After reading more about the spread of the virus, Jake has decided to cancel his appointment with the chiropractor and the hair stylist next week. He is also researching ordering groceries online for curbside pickup. We already see almost no one. The woman who walks with the dogs and me comes into the house for a few minutes each morning as she has for years and I have one friend that I meet for a walk on Sundays in my neighborhood. Each of these friends goes almost nowhere and always with mask and gloves. From time to time I speak to a few neighbors at a distance outside. We do drive through pharmacy and banking and curbside pickup at the library.

Bob, Where we live in NW Washington state, it is not usual to see men in shorts and heavy winter jackets.

Barbie

https://www.insider.com/the-crown-michael-fagan-broke-into-queens-room-buckingham-palace-2020-11

Sandy, I don't watch The Crown so was interested to read how they portrayed Michael Fagan breaking into Buckingham Palace. At the time a PR job was done on how the queen reacted but this article sorts fact from fiction!!

Funny coincidence, a few weeks ago during half term when we had lots of visitors in the area, I noticed quite a few young people wandering on the moors staring at the ground looking for what I know to be Magic mushrooms and smiled to myself because back in the 80's someone I worked with chewed some and apparently weeks later was still dealing with the effects of being high. Never again was his promise so I understand Michael Fagan's story of weeks of living in a fog!!

Cornish pasty hot and ready to eat so back later (again!)
Jackie

The hen house was mucked out just in time as drizzle drifted across my garden and before that I shopped for George’s raw meat as well as mixed corn for the hens and peanuts for a bird feeder that hangs in a cherry tree. It’s interesting just how many stores have remained open during this lockdown so must consider themselves essential because I see little difference from before. We’ll learn later in the week which areas will remain locked down and I’m hoping I’ll be in a tier that allows my hairdresser to reopen! The good news is British scientists have also developed a vaccine which will hopefully be cleared for use next month so we’re going in the right direction.

Lin, such a sweet Dachshund I hardly noticed the tea set and as closely as I searched I found no sign of Peter Rabbit in Mr McGregor’s garden. Perhaps he’s hiding in the cabbage patch! I too tried phoning Buzz at the weekend without luck but will keep trying.

Bob, lots of our posties wear shorts year round because they cover so many miles on foot but I’m guessing the one in your photo got caught in a sudden storm! Sorry to read you’re currently struggling to get your steps in when normally you start your day with a great total. Was it wrong shoes gave you the callus or plain bad luck? Night cramps aren’t great either. Could you be dehydrated for some reason? Thats usually the reason I find myself jumping out of bed and up and down! Your nutrition charts are very interesting and I can see why you opt for squash over pasta. Unfortunately I love pasta dishes!

Anne, I heard an official on the news this evening refer to “mixing households” as a reason for Leicester having to remain in lockdown for months so I expect there’s a similar problem in the town in Kent. Hundreds of illegal migrants arriving at beaches from France in rubber dinghies having to be housed in cramped conditions hasn’t helped.

It’s that time again.... bedtime! 😴
Jackie

A modern Italian teapot




Lin
❤️

Jake has been understandably concerned about the huge spread of the virus last week and has decided that we should shelter even more than we already do. I showed him how we can order groceries for pick up using the QFC app on my phone and that seemed to be a good plan for him. Unfortunately meat and ice cream seem to be a problem so the plan is that we will go to Costco this morning and be poised to walk in the minute they open the doors for senior hours. He will get meat and ice cream and I'll get a few other things and we'll check out our carts separately. We probably have enough food and supplies to last us until long after Christmas but with life so uncertain, I am easily encouraged to buy more.

Bob, when I read your post about deciding the rules for Thanksgiving, it reminded me that at my house we follow the rule of "what's best for the relationship". It helps to have agreed upon guidelines for the family, that may or may not be the same as what others are doing. I have a recumbent bike in my living room. It's where I sit to watch TV and ride while I watch.

I will venture out at the end of the week to pick up some library books at curbside pick up.

I have a sign on my refrigerator that says, "We already have everything we need".

Another day off form the gym…but took a short walk. We both left the house at 7:15am per car dealership service campaign. Weather isn’t really horrible, just cold (no real icy roads or snow). Last night I came across a photo I took in New York City (1/2018) – who would think that was a great day in NYC compared with Nov. 2020. Not hungry yet, but already have planned in my head (baked asparagus tips, wrapped in bacon with cheddar cheese) – actually made it up in my head an hour ago.




More nonsense from Cuomo with parts of our county being changed from “orange” to “yellow” coronavirus zone. So much politics (and not to imply we don’t take Covid precautions seriously when valid reasoning is used). The mall (one of the largest in NYS) is in the “orange” zone – but no one knows exactly what that means… the mayor is trying to find details. Meantime – businesses are dying.

Hard to believe Cuomo actually had the you know what to accept a special Emmy Award for his televised briefings during the pandemic – as Janice Dean noted it’s "so insulting" to people given his disgustingly inept handling of nursing homes. As Janice also stated: "I have talked to so many families that are just, they are heartbroken that this governor does not accept any responsibility for, in some cases, his deadly leadership." OK – I’ll stop there…
Jackie – Your situation sounds much more severe than what we are going thru… again…Central NY is not like NYC and I am thankful for that. Wish you the best.

