Yep still in pokey sigh

Hello my little chickadees

How are we? Oh for goodness sake do stop whinging. I’m fed up with lockdown as well. I’ve been at it since 4^th March! Come on we can do this.

Have a laugh at my expense. Go on. You know you love to.

Day 62 Monday 18^th May

Well I never got up until well after 8am and it was lovely to lay in.

I had a quick shower and updated the blog ready for posting. As it happens it was a doddle and posted straight away. I’m well pleased with the stats

Pageviews today

11

Pageviews yesterday

33

Pageviews last month

1,077

Not too shabby.

Toast for brekkie this morning as I wasn’t very hungry.

I spent the morning working in the garden and dug up an overabundance of bluebell bulbs for my new neighbours.

Lunch was salad as it was quite hot. The afternoon I did a bit more digging but my back didn’t like it. I can’t wait for my gardeners to come back and do all that back aching digging. After 10 minutes my back sez “Are you kidding me or what?”

I spent the afternoon in my swing seat reading and I had a bit of a doze in the sun. I was in the shade so all good.

At 5pm it got really chilly in the wind so I did a bit more weeding to warm up and then came in. Early dinner of casserole steak sweet potatoes and red onions. It was actually quite nice.

I caught up on the news and spent the evening watching TV. The best of Chelsea Garden Show was on which I love. Obviously, it’s been cancelled this year but it was good to look back on past show clips.

Early night for me with a cuppa and bed with kindle (of course) Night nighty.

Day 63 Tuesday 19^th May

Well I forgot to put the bin out yesterday ho hum. As I was awake at 6am I said good morning to Webbo and then padded outside in my dressing gown and slippers to put it out. It was lovely listening to the birds so I took a cuppa outside and joined them. I also had a brain storm and cleaned my downstairs windows at the back. They were disgusting and I can’t wait for my window cleaners to come back to work and help me out. I know, okay? I want a cleaner environment which has been wonderful for the last few weeks. Clear skies and so silent on the roads. I also (like everyone) want things back to normal whatever that might be.

Breakfast is chocolate chip cookies – nah just kidding it’s chocolate chip Weetabix 40 grms as per my allowance from slimming world.

Then it’s a shower and a zoom meeting at 11am with my Slimming World friends. Oh yus I know how to live this high flying lark. Tesco delivery this afternoon but I’ll be working in the garden in the meantime.

Well I certainly got a lot done in the garden. Some digging but I’ve taken some buddleia cuttings to plant up in the wild flower garden and I must admit it is really looking wild at the moment without my gardeners to do the hard digging. It is what it is though and… don’t forget to wash though handies and cough into the crook of your elbow.

Lunch was a salad with crab sticks. Nom nom. I do miss popping down the coast for some fresh seafood. All the tastier when we get to do it I guess.

The afternoon I spent lazing in my swing seat reading. I’ve finished the psychological thriller and I’m now reading Alice Teal is Missing. I’ll give you an update when I’ve read a few more chapters. It’s very ‘unputdownable’ That’s a new word for the Oxford and English dictionary but I’ll let you use it if you want no charge. Just give me credit Okay?

Dinner I decided on salmon baked with chillies and garlic and veggies. I had a late night as I was watching catch up tv and a couple of films, then it was up the wooden hill to Bedfordshire for me. Nighty night, see you tomorrow.

Day 64 Wednesday 20^th May

Well I was up most of the night because of all the water I drank yesterday because it was so hot. At 5.30 I was wide awake listening to the birds and watching the wonderful sunrise. I tuned into Webbo on Radio Ashford and he agreed with me about the sunrise. I walked downstairs in the nuddy as it was so early and put the kettle on. Probably not a pretty sight when my skin isn’t ironed but who cares? I don’t and the birds are only interested in the food I put down for them. The don’t usually feed until about 8am anyway so I had the garden to myself if I wanted it. It was beautifully warm and lovely to feel the sun on my skin. I can fully understand why people go to nudist camps in the summer, although I’m not an exhibitionist though to save you asking any more questions.

I had a late brekkie of bacon, tomatoes, scrambled eggs and baked beans if you’re interested and yes the beans do make you become unsociable in polite company. I know how to talk proper like when I have to. Then it was shower and make a list for the day. I don’t know why I bother to be honest as I never look at them and just follow my instinct. As it happened I did practically faff all because it was too hot. However, I digress and I’m jumping ahead of myself. I sat in the shade under the parasol in between bouts of digging. It’s the only exercise I can do at the moment. I refuse to go for a walk outside where I am as there are too many dickheads out there. How do I know this? I’ve watched them from my back gate when it’s been open. Neighbours have come up to the front garden trying to socialise with me when I’ve been in the front garden, One of them actually was coming in the gate to show me her new granddaughter. She was quite offended when I stopped her by shouting “NO stay there!”

