May 2022 - The End of an Era

Sunday 1 May What a disappointment after the sunshine of yesterday. It’s back into something warmer again, but the year is definitely turning and now the Hawthorn is in blossom as well as all of the trees coming into leaf. I had a lazy day, didn’t get up until gone 9am and even then I was fairly idle. Unlike Fred who had to be at dad’s for 11.00am and prepared for his homecoming. Dad was fairly weak after three weeks of basic inactivity in hospital and cannot manage the stairs. He will have a Care assistant going in three times a day util he gets going, and Fred is contemplating putting a bed downstairs. It all seems rather sad to me and I’m sorry I can’t be of more help, but Southampton is a long way away. I was really excited to see an Egret on the back field this morning. They are not common birds around here so it must have lost its way. Maria and Ian are having a wonderful holiday in Marseilles. Today they were in Arles at a Horse Festival which took place in a Roman Amphitheatre, which is the sort of event that the Romans built them for. I am green with envy.

Monday 2 May It’s neighbour Tony’s birthday today; I’ll know they’ve lit the candles when I see the Fire Engine. It was Sharley’s birthday last week too and a very happy one from what I hear. I’m so glad she liked her Papier stationery gift. It’s a typical Bank Holiday Monday, dull and overcast. Paul decided to clean the car and no sooner than it was done, it rained. I popped out early to Sainsbury’s so that I was ready for Moira to go to Art. She turned the corner to drive down New Lane and we were both taken by surprise when a young Deer shot across the road and into the field opposite. Fortunately, Moira is a good driver and she managed to brake, but it's a good job there were no other cars behind us. Denise lent me the next three books in the Bill Slider series, so I’m set up with my reading for a few days. Scientists claim to have developed an enzyme that will break down plastics in a few days. I hope that it is true, but also that it is safe, and the answer doesn’t create a different set of problems. I’ve had some wonderful feedback from my last blog, thank you all very much, it gives me a lovely warm feeling. Tuesday 3 May I got a shock when my alarm didn’t go off, but I’d reset it because of the Bank Holiday; it’s a good job I was awake anyway. Daphne was back at the pool and feeling much better after her cold which she inherited from Malcolm (poor old Malc!). I’m still listening to my Spanish CDs on the journeys to and from the pool, but I wish I knew someone locally who I could have practice conversations with. I helped Paul as he put up the first part of the fence. It was very low, so I sat on my garden kneeler, and to my embarrassment, fell off as I tried to stand and struggled to get up again like a beetle falling on its back. The washing was drying nicely until a little shower came to dampen things down. Gill is over half-way with the recovery from her fall; it’s gone fast to me, but I bet it’s seemed ages for Gill. I rang dad and was pleased to hear his voice loud and clear; it was obvious that he was happy to be home at last. Auntie Olive rang and we had a nice natter, I'd forgotten to tell her about dad so she was pleased to know that he is back home. Wednesday 4 May Happy birthday to both April and Oliver, I hope you each have a lovely day. I had a call from someone checking why I haven’t had my Spring Covid booster jab, but her accent was really difficult to follow. I think I managed to convince her that the effect on my RA was far worse than having the virus. Super yachts that belong to Russian oligarchs are being seized and impounded by governments all over the world. They won’t be happy about that. I’m fed up with scams and reports of scams. Where have all these evil ne’er-do-wells come from? It was a damp start, but we saw a window of opportunity and decided to finish off the fence whilst the going was good. It looks nice and as we share the boundary with Andrew, we're pleased to know that he likes it too. As I cycled down to the Co-op, I picked up an elderly jogger who used me as a pacemaker! My cycle ride back was more interesting as I stopped every couple of hundred yards or so to take photos. The trees are looking so lovely now, and every garden has a colourful display of plants. I’ve made a list of directions in Spanish to help me memorize them. Dad is sounding brighter and has managed to climb up six stairs today.

