 'Partygate' situation. But more likely in Boris Johnson's case, 'Cake yesterday, cake tomorrow, but never cake today.' Just thinking about the absurdity of so-called 'Partygate' makes me think of Alice in Wonderland,  and the craziness of the world created by Lewis Carroll. Perhaps a never-ending tea party, with the Mad Hatter (definitely Boris Johnson.) in charge, with the March Hare and Dormouse in attendance. They kept moving around the table, and the Mad Hatter screaming at Alice 'No room! No room!' when there obviously was plenty of room.  The idea of making a promise, in this case, jam, or any sort of promise made by a politician, which is just hot air and they know full well that it can't be kept, in the case of Mr Johnson, how he will deal with Brexit and the aftermath. Remember the infamous bus with the slogan emblazoned on its side 'We send £350 million to the EU every week' which he must have known wasn't accurate. Then there's 'Levelling Up.' The less said about that the better. But who remembers the dying days of the John Major administration in the late 1990s? The so-called 'Back to basics' campaign, went belly-up when several of his ministers were found to be not quite as morally clean as they should have been. I think Mr Major would have liked to put the genie back in the bottle over that one. 

I actually attended a tenants meeting on Thursday! I have been to once since I moved to Dexter House. Barbara, our S.H.O. (Sheltered Housing Officer) took minutes and chaired the meeting. There is a leak in the roof along the corridor leading to the door out into Strudwick Drive. It has to be fixed before the workmen can start work on painting the walls, as it would be pointless to paint and then have water leaking down the paintwork. There's something wrong with the drains here and they have to investigate down one of the pipes which run through the building. I had a shower the other evening and the water took an age to drain away, so I suspect that is connected to a blockage somewhere. The paintwork is soon to be redone, including the stairs which lead up to our flats. Nothing else of any great interest or excitement.

Saturday. 2.20 p.m. It's overcast and windy today. There was a brief sunny period, but it didn't last long. Alfie was doing his prodding thing when I was laying on my bed, so I felt a necessity to take him out and around Oldbrook Green.

Sunday. 8.05 a.m. I didn't wake up until well past 7.30 this morning. It's bright and sunny, but some frost formed ice on the car. I'm going to have to defrost it before I leave to go to church.

Storm Malik caused havoc across the north of England. We seem to have avoided the strength of this storm which is now passing through the country, but there's another storm brewing. I would say both metaphorically and in reality.

2.45 p.m. I have been to church. We have the choice of whether to wear a face mask or muzzle, as I prefer to call them.  The restrictions are slowly being lifted. The hall was full. It seems that more and more people are beginning to return, although there is still the option to watch online via Facebook.

I took Alfie out once I'd had lunch. I notice that there are bulbs beginning to come up as I walk back into Dexter House, in the community garden. Is this a sign of spring? It's getting light a good deal earlier each morning. 

Monday. 8.45 a.m. It's bitterly cold this morning, with a high wind blowing. It might be sunny, but that's deceptive. It still seems though that this area of the country has avoided the worst of Storm Malik. 

A Red Sky In The Morning . . . Boris' Trousers on Fire

 Sunday. 10.15 a.m. Another cold and blustery day. The cough is still causing problems. I continue to take the cough mixture, and it seems to help. I didn't go to church because of the cold and the effect it would have on the cough. I took a dose of cough mixture and then attempted to watch the SCF service via Facebook, but the whole thing froze up and wouldn't work properly. Furthermore, I imagine it's got something to do with the church broadband connection. Several other people who were watching posted that they were finding the images were freezing or at least juddering. It really needs dealing with, unfortunately.

Monday. 8.10 a.m. It's cold again this morning, but I could see a bright red sky from my window as I was having my breakfast. What do they say? 'Red sky in the morning, shepherd's warning. Red sky at night, shepherd's delight.' Not sure how accurate, but let's wait and see whether it gets colder or even windy. Storm Arwen has done its worst and calmed down and disappeared, but next, we have to expect Storm Barra. Don't ask me where they got the name from.

Wednesday. 7.45 a.m. Alfie is definitely not one to like cold, wind, rain or generally wet in any form. This undoubtedly this morning when we went out and the little tyke was in and out as quickly as possible and back tucked up on the sofa, but, as I write, on my bed, probably under the duvet.