I just shake my head. No wonder we have the highest number of the virus in Kent. Yes, it shocked me too when I read it. 

Lunch was a ham salad and of course bottles of water and yes bottles is pluralised. Is that a word? Well if not, you can borrow it from time to time if you want. During the afternoon I checked on my veggie seeds and they are now ready to pot on. I’ve got some compost but now need some more. That will be a job for tomorrow early morning me thinks.

The rest of the day I spent dossing about in the garden drinking pink diet lemonade and pulling a few weeds. It’s got to be done.

After dinner of fish (haddock fillets) with poached egg and asparagus tips I settled down in the swing seat with a cold beer (yep) it’s good to have a refreshing cold beer and watched the birds feed. They’re used to me now if I don’t make any sudden moves. I do wish the pigeons on the fence would get a room. They’re flipping noisy. Which reminds me I haven’t seen Cyril of late. I hope he’s alright. I even bought him a squirrel hotel to feed at but it sits untouched.

At 7pm I came in for a zoom meeting which lasted 90 minutes and then went back outside and lapped up the cool evening with another cold beer which are only 4% but very refreshing, and watched the sun go down. Who needs the tropics when you have the wonders of nature on your door step. I’m going to leave you with that image and say nighty night.

Day 65 Thursday 21^st May

Well it was another early wake up again. Just after 4am. What’s this malarkey all about? Anyway, I dozed and woke up just after 6am. Another beautiful day in Christendom as they used to say, so I took my cuppa outside. So peaceful because of the quiet and just the birds for company. A quick shower. Check out the hair roots and moustache (Or not!) and strawberries for brekkie. The 8pm doorstop clap is on today.

 

   

Yep I really look this bad :)

   

New look!
No hair-no roots!
What d'ya think?

   

Come 12.15 while I’m gardening I get a facetime call from my friend and we spent nearly two hours talking. It’s great to catch up. Then this afternoon as I’m relaxing with my kindle in my swing seat my granddaughter facetimes me to update me on all her news. Absolutely desperate for a hug as am I. We talked for over an hour and only stopped there because both our phones were running out of charge.

Dinner was a chicken stir fry with veggies and greek yoghurt for that creamy taste. Washed down with a cold beer for a change. I love those little stubby bottles of French Biere and only 4% so it fits in with my Slimming World regime nicely.

8pm and I was outside clapping with my neighbours. Each week there seems to be more and more join in which is great. I stood chatting to my new young neighbours whilst obeying the social distancing. I was in my garden and they were in theirs. They should have been getting married this weekend but it got cancelled because of the lockdown so they are going to have a musical/drinks evening in their garden on Saturday. So many plans have been disrupted and it’s such a shame.

9pm and I’m watering the garden and it’s still hot. It’s going to be a sticky night tonight. I read my kindle until well after midnight and so it’s good night from me but no good night from him. 

Day 66 Friday 22^nd May

I totally lost track of what day it was when I woke up. The night was hot and sticky and I was awake several times. I didn’t even need a wee! I was just hot. It was 6.20 and after wishing Webbo good morning I needed to get up for a wee so I stayed up and made a cuppa. It’s very overcast and humid this morning so probably a good day to carry on with the gardening. I caught up on face book and then had brekki. Do yer wanna know what I had? Oh go on then, it was baked beans on brown seeded bread (Tesco substitute for my brown wholemeal 800gm instead of 400gm) and scrambled egg. 

I spent the afternoon weeding and digging over the pets little cemetery and decided to move the huge cement gravestones we made. I’m going to let it grass over and put a couple of engraved silver pet grave markers instead. There are some lovely ones on Amazon that I have ordered. It got so windy out there that I came in around 4pm and put my feet up. It was so cold out there even in the sun.

Dinner was roast chicken with veggies and a couple of stubby bottles of Biere. I could get used to them. There wasn’t much on TV during the evening. Monarch of the Glen has finally produced its final episode which I’m gutted about. My intention is to visit Scotland at some point as it’s such a beautiful part of the country. Well I’ve ‘done’ Ireland, Wales and all down the west country including Lands End. Scotland is all that is left of the real extremes.

Oh I did watch the reruns of the Chelsea Flower Show with Monty Dom and then took my kindle to bed to read. Nighty night and see you on Monday for the start of another week in lockdown.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/-/e/B00J7HGF4W
My books author page

https://radioashford.com
Caring for the community

Laters Potaters

Join me in the Pokey

Hello my little chickadees

How are we all? Still being a lert? Come on now it’s the latest government by word and for goodness sake take some notice of it. We may not all agree with it but it’s there for a reason. So get over it. I can’t wait to go out in the garden and sit in my new oak swing seat. It’s a doozie and I love it. I can’t wait to sit in it with a glass of vino watching the sun go down. At the moment the winds are north easterly and far to cruel to sit out in, but we’ve been promised warmer weather next week. Whoop whoop.

