Hi Jules, glad your keeping up with your walking it is nice to have a nice walk especially in the country side must be lovely to live near the beach or in the country when I see them on the TV people don't know how lucky they are.not done much this week I haven't been to my dementia group as I was a bit apprehensive about going on the bus.i txt bill who runs the group but I haven't had a reply which is quite worrying as he usually txts  me straight back will leave it now till Monday then try him again .I can't even go over to my neighbor for a coffee or visit my friend as it's against the law  but I can meet them in the pub stupid isn't it ?I am not going to stop the kids  from coming to see me though it's bad enough I can't see my friend's so not seeing the kids I would be isalated on my own for 6 month and I am not  doing that.the weather not been bad this week it's sunshine today took George out for his walk had a shock it was really cold  and windy I was glad to get back put the kettle on and have a hot cup of tea lol not sure what I'm doing at the weekend my son is full of a cold at the moment so he doesn't want me to see him till  it's cleared up, he's still working from home so at least he doesn't have to go out have a lovely weekend stay safe regards Syl x

Hi Syl,

I do enjoy my walks even though I live in a built up area.  I am lucky to have a variety of parks/woods within a couple of mies walk. Easy to socially distance too ha ha.  

Had a lovely 24hrs with my daughter, grandsons and the dog visiting and for a treat had an Uber delivery for Saturday lunch before they left for home. Hope to be able to travel to them in the middle of next month to help their youngest celebrate his 7th birthday.  Will just have to see how the guidelines are working by then.  

Hope you heard  back from the dementia group leader so that your mind was put at rest. It is a shame you are being so heavily affected by the rules due to Covid.  So far it is just the rule of 6 here to follow which is pretty straightforward.  As all the grandchildren are back at school/nursery we are back to the normal arranging the occasional weekend catch ups.  Next one with my son and family should be in two weeks fingers crossed.

Am still managing the gym three times a week and those are my main outings though whatever the weather I do a walk each day.  I have a track locally (about a mile away) and am aiming to walk laps there (it's free) as the park/wood areas become a bit muddy in the wetter months .  Has not been too bad here but apparently due rain today (none yet).

This weekend the local farmers' market is due to run (all outside on a field)  so may go along after my gym session .  Flu jab on Friday so that will be another tick in the box.

Take care of yourself and hope your son's cold soon clears up so you can have some visits again.

Best regards.  Jules x

Hi Jules,bit of a lock down where I am ,not going to my dementia group for the time being as we can't go on public transport unless it for work or school ,I did go out on Wednesday with three friends to a local pub they serve breakfast till 2 as well as other food we all had ommlete with all the trimmings it was very nice,but from midnight we can't do that anymore so I can't visit my 2 friends now not even in the garden not sure I can see the kids as we all live in different house holds , it's a good job I can take George out I would feel isolated if I couldn't take him for a walk but the weather isn't good for the weekend will have to do some colouring ,think my son is doing a dinner Sunday so will see him when he drops it off for me,glad your stil going the gym and doing your exercise my pool isn't open yet don't think my friend ship group will open now till next year I do phone a few of my friends from the group were all fed up as you can imagine it's just waiting to see what happens next things are changing all the time. my daughter has just started a night course at a local college she fancied a accountancy  course when she finishes in 13 week she gets a certificate so she can do a job a bit different to what she does now (if she finishes that is) I think she will she seems to be enjoying it . hope you enjoy your farmers market they have all stopped round me for the time being we should have gone to a food festival last week but that was cancelled which was so sad as it is such a lovely day out they have all sorts there including music and things for kids to get involved  in let's hope they can put it on again next year . have a lovely weekend stay safe Syl x

Hi Syl,

Sorry that you are yet again affected by local lockdown.  Must be so frustrating but better safe than sorry. If your children cannot visit, thank goodness for technology and telephone which is how I chat to mine most of the time plus WhatsApp/Messenger which are free.  Glad you can still take George out for walks as that does break up the day.

Had my flu and pneumonia jabs on Friday. Of course the weather was awful with heavy rain and winds and the poor doctors were working in open sided gazebo in the car park.  Still all done and just a couple of sore arms for 48hrs.  

Unfortunately the persistant heavy rain caused a roof leak so not much sleep with the constant dripping overnight 'fri/Sat.  Gave up at 3.30 am and made a cuppa whilst taking the time to google roofers.  Long story short got some recommendations and then my neighbour put me on to his roofer who is coming to do some work for them in a couple of weeks.  He came out Saturday p.m. and I have now accepted a quote for repairs plus other work I had already hoped to get done Fingers crossed the weather improves and it can all be sorted.  Thankfully a slow drip and no serious damage so bucket in place for now!!

I did not go to the local farmers market on Sunday as weather was still awful so came home straight after gym session and played some scrabble online to help pass the time after the housework was done.  Today has been mixed with showers and sunny spells so did my food shop in the rain and then some gardening this afternoon.  Now raining again so will spend the evening preparing some meals for the coming week.    My son and family due to come over on Sunday for a roast as they are waiting for new kitchen to be fitted next week.

Have decided it is easier to take one day at a time at the  moment but hoping for the best that any arrangements can go ahead or be re-scheduled.

