WEEK 92 CORNAVIRUS: CHRISTMAS IS CURTAILED

The infection rate has soared in the past week with increased restrictions either mandatory or suggest to help slow the spread.  Although the pathogenicity is not as bad as the Delta variant the number of people testing positive continues to increase. 

That meant that Christmas gathering with friends and family has been greatly modified. Instead of 10 for dinner this weekend it was a short visit to CVD to meet up in the porch, i.e. not in the house. Why?

Young Alastair, aged nearly 14 years, has tested positive so that meant 10 days isolation for him and the rest of the household.  This is Day 7.

We held a wee gathering in the porch at noon where we exchanged presents and had some pancakes aka 'blinis' and chocolate cake made by the lovely Syrian baker in Bearsden (a present to myself).

 * * * * * * * *  MEANWHILE * * * * * * * * 

Iain and I have found the supporting the local shops makes life a lot easier when it comes to giving each other a gift this year. (For example, we are not using public transport.) So I got him a jigsaw in the local gift shop 'Elba' which is a map of the Cullin Ridge in Skye.  He got me a bottle of Arran malt whisky in a local whisky shop (which, like butchers, has stayed open the whole period of covid restrictions for shops, restaurants etc.) One bottle lasts me about a year;  I really do enjoy a dram now and again!

Harriet keeps me up-to-date with her iMessaging.  I mean... do parents know their kids are doing this from the comfort/privacy of their bedroom?!  Be that as it may, I enjoyed a 10 minute (!) chat while I was sitting in front of the fire and she was getting ready for Santa's visit Christmas Eve.  I showed her how I put my stocking out.  I have a lovely Norwegian Christmas stocking knitted by Ragnar some years ago. I bought it at the Scottish-Norwegian Society's Annual Christmas Bazaar. It comes out every year.

And finally ... sent to me from a kindred spirit (if you'll forgive the pun)...

WEEK 91 CORONAVIRUS: RESTRICTIONS RETURNING

As the number of daily cases rises (by a factor of 2.5) new restrictions state no more that 3 households in a gathering. Basically the measure is to try and slow down the rate of transmission by discouraging large parties.  Bars, restaurants are open; sports events take place; concerts take place but because we have been here before movement is noticeably decreased.  Roads are less busy, shops are less busy.  Like everyone else we are either cutting down or cutting out past seasonal activities.  

An interesting point to note, nowhere is there ever any discussion about preventative measures for people to take, especially as it is winter, to help decrease the risk of catching or dying from the virus(es). (Vitamins, sleep, life-style measures.)

On a lighter note Ellie made me laugh this week (again).  She likes to be busy and help.  So in preparing the usual Tuesday evening meal I got her to mash the potatoes.  Very well done ... except for bits which flew around the kitchen and the finished potato masher replaced back into he drawer... unwashed!

At dinner, after we had served ourselves from the various dishes, I said to her "What would you give yourself in marks out of 10 for your dish of potatoes?"  "Eight" she says holding up her hands with her fingers forming two circles, one on top of the other,"... but if I turn sideways [two owl-eye circles] it's infinity!"  Aha! Clever!

* * * * * * * * * CHRISTMAS SCENES  * * * * * * * * * * 

Pillar box opposite Stockiemuir shops, with a knitted display on top!

My knitting at the moment.  Top photo is of left-over yarn from Maggie which she had used to knit Harriet a baby sweater  8 years ago.  Now they are mitts for Ellie. The bottom are hats for refugees (well that was the intention) and (gold) mitts for Harriet.

Angela's tearoom at Millport.

Music practice continues, thankfully!

Cairns Church display at concert Dec 10th

The Ghost of Christmas Past (J Watson 19th Century)

WEEK 90 CORONAVIRUS: OMIVARIANT NOW DOMINANT / DOSE OF CULTURE

We managed a 24 hour trip to Millport to attend a 'do' by a friend of ours who has restored an 1832 'square' piano.  Three of us travelled by car (to avoid train carriages and ferry passenger areas).

We enjoyed an hour's concert of square piano, harpsichord, oboe playing. This was followed by drinks and cake afterwards.  10 of us sat down to a lovely meal in the refectory... cooked by chef Angela.  Such a treat!

The event was held just in time as (was increasingly becoming evident) new restrictions are due to be put in place due to the rapid spread of the Omicron virus.  We are now awaiting new announcements for legally binding or simply suggestions as to the next stage.  

WEEK 89 CORONAVIRUS: WATCHING AND WAITING (OMNICRON SPREAD)

Time to catch the light as we head to the shortest day.  At 3:30 pm the sun was shining and I ran outside to catch the last of the light as it left the garden.

Warm light on roses still blooming.

Looking eastwards 

Finally it has gone below the horizon but leaving a wonderful sky before the light disappeared entirely.

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CORONAVIRUS POSITION TO DATE

We are watching and waiting to see what the Omnicron virus spread is going to be like now that we know it is in the community.

I continue to be irritated by news presentation which talks about the virus "starting in South Africa .... or Angola... or wherever."   Nobody knows where it has started nor when.  I wish they would  report along the lines of "The labs in X country have identified a mutation etc etc."

A study done in South Africa of a selected group of people who were hospitalised but not having Covid i.e. tested negative upon admission, showed that of those who got infected subsequently, the symptoms were not severe and did not last long. None ended up in ICU.  

Another study (?UK) showed the predominant type of patient in ICU was pregnant women who were unvaccinated.  There is a big push on now to reach pregnant women.  Also booster shots are being planned for the next couple of years.

The infection rate in the UK is rising slowly; the same for Scotland.  The hope is they can get most people vaccinated and/or their booster shots before the end of January which is the 'deepest' part of winter. (Last year was very bad.)

There is no change to restrictions in Scotland, still to wear masks in public buildings, shops, restaurant (unless eating), social distancing continues, track and trace continues.  England did not have compulsory mask wearing but now has made it manatory as above.

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Creative Bakers in the Kitchen This Week - Jaffa Cakes - Mary Berry look to your laurels!