11.10 p.m. I was just getting off to sleep when the merry sound of the fire alarm went off. No doubt someone in another flat within Dexter House has either forgotten to check their oven was on with their oven chips or something, a fag-end was left smoldering in an ash-tray, or else they burnt their toast. Either way, it's deafening which means I moved from the bedroom into the lounge, and Alfie's looking at me as he doesn't like the noise. Who can blame him? Whatever it is that set the confounded thing off means I get to write a bit more of this and Alfie's attempting to climb on my knee which is impossible with the laptop in the way. There is a fire engine outside in Dexter Avenue as I can hear the engine running and I could see the flashing blue light when I look out of the window, not that easy as my Christmas tree is in the way. I just hope they manage to discover the reason for the alarm being set off as my ears are ringing from the sound of the alarm and giving me a headache.

Incidentally, on a different matter, has nobody realized that omicron is an anagram of moronic? Or that the two words delta and omicron spell 'media control'? Too right. The conspiracy theories regarding the pandemic and the virus just go on. Boris Johnson now attempting to wriggle out of the latest scandal regarding the Christmas party which was alleged to have taken place in Number 10 Downing Street last year after pandemic restrictions were introduced and not adhering to the aforementioned regulations and making a mockery of the whole situation when the rest of us were in lockdown and not supposed to attend any sort of party. Totally contemptible. Makes me wonder how much longer Johnson can last as Prime Minister as he is rapidly turning into a liability, to not only the Conservative party but also the country as a whole.

11.30 p.m. The alarm is still going and no sign of the wretched noise coming to an end. What exactly IS going on? I can't see smoke emanating from any window or anywhere else, so we'll just have to endure it I suppose.

11.55 p.m. By around 11.40 I'd had enough. The fire engine has gone. So, what set the alarm off? I got dressed as Alfie was beginning to get stressed. He can't cope with the noise. We went out through the front door near the SHO's office and there were two men fiddling with the fire alarm keypad, looking as if they were aimlessly pressing random keys on the pad. I don't know who they were, but by the time we'd walked around to the other entrance on Strudwick Drive the alarm had stopped, so we went back in and returned to my flat. Thank goodness it was over and silence reigned once more! I presume there is a fault with the alarm system.

Disappointments and Frustrations

Sunday. 5.55 p.m. Yesterday the men's breakfast group met at the  Harvester  Fountain inn in Loughton. It's just off Watling Street and just along the road from where Carol and I lived when we were first married, in Crownhill. 

Just a matter of interest. It intrigues me that Loughton is pronounced as it sounds (Low-ton) while Woughton-On-The-Green, the next village going out of Milton Keynes (both being villages now swallowed up by the new town of Milton Keynes), is pronounced Woof-ton. Just makes things difficult for anyone new to the area. Probably one of the quirks of the English language. Try explaining that to an American, or any other foreign visitor!

Thursday. 7.25 p.m. I haven't been keeping up with things in these blog posts. On Thursday I drove to Camphill with the hope of meeting the drama workshop guys and the new drama team. I went to the office and was told that I could do my Disclosure online. But then when I got home I had an email from Camphill to say that there had been another change of plan. Due to the disruption of the pantomime which is being performed in the Chrysalis Theatre over the Christmas period, I would not be able to meet the team, so I will have to arrange another day to visit and do a taster day (which is what I did originally when I first went to Camphill as a volunteer in around April 2019.) After that, I can do the disclosure and hopefully get back to working in the drama workshop.

I had an email on Wednesday morning saying that I had been 'put forward' for walk-on work at Pinewood Studios on a Disney production. No name or anything much. I needed to upload several photos to the Pop website, the casting site. I got Barbara to take these shots on my iPhone and then managed to upload them successfully. I would have to go to Pinewood on Friday for a costume fitting and the filming day would be on Monday. As usual, a wait to get a response, and then today I got another email telling me I had been released (i.e.; not selected.) Ho Hum! It was what I expected, but one always hopes one will eventually get selected. Just one day on something or other would be great. Such is life!