Also a couple of random pictures of the garden taken over the last couple years.

The oak swing seat
from Home Plus

Circa a couple years ago

Daisy and Donald 

Cyril Squirrel

Fox with her cubs in my garden
Kitchen window view in case
I scared them

Day 55 Monday 11^th May

Any idea what real day were on I haven’t a clue? I’ve put Monday up here but that’s because it feels like a Friday. No I know it doesn’t make sense but I’m losing the plot.

Late riser this morning although I was awake at 6am for a wee I didn’t get up until late. So brekki was bacon sarnie with tomatoes. 

The weather is horrendous and windy. Keeping an eye on the garden. Posted my blog and it worked first time. Now that is a surprise

Did some housework but mostly lazed about. 

Afternoon sat wrapped in a blanket watching tv

Dinner steak and veggies

Watched Monarch of the Glen and caught up with tv. 

News rubbish

Went to bed at 9ish and read

Yep it was that boring a day so nighty night.

Day 56 Tuesday 12^th May

Woke at 6.25am stayed in my pit until just after 8am but I needed a cuppa. So down I went in my jim jams this time. I thought about a cuppa Earl Grey but that didn’t last too long. However for a change I did have chocolate chip Weetabix for brekkie. I like to surprise my stomach in the morning.

11am and I was at a Zoom meeting with SW which proved to be really interesting, and it was good to catch up; even virtually.

Lunch was a healthy salad with a tuna sanrnie and cup of chocolate and coconut green tea. Actually it really does take on the taste of both.

This afternoon I decided to carry on with my psychological thriller that I’m reading called The Reckoning Squad by Suzanne Burke. It’s very chilling and I’ve already got two in the frame but knowing our Soooz I’ll be wrong. It’s well worth picking up the eBook version or the paper back dependant on your preference. I prefer reading kindle because my hands are knackered with arfur and all the knobbly bits. – I’m just getting your little grey cells working there.

For dinner I decided on steak, salad and potatoes with wine

There was a TV catch up in evening but I don’t watch the government update much as it’s too depressing.

Early night for me so nighty night.

Wednesday 13th May

Day 57,000,965,000 in lockdown in pokey – or something similar.

Woke at 7.30am and got up at 9am as nothing urgent to do today.

Maybe I should add that I do get showered every day but the decision is the clothes to wear. It’s miserable outside and I can’t wait for the heat to start again.

This morning’s offering was egg on brown toast for brekkers. I like to give my stomach a surprise in these dour and dismal days of lock up or down, or whatever it is now.

My plan was to get the hoover out today and clear out upstairs again, but I changed my mind and washed the bedroom curtains from the window overlooking the back garden. This made the curtains overlooking the front garden seem scruffy so I did them as well. I hung them up damp and the creases fell out (sort of) so nice result.

I then did a bit of ironing and scared the life out of the iron board which fell down – honest! I had a quick sarnie for lunch with some salad bits. It’s so hard at times trying to keep up with this Slimming World malarkey, and I’m sure I don’t eat enough, therefore I store fat. Urgh. You can’t win.

I suddenly noticed that my hands are like carboard and yet I cream them regularly. It’s all this washing of the handies and sanitising after deliveries etc. Better to be safe than sorry though. Oh and update of the roots and moo-stache. Well the hair roots are coming through a dirty blonde grey still. (Who knew) I haven’t seen my natural blonde for years. The moo-stache? Well lets not talk about that. I SAID lets not talk about it. Can’t you see my hand is up? Talk to that.

Dinner was a jacket potato with salad and cottage cheese. I know it’s not everyone’s favourite but I don’t mind it.

I spent the evening reading my kindle with a cup of hot chocolate. What’s all that about? The wine bottle called to me but it eventually gave up and climbed back into the rack. Eventually I took the kindle to bed and snuggled under the duvet. This is an old house and it gets cold quickly, but I refuse to put the heating on. It’s May for goodness sake.

See you in the morning. Nighty nighty.

Day 58 Thursday 14^th May

I woke at some ungodly hour for a wee and noticed a reflection shinning on the ceiling. It turned out to be the solar lights reflecting their light from the garden. Phew. I eventually fell asleep again at … I have no idea, I was asleep right? Come on, get a grip.

I do know I woke up just after 6am though because I looked at my phone. It’s clap for the NHS tonight. Or is it the keyworkers, or carers? Does it really matter? They all deserve a clap, so I’ll be there.

I padded down stairs in my dressing gown and stuck the kettle on for a hot cuppa. It’s still so cold out there and we had a frost! What’s that all about? Brekkers today was a bacon and tomato sarnie. It was a bit like a builder’s breakfast and a mug of builder’s tea except I like mine a bit weaker.

