Another Week Of Lockdown

(Tuesday) They're saying that the first peak of the coronavirus pandemic has probably been reached. It's still not possible to ease the lockdown restrictions, which means that shops selling 'non-essential' items are going to still be closed. It seems odd that D.I.Y. centres, such as B and;Q and Homebase can reopen, as long as they have social distancing measures in place, but garden centres cannot. This doesn't make any sort of sense and if things are relaxed it looks as if a lot of plants will be destroyed once they reach the point where they can't be sold. In that case a lot of growers are going to go out of business, as will many retail outlets, particularly those that sell clothing. Debenhams have already gone into administration, and a lot of overseas suppliers have been told they won't be paid for orders which had already been taken. Things look in a precarious stage at the moment.

Boris Johnson is back in Downing Street, having been in hospital recovering from coronavirus infection. I think it will inform how things now develop, having experienced firsthand how the NHS is coping. We should now get some idea how the lockdown will be lifted, probably gradually, allowing for more businesses to re-open, provided they use social distancing.

The weather has done a u turn. From being bright and sunny, it’s become wet and cold, which I noticed when I peered out of the window in the kitchen this morning. Alfie was as keen as ever to get out, but as soon as we got outside and were walking along Dexter Avenue, he wasn’t so keen as he got a bit wet. We got to the grass along Strudwick Drive, spent some time sniffing the grass, did a wee, and immediately headed home as fast as his little feet could carry him! No time to hang about and  consider ‘other matters.’ He couldn’t wait to get back into the flat, and I can hardly blame him.

I'm not watching much television news at present because it seems all they can discuss is the pandemic and to be honest it's becoming somewhat tiring having it thrust down your throat every time you turn on the television. I watch perhaps a few minutes at the beginning, to get the headlines, but there's no other sort of news, so I have either switched to another channel, such as BBC2 in the evening, where they have moved Pointless at this time, or I watch something on BBC iPlayer and on Tuesday I watched the first episode of a new series presented by Mary Beard about Rome, called 'Meet The Romans,' in which she discovers the 'real' Romans, the ordinary people who lived at street level. It's a revelation, and she doesn't mince her words, some of it down and dirty. What annoys me is that I didn't know that this series was on until I was trawling through the E.P.G. (Electronic Programme Guide) on my Freeview box. It hasn't been trailed on the other channels and I would have missed it otherwise. Thank goodness for the BBC iPlayer.

I've been to Sainsbury's again this morning, arriving at the carpark at around 8.15, to discover the queue further round the carpark than the last time I was there. Even so it didn't seem to take as long to get into the store. I had made a detailed list on Monday, which made the job easier and quicker as I had worked out well in advance what I needed. No point dithering around trying to think and being stuck in the store longer than usual. I was in and out of the store within around 40 minutes and used a self-service till to pay. I'm actually getting quite good at operating these self-service tills and it's probably best to use them and use my debit card with either contactless or 'chip and pin' to pay.

Another series I have only just discovered, about the Renaissance, and presented by Waldemar Januszak and called 'The Renaissance Unchained' in which he challenges the traditional views of art's most important epoch. Another brilliant documentary series which the BBC seems to insist on burying and not bothering to trail and I only discovered it when I accidentally came across it on the E.P.G. There are three more episodes and thank goodness for the ability to either record or view on iPlayer through my Freeview box. All the junk television such as Holby and EastEnders as well as reality shows get all the attention but the better stuff, the intelligent stuff, gets forgotten. They are not adhering to John Reith's three founding principles of the BBC, to inform, to entertain and to educate, probably in some form, but not entirely. I think it's because everything is ghettoised on different channels, because at one time, when there were fewer channels, BBC1, BBC 2 and ITV, you had a more mixed schedule and you were more likely to come across something such as a programme on the arts or history, by accident. Now it's just become very boring, and every day is identical, the same programmes on at the same time every day. I remember a time. probably when I was at school in the 1960s, when you would, for example, have a classic play on Sunday evening, when the BBC did 'Play of The Month,' and you could see a play by, for example, Shaw, Ibsen, Chekov or Shakespeare, or when they did 'Play For Today,' written by playwrights such as Alan Bleasedale or John Mortimer and directors of the calibre of Stephen Frears, Mike Leigh or John Slesinger. I don't think the BBC or ITV ever do what they term the 'single play' in a similar vein, except the BBC afternoon drama 'strand' called 'Moving On.' Everything has to be part of a series, probably because they don't imagine an audience being able to cope with material that ties up within the running-time and only managing to deal with on-going plots in a run of episodes.