Thursday 5 May The air is clean and bright after last night’s storm. I love the photo that Julia sent of a huge rainbow over Thornton le Dale. I don’t know what they were brewing up in the Product Development centre at Nestle today but there was a horrible smell when I got near the site. It reminded me of roast lamb with a mint and chocolate gravy. Yuk. The pool was so busy there wasn’t enough lockers for our clothes and more of the old yellow ones had to be used. It’s Local Elections for some people today and the results could be very interesting. Boris is meeting the Japanese Prime Minister and I would love to be a fly on the wall. It must be very worrying living in the shadow of a country intent on wrecking world peace. Shell profits have nearly trebled! So why are we paying so much for our fuel? We have a new Mrs Deer who seems to have made her home on the field. I often see her at night gently wandering through the grass. I hope that means we will see another fawn this year. We had a nice ride through to Scarborough, not hampered by traffic and delays, and parked next to Peasholm Park which was also very quiet. I was thrilled to see Swallows chasing up and down the beach, they must have arrived on the warm air from the continent. The order was a good walk, a bus ride round the Marine Drive, fish and chips and an ice cream, back round the Marine Drive and home. A very pleasant day out. I sat reading in the summer house whilst listening to the Skylarks trilling somewhere high in the sky above. Dad is doing well; he has just managed to climb to the top of the stairs. That is progress. Friday 6 May Another lovely start to the day; Ian and Maria’s last in Marseilles. Helen and Paul are in Sorrento enjoying a lovely holiday; it’s time we went somewhere too. The pool was quieter today and although I didn’t want to get out of bed, I wouldn’t have missed that swim for the world. My Spanish directions are coming on and something is going in because I'm recognising the words at last. The French have switched off their Speaking Clock which was the oldest service of its kind in the world. The Local Elections are not going in the Tories’ favour, but then they probably deserve those results. The cloud quickly bubbled up, blocked out the sun and cooled the day right down. Mrs Deer is out roaming the field and a Buzzard is circling high in the thermals and I can’t help but reflect that once upon a time I would have seen Rabbits in the field and plenty of Lapwings and Swallows, but now it has all changed. They call it global warming, but it has more to do with stealing habitats for building without a thought for the wildlife which only gets protection when there’s just 10 of a species left. Saturday 7 May I opened the curtains and looked out on two deer and two pheasants; what a lovely start to the day. The sun was up early but decided to hide again today and it got quite cool after 9am. The Tories have lost a lot of councils in the elections; they don’t seem to realise that people don’t like being lied to by the national politicians and all this sleaze reflects badly at local level. My beloved Cayton Bay is being over-run by dratted holiday lets, Air B&B and noisy tourists. It has always been a fairly inaccessible quiet beach, but sadly not anymore. My heart is still out there with the Ukrainians. Approximately half a million have been deported to Russia, which probably means a lifetime of hell. Then there are the people still defending the Mariupol Steel Works. Their plight is desperate, and they can’t hold out much longer. It’s all wrong, so very, very wrong. Fred sounded very positive on the phone considering he is doing all the running around and looking after dad. I hope dad appreciates it. I’m always amazed at the amount of people there are when we go to Glasshoughton. There must be plenty of money in South Yorkshire because the cars are all new and flash, and people are shopping and eating and going to X-scape Yorkshire. The sun finally shook off its sulk and came out late afternoon; hopefully it will be a nice day tomorrow. Celebrity Mastermind is just excruciating to watch. Ian and Maria are back from Marseilles. They had a wonderful time and no delays at all at the airport.

Sunday 8 May A beautiful sunny morning. I was watching Mrs Deer grazing quietly across the field when I saw a pair of ears and another deer popped up, but they didn’t seem that pleased to see each other. When I looked up, I could see a Buzzard, then another hoved into view. I was lost in awe as two more joined them circling lazily in the warm thermals. Was that a glider, oh my goodness no, there’s another..... and three more! Eight of them circling; I was beside myself with joy. A wake of Buzzards; what a sight. We are so lucky to live where we do. Dennis Waterman has died. RIP Dennis. Once upon a time I went to church three times a day, but that stopped one night after Evensong when I sat behind three elderly ladies who did nothing but bitch about other people. Today I washed and cleaned whilst Paul cut the front and sides of the lawn and strimmed the edges. Much more satisfying.

