It was a strange day yesterday. First, the breakfast radio news announced the arrival of the first positive virus case here, along with news of another person arrested for ignoring the quarantine regulations.
At the ministers' afternoon press briefing it was announced that a second person has now tested positive.
We have decided that we shall now try to practice social distancing more strictly as previously there didn't seem much urgency.
The chimney sweep arrived Friday morning. He had been booked for a few weeks now and we thought it best to get it done now rather than wait. Chimney swept, grate cleaned and the wall surrounding the fireplace given a fresh coat of paint. All the logs, coal and baskets have been moved into storage and the tatty old rug that is usually in front of the hearth to catch the spits has been beaten within an inch of its life, rolled up and hidden away. Looks like a new room now.
Some friends called by in the afternoon with some magazines but they stood the other side of their car and handed over the carrier bag very carefully.
Our usual gang of friends have now created a WhatsApp group so that we can continue to keep in touch with news and gossip and exchange photos etc. Not quite the same as meeting up for supper and a chat but will have to do.
P is still going out to shop as and when we need food as we cannot get home deliveries here.
I no longer have anything to go out for, now that the gift shop has closed and the Hospice have asked me to stay away.
At least with the weather improving we can still go for walks. There are plenty of quiet places around where we can walk without bumping into anyone else.
I am messaging my sister every day so that we can check that we are each still doing OK. I worry about her as she is now very anxious and I try my best to cheer her up. I have just sent her a Thorntons hamper to see if that helps. Chocolate is always a good idea!
Unlike Mary Poppins, I hope that you socially-distanced yourself from the chimney sweep. Did he look like Dick Van Dyke? Mary got far too close to him when she should have been nannying. Very kind of you to have the Thorntons hamper sent to your sister. Where does she live?
ReplyDeleteI didn't see the sweep as I stayed in another room. Probably looked nothing like young Dick. My sister lives in the furthest reaches of West London- in spitting distance of Heathrow Airport so plenty of opportunity to catch the bug.
DeleteDid I see the word chocolate? Well not Thorntons in my case but I did open a pack of Jaffa cakes to have two with my morning coffee. Little treats are the order of the day here. Stay well.
ReplyDeleteShe has sent me a photo of the box that arrived at lunchtime. I wish I had bought one for myself now!
DeleteI am angry our island wasnt cut off at least a week ago. The government was very late in forbidding people travelling to villages and islands. We are now cut off and a darn good thing too. Only supply trucks are allowed over, so they say.
ReplyDeleteChocolate is always good.
Nice to have whatsap. Thats the way we keep in touch with most of my family around the world. Sometimes it gets very busy with messages coming in from London, Perth, Poros and small town NZ.
Keep walking and keep well.
I hope it has not been too late for your island. What health care arrangements are in place there in case of problems?
ReplyDeleteIf IoM has it then there's little hope for anyone. Does IoM have the power to put all arrivals into quarantine. If so they should.
ReplyDeleteCurrently it is meant to be self isolation with a fine of £10,000 for non compliance. They are taking details of all arrivals but are relying on other people to report any offenders so not sure how well that will go.
DeleteChocolate will certainly cheer her up! I'd love a Thorntons Chocolate Hamper; didn't know such a thing existed, JayCee. Everyday's a school day!
ReplyDeletexxx
Glad to oblige xx
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