I am missing the 5am gym treadmill. The real problem is the callus is located at the joint connection to forefoot. Sooner or later it will resolve….time to soak this afternoon. As for cramps, I think it is just a circulatory problem… with some prominent veins etc. I hear you on pasta – NEVER thought I could break away like I have… I mean… Italian is my number one food and for decades never went a single week without pasta, FRESH Italian bread, meatballs and homemade sauce. YUM.

Lin – Nice modern Italian teapot – never saw one like that. You’re right about “going with the flow.” I do know, I probably sound annoying to some people at times because very little get me “over the top” and always can think of people worse off. It doesn’t mean I don’t care, I just tend to put things in perspective. I have known too many people that have died decades too young not to be grateful. (ps – nice puzzle!)

Barbie – Like your “what’s best for the relationship” philosophy. I intentionally did not interject any opinions/ideas re: Covid into the mix for the holidays. It has always been their house for this holiday get together and let them run the show. There is always a chance it could be cancelled. My daughter got a text from a friend that a teacher was quarantined because of their contact with another student etc. Doubt it would have any impact BUT… I know they take it all very seriously and my daughter would cancel in a heartbeat if notified of any possible connection. We are prepared to go with whatever happens. Good going with the bike – Jean likes exercising at home, but for decades I have been a gym guy – even when we had a treadmill at home – it is like the “Cheers” bar for me.

Bye for now – almost lunch time! Bob

Sunshine finally but with it cold temperatures. First thing I took Brady to the vet practice for his annual booster. It was the usual routine with me phoning them from the car park then the vet came out to collect him and ask if I thought he was healthy. She had a North American accent that I think was Canadian and seemed very pleasant so I was sure he’d be ok plus he’s always laid back! They always give him a thorough examination but at that point I was happy to sit in the passenger seat with the door open and legs outside. It wasn’t until I later took the dogs for their walk on the moors a biting wind hit us.
Yesterday I made contact with the eBay seller of the automatic hen house door that’s not working and have now posted it back to him for repair. I chose a small out of the way post office so it was nice and quiet then drove to my local builders supply store for timber to finish constructing the fox repellent fence. They are struggling to obtain supplies so I was lucky to find some I will have to jig about with but no wood screws to be had. I’ll have to rummage in my box of odds and s.ods!
This afternoon I’ve been hedge trimming with help from my neighbour and we worked until it was dark; then she pointed out the space station hovering above us, a tiny speck of light to the left of the bright moon!
I’m sipping a cuppa and trying to get my feet warm while a piece of chicken roasts in the oven.

Patsy, what a horrid situation to find yourselves in as I know you are feeling you need to be hustling medical people to get on and sort things, plus right now is not a time to be suggesting any hospital stay is for the best but it does seem from what you’ve told us she is receiving the attention required to discover what’s going on. I know none of that is going to stop you feeling as you do but hopefully you will also sense all the love and big hugs being sent in your direction. ❤️
A shame we live so far apart... I could have forced a jar of my cranberry and crab apple chutney on you and John!

Bob, we all have opinions about our politicians and how they handled the pandemic so far. I see right and wrong on all sides in England but of course will never know how the other side would have coped if they’d been in power. Let’s hope all this will soon be a long and distant dream (nightmare!)

That’s an hysterical teapot Lin although the poor turkey has an expression that says it knows what comes next on Thanksgiving day! 😢

Pretty Christmas decoration Sandy. As per usual, I will start to have Christmas thoughts a few days before the event! Fingers crossed your shopping order is present and correct.

Anne was making bread earlier so I’d say all is warm and cosy in her home! 👩🏻‍🍳

My chicken has cooked so I’ll head for my kitchen.

Take care and stay safe.
Jackie

Good morning. A wish for all.



And a morning Hall teapot.



Best wishes for all Sneakers

Lin🙋🏼‍♀️
❤️❤️

Heading out to pick up birthday cake for grandson (turning the Big 13) and then off to have a small (under 10 people) but blessed meal with daughter and family.




Just wanted to stop into the community and wish everyone a HAPPY THANKSGIVING – God Bless! Bob

Ps Barbie -- The important thing is you have kept dancing! Kudos!

A very HAPPY THANKSGIVING dearest sneakers! The day begins with showers and a bit chilly. I wish I could give you all a tight heartfelt hug to let you know we appreciate each and everyone of you. Take care until I can see and chat with you and hear all about your day.
Grateful you are there,
Patsy☘️

I typed a post this morning but no sign of it now! You’ll all be tucking into Turkey so I’ll wish you a peaceful and healthy Thanksgiving, Tofu Lin and leftovers for tomorrow! 😁

A beautiful sunny day for us, lots done in the garden and now it’s feet up time.
I looked up at the night sky and spotted the space station again! Amazing. 🧑‍🚀👨🏼‍🚀
Jackie