(Wednesday) It's rather wet and dull today. But, saying that, it is mild. Alfie isn't keen to be out as he really doesn't appreciate getting wet, even if slightly. I only have to say to him 'Alfie, home,' and he immediately changes course and heads back to the flat. I got a belt for my shorts when I was in Sainsbury's yesterday, with the idea that I could start wearing those shorts, but as the weather has now changed, there is no likelihood of me wearing them for the foreseeable future. In some ways it's good that the weather has gone like this as it means people aren't tempted to go out and start gathering but remain in isolation and keep the social distancing going.

The news is that Boris Johnson's fiancee, Carrie Symonds, has given birth to a baby boy. In the midst of all the awful news regarding the pandemic, it's good to have something positive, but it must be a rather traumatic experience, when you think of the possibility of contracting the coronavirus.

We have had a church meeting using Zoom. It's a strange experience. We have had a sort of coffee morning and a communion service using Zoom and Pastor Ross does a devotional each morning at 10 o'clock on Facebook. I can watching through an app called Facebook Video on my Fire Stick on television which means at least that it's on a bigger screen and not just peering at the MacBook screen or iPad, or, if it comes to that, my iPhone, but in that case it would be far too small.

Waterperry Gardens and Medical Appointment

On Sunday morning, it was bright sunshine. Rather than sit indoors we wanted to make an effort to get out. Saturday it rained constantly. The grass remained partially mown, unfortunately. Carol is eager to get plants and other items to get the garden turned round. We went to Wickes the other day and bought some tools. Saves us having to borrow off other people. A spade and lopper which means we can cut down any stray branches and dig any holes as required for planting. We also bought a chimenea from the on-line company, Very, which arrived last week, which is why we went to Wickes to buy tools, including screwdrivers in order to put the chimenea together. The thing came in a large parcel and it didn't include such items as a cross-head screwdriver. We now have one which has interchangeable heads for different size screws. It wasn't such a big deal putting it together if you followed the instructions  which came with it, as with most things you buy nowadays. Although, if you buy something from IKEA, for example, such as a piece of flat-pack furniture, it usually comes with at least an Allan key which allows you to put it together. 

We wanted to go to a garden centre and had intended visiting one near Waddesdon Manor. We went there several years ago, and I think it may be part of the estate. We looked on Google Maps, and had found where it was, but when we drove all the way there we couldn't find this garden centre which was somewhat annoying. It's around 40-minute drive from Milton Keynes to Waddesdon. We then decided to drive toWaterperry Garden, which we visited several years ago. But, unfortunately,  we had no map with us in the car and spent some time driving around somewhat aimlessly until I decided to try and find the address on my recently acquired Samsung smartphone. But I found it was very difficult managing to input text as we drove along, so we stopped in a layby and managed to find where Waterperry Gardens were. Near Wheatley, Oxfordshire, and just off the M40 a few miles east of Oxford. Once we had the address it was relatively easy to find, but in the process of driving around rather aimlessly, we discovered some really attractive villages and the scenery is really beautiful. We spent some time wandering around the garden centre at  Waterperry and had coffee and sandwiches in the restaurant. We met a lot of cyclists as we drove around the Oxfordshire country roads. In brightly coloured Lycra and cycling in convoy. Unfortunately there we numerous cyclists as we got to Waterperry and some of them in the restaurant, one in particular with a rather loud laugh which was enough to put anyone off. Why is it some men, in particular, seem to get over-enthusiastic at such times, and can't control their behaviour and have to be so LOUD? We bought a couple of plants, a tray of wildflowers and a buddleia and, as it was beginning to cloud over, decided to drive home.