Monday 9 May Happy Birthday Dawn my lovely. I hope you have a great day. The May Day parades will be held in Moscow today and Putin is telling the citizens that the war in Ukraine is all the fault of the West; apparently, we were preparing to invade Russia and the Ukraine is full of neo-Nazis. How did he come up with that one? The man is stark, staring bonkers. Barclays Bank has avoided paying two billion pounds in tax by operating through Luxembourg. Not many people realise that this little country became very wealthy under the auspices of Jean-Claude Juncker and a major financial scandal was uncovered when a whistle blower called time. (LuxLeaks). However, it doesn't seem to have changed things much. The Royal Society of Chemistry is running a campaign to ramp up the recycling of electronic waste. Hurray! It’s time this was made a major global, issue. I know that you can take stuff to Currys for recycling, from mobile phones and small stuff to fridge freezers, and they collect free of charge. CeX also take obsolete electronic gear for recycling. I have no idea why everyone seems to be gunning for Kier Starmer, he’s a clean living pussycat by Boris Johnson’s standards! We had a lovely time today at Art. I got a call about my Optician’s referral and am going to Leeds in June for my Cataract and Laser Surgery rather than York where there is a nine month’s waiting list. I can’t help but notice that the night sky has a lot less light pollution these days. Everything is in complete darkness when I draw the bedroom curtains on a night where once upon a time there was a halo of light all over; especially from the University and the Hull Road interchange. Daphne has been given the green light on her health, so she can go on holiday abroad with impunity! Great stuff. Gill is also improving and hopefully it won’t be long before she can join us for tea again. Tuesday 10 May Skylarks on the wing, what a wonderful start to the day. The pool was so quiet it was like bathing in a private members club. Bliss. The lovely Mexican lady who swims said she would talk to me in Spanish; ella es Manuela. Daphne and I went off to have a shop at Naburn. It’s such a long time since I’ve been, and I couldn’t believe how many empty shops there were. It’s a good job she was with me because she found the two dresses I finally bought in Hobbs. I’m a hopeless shopper, my heart is just not in it. We went to her house for a cuppa and a biscuit, and I got chance to admire all the alterations to their bungalow. Then I managed to get into town for one of Paul’s birthday presents before getting ready to go to Deans for tea. They are starting work on the bathroom at chez Proctor, so Ann didn’t join us, but Anita and I enjoyed a good catch-up. Mrs Deer is out gently grazing on the field. I watched DIY SOS The Big Build on the BBC and I never fail to be impressed and moved by the willingness of strangers to help others in trouble. The families are always deserving and the joy that is spread restores your faith in human nature. Wednesday 11 May Not the best of days for Peter’s funeral. I got up in good time, changed the sheets and went off to see Sue at the hairdresser for a quick trim. I was ready to ring Andrew when I got home, but he messaged to say that he was up and about. We set off in good time, however there was little traffic to speak of and we got parked easily enough. It was a quiet occasion, there being only nine of us, and everybody was family except for Paul and I. I’m, concerned for Andrew as he is not coping at all well, but he seemed happier that it was all over, and his cousins were going to take him out for a wee while. Paul and I went to Deans after the service, for lunch and managed to not see Peter S who apparently, we almost tripped over. Sorry Peter, our minds were on other things. I bought some Violas for the wedding cake, pressed some and planted the rest so that I can crystalize them later. I hope it works. There are some very pretty colours. Dad is so much better. His bed has gone back upstairs as he can manage to get up and down now, but he still tires easily. Fred is doing so much for him, he is amazing. Someone from the UK has won £184 million on the EuroMillions jackpot. Oh! When I think of all the good you could do with that kind of money. A road in Darlington has been resurfaced