CORONAVIRUS WEEK 23: SCHOOLS ARE BACK BUT PUB CRAWL PROBLEMS

Phase 4 of the Lockdown restrictions is still not going to be lifted.  So we all wear masks in the shops and on public transport. All this means that we are only marginally curtailed but still it is enough to make us realise how we are not moving about or spending money like we used to.  No holidays abroad, no entertaining other than in your back garden, no concerts or cinemas to attend.

I do go to the shops if I have to, the Apple Store in Braehead but as it is in a mall it is necessary (and enforced) to wear a mask at all times).  I really don't like it so head straight in and straight out!  No coffees; no browsing.

There have been a few 'hot spots' where people have tested positive for the coronvirus.  Yes, they are testing more and contact tracing has been going on with  increasing rigorous, however the cases appear to be, not so much a few here and there, but a cluster in a given area.  Examples are: Orkney traced to a fishing boat which arrived from mainland Scotland; a meat processing factory. Aberdeen had a big problem with pub people doing the rounds causing a spread which meant they have imposed a strict lockdown in that town for 2 weeks.  I reckon this is going to be the way the coming months are going to play out.

 

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Here are 2 recent summertime photos of Indy in Los Angeles. School has resumed and he is Home Schooling, as is the policy in their area.

 

CORONAVIRUS LOCKDOWN WEEK 22 - GAVIN'S MILL PHOTOS

Gavin's Mill is open now for selling Fair Trade produce and serving coffees etc to be eaten outside.  However they have been flooded (again!) with the heavy rainfall several weeks ago.

After the flood .... with following photos showing situation as it was ....

Water is receding... time to get out in the sun and sit at the picnic tables at the entrance

Masks are required when entering the shop.  Outside is different if social distancing of 2 metres can be maintained.  

Two extra photos:

The mill wheel lying against the wall in the garden.

A hundred yards east along the burn is Tesco's. From the walkway I took this photo of the concrete wall adjacent to the entrance next to where the trollies are parked. 

CORNAVIRUS WEEK 21 OF LOCKDOWN

We are still in Lockdown but things are easing: the schools have gone back this week.  There is great joy all round especially in the playground.

Swimming pools, gyms, exercise studios cannot open.  They are nowhere near letting concert halls, churches, musical events start up again.   Basically the government is waiting to see if any hotspots emerge with the gradual opening of pubs and restaurants; there have been a few.

Socially distancing in Anne's garden, outside on the bench with no going inside.

Socially distancing in Maggie's garden sitting on the balcony.

CORONAVIRUS WEEK 20 OF LOCKDOWN

People who are shielding are told that the virus risk is low enough that they may wish to venture out.  People are wearing masks in shops and on transport.  Not so much in restaurants, i.e. wear a mask upon entering but then it is taken off at the socially distanced tables.  Staff appear to be wearing masks all the time however.

Some mask wearers are better than others: I couldn't help but notice the butcher who was wearing his mask pulled it down to sneeze; a man in the train did the same!

Here is Bill.  We sat in the garden at the required social distance of 2 metres. He is keeping well but finds the garden beyond him....

Ellie and the rest of the gang were over for dinner on Sunday. Ellie's other grandma gave her a very fetching angel dress complete with wings and halo which she just adores.  She is not a great eater (well at 5 years old it is not uncommon).  I asked her if she was going to have a hamburger and some vegetables. Having taken half of the strawberries in the bowl and loaded her plate she replied "Strawberries are the only really healthy food that I like!"

Ishbel came over for a baking session which was a huge success.  She devoured several cinnamon buns which she just loves.  They would be going home to her house where they would be hoovered up immediately!

This metal sculpture is near our house. It is a memorial as well as a marker for the walkers heading to start the West Highland Way a couple of blocks away.

Dietrich sent this photo of Oberstdorf in high summer... wonderful.  Looks just like somewhere west of the Rockies in B.C.