Today (Monday) Carol had an appointment at the medical centre in Stony Stratford. I think I mentioned in an earlier post on here that she had the appointment come in a letter and I had to drive all the way over to Stoney to make the appointment for her as she was at work. This seemed a complete waste of time and effort because we live around a ten-minute walk away from Milton Keynes Hospital, but we had to drive all the way across Milton Keynes for the appointment in Stoney, leaving at 8.20 for the appointment at 9.15. We got there far too early so we had to waste around 30 minutes so we walked along Stony Stratford High Street. A really interesting place which is full of history. We went into the medical centre, a rather run-down looking building which looks totally out of place in such a beautiful place and not the sort of design that would be allowed today. It looks stuck in the 1960's or '70's and most likely hasn't been given a lick of paint since then. Once inside it was heaving with people either queuing up or making appointments. We went into the waiting area and, well, yes, you've guessed it - we waited. As with most modern health centres and N.H.S. facilities, there was one of those computerised check-in screens and Carol was therefore registered, although, to be honest, I never trust them because the one at Ashfield Medical centre, where we're registered, never always works. You sit and have to stare at this computer screen on the wall in front of you and you're bombarded with a welter of instructions and information on everything from their policy on aggressive behaviour to a range of services for those with dementia to bi-polar disorder. It's really over-done as it flits past at such speed, so how are you expected to take it all in? People come and go, and everyone else sits and coughs, splutters and mutter to themselves. It's an a real barrel of laughs.  I needed the toilet. When Carol arrived she went to the ladies in the reception area. But where were the gents? Why no toilet next to it for men to use? Which is usual in such places. I had to ask at the reception desk and found it was away from the reception area in another corridor. Why no sign to show you where it was? Crazy. What a depressing place. As I said, run down and desperately in need of redecorating. I know the N.H.S. is short of cash, but surely they could make this dismal place a little less depressing. 

Carol's appointment came up, a good ten minutes later than it was supposed to be. I was surprised the nurse came out to call her and her name didn't come up on the digital screen (similar to Ashfield Medical Centre.) 20 minutes later she came out to tell me she has yet another appointment on 4th May. We left and then went to Costa to have a latte and cake before getting back in the car and going across Milton Keynes and the Academy and me back home.

Gas Boiler Replaced

On Saturday morning, I decided I needed to find out what the position was regarding the boiler being replaced or repaired so I rang the landlord. His wife replied and said we'd be telephoned when he came back. No doubt going to the different plumbing stores to get prices for a new boiler. We had been told that it wasn't actually worth repairing and as such wouldn't get the safety certificate in it's current state. We got a call around 45 minutes later to tell us that he had got a company to come out for Monday morning to install the new boiler. We were keeping our fingers crossed that this was actually happening. As a result, we decided we needed to get out of the house. Carol's week off, for Half-Term has been somewhat spoilt by the problems we've had regarding the boiler. If we hadn't had to search around to find the landlord, wait for him to find a gas company to check the old installation and then find someone to install a new boiler, we might have done far more, going out and about as we usually do during school breaks. Just hope things will have improved for the next holiday period in the next few weeks, which will be  the Easter break.

We did what we often do when we need a refresher, and that was to drive out of Milton Keynes and find somewhere to visit and possibly get a spot to eat and drink. We had favoured Brackley, which is on road west of Buckingham and a place now by-passed so you miss easily when you drive past, so it seemed an ideal place to visit and wander around as it is supposed to have antique shops and is used occasionally on television shows such as Antiques Road Trip and Bargain Hunt, two television shows we watch and quite enjoy. By the time we reached Buckingham, the weather was rapidly changing, the rain-clouds were gathering and a rain storm was imminent. Beyond Buckingham, we came to a garden centre, which we have visited before and been into the restaurant. This was Buckingham Garden Centre. I know, a not exactly imaginative name, but I suppose it accurately incorporates the name of the town into it's name. We were not disappointed with the restaurant and were glad we went in as the rain began to pour down outside.

Moving on toMonday: the gasfitters arrived to install the new boiler. The dogs became somewhat confused by the appearance of the strangers in the house. Alfie spent most of the day really stressed out, whining and barking. I had hoped to keep both dogs in the lounge, but during the morning, Poppy got out through the front door. How she escaped without being detected I have no idea, but I went out into the estate and couldn't see her anywhere. I had looked in all the usual places she goes when she wants to be on her own, for example, under our bed, in the garden and behind the sofa. But no signs. Fortunately our neighbour, Gary, came go my assistance, and we eventually tracked her down to the park and she was returned safely to our house. Alfie meanwhile had been put on his lead and put in the bedroom, which he didn't like and made an awful noise until I went to stay with him for an hour or two which made him calm down, fortunately.
It took until around 6 o'clock for the workmen to complete the installation of the new boiler and to tidy up and leave by which time Carol had returned to work and she had a bath. Thankfully we now can say the job is complete after a very nerve-wracking week. 

