SueC62

Fortunately, all the staff at my dad's care home have hadvtge jab. No way would I want someone who hasn't having direct contact with him or other residents or staff. It should be a condition of employment.

After having to clear out my parents' home, I'm mainly a seller, although I think there's a bit of hoarder in all of us. Every now and again I get my 'ruthless' head on and have a clear out. I've just moved house and currently most of my kitchen items are still in boxes and I've realised I don't need most of the 'cooking dishes' I have. Same with clothes so I'm just waiting for the charity shops to re-open to offload.

Is the Malteser part that puts me off. I love chocolate and orange together, though.

I rarely buy blocks of chocolate, although I love the occasional chocolate mousse or cheesecake for dessert, so I'm not going to deny myself some when I feel like it. I have been thinking of treating myself to an Easter Egg this year, as I've not had chocolate since Christmas.

I can't understand why people think it would be discriminatory? It could be an administratively easy and uniform method of providing the proof required by the country or countries you want to visit. I would be quite happy to pay for it. Otherwise I can see that every time we want to go abroad, we'll have to get a letter which, whilst lucrative for the surgery, will take their time away from medical matters. What will be discriminatory, and totally out of our control, is countries requiring proof of vaccination before allowing entry. The chances are that, as with passports and driving permits, countries requiring vaccination proof will also require it to be a common format.

Both me (first time) and my 91 year old dad, for eho I hold poa, got ours quite early on but both payments were wrong. Apparently there has been a system change/upgrade and we sorted it on the phone. My underpayment's been sorted but they haven't yet contacted me re dad's overpayment.

I can hardly say 'no' to this when I quite happily get up in the middle of the night to get 6am flights.

I'm happy to wait for the 2nd jab it if means more people will get some level of protection from the 1st jab. I'm also happy with the real experts' opinions, rather than the Facebook experts, although as their seems to be some concern over delaying the 2nd Pfizer jab, I have wondered why they don't continue with the 2nd jabs for that one. I have read that some doctors' surgeries have done as it would have been less efficient to try cancelling the 2nd appointments than continuing with them.

I'm working on it probably being October; September at the earliest, before I can return to my other home in Turkey.

Standing on your doorstep or, as I've seen others do, gathering with others in the street to clap does absolutely nothing to truly appreciate any of our key workers. Doing everything we can to minimise contact with other, wearing masks when in public and being mindful of hand sanitising is the only way to show our appreciation.

I've voted "no" but in reality, as I've done for some years, I'll send a card with a letter to those I'm not in regular contact with and who aren't on Facebook. What I won't do is aend cards to people that I'm in regular contact with. The money saved is going to charity.

Totally agree. I'm of the view that, if you are sensible and follow the advice, Christmas won't be anywhere near as enjoyable as normal, so why not postpone it until after the vaccine has been rolled out? I have friends who every year used to have a 'Christmas Party' for their friends but because of their then business and family commitments, it never took place until June!

From what I've read, from reliable accredited sources, the rush hasn't been to do with the creation and testing of the vaccine itself but that the wait for funding, that normally takes years, has been removed. I think it was the same article that said the mumps? vaccine only took 12 months.

My adult grandson has sadly been influenced by those who think it's all about control etc. I don't know to what extent he's ignoring restrictions or whether it's a case of following the rules and just sharing stuff on FB. Our family get together is usually quite subdued and he does tend to disappear quickly after dinner to meet his mates. I don't know if the other nana is going to be there as she is a high risk. I'm not sure it's worth the drive to sit in what will be a chilly dining room with the windows open, for a few quiet hours, and then drive home having potentially exposed myself to risk. But I'm also anxious that if I don't go, that will cause upset. Generally my son and daughter-in-law are very laid back. My son's already said I'm welcome but it's my decision....

For the paltry amount it is, when you look at the % of your individual tax (less than 1%), it wouldn't provide any noticeable difference in this country but it will help those a lot less fortunate abroad.

I've voted 'no', thinking of potential disruption to those travelling to see family but personally I don't care whether it does or not as I'll probably be staying home, alone; through personal choice! I want to keep myself safe until I can get the vaccine.

I don't like milk so drink tea black but after trying redbush, I find black tea very bitter. I like lemon and ginger too but drink black coffee in the morning. I also like Turkish tea, çay, which is drunk black with sugar, is low in caffeine and not bitter. I like going against the norm for my age range .