round a BMW when the owner didn’t move it, despite notices being posted. It just reminded me of an episode of Hancock. Thursday 12 May I couldn’t see the Skylark, but it was singing for all it was worth, such a joyful sound. School children from Hempland School planted trees in honour of the Queens Platinum Jubilee and some rotten bastard has destroyed them. They are the types that lower your faith in human nature. India is suffering a heatwave so intense that even the poor birds are dying of thirst. The sky looked quite lowering but there was a good breeze and my washing dried nicely. I didn’t really do much today apart from book a few days away for us at Ironbridge and Hereford. Something nice to look forward to but it's time Paul got his passport sorted. Paul cut the lawn at the front, and I did the back, got the ironing out of the way and watched the final of Interior Design Masters. It was very good, and I wouldn’t have minded who won, but Banjo pipped Amy to the post. Dad has been doing a bit of cleaning so he is certainly improving, but he says his breathing isn’t too good. Friday 13 May It could be a nice day if it weren’t for the wind which is cool and strong. I enjoyed my swim and managed to tell a few people how to get a get well card to Carol L. Daphne hasn’t wasted any time after getting the all clear from the Specialist. She and Malc are off to Cyprus next week. Happy holiday. Paula and the family are also going away, to Turkey, I hope they have lots of fun. The supermarket was fairly quiet this morning and we soon got round, but it was too blustery to do anything outside afterwards. Sometimes all I see of Mrs Deer is a pair of ears or a white scut. The board and box for the wedding cake has arrived so there was no excuse, I had to get on and marzipan the cake, but I didn’t use the board after all; how daft is that? Boris is planning to axe thousands of Civil Service jobs in a bid to save money. The simple answer is to stop frittering it away on daft schemes that gives millions of tax payers money to MPs and their cronies.

Saturday 14 May The sun has got his hat on at last and it is a lovely day. Oh, the pleasure of wearing a dress for a change. Ukrainian troops have retaken the city of Kharviv from the Russians, I hope they can hold it. I’m mystified by Putin whose face is looking really fat, which to me suggests cancer drugs or something of that ilk. The bottle-neck at the Hopgrove roundabout was not as bad as I expected making our drive through to Thornton-le-Dale nice and easy. The village is a haven for Swallows and Swifts, and it always makes me happy to see them wheeling around the sky. It’s been such a long time since we saw Julia and Colin and we couldn’t have picked a nicer day to go and have lunch. We drove up to the Fox and Rabbit on the Whitby Road where the view over the North Yorkshire Moors is quite something, and so is the food in the pub. We adjourned to their house for a cup of tea having first being treated to an ice cream by Julia from Baldersons. Dad is definitely improving and wanting to do little jobs around the house again. Fred has found a personal alarm that Dad can wear, and it comes with a full back-up service in case he has a fall. The moon shone down on Mrs Deer as she wandered gently across the field in the darkening night. Sunday 15 May Back to normal. It had obviously rained earlier and was much cooler that yesterday. I got a load of washing out that dried nicely in the fresh breeze and later, when the sun came out, it was really hot for a couple of hours. Ukraine won the European Song Contest, which was a foregone conclusion really, but who can begrudge them their triumph. The UK had the satisfaction of coming second. Finland and Sweden have decided to join NATO, which they probably would never have considered if Putin hadn’t declared war on an innocent country like Ukraine. I was sad to learn from Gill that Carol Mc has died from cancer at a far too young age. She was one of those people you couldn’t help but like because despite all life’s trials she was always cheerful and positive, and very kind. She was also a lovely mum. RIP sweetheart. We had a bike ride up to Vangarde to get some exercise, then I fell asleep in the summerhouse whilst pretending to read; but I did wake in time to do my ironing before ringing dad.