Saturday. 11.35 p.m. I have been interested in something called 'Portal,' which has been created by Facebook. It's a technology that allows you to video chat with people, your family, friends, and others by using a screen with a camera attached. OK, you can do all this on your PC or laptop and I have used Zoom during the various lockdowns we've had during the past eighteen months or more, especially for church meetings and bits of market research I have done.  It is connected to Facebook live video. Except I wouldn't want to have another gadget as I already have enough gadgets. I had imagined it would be great to be able to video chat through my television set if I was able to have a camera attached to my set so that I could use Zoom or other similar video conferencing software on my MacBook and that connected somehow to my television set.  The only problem with Zoom on a laptop is that staring at a small screen and then the tiny postage stamp-sized images of the other people in the meeting can be quite a strain. So, what amazement was it to find that Facebook had released such a piece of technology and called Portal TV? Zoom will work on it and as it's on a large television screen it would be far more comfortable to use looking at a larger image. Not only that, but you can video call family and friends using this technology. Then I found that this gadget was going to be available at half price for Black Friday. (Why does Black Friday last for several weeks? Not just one particular Friday? And could someone explain why it's Black? No, please, don't. I don't want to get into such a discussion on here. . . ) I could buy one at this low price via BT. Which is what I did. Paid for, and it would be delivered by Mailforce, part of Royal Mail. Simple. Or so I imagined. It wasn't the ordering that was difficult. Just the delivering. The thing was ordered on Wednesday, and it was scheduled to be delivered on Friday, between around 12.30-1.30 p.m. Which I learned via email and text message.

I waited in expectation of the delivery of the parcel. At around 12.30 I got a buzz on the intercom from the front door of Dexter House to say the aforementioned parcel had been delivered but to the wrong address.     Not my flat number, but the house opposite. This is constantly being a problem. The gentleman from the house opposite had a card with my address on it, and it said I could collect my parcel after 24 hours! Looking at the card it had my correct address, so why didn't the delivery driver merely turn round and see that Dexter House was opposite? Well, it was merely a matter of reading the address correctly. No real excuse. So, I was annoyed that I would have to wait a full 24 hours before I could collect the parcel.

The next day I drove into the Centre MK to meet up with my friend Nick who came to Milton Keynes on a bus from Northampton. I intended to park in the Secklow car park next to The Point and normally have no issues using the RingGo app on my phone. But for some reason, it would not work because you have to put in more identity before you pay. So it was fortunate I had sufficient coins in my jacket pocket to put in one of the ticket machines. Yet another of life's frustrations. When technology works, it's fine, but when it doesn't or is changed for whatever reason, it can be annoying.

Having met up with Nick I then drove to the mail delivery office in Brinklow. I have had to collect several parcels from here, so I was hoping that I could pick up the parcel and then return to my flat to set up the Portal TV on my television set. But no. Having taken the card which was left when the drive was going to deliver the parcel to the wrong house, I then learnt that I would need to collect the parcel fro the Parcelforce unit in Tongwell. So I got back in the car and drove across Milton Keynes to Tongwell, to just opposite Willen village. But, lo and behold! I was told by the rather disinterested girl on the reception desk that my parcel was at the Post Office in the centre of Milton Keynes! This was beginning to get somewhat repetitive. Why on earth wasn't I given this information in the first place?  I could easily have collected it when I was with Nick earlier in the day. Another car journey into the centre. But where to park? I had no change on me, thanks to having to use the payment machine in the Secklow car park when the RingGo app didn't work as it should, so I drove around aimlessly hoping there might be a free spot to park whilst I went into the Post Office to collect the parcel. No luck! Then I found myself driving into the newly-opened multi-storey car park next to John Lewis. There was no alternative but to drive in and park. I first had to negotiate the barrier, having to put my debit card into the machine. I later found that I should have taken a ticket from the machine and once I'd collected the parcel I then realized I had to put this ticket (which I didn't have.) in one of the payment machines to then pay with my card. Oh, what an adventure the entire afternoon had been. But I did manage to get out eventually, managing to get a ticket from the exit and then putting it into another machine to lift the barrier, so I could get out!

On arriving back at Dexter House I then found that some kind person had parked their car across the entrance to my parking space, which was so nice of them, but later in the evening, I went down to move my car onto my space once the car had driven away. Just a wonderful end to a long, and difficult afternoon.

A Glimmer of Light

Yesterday (Sunday 7th March) would have been Carol's 57th birthday. Just doesn't seem possible that she's been gone for over two years. I posted some photographs of her on Facebook. Have plenty and it was difficult selection  to choose those that were the best. 

So, what does the new week bring?

Well, to be honest, probably much the same as last week and the week before and back to around the beginning of all these confounded lockdowns. But there is a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel.

(Monday) I've written a considerable amount more and by now I ought to transcribe it into word processing. More editing, but that's to be expected.