Wheels, Woods, Wags, Walkies and Water

We cycled around the estate yesterday. I'm fine on my new Muddyfox bike, but Carol had been having problems with her new bike. She couldn't fathom the gears, which admittedly is quite difficult as with something like 21 gears and two levers one on each handlebar, it can be quite tricky getting the right gear for the correct speed and pedalling. We went round the estate several times. I just want to ride along the Redway for a distance to get myself fully conversant with the machine. Great as it is, I haven't cycled for quite a while. Also, I have never ever owned a brand new bicycle before. The one I did own and I used to cycle to school on (a good many years ago now, forsooth!) was a machine handed down from my eldest brother, James. It was later stolen from outside a house I lived in many years ago in Tyne Crescent, Bedford. Which was a pity, as it was a good machine. A bright blue Rudge. Amazing that I remember the brand.

The weather has been unsettled which is why we haven't been out too much recently. No good going out in pouring rain. I must buy a bike lock so that when I park at various locations, such as the local shops or even church, there is no chance that somebody can even attempt to steal the new machine, which would be both annoying and a great shame. It's appalling that you can't trust people to leave your property alone, but never mind. Also, I think I need to buy a helmet as there have been far too many accidents with people falling off their machines and hitting their heads.

Earlier this morning we went to D.W. Fitness. It opened at 8 a.m. so we must have been amongst the first customers through the door. It was great that there were very few people in the pool. Why do people who exercise always look so miserable? Why do they almost all seem so humourless? We did around 20 lengths of the pool. I spent some time in what I call the 'hot cupboard,' the steam room. Very hot and steamy (!) and does you a power of good, sweating out all those toxins etc etc. We sat in the jacuzzi for a good 20 minutes and then back in the pool for a further four lengths. Then one of the swimming instructors came in along with a few parents with children which decided us on getting out and dressed as it gets really crowded and noisy when the children are doing their swimming lessons. All very well, but it doesn't do my motivation much good. We went home and had toasted buns to eat and tea and coffee. There is always the temptation to have food in the cafe at D.W. but it can be quite expensive. It's a good year at least since we signed up. 

Later, when we'd looked at the situation regarding the weather, we decided to take the dogs out for a walk at Rushmere Park, near Leighton Buzzard. Getting Alfie, our little Yorkshire Terrier, into his harness and then into the car is a real problem. We take him out in a cage which is in the back of the car and I had to make sure it was installed within the car before he came out and that he didn't see me doing this as he gets so over-excited. We managed to get him in the lounge on his own while Carol got Poppy into her harness in the kitchen. Alfie became like a demon-possessed creature and I could hear him attacking the doors and making the most appalling noise. Goodness knows what the neighbours must have thought if they could hear his commotion. They must have done, as he was really loud. We eventually managed to get him harnessed and into the back on the car in the cage and we gingerly drove out of Milton Keynes and onto the A5 towards Leighton Buzzard and the country park at Rushmere. 

The dogs had a great time when we let them off their leads. Alfie runs ahead of us and approaches any people he sees along the path, regardless of whether they want to be assaulted by a small terrier. Poppy just ambles along and it was very pleasant with the sun shining through the trees. 

They have made some improvements since we were last there, with a new cafe just opened and a brand new toilet block near the visitors centre. I have to admit that the old toilets there were somewhat unsavoury to say the least.

We were going to have ice creams from the cafe, but Carol found that there wasn't much of a choice and they were somewhat over-priced so we didn't partake. We left and drove out of the carpark and through the barrier where you have to pay £2 to get the barrier to open so you can exit.

It was at this point that Carol decided she wanted chocolate cake (as you do!) so we went to Dobbie's garden centre which is just off the A5 at the roundabout near Fenny Stratford. No sooner had we parked the car than Alfie started yapping. He had been quiet up until this point, but we had to leave the dogs in the car when we went inside the garden centre and into the food hall to find suitable cake. I did think £4.50 for a small chocolate cake somewhat over-priced, but, on getting home and after unloading the dogs, I made tea and we ate some of, what turned out to be very tasty and moreish chocolate cake!