JE

I think it should be an option for those whose illness is terminal and are in unbearable pain. However, there does need to be a clear criteria and legal process laid down to ensure that the system is not open to abuse.

It seems to me that he wants the easy option and leaving you to do the hard work of choosing and buying.. All he has to do then is add his name (or even have you add it!). It would seem strange to me to receive a gift or card from 2 people who are known to be no longer together. Personally, I wouldn’t go along with it and would send cards and gifts as an individual and leave him to sort himself out.

I would like to be optimistic about our chances but realistically I just can not see we will be having our usual family gatherings over Christmas.

You can’t beat a nice cup of tea at any time of day.

If I am going out for a quick visit to such as the local shop then I wear a disposable mask. However like Wilf has said, I do admit to wearing it more than once. However, if I am required to wear a mask for a longer period then I use a reusable one, simply because they are not as stifling as the disposable ones, and I do wash that after each time of wearing.

Well said Lionel, I like a person who calls a spade a spade!

Yes, but lots of people and organisations are ‘behaving’ in areas where the numbers are rising too. Some of this is brought about by people travelling from the higher infected areas so spreading the virus around.. Perhaps the time has now come for a stricter nationwide approach and apply a circuit breaker and lockdown everybody and everything.

I am glad I am not the only one who is confused. My brain is becoming more fuddled and even Boris seems to have got mixed up with what’s going on regarding the restrictions in the north east - or as the media report ‘he has misspoke’. You are correct about different ideas and morals of individuals and it amazes me how different people can misinterpret the rules to the extent they have. (All to their advantage of course!). I have just had a conversation with a neighbour and she said that she is doing her own thing and being her version of ‘sensible‘ but lots of things she is doing are not within the government rules and regulations and are far from my definition of sensible. Anyway, stay safe and keep well.

Oops ! ......marshalls at the door controlling numbers allowed in, security staff patrolling and reminding people to keep their face covering on and their distance from others and all the staff were wearing masks.

Too many people ignoring even the basic rules and thinking only of themselves and doing exactly whatever they want to do without thought of others and the impact on communities. Surely anyone can grasp that we must wash our hands, wear a mask and have minimal contact with others. There needs to be more encouragement, and enforcement if necessary, of existing rules then perhaps more people will do the right thing. Interestingly, I have been to the supermarket this morning and they have reintroduced marshalls at the door c

I don’t know about anybody else but I am getting more confused as time goes on. Although I think the ‘rule of 6’ was meant to clarify things it has raised more questions. Why is there a difference between havIng contact with large numbers of strangers in schools, workplaces, bars and restaurants etc etc but only up to 6 people in your own home, garden or wherever. Also they are likely to be your friends and family who you know a bit more about. It seems that some areas with lockdown measures in place are not even allowed to mingle with anybody outside their own household but can still go to the pub etc. If there is some logic to all this, then perhaps it needs to be explained. As for reporting other people. Realistically, are the police even likely to take action against gatherings of more than 6, unless they are causing a disturbance, damage or physical harm. Therefore there seems little point in reporting them, even if you would want to.

Hello and welcome Misty 1st. I couldn’t agree more. I too like a laugh and try to find something positive even in the current difficult times.

I take your point, but many of these school age children are already out and about in the community now, often mixing with others including vulnerable family members. At least In schools they will be in “bubbles” and with certain Covid measures in place. Same applies to adults who are going out to work now and are also in contact with their more vulnerable family members. It’s not ideal I agree but as it looks like Covid will be with us for some time, we will have to learn to live with it and I believe it’s vital that children continue their education. If they do not go to school how will they get their education? It always has been the case that education is compulsory and parents could be fined for not sending their children to school.

Lots of the coffee shops and cafes taking part but surprisingly, not many of the local pubs and restaurants. Those that are involved are taking bookings only and it’s been difficult to get a date and time that’s convenient. Just managed to get in at a lovely Italian restaurant for 26 th and really looking forward to it.

There should be the option of online, telephone or personal appointments depending on the health issue and the Individuals personal circumstances and preference.