The workmen are busily doing whatever it is they're doing around Dexter House. As I write this, at 1.35p.m., there is a very loud sound immediately outside my front door, of what I suspect is an electric drill, a hole being made for whatever purpose I have really no idea. I just wish someone would warn me well in advance, as it is extremely loud and might mean I can't get out until it's finished. Alfie really doesn't like it and he's staring at the door. Any sudden sharp noises he starts barking, so you can imagine what he's like at the moment. I just hope it stops soon.

Later. I've been out with Alfie. I waited until the drilling stopped and then stuck my head out of the door and all the noise was to install new emergency lighting. I think they will be a good deal more effective than the old ones. I just hope that is all the noise for today. I should have spoken (or written) so soon, as there is more drilling going on elsewhere. Oh well! Just have to ignore it.

(Tuesday) The new emergency lights are far more effective than the old ones. It's like daylight and because those outside my front door are on all night (and day, it would seem.) the light comes through my front door and it's almost like having daylight streaming in. Almost pure white light contrasted with the rather yellowy light of the old lights and similar to the light from the reading lamp I bought on Amazon. I think they must be LCD (light emitting diode) lights but not entirely sure.

(Wednesday) I've been out with Alfie as usual and it was cold and wet! Quite a strong wind blowing.

I've just realised that the new ceiling lights along the corridor as I go out are operated by motion sensors! I wasn't sure, but I'm certain. I couldn't understand what the strange clicking was as I walked along the corridor, and now realise that was what it was and the whole array of ceiling lights come on as I passed under them. I suppose it's a good way to save electricity so they don't have to be on all the time and especially when there's nobody around.

I had to wait in this morning because there was an electrician coming from Mears, the company which does the maintenance around Dexter House. Apparently someone was supposed to come a few weeks ago, but unfortunately I forgot, so the appointment was rearranged for today. I wasn't sure what time they would arrive, and someone rang me yesterday to ask me if I'd had covid or had interacted with someone infected by the virus, but I said I hadn't. The window I was given when he would arrive was from 8-12pm, so I couldn't go out. Fortunately he arrived at around 10.30 and what he was going was putting in new fire and carbon monoxide alarms. They can be tested from a remote gadget and as it is I can reach them as I'm tall enough to touch them to test them. One in the entrance, another in the kitchen and another in the sitting room. Poor Alfie had to be shut in the bedroom as it was safer for all concerned and it meant he could sleep on the bed and it would explain why I din't hear a single peep out of him the whole time. So, at least that's done and dusted.

Today he weather has changed considerably. From being really mild and spring-like, today it is a good deal colder, wet and windy. I took Alfie out when I'd been to Sainsbury's (a good deal later than I would normally, due to the fact the electrician came to sort out the fire alarms. Incidentally, why wasn't one put in the bedroom? Or the bathroom if it comes to that?) Once I'd come home and put the shopping away (four bags, and considerably more than I usually buy, but I have several week's worth of food, so I shouldn't have to go shopping for quite a while.) I had a short rest and then took Alfie out, but he didn't want to go far because it was raining, although not particularly heavily.

Easing Lockdown

(Wednesday) So our dear Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, announces in the Commons, that some of the lockdown restrictions have beed eased. The two metre social distancing regulations have been lowered to one metre, but the thought of going to a pub or restaurant is not something I would bother with as it's so complex I'd rather stay at home, thank you.

Blogger, which is owned by Google, and which is what this blog is created on, is to be upgraded, if that's what it's supposed to be called. I have been using it for a good many years and have got on well with it, so why does it suddenly have to be changed so radically? It's the same with Facebook, which has been changed dramatically and is now more difficult to use. I really don't like it and why change things when the work well? You never get any sort of help with how to use any of these sites. It just because they can change things that problems occur. As the saying goes if it ain't broken, don't fix it. You have to learn yourself what the various 'buttons' and gizmos do without any sort of instruction, which is the same with most things you buy, which includes computers. When I bought my iPad recently went of YouTube to learn how to do things.