I got the cleaner out today again, but couldn’t get motivated enough to use it so I checked on all the seedlings that are growing. The carrots are really taking off, as are the onion and spring onions. Finally, the peppers have popped their heads up to take a look around. They can all be planted outside soon.

I forgot to fill the bird feeders up this morning and it was so strange to see the array of different species of birds lining up on the fence scouting everywhere for just one seed. So, I put a coat on and went out to fill everything up. They all flew off of course squawking but a couple of the bigger braver birds stayed to see what I was doing. It was to their advantage of course as they got first dibs once I went inside.  I love my new sitting position by the window as I get to watch them all in secret.  They soon made short work of the seed everywhere, as I scatter it on the grass as well.

Whilst having lunch of savoury chicken rice, I contemplated my navel for fluff. No of course I didn’t but I bet you either went eww… not when you’re eating. What are you thinking. OR What did you find?

I put the tv on at 2pm and caught up with some films I’d recorded. That took me to around 6pm and I was getting peckish so I cooked dinner. Salmon with mash potatoes and veggies followed by a cornetto ice cream. I know but I needed the treat. And I syned it, which was about at least 65! It’s chocolate remember. 

At 8pm I went outside along with all my neighbours on their doorsteps to clap. It was freezing on our side of the road, so we didn’t stay as long as usual. I was pleased to get back inside to a hot drink. It was a quite evening of tv and a late glass of wine and then bed around 10pm. Nighty nighty.

Day 59 Friday 15^th May

I woke up at 08.30 this morning. I was surprised to see how light it was.  I don’t pull the curtains at the back of the house at night as I can lay in bed and watch the birds in the trees going about their business early morning. Oh and also normally I watch the sun rise. I was too late for all of that this morning. It did feel warmer though so I slipped on my dressing gown and made a cuppa rosy. Don’t start!! I decided on fried egg on toast with bacon tomatoes and mushrooms. Nom nom.

I spend the morning working on my computer and also updating this blog from yesterday. I did consider stopping doing them in case they were becoming boring but the general consensus seemed to be – No! keep doing them we like to know what you’re up to. Ok fair enough. I put a status up on FB saying … 

” I wonder how long it will be before the wildlife realise it was only a short reprieve” The air has been cleaner and the skies so blue. Then during a conversation with Phill Thorne on Radio Ashford I suddenly said I can’t wait for my window cleaner to return to work. Basically, that will mean another couple of cars on the road and back to the pollution again, so how selfish was that comment?

Lunch time now and it’s a salad sarnie with pink lemonade for a change. It was warmer this afternoon but I finally spent the rest of the day doing housework. I could be lying of course as you would never know! Actually I did do some so there, take that, and that.

Dinner time came around and I had a chicken stir fry with greek yoghurt 0% fat and veggies.  I got the kindle out during the evening as there was naff all on TV that I wanted to watch. I’d recorded one of my favourite programmes, Gardeners World to watch tomorrow.

I should finish this story I'm reading over the week end I reckon and then all will be revealed for me.

On a daily basis, I tune in to Wake up with Webbo and Phill Thorne. It’s a great local community station literally looking after the community. Webbo does his show from the studio from 6am until 11am all on his lonesome in a deserted building - at the moment - and then Phill takes over up until 2pm… From his spare bedroom which he’s turned into a studio because, like me, he’s shielding. How’s that for commitment. Also they promote me regularly as a local author. 

Here’s a link and it’s also on the web as well.

https://radioashford.com

https://radioashford.com

No poem this week, cos I don't feel like it okay? Maybe next week.

Laters Potaters

Staying Alert in the Pokey

Morning my little chickadees

Well apparently were all supposed to stay alert from now on, whatever the feck that's supposed to mean. I think Wales and Scotland have got the right idea. "We're closed so f*** off." Sorry if that offends but lockdown means nothing to some people.

Anyhows, here we go then.

 Day 48 Monday 4^th May

And may the force be with you. I’ve never seen the film but there you go.

I woke up early this morning with the sun streaming in through the window and it was a gorgeous sunrise. Brekkie was continental washed down with a cuppa.

Today it was the turn of the kitchen. Next time I get these bright ideas, sit me down and give me a good talking too. I was up to my eyes in muck and spiders from under the stairs.

I took plenty of breaks and lunch was a cornetto ice – I know but I fancied it ok and it was a reward for my efforts. Finally, I sat down at 3.30pm and its still not done. All that tiling to clean and white goods. It’s starting to get that sparkly clean look though.

I was in a steak mood so I cooked a nice rare steak with chilli rice, and washed it down with pink diet lemonade. I am good sometimes and left the wine in the rack.