Although the measures for different areas have got confusing, the basic rules of masks, hand sanitising, social distancing, small gatherings are fine. The problem is the complete lack of enforcement. Too many people won't wear masks and I'm sorry the 'can't' doesn't wash with me. If you 'can't' wear a mask, and wear it properly, then don't go to places where you should wear one; it's the best way to protect your own health and I'm sure one way or another you can get your shopping done. I'd like to defend, at least certain elements of, the younger generation. I know we see groups of them together on TV not social distancing but when I see them outside of their peer groups, mingling with other age groups, they do seem to be very aware and considerate of the rules, some even wearing masks outside on the streets. And they do seem to know how to wear them properly, unlike a lot of the older generations! Last week, I was walking along a narrow pavement in the village and coming towards me was a gaggle of four teenage lads, eating the sandwiches I reckon they'd just got from the bakery. I was panicking a bit but whilst more than 3 metres away they all, without speaking, moved to the edge of the pavement in single file and I moved to the wall. On the other hand, whilst walking in a local park along a narrow path next to the boating lake, three 'oldies' came towards me 3 abreast, all walking independently without aid. They made no attempt whatsoever to move to allow us all to pass safely and I was nearly in the lake to get out of their way. I can only assume they thought I was one of those 'entitled young whippersnappers' they like to moan about. The week before, whilst in Morrisons, a lady who looked a bit older than me came on the aisle I was on, no mask, coughing continuously, making zero attempt to cover her face and coughing all over the products on the shelf as she peered at them. Any thoughts of food shopping by me were abandoned and I was out of the shop in record time.

I downloaded it on day 1. The app seems quite good to me. It tells me I'm in a high risk area (which I know I am) and the only heart stopping moment I've had was when I got a momentary notification on my phone saying I'd been in contact with someone etc, etc. After some investigating, I now know that was something to do with Google and a 'test' rather than a real notification which will only come from the app and be visible within the app.

I'm in the greenish area so can't mix with other households. My friend in the village, having been very ill with Covid, is being super cautious so we only chat on video calls. I only go out once a week for my food shop or for solo walks. So despite the FCO travel advice, I'm definitely going back to Turkey in a few weeks (was booked back in January) as at least it is warmer, the walks are more pleasant and I have a fabulous view from my apartment. I've upped my travel insurance cover (was pleasantly surprised at the cost) and now the tourists are leaving, the government are already being more stringent with enforcing the safety measures.

Well the 'test' part isn't working as no one can get one! Whilst it should, I don't believe the track and trace part will work either because too much emphasis in this country is put on individuals' rights to say 'no'. Those who know their 'rights' will just refuse to comply with any requests as they do with the requirement to wear a mask. Interestingly in my observations of mask offences, I see mainly 30s/40s strutting round with smug faces and no masks, older people wearing the masks incorrectly with their noses poking out the top and younger people (teens/20s) wearing the masks correctly.

I wouldn't report them from the point of view that "I'm obeying the rule and they aren't" but if I thought their behaviour was presenting a danger to me or others in the vicinity then I would, but then that's what I'd do with any anti-social behaviour. I do believe that most sensible people are applying a large degree of common sense and caution to their interactions with others. They might not be strictly adhering to the restrictions but they are limiting contact with others, wearing masks, socially distancing and sanitising regularly. I got caught out when I arranged to meet friends for lunch, in a hotel restaurant, outside my current lockdown area. I thought it was allowed but only found out after that it wasn't. I'm more concerned about being around people who don't wear masks for whatever reason and I don't really care what those reasons are; I'm keeping well away from you. A lady slightly older than me came in to the same aisle as myself in Morrisons earlier this week. She was not wearing a mask, was close up to the shelving and openly coughing with no attempt to cover her mouth. I was out of there so quick and just glad I'd only gone in for a cleaning product that I could wash down with bleach when I got home. That's pretty disgusting behaviour even in non-Covid times.

Try a pharmacy. If it works like mine, there are no appointments other than you check beforehand that the pharmacist is in to administer it. I think the problem is that GPs are just setting aside specific dates for 'Flu Clinics'. I've never had to pre-book at a pharmacy.

I've been a member for many years and quite regularly do the competitions (not won yet!) and the polls but this is my first go on the Forum. I've just been on another thread about taking early retirement and put in my story. Oh, and I did try the 'dating' app some years ago but only found an ex lol.

I loved my job and always thought I'd never retire but then I started to find that it was getting in the way of other things that I wanted to do. Most of my friends had already taken full or part retirement and I was missing out on ladies' lunches etc. Then in early 2018, some changes I didn't like were made to our department and I decided it was the right time to go. I was a bit panicky about money, we all read about pensioners unable to survive, but my IFA assured me that I could have a very comfortable existence so I gave 7 months' notice and finished work at the end of September 2018. The following week I went to Cyprus with an already retired friend for 10 days and when I got back it was easy to continue the relaxed life style of no alarms, leisurely breakfasts etc. This was a massive change from my 'work life' where I was travelling all over the country, sometimes having to be up at 5am to catch trains or drive to meetings, getting home late or stopping over sometimes for a number of days. Nearly 2 years on and I do not regret what I did. I've since realised some of my 'future plans' that I thought would probably just remain dreams but the main thing is that I adapted to the complete change from busy work life to relaxed retirement so easily. I guess this was because a) my attitude towards work changed and b) I took a holiday straight after finishing and I think that in particular helped me to adjust. It would be good to know how you feel about your change in two years time.