Out walking with Alfie this morning at about 9.30. We stopped for a rest on the furthest side of Oldbrook Green and sat on the very conveniently placed bench. I was shocked by the amount of litter strewn all over the ground nearby. Somebody had sat and eaten a takeaway meal and there was definite evidence, paper, polystyrene containers, Pepsi bottles and goodness knows what else. As there was a litter bin nearby, within arms reach, it would have taken long to put their debris in this when they had finished, just laziness. I have also seen disposable gloves thrown on the ground, also near a bin. It's not just the fact they were thrown aside, expecting someone else to deal with them, but environmentally harmful, especially if small mammals get stuck in them or try to eat them. I digress- as I seem in the habit of doing, and as I sat with Alfie on my lap, I saw a large lorry moving along Oldbrook Boulevard and turn into Strudwick Avenue and then into the yard behind The Cricketers pub. Obviously about to make a delivery, ready for the pub to reopen since the pandemic restrictions have been lifted. A definite positive sign that things are going to improve.

Later. It's far too hot. Wait a minute. This is crazy. We wait most of the year so we have some warm and pleasant weather, and all we do is complain that it's TOO HOT! The problem I have is I'm more of a temperate person. I don't like getting too hot. As a result of the weather, I decided to pack Alfie into the cage in the back of the car and drive the short distance down Chaffron Way to the Ouzel Country Park. I knew the moment I opened up the car that it was going to be far too much for Alfie and certainly not good for me. I put on sun block, the sort you spray on and donned my sun hat. Alfie was really suffering and so was I. We walked along the gravel path and met a group of ladies pushing someone in a wheelchair and they weren't sure whether they could go through the gates, which I told them it would be fine, so long as they shut them behind them. Some have cattle grids to stop livestock going through. There were sheep in the meadow we were walking through, several groups sheltering under the trees and Alfie started to bark so I decided to walk in a different direction. The sheep began to stir. I don't think they like dogs. I suppose they think of them as a threat. I didn't want Alfie to cause them stress, so I walked on.

I don't think it was such a good idea to bring Alfie out in such heat, or, if it comes to that, it wasn't good for me either. I was told by one of the cardiology nurses who looked after me when I went to a rehab session after my first heart attack in 2006, that I should keep out of the sun and always wear a hat. At one session, when it was really hot, about as hot as it has been today, I very nearly passed out and had to have first aid, which really frightened me.

More Social Distancing

I needed to go on line early this morning to check my bank account. For some reason, best know to myself, I was under the impression that my pension would be in the account this Wednesday, but I was more than surprised and pleased to see it was already there, having gone in last Wednesday. I am also pleased with myself that I manage to have a balance from the previous month, which is really a result of very careful management of my finances. So, as a result of all this I hurriedly put together a shopping list, which is part of my financial management. I try to never to shopping unless I have sat down and written a list, which is to help prevent me buying unnecessary items. I then took Alfie out for his usual stroll long Strudwick Drive to Oldbrook Green and when we got back to the flat I got ready to leave to drive to Sainsbury's, because I know they open at 7a.m. 

I had absolutely no difficulty in finding a parking space that that early hour. There was one lady waiting for the store to open and we stood at the required 2 metre distance. I was expectantly waiting for the door to be opened, but the time went by. A good 30 minutes elapsed and the staff opened the doors, but we still weren't allowed in. It's one person at a time, no other person with you in the store, and only a few allowed in at a time, in an attempt to keep contact between people to the barest minimum. The people started going through, and I was thinking, wit a minute, I've been waiting 40 minutes or more, and then it turned out that they were N.H.S. employees and they were given preferential treatment because of the pandemic. I know it was a bit of a pain having to wait, but I think considering the current situation, they should be given preference. I eventually go into the store and began to follow my list. It means I don't just grab stuff and throw it into my trolley, although I wish Sainsbury would make some effort to make sure their trolley run properly. The one I was using had something wrong with one of the wheels and it was difficult to push. as it wanted to steer at an angle. This seems to be a problem with a lot of supermarket trolleys. I was pleased I was able to buy liquid hand soap, so I bought two. I haven't been able to buy this sort of item for weeks, due to the panic buying which has left almost all supermarkets having shelves totally empty. Why toilet rolls? Who needs that many? I wouldn't have space for more than a few packets.

I have bought myself an iPad. I have been looking at them and was surprised by how many different versions there are. Mine is a silver, 128gb. model. I purchased it through Very, and will pay for it in installments. It is a very early birthday present to myself. I wasn't expecting it to arrive until at least next Wednesday, so it was a complete surprise when, having spent near enough 2 hours at Sainsbury's, and, arriving home and unpacking all my shopping and putting it away tidily, and then, taking Alfie for a walk which he really needed, I got a knock at my front door, to be confronted by the postman, who had the parcel in his hand. He put it down on the doorstep and I didn't have to sign anything, due, no doubt to the social distancing we have to employ because of he coronavirus pandemic. It was easy enough to set the iPad up. I have an iCloud account which meant most of my apps which are already on my iPhone as well as photographs and other documents, soon appeared on the iPad. It wasn't difficult to get my wifi to connect and the thing was soon up-and-running. I have ordered a case for it on Amazon, which should arrive in a day or two. I always try to keep my gadgets protected by putting them in cases, because it doesn't take much for them to get damaged if they get accidentally dropped or just scratched.