I suddenly realised I hadn’t changed the bed linen which is a mission in itself. I never get it right and end up with lumps of duvet inside the cover. Finally, after several shakes it was there. I really can’t stand the job, and I was so knackered I went to bed and read kindle till 10.30ish. Nighty night and see you tomorrow.

Day 49 Tuesday 5^th May

I awoke at 4.40am for a wee and couldn’t get back to sleep, so I watched the sun rise and listened to the dawn chorus. It was so peaceful considering what is going on all over the world.

I tuned into Webbo at 6am and finally got up just after 7am. I looked at FB and it was the same old same old. Breakfast was another continental brekki, which I’m really getting into on these warm mornings and of course my cuppa.

Around mid morning while having a coffee (I know. I don’t know what came over me drinking coffee) I decided that I would change the lounge around. Next time I get these bright ideas, just tie me to a chair until I come to my senses. I wanted to move my sofa so that I can see out of the back window which overlooks the back garden and watch the birds feeding in the back garden. However to do that I had to move a half moon pouffe, three tall plants in heavy pots, two lamps, a full recliner chair, and a 42” tv on a stand. Put and take had nothing on me. As I moved one piece of furniture it was replaced by something else. Finally I had everything moved by very slow, push and shove method. Then it was the tv on the stand. It was a case of push a bit and then rest. It took me as long to do that, as it did to do the rest of the furniture move. I’m so pleased with the result though and I can now sit on the sofa by the back window and watch all the activity in the garden. 

I finally got the blog to post. I don’t know why it’s such an issue all of a sudden. Well actually yes, it’s everyone working from home I guess. Right? It’s a frigging pain.

Being a glutton for punishment I had a shower and then it was back to the kitchen. It’s cupboard cleaning today. Actually I got side tracked because it’s a grotty job and I ended up taking a drink into the garden in the sun. It’s lovely to feel the warmth of the sun on your face.

Previously I had put a casserole in the crock pot. Pork cubes, chillies, garlic, carrots, green beans, leeks and stock cubes oh and tabasco sauce. I got hungry just thinking of it.

Did I say I successfully moved the fridge and chest freezer. It’s surprising what you can do shuffling items backwards and forwards slowly. 

Lunch was a hit and miss affair. Ok I had strawberries and a pear. No not that sort of pair. Wash your minds out. I’m going to have to change my clientele that read this blog if you’re not careful. Stop giggling in the back row.

I had another go at the kitchen as it got a bit warm outside and it is starting to take shape. Eventually I sat down with a cuppa rosy and stayed there knackered.

5pm I tuned into the government update. It’s still as depressing, so I decided to have an early dinner. The pork casserole was delicious then I settled down with a couple of glasses of wine and watched tv for the rest of night.

I was totally cream crackered after all my exertions during the day so I took my kindle to bed (well it was yawning and looked tired) at just after 9pm and read until late into the night. Nighty night.

Day 50 Wednesday 6^th May

I’d set the alarm for 6 am; what’s that all about? But as it was a beautiful morning I got up and sat in the garden with my cuppa. Maybe a bacon sarnie for brekkers today, and a major tidy up in the garden as it’s starting to look neglected.

Brekkie was a bacon and tomato sarnie with a cup of coffee. Hold the phone! Let the cat out! What? I just fancied a change of drink ok? I haven’t had coffee since before I wore baby clothes. Yes it’s that long folks.

It was so lovely to spend the morning in the garden, and the grass even got cut. The shasta daisies are beginning to grow in the lawn again and I’m hoping for a bumper crop this year as it takes on the appearance of a mini meadow. The only trouble is, after a while they do ‘pen and ink’ a bit if you get too close, but that’s the trade off. Pen and ink? That’s cockney rhyming slang. So your lesson for today is …?

Lunch I seriously thought about skipping, but eventually decided on a small salad which I took outside. It’s great to have the option. I sat and planned the changes I’m going to make, so watch this space.

Come late afternoon I went inside for a snooze. My hayfever is worse this year and my eyes are taking a toll. I wonder if it’s anything to do with the current air environment? The crockpot was cooking my dinner for me (Isn’t that kind dontcha think?) so I can take the lazy way out tonight.

So it’s feet up in front of the telly and chill out for the rest of the night. Oh do you want to see a picture of how my hairy legs are doing? Here ya go

Day 51 Thursday 7^th May

6.30 am and I’m awake I didn’t make it through the night. Well obviously i made it through the night! I just mean't ... Oh you can work it out ... Doh!

Padded downstairs in the nuddy as it was so early. Well the birds flew off when I opened the door. Now was that the sight of me in the nude or a general call to arms I wonder?

Anyhows I made my cuppa, put my dressing gown on and took it outside. My garden is quite secluded and then had an English come continental brekkie. Don’t ask. I said don’t ask….

Shower and then it’s working in the garden all day. Lots to do and seedlings to pot up. 