Hi Louise Life seems to have been hard for you recently and it’s not surprising that you need to vent. I hope that you are feeling better having got it off your chest. Perhaps now you need to take some time out to do something for YOU even it is only for a short time each day. Got your hair done, have a pampering session, go out for a coffee or meal, go to the gym, go for a walk or whatever it is that makes you feel good. Or how about doing something silly at work - like a silly walk as John Cleese used to do, or get a Tickling Stick like Ken Dodd used. I am sure the residents and staff would enjoy that too! Also make plans to do something in the future, like a holiday or short break, or what about a Spa weekend? I hope that you stay well and in the words or Sir Tom Moore “tomorrow will be a good day”.

I can understand why this is being considered but I don’t think it is the way forward. There are numerous people, of ALL ages, who have not been following the rules that have already been put in place and it would seem more in the way of enforcement is needed. We need to get tough and move away from the softly, softly approach which clearly hasn’t worked. There will always be people who will push the boundaries and if not penalised, push that bit further. Also there seems to be issues around how information is disseminated and there is some confusion about what the rules actually are at the present time. Not everybody reads the news or has access to the internet and in some cases there are language and cultural issues. In this area there has been no information at all from local councils and perhaps there is a role them here.

I think it should be a personal decision and not forced on anybody.. Once the vaccine has gone through all the testing phases and shown to be effective in combatting the disease, it is probably the best protection we are going to get and I will be opting to have the vaccine.

Several years ago I had a really bad dose of flu and didn’t know what had hit me. Anyone who has had ‘proper’ flu will know how bad it really is. Since then I have always had the flu jab and will continue to do so.

There are so many people out there who disregard social distancing rules, Ignore the markings outside shops and directional signs to keep to the left in shopping centres etc and numerous people are not wearing masks even on public transport. They are not challenged and there are no consequences for non compliance so more people follow their lead and are doing their own thing and just carrying on as they did before the pandemic started. If it becomes compulsory to wear face coverings in shops, then first all staff need to wear them, not just the odd few, and they need to enforce the policy otherwise it becomes another token gesture.

I really don’t know what to say other than the country has gone mad! I think there are several factors contributing to the current situation including cabin fever from lockdown, hot weather, closure of leisure facilities, bars and festivals, no schools open, little chance of holidays this year etc etc. And of course we have our usual groups of idiots we have no respect for the law, other people or property and are hell bent on “enjoying THEMSELVES ” at any cost. I just wonder how many of those involved are still receiving their salaries, are supposed to be working from home or are receiving payment under the furlough scheme to which we are contributing. It would seem that the only way to deal with these crowds is to get tough and round them up and move them on. - like cattle!

Yes it’s funny but I did actually hear this joke twice on the radio over the weekend. Along with another - A driver pulled up, wound down the window and asked a passer by - “Is there a B&Q in Wigan?” The reply was “No, there is only a W, an I ,a G, an A and an N“.

I won’t be rushing to the shops any time soon unless there is something i really need. Will give it time to settle down then I might look out for a card shop as my stock is depleted and I have a few birthdays coming up over the next few months. For me, the joy of shopping is having a leisurely walk around, seeing what’s available and then choosing. The pleasure will have gone with the queues and measures that have to be put in place. Like others have already said, my priority is to get my hair cut but even when the hairdressers reopen I can’t see that’s going to be easy to get it done quickly with the measures they have to apply.

I strongly believe we should not be hiding our country’s history and not give it up to hooligans. If we give in by removing statues it gives the impression that they have the upper hand and what will they target next.

I have used WD40 for most of the well known reasons but the most surprising was to remove lily pollen stains from a beige carpet. I had tried all sorts of things but nothing shifted it. Then someone gave me the tip of trying WD40. I must admit I was cynical but it worked a treat.

I think the first thing you need to do is speak with your GP as you say you are feeling depressed. It’s important that you take care of YOURSELF during difficult times. Have you thought about contacting someone like Relate who will talk through your issues and support you. I believe that they can chat with you online these days as well as over the phone. If they are not the right people for you, then I am sure that they will be able to refer you on to someone more appropriate. You say you have no friends, which is difficult, I agree. You do say however that you have a family and they seem to be aware of the issues. Have you asked them for their help and advice? If not perhaps you could reach out to them. Nothing ventured, nothing gained! If you want to chat in private then feel free to message me.