I went with Alfie a lot later for a walk. I can't avoid Alfie staring at me and virtually pleading with me to take him out. Well, I can't blame him because he doesn't particularly like being cooped up indoors for too long. This mostly because of the pandemic and having to avoid social interaction and keep separated from other people. We did the by now routine walk along Strudwick Drive and one the way here was the sound of a vehicle approaching along Oldbrook Boulevard, and I could see it, a largish pick-up truck. It hurtled along the road and came round the roundabout and into Strudwick Drive, going at speed that it could have easily turned over and caused an accident and it sped along the road and didn't seem to slow down. As I say, there could have been a rather nasty accident as it could have come off the road and even collided with myself and Alfie.

It's hot in the flat. The weather is fine, meaning I have opened the windows in the flat. The kitchen is hot, for some reason there are hot pipes running under the sink. The whole of Dexter House is heated by a system which doesn't take into account individual preferences of those who live in the flats, which to me is crazy. Why does it need to be this warm all the time? I have turned down the heating in my flat, using the thermostat, but to have the kitchen so over-heated is not only a waste of energy, but isn't environmentally a good thing for the planet. We're constantly being told to either not waste resources, such as fuel, but to help prevent global warming, but the fact that I have to open the windows to let out the heat is crazy. I can't leave milk out for long periods, such as over-night, because it will go off. This has happened before.

Because the windows are open, it has another effect; insects come in, such as bees, although I don't wind that, but then you get the constant noise of traffic outside and there's been someone somewhere who is using a hammer and hitting something (probably, if it goes on long enough, it won't just be the wood or nail that will get hit . . .) then sawing. What is going on? I soon discover, because when I eventually go out with Alfie I see someone outside one of the ground floor flats, which has it's own rather pleasant bit of garden, that they're building what looks to me like a lean-to greenhouse. Partially constructed as I go past, but presumably it just needs finishing off and then to have glass put into the windows. I hope it's not going to take too long because the constant sawing and hammering is beginning to become something of a nuisance.

(Sunday) No church, but not in the traditional sense. I watched on-line, a church in Manchester, apparently. There are a lot of churches streaming their services through either Facebook and YouTube. I found that a service was going to be streamed from Audacious Church in Manchester. It was also on Facebook.

Alfie and I have only just got back from another walk. I think he was getting as much cabin fever as I was. Walking along Dexter Avenue, past the front of Dexter House, I noticed that what I assumed was going to be a greenhouse looks more likely to be a garden shed, because it has one relatively small window and just doesn't now look as if it could be a greenhouse somehow. There's been more sawing, which put paid to my further attempts to do some writing. Carpentry (if you can actually call it that.) has a habit of causing a certain amount of disturbance and I can't really concentrate with that sort of noise going on. I think those who have to do it (and, yes, it's usually a Bank Holiday, but probably made more annoying and stressful due to the lockdown and people being somewhat restricted.) are somewhat self-centred and don't seem to realise it causes annoyances to others.

I have done some more writing this afternoon. I wouldn't say I produced a vast amount, but it's quality I'm after rather than quantity. Having now set up the iPad I am able to write using that and I have even found I can dictate without having to use the keyboard and, because of having iCloud, files from the MacBook automatically appear 'as if by magic,' on the iPad. What might take perhaps half an hour takes around 10 minutes, although you have to check for punctuation and spelling, because the software can't differentiate between certain words, particularly those that sound similar, such as write and wright, or reed and read, but that isn't a problem. Anyway, I'm thinking to myself, if I've got the technology I might as well make the best use of it, certainly if it removes what to me is the most time-consuming aspect of writing, transferring what I have written with a pencil on paper into word processing.

As I write this, at 9.45 on Easter Sunday, the wind has got up and cooled things down considerably, thankfully, meaning I have to close some of the windows, otherwise the wind comes in and blows things around, making some of the doors in the flat slam and bang somewhat.