Monday 16 May A very happy birthday to my darling husband Paul, and also to my lovely cousin Tony. It was a wet start with a wet day in prospect. I did an errand for Audrey up to Huntington Surgery after my swim and thankfully I found the place easily because I had to look it up on my phone. These b****y scam e-mails, I’m not sure if I’ve got something on my laptop so I’ll have to get Graham to check it out. I got a horrible fright when I saw our latest Energy bill. We have to pay for that and then the government is talking about taxing our savings. We are the mugs who pay for the people in power and their cronies to become super rich. I’m voting for the Green party at the next election. I tried to get rid of an unwanted email and ended up with a nightmare. Graham was unavailable, so my laptop is going to someone new for a blitz tomorrow to get rid of some rogue malware that came from America. Why do people do this sort of thing? They need to get a life or a brain transplant or something useful. Thunder was in the air, but it passed us by. Tuesday 17 May It had obviously rained hard during the night and the morning was fresh and sweet. Manuela was at the pool, so I practised a bit more Spanish as we passed in the showers. I found a good place to take my laptop; it should be ready tomorrow. I nipped to the Library before going on to the Rheumatology clinic. It was at the York Stadium and all very new and impressive. More like going into a private clinic. Everything is ok, but I was disappointed to discover that my inflammation levels are just the same. The nurse suggested that it probably meant that was my natural level, which made sense as I’m not swollen up like I used to be. I transplanted my seedlings and a couple of hours later it poured with rain; I hope they survive. Ann, Anita and I met up at Deans for our usual Tuesday tea. It’s getting very popular now, especially with the lighter evenings. Dad has had an eye test at home and will have new glasses; about time too. The last Derry Girls in the series had a very sad ending. I hope the finale tomorrow leaves us on a high. Wednesday 18 May The sun was smiling brightly before I got out of bed, but I'd had a nice sleep. We went to KIT for my laptop and not only had they fixed it, but they had also programmed it to cut out all of the adverts at no extra charge. I was very impressed. We got some shopping on the way home and had bacon butties for lunch. My diet is shot, better not tell Anita! Mikhail Khodarenok, a retired Russian Colonel has spoken out on a TV programme about the conflict in Ukraine, stating that the situation for Russia can only get worse. He had said in February that a war with Ukraine was not in Russia’s best interests, and this is seen as an ‘I told you so’ moment. I’m amazed he’s not been taken down and it’s a shame Putin wasn’t listening harder in the first place. The court proceedings of the Rooney/Vardy thing is still going on. I have no idea what it’s about, and care even less. It was lovely just relaxing in the summer house, reading and listening to the birds. Two deer today, belly deep in grass showing just how high it has grown. The finale of Derry Girls was good if thought provoking Thursday 19 May A cool and miserable start to the day. I was supposed to be going out with Judi, but there was a message when I got back from swimming to say that she has tested positive for Covid. Oh dear. Get better quickly Jude. Paul and I went up to M&S for a look round and a coffee, but the queue for the café was so long we didn’t stay. I was pleased that my washing was blowing on the line and drying too and then about mid-day the clouds parted and the sun came out to finish the job. It was like another day. We cut the grass, I did my ironing and then spent some more time in the summer house soaking up the sun, reading and relaxing. Inflation in the UK is now running at 9%. I think our politicians are far too complacent and don’t understand how easy it is to reverse a country’s fortunes. But then, most of them are loaded and don’t have to live within the constraints of the ordinary person in the street. Friday 20 May No supermarket today as we will be away from Sunday. Irene was at the pool talking about her recent trip, diving in the Red Sea. Oh, I would love to do that in a heartbeat. I had my swim, quickly had breakfast then headed into town for a few things. I was amazed how quiet it was, on the roads and in the town. I saw a lovely dress, and they had every size but mine, so I ordered one. Why not. I was quite tired by the time I got back to the car, and so glad that I had my stick with me, it did help a lot. Sainsbury’s is phasing out the sale of Russian imported fuel at its petrol stations in support of Ukraine. The sun made a late appearance after lunch, surprised itself and went back in again. Ellie and Phil’s garden is looking great, it’s amazing what they grow in such a tiny space. Turkey will block Sweden and Finland’s egress into NATO unless certain conditions are met. It was a very wet evening.