I stopped for lunch which was a salad with mussels (protein) and I could do with a few muscles.

I sat in the garden around 5pm after the birds had fed and then watered the garden. I came back to my glass of wine and there's an insect doing the front crawl. Well I gave him the boot and he was last seen drying/dying on the grass. Flipping cheek.

Ham and potato salad for dinner while I caught up on the local news and then it was outside for out 8pm clap for the NHS and key workers. We have a nice crowd now and were quite noisy.

I gave the transplanted herbs another water and then sat back to watch the super moon.

 

Time for beddy byes, nighty night.

Day 52 Friday 8^th May

VE day today and I woke at 3.45am on the dot. What’s that all about. I was wide awake and lay there for a couple of hours just listening to the birds and watching the dawn rise. Eventually I fell asleep again around six for an hour. Time to get up and have a cuppa outside. Whilst on a visit to the bathroom I checked out my moustache and roots. Yep don’t go there. It’s a nightmare. I’ve got hairs sprouting out of everywhere. Who knew it was possible even.

It’s 08.54 and I’m just starting to feel peckish. As I’m dressed I’m going to eat outside. Probably bacon and egg tomatoes and toast. It’s lovely eating outside in the sun and watching the wild life scampering about. Mind you I haven’t seen Cyril for a while and there’s that new squirrel hotel I bought for him, full of peanuts and untouched. I bet he’s up in the trees with Cyrileena making whoopee. 

Come the afternoon and I had been lazing in the garden all day. I suddenly heard music across the road and when I looked out the back gate there is an impromptu VE party going on in my neighbours front garden. They had the bunting and all the forties music, so armed with my chair I staked my place outside their gate to social distance and went back for the wine bottle and glass. By the time I got back the gate had been opened so I could still feel part of the group and there was Pimms on offer but I stuck to the wine. My neighbour Bett was in her garden next door, with Jan and Kenny whose gate I sat outside of, which meant we could all see and hear each other while keeping our distance and joining in with Vera Lynn. It was great to catch up as we’re all sheltering. 

Around 6pm I was getting hungry so I popped back home and got a steak on the go with salad. It was a great day and good company to celebrate with.

The evening was spent in my beautiful garden just chilling and watching nature. Pigeons and white collard doves billing and cooing and doing what comes naturally. No tv for me tonight. Just the peace and quiet of the garden. 

See you on the other side folks.

 Right then here’s one of my poems from July 2001, which I wrote when I was in Avoca, where they filmed the series Ballykissangel. I had several pints of Guinness in the pub they did the filming in. I have Irish blood running through my veins on my maternal side.

AVOCA MY LOVE

As I sit in the hills caressed by the trees, I look down on 

Avoca my love

With crocks of gold and legends of old for this is 

Avoca my love.

Through the mists of the morn before day is born I still see 

Avoca my love

Serenity and peace are holding me still in Avoca 

Avoca my lova

Where the waters meet they laugh and sing you're one with 

Avoca my love

The breeze in the trees whisper gently don’t leave Avoca, 

Avoca my love

For embedded in time are roots that are mine in Avoca 

Avoca my love

With a breaking heart you call to me still, come back to 

Avoca my love

Although were apart I leave you my heart ‘til I’m back in 

Avoca my love ©

Laters potaters

Losing the will in the pokey

Hello my little chickadees 

Due to the sudden change in the weather from 25 deg down to around 17 deg I've gone slightly mad. I’ve been wearing a hula skirt, wild flowers wrapped around my top wobbly bits. I've got naturally brown legs from all the sun recently, a hairy moustache and dirty blonde roots. I just bet you can imagine it. 

How are you coping with the lock down? Some days I really struggle. How about you? Do you want to tell me about it? You might as well I’ve got nothing else to do except write this blog, housework, and gardening. No? Ok then here we go with the diary....

Day 41 Monday 27^th April

Another early rise for me this morning as I just knew my blog was going to be a beastie to post and I was right. Armed with a cuppa and some fruit for my brekkie, I made a start. I spent most of the morning trying to post the blethin thing. I took a break for lunch and finally it stopped trying to top itself and posted.

Lunch I decided on a quick cheese and pickle sandwich. I haven’t had one of those for ages. 

Blow me if my emails folder didn’t do a runner and went walk about. Then they just reappeared when I went back into them. What ever!

It turned pretty mucky outside but the bird feeders needed filling so I made the effort and the birds sat in a row on the fence and thanked me individually. At least I think that’s what it was. Or maybe they were just telling me off. Who knows. 

While I was out I checked on the clematis and passion flower I replanted. They seem ok and it’s probably the only passion in my life at the moment which suits me just fine.

I came in and put my feet up after checking the rest of the garden. Next bit of movement will be the honeysuckle. I was given some tips on taking cuttings. 