I don’t know why you think you are doing anything wrong. It seems from what you have said that you are giving them love, hugs and treats and I am sure they will be valued too. I have just read your other post and see that there are other issues here. Sorry that you are having such a hard time. You do not deserve to be treated badly and I hope you can get the strength and support to do the right thing for YOU. I wish you well and send a big hug.

Without a doubt the hairdressers. My hair is usually straight and short and I had it trimmed every 4 weeks. Now it is just a tatty mess! Can’t wait to get it done although I expect it could be a while after they reopen before that happens as everybody will be wanting theirs done too.

I don’t think you should feel inferior just because you don’t have the money to hand out in the same way as your partner. You sound like you are equating money with love but that does not always follow. Making your family members feel special by little thoughtful gifts, words or gestures special to them will warm their hearts far more than money ever can.

Isn’t it funny how different people react to a given situation and if that’s how you feel about it, then fair enough. However let’s face it, there are innumerable people who have not been taking lockdown seriously before this became such a huge issue. Others may well use his example to justify them breaking the rules too but hopefully the majority of us will continue to comply.and that will be sufficient to get the country out of lockdown. I just think we need to move on from this saga which is distracting time and effort away from the main focus of moving the country forward.

Having listened to his comments, I am inclined to accept what he has said. Yes the rules may have been stretched but let’s give the man a break. The focus needs to be on getting the country back on its feet not vilifying the man.

I agree with you and stopped making donations to charities some years ago when I realised how little of our contributions actually get to the people in need. I ignore the numerous TV adverts. My donations now go only to local charitIes and food banks and I also give goods to selected local charity shops.

How are the circumstances of his trip in line with guidance, Seems like it’s one rule for him and another for the rest of us. His actions and subsequent comments leave it open to others to interpret the rules as they see fit. His position has become untenable and he should do the decent thing and resign.

I too, am far from an expert in scientific, medical and political issues and have to accept what these professionals decide is the best way forward. It is not going to be easy or pleasant and I fully accept the reservations of some parents and teachers, but we just can not continue in the current climate indefinitely. I think that sometimes you just have to bite the bullet and move things on. Yes, we may not always get it right but we have to at least try, based on the best advice available at any given time. If the plans are unworkable and/or there are genuine health and safety issues then no one would expect teachers and children to continue in those circumstances. I really believe they should “suck it and see”! It seems that we are to follow an almost identical plan to that already in place in Denmark and according to an article at the weekend from a teacher there, it appears to be working well.

I agree with you completely. We need to gradually start getting back to some sort of ‘normality’ and that includes getting children back to school. I fully appreciate the concerns but It is worth remembering that some teachers have been working through all of this with classes of mixed age groups of key workers children. So there is some experience already of how to manage the children in class and the adults dropping them off and picking them up and what extra measures need to be put in place. Another point, I am not sure but do not think all teachers have actually been furloughed but are actually receiving their full salary.

My old kindle gave up the ghost early last year and I bought a new one, touch screen with a front light. I would not be without it. It cost about £70 I think and well worth it for me. I understand that the Kindle Paper White is usually recommended as the best available but it’s about twice the price.

Yes it’s more widespread than some people think. I have decided to just go about my business as best as I can to protect myself and try to ignore what others are doing unless it impacts on me. I am not afraid to ask people to step back when they come close when I out and about in the supermarket etc. Some people still seem to be oblivious to what’s going on around them, just focusing on themselves and what they want to do. It’s not just the younger people either.

I agree with all you have said. Yes more people are out and about, often in groups, more traffic on the roads and less applying social distancing. Some people appear to be just going about their lives as normal.

As we are at a critical stage in fighting the virus then surely now is the time for clearer and firmer instructions. It seems to me to be a mistake to change the slogan to something more wishy washy. The new slogan is open to misinterpretation and abuse by those ready to flout the restrictions. Also the police are going to have an even more difficult job in applying the restriction rules.

What did you do differently to get on the leaderboard? I have not been successful despite regularly achieving good scores. I am not certain but I do not think that the leaderboard is actually changing as I have noticed at least the top 3 names and times have remained the same for weeks.