Saturday 21 May The sun was out early, then dropped behind the clouds. They may be having a heatwave in mainland Europe, but I’m still waiting for things to warm up here. There’s a cool edge to the breeze, but the Skylarks were singing away, the old Blackbird was tut-tutting at anything that went near his nest and I could just make out two heads as the deer settled down in the long grass. Russia are claiming victory in Mariupol and have completely destroyed the Donbas giving weight to Zelensky’s demand that Russian assets should be seized to refund the building of Ukraine. I think it’s a great idea. Covid is still with us, and Leeds St James Hospital is still barrier nursing and reporting deaths. Treatment is a little different in North Korea where reported cases are rocketing, but the population is simply being told to gargle with salt water and drink willow leaf tea. I spent the day washing, cleaning, ironing and generally preparing for a few days away. Had a lovely bit of video from Daphne in Cyprus. The holiday is doing her good and she looks tanned and relaxed. Sunday 22 May Not a bad morning. The sun was up, the deer were grazing, and we got ready to jump in the car and travel down to Warwickshire. The journey was straightforward with no delays, no heavy traffic and we only had one minor diversion when the sat-nav wouldn’t pick up Tony and Dawn’s postcode. It seemed apt that some of our route was on Watling Street, as our destination was in pursuit of history. We haven’t seen them for ages, so it was a lovely reunion. It was also the first time in their bungalow, and they’ve been there a few years now; I loved it. In a nice peaceful spot and well laid out with no stairs. Dawn was at a football match with Andy and Kevin’s boys when we arrived, so we had a cup of tea and a tour of the estate with Tony. After a lovely tea, a long natter about family we turned in for a good night’s sleep. Daphne says it's too hot in Cyprus! Send some over here love.

Monday 23 May Happy Birthday Moira, I hope you have a wonderful holiday on your Scottish Island trip. Back on our way down Watling Street towards Ironbridge. Tony had recommended the Royal Air Force museum at Cosford which was en route, so we followed the signs and called in. They have three huge hangars of the most amazing exhibits, and not all of them British planes either. As well as a Spitfire and a Hurricane there was a Junker and a Messerschmitt, a couple of Japanese planes including a Yokosuka MXY-7 Ohka kamikaze manned V1 Flying bomb. Then there were the big boys, really huge Vulcan, Valiant and Viceroy. With a whole collection of other planes and artefacts it was an interesting and worthwhile detour. The countryside down to Ironbridge was beautiful, and suddenly there we were with the bridge spanning the River Severn. We couldn’t find The White Hart Inn to start with and phoned for directions, only to discover that we were virtually alongside it! By the time we had got organised, it was late afternoon so we had a walk down to the Ironbridge and a potter round before settling down for a quiet drink and beautiful meal.