That’s a job for tomorrow if it doesn’t rain.

I decided to do chilli for dinner tonight with savory rice and a glass of wine. Just the one Mrs Wembly . (Very old, English comedy TV series with Dennis Waterman.)

I caught up on Monarch of the Glen which I’ve been missing, had a mug of hot chocolate and I was off up the wooden hill to Bedfordshire. Nighty night.

Day 42 Tuesday 28^th April

So then I woke up before 6am and I was wide awake. I pulled the front bedroom curtains and …. What a grotty day outside. Jim jams this morning and my dressing gown as I supped at my cuppa rosy (don’t start you know by now what I’m on about)

I had a massive grill up again for brekkie – bacon eggs mushrooms and tinned tomatoes with multi seeded brown toast. Well of course it would be wouldn’t it? It’s toasted. So many smart arses out there.

Then it was time to catch up with emails, followed by a bit of promotion of the lovely Joely Tonna and Crystal Chard. Both authors local to me and joely of course did the Lockdown song. If you haven’t heard it then you can listen to it here.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_6w4LwYctBg&feature=youtu.be

Here's a bit of cosmic synchronicity. I spoke to Joely on messenger and we discovered the following, bearing in mind that I've never met her before and never heard of her before hearing the Lockdown song.

Coincidence 1
I stated that I knew a Fabiola Tonna when my son was growing up. It’s her sister!
Coincidence 2
I mentioned that back in the 70’s my friend and I had rented a house in Malta from a Joe Tonna. He’s her dad and it’s her family home.
Coincidence 3 I had lost touch with the friend and it turns out she’s a dear friend of Joely. So there you have it. Sometimes fate works in mysterious ways

Well I had to get the bin in so I showered and dressed in trackies. You can throw them off in the wash bin in a jiffy. It takes longer to pop the sterile gloves on and disinfect the whole bin with wipes. 

My next mission was to replace the battery in the remote control for the radio. I couldn’t get the back open because I’ve got nerves trapped in my left hand (don’t go there) So after a consultation with a friend, he came up with a suggestion to open it. It was that or throw it, but I’m a stubborn cow that doesn’t like to be beaten. I won’t tell you how I managed it as it would take to long but it’s finally done.

This took me up to the 11am one minute silence for all the NHS that had died through Corona virus. I watched it on the ‘net and yes it was very emotional as the news panned all over the country.

Lunch was macaroni cheese on toast which was very nom nom. I haven’t had that for ages and washed it down with a coffee for a change. It’s good to ring the changes.

I decided to read through one of my works in progress. It gave me some new ideas for the plot lines. It seems forever since I wrote anything on my novels, it’s been mostly short stories and this blog, which surprisingly takes up quite I bit of time. I take notes during the day and write it up the following morning. It’s Wednesday but I’m writing up Tuesdays diary.

Dinner tonight was the last of the chilli with pasta. Why does it always taste better second time around? Ok I know why. It was rhetorical. 

I took a cup of hot chocolate to bed at 9pm and read my psychological thriller I downloaded. Very much a “don’t leave your feet out of bed and keep the duvet up to the chin.” I finally put it down around 11pm. Nighty night.

Day 43 Wednesday 29^th April

I didn’t wake up until just after 7am and … drum roll … I managed an all nighter even with the late drink. Whoop! Also, I’d been drinking water all day so well chuffed with that.

Some of my fruit was getting a bit ripe so I decided to have that for breakfast.

Most of the morning I was taking honeysuckle cuttings. Well in between showers and sunshine. My garden can so do with the rain as it’s like concrete and the earth is cracked. Good news…! My seedlings in trays on the windowsill have started to make an appearance, well except for the peppers. I think they must be Australian. I love watching them slowly germinate.

For lunch I needed warming up so I did a jacket potato with cottage cheese and chocolate and coconut green tea for a change. Very tasty.

After lunch I decided to check out my hair root growth and moustache … oh dear, big mistake. Oh well….

I felt a bit decadent around 5pm so I had some chocolate raisins and a glass of wine. I put it down to the crap weather. I so miss that gorgeous sunshine of last week. Was it last week? I don’t know, the days and weeks all roll into one at the moment.

After dinner which was salmon topped with chilli and garlic; added mixed veggies, I binged out on catch up tv and had an early nightery to read my psychological thriller. It’s really grabbed me and it’s getting darker by the chapter. So nighty night and see you tomorrow.

Day 44 Thursday 30^th April

Morning all Well I was awake three times during the night all bathroom visits, which is down to all the water I drank yesterday. I gave up and got up at 5am and made myself a cuppa rosy – now now, behave and put those hands down and put the brains in gear.