Take good care of yourself and stay safe.  Jules x

Hi Jules, weather not to good here either just had George out I had only been back 5 minutes and it threw it down all the lawns are soaked so no chance of mowing my grass just yet,glad you up to date with your flu jab apparently I can have a shingles jab now I've turned 70 .not sure when because of the pandemic.sorry your having trouble with your roof it's quite daunting looking for workmen when your on your own my hubby new all sorts of workmen as he was a macanic he new everyone I've have lost touch with them all now . sorry you missed your farmers market I'm sure you would have enjoyed it and bought something nice ,it's been a long time since I went to one they have all been cancelled round where I live for the time being .not heard anything about my dementia group I'm assuming it is still going will ring bill next week to ask how things are no idea if the baths will open again not heard anything but there is a lot of in fighting going on at the moment between the council weather to keep it open or close it for good it doesn't sound good at the moment it means my friendship group would have to find somewhere else to meet as we use a little  room in the baths hall as well.hope you enjoy your Sunday lunch with your son and family not sure what I'm doing at the moment  it's supposed to be nice on Sunday maybe my daughter will want to go out some where as she is stuck at home all week working I probably won't go will let her and her partner have some time to themselves not sure what my son is doing have a lovely week stay safe and well regards Syl x

Hi Syl,

Seems as though we are going to have to get used to tougher restrictions in lots of areas. Only listening to the news occasionally just to keep up to date.  Autum/Winter will probably seem longer because of it.  Thankfully most of the rain this week here has been late evening/overnight so I have been out for my walks as usual and also to the gym.  It does sound as though you are under tighter restrictions in your area and it must be quite daunting no knowing when you can return to enjoying the various groups.  

I had a good day with my son an family visiting on Sunday and  can you imagine it was the first family dinner I had cooked for them since last Christmas! Normally they only pop in for a few hours and we have a light lunch but as they are without a kitchen I did a full on roast and dessert!  Their kitchen should be fitted by the end of this week and then it will just be the painting to do (usually in the evenings when the little ones are in bed).  I am looking forward to seeing it finished.

Weather permitting my roofers begin next Monday and the work planned should take three or four days. Of course if the roof damage is bigger upon inspection it could be a new flat roof on the loft extension too so may take a bit longer.  At least all the work is outside so should be able to go ahead even if restrictions come back in.  Certainly have my fingers crossed I will be all snug and weatherproof before the bad weather sets in.

Hope you get to see the children at some point as it does lift the spirit to have some proper contact.  I am going out shortly to collect some birthday gifts for my eldest grandson (he turns 12 in November) and then I can turn my shopping efforts to Christmas and try and spread that over the next few weeks but first I need to check my garden camera to see if the foxes were out and about last night.   Take good care and stay safe and hope you can enjoy the upcoming weekend.   Jules x

Hi Jules ,been to M&S this morning with my daughter to get somethings for teas during the week got back then took George out  glad your son and family enjoyed their roast dinner and dessert  I haven't cooked a Sunday roast since hubby died I'm not much of a cook I'm afraid it's a good job the kids can cook there dinners are much nicer than mine lol. weather not been to bad this week managed to cut my lawn and turn the soil over but it has forecast rain all next week so I'm glad it's cut now for a couple of week hope your roof is coming along and you haven't  found it's a bigger job than you thought .I could do with a couple of new windows putting in I do know someone have asked them to come and have a look but I'm still waiting   for them to turn up I'm doing my own dinner tomorrow as the kids have got things on tomorrow my son said we can go out next week if we haven't gone into a further lockdown will have to keep our fingers crossed  I haven't heard anything else about my friendship group or my dementia group might ring this week to see if it's still open have a nice week stay safe regards Syl x

Hi Syl,

Glad you were able to go M&S shopping with your daughter as well as getting out with George.  At this time of year the weather plays an important part of the daily exercise routine.  So far I have only missed a couple of walks due to heavy rain so am relieved to still be able to get out on some socially distanced walks.  Our gym is still open at the moment but who knows for how long.  Just making the best of it day to day.   

The roofers began yesterday and should  be finished by Thursday. It will be a relief to have the house winter ready and problems solved along with the other work I already had planned.

I have managed to mow the lawn and the garden still looks pretty good for the time of year.Thankfully not cold yet so lots of plants still flowering and apparently due to get a good watering tomorrow!!

I am not a great fan of cooking either but doing a roast actually means I get several meals out of one joint so is budget friendly. Of course, much nicer when I do have family to share it with but that is usually only once a month or so.  Spent last weekend with my daughter and family so a couple of dog walks as well as playing with the grandchildren (well watching them enjoying their hobbies too) and also helping out for a couple of hours at my daughter's allotment.  I was able to bring home freshly picked rhubarb and cabbage too.  A couple of walks with friends plus the gym session later in the week but the weekend will be a quiet one.  Take care, stay safe and have a good week.  Jules x

Hi Jules ,just cleaned up so thought I would E  mail you just looking at the rain threw the window hope it's not raining all day as I would like to take George out later have managed to take him out all week  even though it forecast  rain .glad your still going to your gym and keeping fit as best you can ,I'm not sure if gyms are open near me as they keep changing the goal posts I'm not sure people know what the rules are really. I did go to my friend's last week for coffee but I took my own and we sat outside,don't think we will do that today as it's raining .hope your roof is fixed now and the problem is solved ,have still not heard off the man who is supposed to be doing my windows will have to contact him again if he doesn't ring me .have heard off bill who runs the dementia group they have stopped then for the time being thought they would it's better that everyone safe  than to keep it open and risk people getting the virus still feeding my hedgehogs at night not sure when they will hibernate can't be long now will miss feeding them as it's nice seeing them pottering about looking for food ,think I might be going out Sunday for dinner with my son to a local pub we went a coupon of week ago and it was very safe with everyone obeying the rules have a lovely week take care stay safe regards Syl x