Tuesday 24 May The weather could have been kinder to us, and it was a good job we decided to take our waterproofs. We drove into Coalbrookdale to see the Museum of Iron and after a very interesting, guided tour of the outside, which was full of historical detail, we went in to look at the exhibits, just managing to miss the heavy showers. It is hard to imagine the horrors of the industrial revolution and the awful conditions that people worked in when everything is laid out neatly and in clean surroundings. It must have been hell on earth. I am still non the wiser as to why the Iron Bridge was put where it was because there is no sign of what it would have linked that was useful, except the other side of the Gorge. There were a lot of good walks to be had, but we were happy to rest and enjoy a drink back at the White Hart in the evening sunshine. Carole and Hughie’s trip of a lifetime to Canada and the USA was spoilt by catching Covid in Boston. Not the souvenir they had hoped for. I hope they get well quickly. Once again, the White Hart did an excellent evening meal, and the staff were great. I caught a headline that said we are all to receive £400 towards the cost of living increase from windfall taxes. As nice as it is, it will be a drop in the ocean for some very ordinary families. Wednesday 25 May After another excellent breakfast, we jumped in the car and headed off for Hereford. What a long journey, through some gorgeous countryside with Wales in the far distance. Up hill and down dale,and fields full of buttercups filling the scene with a golden glow of happiness. We finally got lost around Bridgnorth, then found again and the sat nav took us to the door of our next stop in Hereford. Breakfast had been so good that we were not bothered about lunch and shared a drink and a sandwich from M&S. It is obvious that Hereford has been a lovely city and with a long history. But there were lots of empty shops and I couldn’t help but feel that a sweeping brush and some tlc wouldn’t go amiss. I’m sure a lot of it is as a result of Covid. We visited the Black and White House, or The Old House as it is also known. It was a small museum, but well put together and worth the visit. The house is the only one remaining from a whole row that were demolished in the early sixties to improve the town centre. What a shame. Finding somewhere to eat in the town centre in the early evening was not easy and we ended up having an expensive meal in the Green Dragon Hotel that was more about presentation than food. Thursday 26 May Back into Hereford where we popped into the Library for a look at their local history exhibition before crossing the road to see the Cathedral. Our first surprise was that there was no admission fee, unlike York where they charge an arm and a leg just to look. It is a lovely place of peace and we sat for quite a while to rest and soak up the atmosphere. We read the storyboards and then found our way into the cafe for a cuppa before going to see the Mappa Mundi and the Chained Library. I’ve long known about Hereford’s Chained Library, which is the finest in the country, so I was pleased to see it, although a bit disappointed that none of the books were open for you to look at. I suppose they are too delicate and prone to damage from the light. To use a modern phrase, the Mappa Mundi blew me away. I kept going back to have another look and try and identify places. The UK was right at the bottom of the map, and on it we found York. There were several representations of the map including a model in relief, and if I lived closer I would visit often just to look at it. Although we had already looked round the cathedral, we decided to go for the guided tour which was due to start in five minutes. Our guide was Ian, a retired medic with a lot of knowledge and a great sense of humour. The tour was supposed to be one hour, but we got an extra half hour and it was worth every second as we learnt things that we never would have picked up otherwise. We ate at The Den which we had passed the previous day. Lovely food and good service too. Friday 27 May Home today. We set the sat nav to get us out of Hereford and on to familiar territory which lasted just north of Castle Donnington. We turned off route to fill up with petrol and Sally sat nav was not pleased. In fact she wouldn’t speak to us after that, but as we were almost on the M1 and knew where were anyway, we didn’t mind. Back to news of today. Confirmation that we will all receive £400 hush money, Covid is at its lowest for almost two years and Boris is not getting away with his lies. It’s almost like living in Pantomime land. Boris is Baron Blunderbuss, Sunak is a somewhat dubious Good Fairy, the public can all take turns playing the part of Cinderella, but nobody seems to be capable of filling the role of Prince Charming. Dad died just before midnight. He was 93. He has wanted to go for a long time, and it was evident that he was slowing down, especially after his return from hospital. If I shed any tears, they will be for my lost childhood. At last my darling brother Fred can have his life back and take a well earned holiday.