I tuned in and chatted to Webbo at 6am and did some of his brain gymnastic games. I got pipped to the post by Dapper Dickey Freeman to be top of the texting tree so I told Webbo to duff him up. Mid morning I finally decided to have brekkie which was chocolate chip Weetabix. 40 grams to be exact to be slimming world friendly. 

I wasn’t very hungry at lunch time so around 3pm I had a tuna sandwich which I haven’t had for ages.

Dinner was S P and O. Anyone remember what that is? (S)ausages, (P)otatoes mashed and (O)nions fried. Lush and washed down with a mug of rosy lee!!

8pm I was outside with my neighbours clapping our hearts out. Each week there are even more joining in with pots and spoons, all making as much noise as we can. A special cheer went up as our neighbour who is a paramedic appeared on the doorstep. We owe so much to them. In some cases our lives, whether it’s trough this situation or other ailments.

I caught up with another neighbour I haven’t seen for ages (social distancing of course) but we both got so cold that we agreed to do the same thing next Thursday.

Hot chocolate was called for which warmed me through. I’ll probably get a sugar surge with all this chocolate. I managed to stay awake until just before 10pm so I popped off the beddy byes with my kindle. Nighty night.

Day 45 Friday 1^st May

I was only awake twice last night for bathroom visits. Soooo much water I’m drinking and I didn’t wake up until well after 7am. Late on parade as I’m usually one of Webbo’s early risers. I did enjoy my 3 egg spinach omelette though. 

Lots to do today and need to check on my new seedlings that are shooting up. They are red onions, spring onions, carrots and a little tomato plant in the bottom picture. 

Time to feed the birds and top up all the feeders. I have one feeder that looks like a little house and hangs from a mock orange bush but it’s quite difficult to fill. So I hold the bag of food in my left arm and take handfuls of seeds out to fill it with my right hand (still with me?) Well, while I was concentrating on filling the small gap under the roof of the house I suddenly realised the top of the bag had tipped over and now there is a big pile of bird seed on the grass. Someone will have a full puffed out stomach tonight. 

My stomach is growling and I'm in need of some sustenance but what to have? Ok I settled on strawberries and yoghurt. It's a bigun of a pot and I'll probably only manage half. Actually I fancy a sandwich as well; maybe cheese and pickle. I might have sausages again tonight with veggies and sweet potato wedges. The sausages need using up.

I was late with dinner tonight so I had a glass of wine with it. Gardeners World got recorded and I finally watched it before going to bed. Guess what I'll be doing in bed? Yep the kindle is waiting. Nighty night. See you next week on Day 48 still locked in the pokey.

 Just for a change I’m including one of my short stories that I wrote just after I started writing full time. The book Eye of Erasmus managed to get to drum roll ...... #3 on Amazon. 

Of course, it’s now incorporated in the trilogy called Soulfate. Here’s the link if you want to take a look…

https://www.amazon.co.uk/-/e/B00J7HGF4W

Here ya go then

THE PERFECT MAN 

Feeling bored on the earthly plain I needed a change. Isn’t it great when you’ve got two places of residence?

My earthly home was great when the sun was shining and frequently I sat there sipping wine and dreaming of the perfect man. Was there one? No way! I could always invent one of course then I could mould him into perfection. This meant putting words on paper as writers do.

If you’ve never been very close to a cloud such as mine, then I imagine you would think a cloud is a cloud right? No! Mine was special; soft, fluffy and just big enough to lay flat out on, but also large enough for one more body when I had the urge.

On this particular day I was feeling lonely. I needed a mate to either pass the time with or at least one to fantasize about. I had my notebook with me and my wild imaginings started to take shape. What was I looking for in the perfect lover or indeed the perfect man? He needed to be a bit on the wild side. Just enough on the side of eye candy to create an interest for me. He would also need a bit of a sadistic nature to combat my wild ways. How about a bit of a dark side of which I would know nothing?  I was really getting into this now, and the thought excited me. I sat and pondered a bit more just to see if I could enhance him in any way. This is when fantasy started to take over. He would be called Erasmus and would be my very own time travelling lover with attitude. I fell in love with him, my very own secret lover.

As I lay there re reading what I had written it got me wondering why writers write. Was it just for fun, escapism, or just because they had to see words on paper. Who knows? It’s a personal thing I guess.

That’s when it happened! I suddenly found myself writing a story around my perfect man. I even had the title all prepared. It would be called the Eye of Erasmus.

This arrogant man (who by now I had fallen in love with) also needed to be brought down a peg or two. I allowed him to bed as many women and in some cases men as he wanted and then pull him up sharply. Did he really think he was going to get away with that? No way! I allowed him a vision in which he saw the woman of his dreams. Would I allow him to make contact with her though? 

I suddenly realised I had become a writer and was doing it purely for escapism. How did I feel about that?

Hell I don’t know but it sure was fun. ©

Laters Potaters