Boring Saturday

When I crossed the park yesterday the chill wond tore through those brave enough to exercise in the sunshine.  They claimed it was 50% I say it was 5%!  Today however it is much warmer, and the cloud cover keeps away the frost while depressing those venturing outside.  

Another Lockdown Saturday, another day with no end in sight.  This is managed well enough in my house but the media is convinced half the population are going mental.  Maybe it is just those in the media?  

This morning I braved the cloud cover to once again, against my better judgement, head for Tesco as I needed bulbs for the lamp.  This leaves me clear to do nothing for the weekend but watch three football matches tonight, and one or two tomorrow.  Whether they will be as interesting as Arbroath and Dundee last night we have to wait and see.  However, as I have just paid £18 to watch the Heart of Midlothian on PPV it had better be worth it or the manager will hear about it!

We play them again on Tuesday, what a grubby system.  I realise that arranging games under Covid is difficult, I understand the pressures, but playing the same team so close together is not wise in my eyes.

 

Bumbling Boris has been to see the floods up north, though I see no photographs of this.  Possibly he remembers the last time he visited a flood plain late, he got cat called from all sides and ran away.  Maybe he went at night when none could see him?  The environment secretary did visit flooded areas, but will he listen?  Will it make any difference?  Will money arrive for new defences?  No, is the simple answer, it always is.

Meanwhile, while fighting the new 'English' variant of the virus Matt Hancock now tells the world the 'South African' variant is much, much worse!  Ah, that light at the end of the tunnel, it is the 13:47 express after all!

 

National

 

The 'Spy Bill' is going through the Commons at this time, yet little is said about it in the English based Tory controlled press.  I wonder why?  Joanna Cherry, an SNP MP has been making noises in parliament about this, naturally the Tory government ignore her.  She may one day lead the SNP, we might need to know more about her.  

The Peoples AS30 case in the Court of Session has begun.  This is an attempt to prove Scotland does not require permission from Westminster for an Indy referendum.  Good luck with reading the reports.

 

Another Day...

 

 

Another day of joy and happiness has passed by.  An early trip to Tesco, so early half the staff had not arrived yet.  A few masked individuals sauntered around, most on the way to what work is still working these days.  Having gathered all I could carry home the nice lady at the checkout took as much cash from me as she could with a smile, then sent me on my way.  

A good time to shop in Tesco, not in Sainsburys as their bread is always late.  Few people, the sky lightening, birds singing, little traffic, not counting that involved in the never ending new road layout and needless 'white elephant' hotel building works.  The feeling is a new day ahead, except for those working obviously.  All day lies before us, the sun appears lifting our minds, the rain does not fall, enough fell during the night, and nothing bar the grumpy bus drivers steeling themselves for the day disappoints.

Then I get home and realise what I forgot!

I had a list!  Everything was on the list!  But open the fridge door and find spaces unfilled.  Too much trouble to go out again, sun or no sun.  My knees said no, breakfast awaits, what?  No breakfast?  Bacon still in freezer?  Sadly the energy did not return, the laundry required doing instead.  

Suddenly, in spite of careful observation it was tea time!  How did that happen?  A moment ago it was light, now it is darkening.  Lunch was being considered and suddenly it's tea!  What was I doing while all this time passed?

 

Clearly it is time I had a maid!

Someone to control the food stocks, shop, cook the dinner, wash and iron the clothes, dust the house, and all those other things women were made for.  This could only benefit my health.  Better feeding, cleaner atmosphere, no life wasted worrying about what to eat like the birds have to do.  I can only benefit from this.

Do the council supply them?  I wonder if I can get a grant?  Mind you, she would have to shift when the football is on.  We do not want interference in important things.

 

 

New President

 

 

So, Biden takes charge.  Much work to do worldwide to change the image of the USA.  Much work to do at home to deal with the Freedom loving, Flag waving white supremacists who range across the wild west, usually in the less populated states.  A President for all people, but half the nation do not want him, many are armed, many still believe in QAnon and its lies.  Reason will not help here.

The biggest problem worldwide is China.  How to establish an equal footing there.  The biggest problem at home other than racists is the virus.  The say 400,000 US dead, many more to come, many not obeying the medical advice, many still thinking this is a hoax.  China is easy in comparison I think.

Soon the President will visit the EU, Merkel (why was she not born in the UK?) and Mr Johnson also I expect.  With the PM he will possibly mention Boris claiming Obama was born in Kenya, then he will visit Ireland again as US presidents must.  He must however go to China, he cannot wait for the Chinese Emperor coming to him.  

Now we await the impeachment exhibition for Mr Trump.  We also await his new Twitter ramblings on Russian backed forums.  We await the many legal niceities that may come forward for him, many goverment ministries investigations and who knows what will come from under the carpets in the White House?  His wife can now take advantage and dump him before she is jailed.