I ended up, as I did last year, getting in touch with my local pharmacy. I rang last Friday, to be told the vaccines were arriving that afternoon and they'd start jabbing on Saturday, which I couldn't get to so I had mine done Monday whilst friends, who'd booked appointments with their GP surgery weeks earlier, won't be getting theirs until this week. I had mine done last year at the pharmacy after the GP couldn't give me an appointment for 2 weeks, when I was going to be out of the country. My pharmacy is brilliant - both years, other than phoning first to make sure the pharmacist was in, was on a 'same day' basis with no pre-booking.

Can't see why not although, as I found out last year, I can get a quicker appointment at my local pharmacy than through the GP surgery.

I'm pleased that this tradition will be maintained. I think many people just enjoy the spectacle and the rousing music without knowing the background. Whilst I deplore racism, sexism, homophobia and any type of prejudice, I'm concerned that history is not re-written or obliterated. We live in more enlightened times and should use our history to ensure that the mistakes of the past are not repeated.

I booked my flights to/from Turkey earlier in the year. I go 12th October for 6 weeks. I have my own place there and left things in the freezer, fridge (long life) and cupboards when I came back to the UK mid July. I'm still planning to go but might not stay the full 6 weeks as they have re-introduced curfews for the over 65, although they haven't made it 100%, so far. I'm not concerned about being in Turkey as I can exercise the same caution as in the UK. I'm more worried about the flights out, although they shouldn't be chocca at that time of year.

I have two 'bibles' that I read when I hit rock bottom with my career and romantic relationships at the age of 52. They helped me to see that I'd suffered from low self esteem all my life, and why. They both 'changed my life' by changing my perception of my life to date, helping me to understand and to move forward. It really was a dramatic change and in a short time; I just 'got it' and started to realise my worth. The end result was at age 53, I secured the best (and highest paying) job I've ever had. After a few attempts, I gave up on a romantic relationships as I realised that I actually happier on my own; I'm not an introvert or recluse but I'm happy to be selfish, pleasing just me, after years of bowing to partners' wishes. I have a large circle of friends and a number of hobbies so I'm always busy and I'm fortunate to solvent. You Can Heal Your Life by Louise L Hay (my 'touchy feely' bible) Overcoming Low Self Esteem by Melanie Fennell (my 'technical' bible)

If mask wearing was mandatory in all outside places, and was enforced alongside social distancing and hand sanitising, then life could be as normal. Those particularly at risk could then make their own decisions. Since returning to the UK, I've found the 'rules' many fold, ridiculous and confusing. The government should KISS - mask wearing mandatory and enforced, social distancing, hand sanitising - everywhere open. Turkey (yes I know I keep on about it) did this and cases were low. Then they started getting lax, tourists arriving and not following the rules and the police not bothering to enforce. Now daily cases have risen over £1k (the magic number) and it is now being enforced again with many province governors losing their jobs for not having enforced.

Personally, I would prefer to see financial support going to those who can't even afford to eat at home, never mind out. But I understand what it's about. I've been toying with the idea of booking a meal out but will only consider places where you can only go to eat. Having seen the situation outside one of the local pubs I can see that social distancing doesn't exist. Because there is no enforcement of mask wearing in the UK, I don't feel as safe as I did in Turkey, where I ate out at least 3 or 4 times a week. I don't go out at all here other than for my weekly shop as there is no respect for social distancing either.

My surgery already has triage which I've found to be effective. I'm sure video consultations, in some cases, could be as effective as a surgey visit.

No idea but I'd imagine you can't pass them on.

If that's the case you aren't wearing it correctly. There are a number of websites with videos showing how to wear. Shaping the nose wire and position are important. I wear quite large sunglasses most of the time and don't get steamed up. Strangely, wearing the mask high up my nose with the glasses sat on top further down seems to work for me.

