Deany

So here we are in August 2020 and the virus continues to make things interesting. 

My 50th was lovely.  T laid on a huge Fish platter and decorated the pool so we could sit outside.  It was a glorious evening.  I had loads of lovely gifts and it didnt matter that we were on lockdown.  

The only difficult thing about my birthday was not being able to arrange anything with the family. 

Dad's Birthday in June was also hard.  While restrictions had slightly eased, groups of 6 only were allowed to meet in gardens so I was unable to see him.  We did do a Zoom call which was good, but not the same. 

I finally was able to go and see them for an overnight in mid July.  Dad had taken a fall one Saturday night and hurt his knee so was good to be able to see them and support them, but it was really hard saying goodbye as I didnt feel I should hug them to be on the safe side.  

In mid April, we started doing Zoom quizzes for the family and friends, they worked really well and we enjoyed doing them.  T put together some great visuals and I did the website to submit answers and marked them when they came through. 

We are now about to do our 13th Quiz. 

In mid June, we were approached about doing some quizzes for Corporates.  We needed to test out the theory of having a celeb as the host so we ran a couple of .. .  The first featured Dominic Holland.  He is a comedian but also is Tom Holland's father.  

The second featured Paul Sinha of The Chase fame.  

Its surreal to think, looking back, that these quizzes really happened.  

Sadly, the corporate stuff fizzled out and so nothing further has been done, but there is a possibility that they could take off again in September. 

The dogs have kept me sane, Ive been the dog walker which I enjoy.  

Both dogs are starting Hydro and I think its helping.  We have cut down the length of walk but am trying to do a few more each week.  Ive found some nice places to go. 

We had some not so good news this year, T's Dad has been diagnosed with cancer so has been having chemo.  Hes amazing how well hes been coping, but its been hard on T as Wales' rules were not the same as England so wasnt able to get there for a while, then only for day trips.  Things are better now but work has gone manic so hes hoping to get there in the next few weeks.  

We should find out end of Sept how well his Dad had done.  Fingers and toes are crossed. 

Life is sort of returning to normal.  We have to wear masks to go into shops and still have to wash our hands and not touch our faces.  

Most places are open now, but it is so much quieter than it was.  Many are still not rushing to get back to life as it was.  Its kinda a good thing as things are quieter and easier in the shops and on the roads.  Mad people still go on flights and then get mad cos the country they are in is now quarantined so they have to do 2 weeks quarantine when they return.   

The schools go back in a few weeks, children are said to pretty much be immune unless they are already compromised, but that isnt easy for the teachers/support staff. 

I have been battling with the council for support to Limited Company Directors but we, along with 3 million others, are not getting anything and to make it worse, there's talk of increasing corporation tax and other impingements on us which will be sour pills to swallow.  

I really do not like this country at the moment.  Am struggling with that and also Covid has shown up how fickle friends are.  

I keep saying to T that we should move to France, but its not so easy esp with the Ps.  

Im trying hard to cut back on alcohol, crisps and sweets.  I am limiting to 1 day at the wknd.  Ive lost a bit each of the 2 weeks Ive been at it so fingers crossed that continues.  

Other than that life is pretty much, stay at home, get annoyed by the news, eat some good food.