I watched the ceremony, more to see the Qanon revolution taking place, however this did not happen, the Marines did not arrest the leaders, no show trial is taking place, and no Police unit baton charged the Biden hordes.  All very disappointing really...

 

Women's Work!

 

The brief glimpse of sunshine that entered via the grubby kitchen window today revealed the dust that not only swirled in the air as I walked but also lay in thick layers on various items of furniture.  This surprised me as I dusted, hoovered, swept and polished two weeks before christmas and cannot imagine how it became so dusty this quickly.

So, instead of doing useful things like reading and playing solitaire I splashed bleach across the bathroom, 'Brillo Padded' the sink, and much of the floor, rubbed, pushed, sweated and struggled until it was half clean.  The Loo floor, where much rubbish landed, can wait.

The dust was scraped from the unused TV and the various bits attached, much to the spiders dislike.  Dust circles around me still!  Tops dusted, here, there and everywhere, and only the hoovering to do to make the place look habitable.  However, as I have lost one piece from a new Jig-saw that my niece gave at Christmas, this comprised an old photogrpah she found turned into a jig-saw, I therefore cannot hoover until I get down on my hands and knees and search all the floor first.  This could take some time.  

Ironing, it can wait, though it does require dusting again...

Then it was the kitchen, the Hob was polished, the metal shelving inside the cooker was scrubbed with the wire thingy, and the cooker itself will be done soon, honestly.  

So, where are all the women helpers?

My back aches, my arms ache, everything else wabbles a bit, and there is still much to do.

Do you remember the 'Flash' advert in the late 50s?  Here a woman with a black and white tiled floor pushed a mop in a straight line across the floor.  A clear distinction was noted between the bit 'Flash' cleaned and the grubby floor around.  Many women fell for this, even if they did not have such floors.

Of course the stuff did not clean any better than what other cleaners offered, and today I saw this in action.  Another powerful cleaner that, if left for 15 minutes, will clean the grubbiest grime.  

No it will not!

They forget to remind you about the muscular effort required!

Even then it is not perfect.

These things are all the same, only the amount of detergent or soap bubbles varies, the results depend on your effort and the regularity of use.  

That however, explains the bath...

Sky News

Parliament Square is choc-a-bloc with Scottish fishing Lorries protesting about the death of their trade caused by Boris and his 'treaty.'  He has been on promising delights in 5 years time, money to support now, and once again lying in his teeth as another aspect of his work falls apart.  Still, the media will support him, Brexiteers will swallow this, especially those living in France and Spain!

 

 

On facebook, that source of knowledge not found anywhere else, I placed a picture of two books I wanted for Christmas. This was good as soon one of these books arrived, then another, and today a third copy of the same book!  How do you keep this from three people?

Three copies, and Mike Smith did not write any of them, sitting proudly on the shelf.  The book is good, I finished it quickly, and the photos were wonderful, however I do think families ought to communicate together better. 
Anyway, the other book is still missing...

 

Snow Saturday

 

 

As promised, we had a touch of snow today.  Nothing like that experienced in Scotland of course, still, this little lot will cause havoc with the local traffic.  This did not stop me reaching Sainsburys however, but it does encourage me to sit by the ehater all day watching football and reading books.

 

 

Unfotunately, I was unable to read books today.  Instead I made soup, probably one of the worst soups I have ever made.  Lots of veg involved so it is healthy, taste wise it reminds me of hot dishwater after use.  I was forced to eat two servings while it was still in the pot so I do not have to eat it every day this week.  What started as a good idea did not finish that way.

 

The football did its job, eventually.  While some cynical types considered our team a wee bit wan and empty when the teamsheet was announced I was always confident in victory.  This confidence evaporated as the game went on.  Eventually however we managed to secure another win and fool ourselves into thinking we are about to be champions.  I suspect we may be but clearly 'Must do better,' needs to be written on the report cards here.

A quick look out the window shows just how much I need to clean them.  It also reveals the rain has taken the place of the snow and soon all that white stuff will vanish again.  No loss I say, bring me sunshine not snow, warmth, not cold, gentle breeze, not the north east wind shaking the windows.

Icy Rain

 

 

I had hoped to step out early this morning and wander round the corner to Tesco and check the vegetable stocks.  However, I was hindered by an inability to get out of bed until almost eight!  When I did draw back the manky curtains I noted the rain, which had poured down all night, was still pouring down at lunchtime and would continue until this evening.  Indeed, it was supposed to turn into sleet, then snow, then dry up for a bit.  I think the roads will be icy tomorrow, whatever it turns into tonight.

However, I perambulated around to Tesco in the afternoon, as the rain was deciding whether to be rain, sleet or snow, and found it had lessened while it made up its mind.