I came back to West Yorkshire 9 days ago and I'm now horrified; I was going to say scared or frightened but I can apply commonsense. I wear my double layer cotton masks (made by my friend) when in public areas. I did chance walking through the village to hers without a mask but it wasn't busy and I kept well away from others. I can't believe the stupidity of people who accuse those of us who are quite happy to wear the masks, of being 'sheeple'. Yet most of us, me definitely, have kept aware of other countries' rules and figures and see the sense in wearing a mask. So many of the detractors like to support some unsubstantiated 'doctor's' pronouncement that they offer no protection blah blah, promote conspiracy theories and ask if it's so important, why didn't they introduce 4 months ago. They seem to have forgotten that even the NHS couldn't get PPE back then. I'm quite disgusted that the police, Sainsbury, Tesco, etc are all saying that they won't enforce mask wearing and making a big point of saying their staff don't need to wear them. If the supermarkets manage their entry doors, they can stop people entering who aren't wearing masks, as happens in Turkey and Spain, where my friend lives. I went into Bradford 3 days ago and the only shop where all staff were wearing masks was Boots. The only reason I was in Bradford was whilst my car was being serviced and it looked a better option than getting the bus home because I could see many passengers weren't wearing masks because the bus drivers have been told it's not their place to enforce it! This attitude by shops is not doing anything to get the economy going again, not if we want to retain a high street. Whilst I used to quite happily have a day out at the mall at least once a week, where I'd have a meal and usually find clothes that I 'needed', now I'll only be going if I can't avoid it, which was the case on Tuesday and again Wednesday when I went to Stockport (far more people wearing masks). I will only go to the supermarket once a week tops, rather than on a whim, so I'll spend less there too. If I knew that everyone would be forced to wear a mask; customers and staff, then I'd feel I could take a chance and go out to the shops, as I did in Turkey. Everyone over the age of 2, yes 2!, has to wear a mask in public and that's throughout Turkey. In 55 of the 81 provinces including the one I was in, you have to wear a mask from leaving home, even if you are in the car on your own (makes it easier for the police to see who is and isn't complying). Masks can be removed whilst eating, drinking, sunbathing and swimming. The fine for not complying is around £100 but to a Turk that would be equivalent to around £300 here. Those with copd/asthma; in Turkey you, along with others with chronic illness would still be on 100% curfew but, if you don't have family and friends to help, the council do your shopping, take you to doctor's appointments etc. Children under 18 are now allowed out but only with their parents and the over 65s are allowed out but only between 10am and 8pm. Deaths are 5.5k in a population of 84m versus 45.5k in a population of 64m. And their case figures move up or down gradually, not erratically as they do in the UK. Sorry for the long rant but I feel passionately about it. I lost my uncle to this, my brother in law is now on blood thinners and my best friend is still suffering neurological complications.

From a commercial point of view, it does help to free up real estate as your employer has found. You reminded me of when I'd bought a new 'office' chair and a laptop riser for use at my kitchen table so I didn't need to use the spare room as an office. I duly filled out my DSE and, as per the instructions, emailed it to my boss who asked what I expected him to do with it......! I found that when I did have to go to a team meeting, which were quarterly, because of the savings on the monthly ones, we could stretch to dinner or even an overnighter so it helped rather than detract from social time with colleagues.

I've been retired nearly 2 years but previously I worked for Ricoh UK who quite a few years back introduced 'New Ways of Working' a concept that they sold to clients but also introduced in their own offices. As I was already field based, the transition was easy for me. The tools they introduced made it very easy. I had online meetings with colleagues, reports, clients; requested/authorised leave, booked travel just about anything. There was very little that wasn't achievable online. I was free to adjust my working hours to suit me, within some restrictions. I was able to get far more work done because I was sat at my laptop instead of sat in my car in a traffic jam. I could chat verbally or by text with colleagues but by means that I could turn off if I needed some time alone to concentrate. Of course face to face meetings were still necessary but it's seems silly to me to have to travel to an office to do work that you can do at your home desk. Since the pandemic started, I've found the adjustment to video calling for friends and family, be it through Messenger, WhatsApp, Zoom or Skype simple because I was already used to the concept and having visual helped whilst I was abroad. I do wish people would learn how to use the cameras though. I'm sick of looking at only half of their face :-). And strangely, now I'm back in the UK, whilst I'm still video calling friends, they've all reverted to phoning me!

I voted optional but don't care either way because, once fully tested, I will be having it. Same as with any other vaccine. As I've never suffered any ill effects from a vaccine, I'll take my chance I'll be OK with this once. So, I'll be protected and won't care if others don't have the vaccine and get Covid-19.

Whilst I was on 100% curfew in Turkey (silly me came back to the UK last week), I had no option. I desperately needed some summer clothes. Some things got cancelled by the supplier but everything that arrived fit perfectly, which was my biggest concern. I'd never previously considered buying clothes on line and I like to browse the shops to see what I 'need' ;-). I've not yet done a food shop on line but looking at the idiots in the supermarkets who don't understand what social distancing is, I'll maybe start. I've always ordered other things online - venetian blinds, even a bathroom - and been very pleased with price and quality.