Naughty Alfie!

Alfie has been in trouble! It's because he barks too much. I got a note thorough the door of the flat, from Barbara, who is the  S.H.O. (Sheltered Housing Officer) of Dexter House. Apparently someone (I have a fairly good idea who) says that they don't like Alfie barking. Well, he is a dog and dogs bark. It's hilarious if it weren't so pathetic. I have to take him out early in the morning. Well, all dogs need their walk, and it's important, nay, vital, for him to be able to relieve himself (do I have to go into precise detail? I don't think so.) Whenever I am preparing to take him out, I have to get my outdoor shoes on and generally arrange myself and Alfie soon picks up on this (which I think I have described in earlier blog posts. Because of the current pandemic situation, with 'social distancing,' we aren't supposed to meet one another and I imagine Barbra would have told me face-to-face. I think it's the fact that this 'person' didn't come and face me over this issue which annoys me. There is always someone why likes to stir up problems, not that it's a problem. I have to carry Alfie out (which can be difficult because he doesn't like it and wriggles somewhat.) which generally prevents his barking. There's really no more to be said about it. Dogs have doggy ways and that's the end of it! More or less.

Let me make it quite clear that Alfie is NOT naughty! He's the best little dog you could wish for and has been an amazing support to me as I coped with Carol going from her cancer diagnosis to her passing away. I don't know whether he misses her, it's difficult to know if he does or doesn't, but he's so affectionate and caring. Yes, of course he barks a lot, but only really when he gets excited. So, if it upsets someone, that's not my problem but theirs and, anyway, his barking doesn't last long and it's only because he gets excited.

(Thursday) It's getting very boring. But life goes on. It is 6.28a.m. as I write this. I am up, having had a shave (my day can't begin until this is done.) and sitting here in the lounge with Alfie staring at me on the sofa as he wants to go out, but I am reluctant to do so as he makes a noise as soon as I start to get ready to go out, so it will be a further half an hour or so.

(Later) I went onto Facebook to watch Ross doing the daily devotional, but I couldn't see the complete devotional because the screen went blank after barely 10 minutes, I think because of the internet connection. I imagine the internet is being stretched to it's limits and far beyond because of the current coronavirus situation and people being on lockdown and being at home and therefore (presumably) using the internet more than normal. As a result I gave up and took Alfie out for a walk around Oldbrook Green and when I got back I managed to sign in to Facebook and watch the recorded devotional. Just a bit frustrating but at least I managed to finish it completely. I just hope the same thing doesn't happen tonight with the Zoom communion we have planned.

Later Still. It would appear that the lockdown is going to continue. Under legislation, the government has to review the restrictions on such things as social distancing every 3 weeks and that time runs out next Thursday.

(Friday) Good Friday, in fact, but it really doesn't seem like Easter. It always seems to creep up on us virtually unannounced. It's not like Christmas, which has been hijacked by all and sundry and been over-commercialised. I think, because of the current situation with the coronavirus pandemic, things seem as if they're on hold.

I haven't been using my Canon detail SLR camera for somewhere, in fact, since Carol passed away. We used to take our cameras everywhere with us whenever we went visiting National Trust, English Heritage or Historic Houses Association properties and my computer has thousands of photographs on it, so many that many are stored on the cloud. I have been out and taken photographs using the telephoto lens in an attempt to get shots of the little robin which seems to follow me around and always sits and sings it's little heart out in the tree which over-hangs the path which Alfie and I walk along as we make our way to Oldbrook Green several times a day. I can't take the camera with me when I have Alfie as it's virtually impossible to get him to stand still and, holding and focussing a camera with a dog in tow is difficult, so I have to take him back to the flat first and collect the camera and return, with the hope that birdie hasn't flown away. The results are somewhat disappointing, but, at least I try. I had an idea for a photographic essay. Well, I think that's the term I mean, I would take photographs with my digital camera, in and around Oldbrook Green, on the subject of 'Spring.' I would take shots of buds, blossom, leaves, daffodils and then upload them onto Facebook. Which I did, not entirely successfully, as I couldn't set the camera so that I could get sharp close-ups of the items I chose, but eventually I got the settings correct and then, when I got back to the flat, I took out the card from the camera and put it into the MacBook, but for some strange reason the shots on the card would not upload.

Lockdown!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Social Isolation

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

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

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

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

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

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

Doctor's Phone Call and Coronavirus

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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