Tesco shocked me, the vegetable shelves were heaving as always, this when the Northern Irish shops have been dumping rotten fruit and veg!  Clearly we are at the moment obtaining supplies, possibly by rail, flight, or containers at Felixstowe Docks.  Most other items were in stock, at least all I wanted, but for how long?  

I noticed the EU lorries were changing 1.50 Euro an hour but have raised this to 10 Euros as their lorries take so long at the border checking paperwork and delaying them.  I can understand why they react this way. 

Meanwhile, the 'British' fishermen, who sold what they caught to the EU, are not able to sell into the EU because of paperwork problems.  One man has lost £40,000 worth of stock, many more are going under.  The French I saw on one news item are struggling to find the fish they wish.  EU boats, often in 'British' waters, sell their fish to the UK!  At least they would if the paperwork is filled out properly.  The Customs do not know what needs to be on the forms, how can the fishermen?

Some of course indicate the fishermen voted for Brexit so they could make a killing.  They, like the farners who have also been lied to, may not deserve much sympathy for not thinking about what Brexit meant.

This is Boris at his best.  It appears today that he has not read the Treaty he rushed through the House, surely no-one can be surprised at this news.

I obtained some fish, how old I ask?  And plenty of veg, including frozen, just in case, and am set to restart the diet regime that lost me half a stone before Christmas, but which has returned somehow since.  Fish, in tins, veg, proper meat, and exercise.  

I give it till Saturday! 

 

Last night, in search of proper football, I have had enough of the English, Spanish and Italian dross, I made use of Livingstone's PPV to watch their game against Aberdeen.  This PPV is the way to go with football, dump Sky and the hangers on and use PPV to get the money for the clubs.  Livingstone charge £20 a go for the pleasure.  I was a bit doubtful re the price, however, when looking at what else was available I spent my money and sat back and awaited the game.

It never happened.

When I tuned in I saw the referee running around the pitch, accompanied by the 'Fourth Official' as they tested the pitch for its health.  Heavy rain hammered down as he did so, the same cloud that covered us probably, and it was clear there were problems with the pitch.  Livi have an artificial pitch, something many dislike, however the water usually disappears quickly.  This time however a layer of ice had formed all across the pitch and the sudden heavy downpour meant the rain lay on top if this ice and the water could not disperse and thus lay in puddles everywhere.  The ball could not bounce, the ball did not run well over ten yards and it was clear this was not playable, add to this the danger to players giving their all!  So the game was off, so were the media, and so was I.  

£20 to watch a referee postpone a game.  I thought I had lost the cash.  When I used to enter Tynecastle Park, the 'theatre of dreams' above the doors at the Wheatfield entrance were the clear words, "BEWARE OF PICKPOCKETS," and "NO MONEY REFUNDED UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES."

However, today I recieved an email from Livi returning the £20 I had donated to them, and ensuring it will be in my account as soon as the banks have stopped using it for their own bonuses.

So well done Livi!  I wonder if all clubs would do this today?  Is it law?  Is it an SPFL order, surely not, is it only Livi that do this?  Whatever, well done to them for efficiency.

 

Advertising Brexit Success

 

 

Browsing the 'Daily Mail' on my expensive (for me) mobile phone I was irked by the constant adverts at the bottom of the page as well as the large ads in between each and every story.  The 'Mail' has always included 'advertorials' on the page as it likes to make money and is happy to lie to the readers.  Such subliminal advertising is something I abhor and wish it would cease.  It is always possible to be caught out by such sleekie behaviour and end up losing money, and that would never do.  

The items I read in the 'Mail' were little different from what I used to read in years past, the schools have problems, blame the teacher unions, shock, horror naked woman story, 18 pictures inside, Boris fumbling but avoid the issue (the editor does not like Boris but canny say so as his readers do), and an item on healthy eating, if you are rich enough and can find such things in the supermarket as Brexit has stopped them arriving here.  I could not go on, finding something worth reading bar football in the media is very difficult.  I have become quite intrested in the 'Byline Times' however, not an easy read, they use lots of words, but it employs journalists for the most part.  Worth a try even when you disagree with them.

New European PA

 

The success of Brexit has been revealed in supermarkets everywhere.  No veg!  The Northern Ireland Tesco had to dump oranges as by the time the delivery got through the paperwork the goods were days old.  All went into the skip!  I made a mistake last time I was in Sainsburys, I did not buy all the tinned veg I could carry, that may all be gone by now.  Empty shelves, angry fishermen, angry farmers, and Bumbling Boris not knowing what to do about the virus, it all adds up to another year of Brexit suffering ahead.  If you have a garden grow your own.  I might start planting potatoes in the park opposite.

 

Nothing Happened, Again...

 

Saturday Toddle...