Saturday 28 May I put a dress on to welcome the sun and soon changed again into something warmer. When is summer ever going to happen? I spent some time contacting family to let them know about Dad. Auntie Ol was expecting it and so was Joy. Phil and Ian both rang following my message and then Maria and Ellie joined in with their love. I ordered two skirts from M&S before I went away, so Paul took me into town to collect them. I’m glad I tried them on in the store because they were no good and I was able to return them for a refund there and then. The supermarket was surprisingly quiet, but then it is half term next week, so I don’t know if people are away. Not that I’m bothered, we were in and out. Lots of lovely messages came in throughout the day, but the biggest thrill was a photo of Karolina holding a sleepy Heidi, whilst Matt waved the finger puppets I sent. Fred rang and we talked through what needs to be done about the funeral, the flat and everything else. It’s difficult when I’m too far away to go back and forth, but I will endeavour to help where I can. Ian, Phil and Jonny went to see Alan Partridge at Leeds Arena. I bet they had a good laugh. Sunday 29 May I got e-mails from dad’s ‘other family’ in Australia this morning. I wish I could be as upset as them, but then dad held them in a higher place than Fred and I ever were. I just have an enormous feeling of relief and freedom that he's gone. A yacht exploded in Torquay harbour yesterday and after a huge fire, it sank leaving fears of pollution. The football match in the Stade de France turned into a fiasco as Police used pepper spray on fans waiting to go through the turnstiles and an investigation has been demanded into the behaviour of the staff and organisers. We were all set to cut the grass when the heavens opened, and it bucketed with rain. Mrs Deer is almost hidden by the length of the grass on the field, but still no sign of a fawn so far this year. I was full of good intentions, but the weather wasn’t playing ball, so I mainly read. I understand that Mick loves his new wheelchair which seems to have given him a lot more independence. That must have lifted his spirits enormously. Sberbank, the state owned Russian bank is the subject of a prolonged cyber-attack, and several other banks have also experienced hits. Credit card details have been stolen and passed on. It’s time to change passwords to something really obscure even though they are foreign banks. There was a very satisfying ending to the latest Gentleman Jack series. Monday 30 May You could tell it was half term as the route to Yearsley was very quiet. It was so good to get back in the pool. I was fretting because they say that some pools will close due to increased energy bills, but Rick thinks we are safe. Too much money has been invested recently to close it. Phew. We got our energy bill, and it was frightening, especially as we are not extravagant users. The UK is supposed to be a wealthy country, but the truth is that 90% of the population are just ordinary folk trying to get by. It’s the 10% that give lie to the wealth by being multi-millionaires and billionaires. The trouble is, they run the country and have no idea how much things cost. There’s talk of a return to the Imperial system of weights and measures. That's just daft. As much as I liked £sd, and lb and oz we have moved on and the cost of conversion would be an unnecessary expense. Back to Art. Moira had a super holiday on her Scottish Islands and Denise played Bingo! But it was nice to be back in their company with homemade quiche and Mark’s chips for lunch. Fred is having a frustrating time trying to sort dad’s things out. The GP surgery claimed they have no record of him, then they did know but wanted to refer to the Coroner despite dad having just come out of hospital. This has nothing to do with Covid. It’s like blaming the Post Office for a late letter when it hasn’t been sent in the first place. James just keeps adding to his menagerie of pets.

Tuesday 31 May I was up before the alarm went off, at the pool for 7.20 and back home by 8.30. The Scarborough bus goes just after 9.00am and I was on it with a bag full of toiletries for Joan. I rang Judy, but she was going to be out, so we had a little chat whilst I was travelling. Joan is looking her 92 years, but better than last time I visited. She was in a happy mood, wanting to sing and we talked and giggled. Apart from her poor memory, it was just like I remember her as a younger woman. I will be able to tell Paüla that her mum is happy and well cared for. I walked up through Falsgrave and into town for a drink before going home but being half term and a wet day, the roads were fairly quiet, so the bus was early and I nearly missed it. Fortunately my knees behaved and with a bit of fast walking I caught it. It rained most of the way home. I’m sad to learn that the Russians are gaining ground in Ukraine. They are out to destroy the country completely before admitting defeat. As it was Anita and Bryan’s wedding anniversary there was only Ann and I for tea at Deans; only Ann forgot, and I had to give her a quick call. Still, it was lovely to see her. I can’t believe it’s June tomorrow. Where has the time gone and, more pertinent, where is the sun?