shhDRink me

 Well, had the cough, sneezes and stuffy mucus gunk. Now I have the tiredness, can only do so much and the have to sit, doze, recover.  Felt better this morning, had a shower and washed my hair. Drying off, felt a bit light-headed, then realised I was on the floor. Only for a few seconds, but disconcerting. The weather is still sunny, not as warm but Spring is here.

 Thought we'd finished with all this but the virus keep changing in to a more virulent form (of course it does).P did the races las week and now has tested positive and is full of mucus and coughing painfully. I am still testing negative, but I don't think I believe them - if I am living with a positive, surely I must have/get it? It's Easter so no family for food - perhaps we can do eggs in the garden. It's a full moon, the weather looks warm and springlike. Typical.

 The media has stopped talking about 'a new normal' but is still filling the news with statistics about number of cases, people in hospital with COVID and sadly how many have died in the past 24hours and then the picture over the past week. Then, as though to lighten the future, the percentage of those who have had one, then two vaccines. There is a general fatigue around the pandemic and a growing realisation that we will all have to learn to live with it. Yes, keep up with the vaccinations, Yes, wear a mask in crowded places, on public transport and just if it makes you feel safer. Just be aware, consider others and don't behave selfishly and put others at risk. Life evolves but still goes on, even if our fingers are crossed! 

 We were comfortable with the continuing (but limited) restrictions in Scotland, but during our time away England has got used to deciding for itself, just how cautious it wants to be. We are still wearing our masks (there is plenty of wear left in them). We don't go clubbing, although we did go out for a (booked) Sunday lunch. Bravely, A+J+P have flown to Spain to see the relatives. It means testing before they travelled, before they come back, isolating for up to 10 days (unless they pay for another test for early release). Is it worth it? Well, I'm sure the Spanish grandparents are grateful they have decided it is. It has rain a little - I wonder if it is still frighteningly hot abroad?

 Another day, another country. We travelled up by train to Dunbar via Edinburgh. Sunshine all the way, connections worked, met at the station. Hugs all round, so good to see some family after nearly two years. Small things matter - a comfortable bed, a good read, happy food. But so do big things like family and a sense of place. It is going to be a good week.

 They are talking about the 19th July - well, it started as talking but now it is beginning to sound more like arguing. Should all restrictions go? or be more cautious and add another stage to 'normality'? I, for one, am not going to be leaving my face covering at home any time soon. Sanitiser will still be in my pocket, windows on trains etc will still be opened and if a lift looks crowded, I will get out and wait for the next one.  A matrix sign has the message -Be patient, be kind, be safe. Sounds like a plan for life.