 

The unsual sight of sunshine today brought out the locals into the park.  The institue of Tier 4 and many warnings re the increase in the virus in this locale has led to a much stricter use of the six feet distancing on the whole.  So much so that the woman walking in front of me in the park left 60 feet between her and the dog walker ahead!  Once near the shops this lessened considerably I noticed.  In Iceland distancing was not easy and some ignored the need.  (I only wanted bread, some fool had eaten all mine!)

 

With lockdown and gray misty weather not much has happened anywhere.  The world is in a slow routine, blown apart only by those marching to oppose lockdown and mask wearing, some blocking nursing staff from entering hospitals, and of course those who think they will never catch it.  The young, desparate to enjoy life, also take risks under the delusion it will not hit them, the latest mutant version certainly does.  

I see no change in my exciting life.  Out today, the first time in three days, only because the sun shone.  Some I know are becoming institutionalised by remaining indoors, they might never walk outside again!  

 

With no news worth mentioning, it's all Covid deaths, people protesting about wearing masks, and Boris and co hiding.  Occasional comment re what Donald will do next, he has several large gathering soon, and hopefully he will be declared insane before then.  Nothing to do but watch all the football that is on today.  I suppose I can cope with that...

 

Thursday Blether

 

It has not taken the Tories long to respond to last nights outrages in the USA.  Boris (who once suggested the Nobel Peace Prize for Donald) offered a mumbling statement condemning violence, possibly written by Donald.  Priti Patel managed not to condemn Donald and muttered away, Michael Gove, Donalds friend, said nothing, Rees-Mogg, once delighted to work with Donald, has not posted on his Twitter feed, possibly he has not seen the news.  At best the insurrection is played down, while most laugh and cheer off camera and hope it happens here also.

A Welsh Tory suggested that those opposing Brexit could riot in such manner, on Twitter, Unionists, possibly Tory members, are claiming similar actions will occur if Scotland seeks independence, others claim SNP independence seekers will behave this way (make up your mind).   

It is clear to all, bar those who thought this was a genuine revolution under way, that Trump has done this just to keep a grasp of power.  When he loses power he can then be brought to account for his crimes, mostly dating back to long before 2016.  No wonder he lies in a desparate manner.

Soon Boris it will be your turn surely?

 

 

'Lock Down' will have an effect similar to the last ones.  My hair needs cut, this may not happen until March, Priti Patel wishes people to be ordered off the streets by Police, fined if they do not obey, and shops will run out of so many things under Brexit that soon panic buying will return.  

I have avoided going out, not that I wished to go anywhere, but in the dark, before 7:30 I wandered round to Tesco, coughing all the way and scaring several people heading for work as I passed.  This gave me a laugh and forced them to walk well over 6 feet away from me.  The early morning cough is just that, but they don't know!

Once again I thought I am here choosing bread, once more I collect milk, not the out of date stuff going cheap, once more I ransack the same shelves as before, almost always choosing the same items with only an occasional bright experiment attempted.  

When at school I was jealous of those wandering the streets while I was locked up not learning anything.  It seemed good to be outside wandering to and fro whenever you liked, I looked forward to the time I could join them.  However, I was disappointed greatly to discover that such freedom as I had imagined was brief if it actually existed, work, wages and a hundred other things imprison all of us daily.  

When young life is bright, the future tempts with excitement and pleasures, travel, strange places, new temptations, new pleasures, new people, and adventure moulded to the individuals needs, or so I thought.  Reality was not the same.  Being an adult did not bring much bar wondering what was for tea that night?  What shall I eat tomorrow?  Where can I buy cheap the required clothes?  And so on.  Living in London people spoke of the many wonderful places to visit, the shows to see, the stars, the pleasures available, yes indeed some were tasted, however, travel across London takes time, pleasures are expensive, work tiring and most do not spend their time enjoying the city, they are too busy just living.

Then, suddenly, one day you are a grandfather.  Not that you are a grandfather, it is just that you are old!  In your mind you are 25, in the body 30 years have been added.  The need for distant pleasures fades somewhat, those you once laughed at sitting, possibly in the car, staring out at sea, you no longer laugh at because you are one of them, chomping on sandwiches while staring at the sea suddenly is fun.  The bright lights are faded in your eyes, the joys empty, the pleasures too expensive and not worth much.  Rather the smile of a child in the family, a dogs wagging tail or a cat sitting on the laptop appear more interesting and the joy longer lasting.

This of course does not mean you are dead!  Indeed no, programmes like 'Last of the Summer Wine' which many disliked as the humour was stinted, reflect many a gang of elderly statesmen who, in one way or another, behave in similar style.  The potential for trouble, as any wife will inform you, from the men seeking excitement can suddenly appear.  Those who volunteer in some capacity will always find ways to have fun.  Before the virus many groups aimed at the elderly abounded for those who cared to try them, not me, and aged adventure could be attended to.  Especially if there were three or four silly men involved.  Most such men must be bored now.