Another day locked down

Not much to report today

Worked hard on website functionality and some other work but not making progress on many other things right now

Did zero exercise and was depressed to find that I’ve not cycled or rowed or anything like that for 3 weeks – nothing whatsoever! That has to change

Tried to walk Bess into Summertown but couldn’t walk, everything hurt. So cycled and met Tash down there

Coming back tried to wear Bess out with cycling and her running – she loved it.

Back home, couple of beers and nice dinner then more TV.

We finished the first series of Line of Duty – decent series and will definitely watch more of it

Need to get back on the fitness trail though, was really disappointed with myself when I saw that statistic in the spreadsheet

Normal Monday really

Long day at work today – got a fair amount done.

Not got any other work coming in though

Busy on social media – Twitter and Facebook – need to turn those off soon as taking up too much of my time

Not much to report on Coronavirus – still taking over the world and now the US are the worst for cases and Donald Trump isn’t doing so well with dealing with it. He’s a strange man. Boris has contracted the disease apparently so that’s interesting to see how things will continue to progress

After work nice dinner and then did some more stuff in the office and then back in to watch more Line of Duty. Tash went to bed but I stayed up and watched the last three episodes of The Umbrella Academy. Really enjoyed it but that took me through to about 1.00am!!

Tired.

Clearing out the shed

Heavy head again in the morning – not too desperate though. Did a bit of a fry up for breakfast and then I worked outside in the garden for the rest of the day.

It was cold but it was nice working in the small shed with my music on and clearing it all out. Very worthwhile job to sort it all out and create new space and I did throw away some of the things I don’t need.

That was it really – the full content of my day!

Dinner in the evening and then more TV – Line of Duty this time – going to get through that series as he’s been recommended by so many people

Strange weekend, wonder how long this situation is all going to last for?

Family Pub Quiz remotely

Up quite early but with a headache..

We’d agreed to do a pub quiz for the family later today so I spent the morning researching and preparing and it literally took me all day – I was knackered.

We used an app called Houseparty which meant we could get 8 people/families/households on the group and it was a nice thing to start with.

However it soon deteriorated as phone batteries died or wifi internet connections died and sound on the music round, and then people were getting frustrated with the difficult questions, I got really pissed off to be honest and won’t be doing that again. But they seemed to be thankful I did it even though it carried on from 4.30pm until about 7.00pm!!

Sue definitely enjoyed it, she seemed quite tipsy

Once that was done we had dinner and then watched Ant & Dec and then a film – Sicario 2 – which I’ve wanted to watch for ages.

Nice day and evening in the end

First BBQ of the year

Finished working today fairly early and planned to have a BBQ but found out we don’t have any coals

So I dug out the gas one and then got things set up in the garden and worked with that. Unfortunately the gas was running out and it was bloody cold out there – I had bobble hat and scarf on in the end! But it was fine and we sat outside under the patio heater and it was nice evening

Went inside and watched a film – can’t even recall which one, everything is merging.

Nice to have few beers though

NHS Clapping

Worked in the morning and had calls but dragging things out really.

Didn’t get out much and didn’t exercise again.

Did some work on my shares and working out calculations for buying and selling – no idea if it will work or not…

Days are merging into each other now – we’re forgetting which day is which.

Decent dinner and then decided to have some beers in the evening

At 8.00pm there was a co-ordinated clapping session where everyone clapped from their windows and doorways to thank the NHS staff working – all very emotional and it really was observed across the whole of Britain.

Started watching Line of Duty!

Isolation and working from home

Working from home today – we all are. It’s fine, bit stressful at times but it will level out, Tash is the least comfortable with the situation but that’s because Charlotte is working in the bar and I am in my office – we’re not getting interruptions from the student.

Got a fair amount done but still no exercise achieved, I really must get onto that again

Cycled into Summertown and it was eerily quiet – so interesting. Restrictions for getting into shops and such like – very interesting

Spoke to Zoe and her kids on the way back as they were walking into Summertown as well

Took Bess on a long walk – loads of people out and about walking and running – not sure they should be but there you go. Everyone is allowed out for one form of exercise a day, most people are taking advantage of that it seems – the weather is very nice at the minute so even more reason to get out. Everything feels like it’s a Sunday.

Did more stuff in the evening and then watched TV – doing too much of that right now!

Dropped Tucks an email to see how things are for him over in Boston.

Britain is LOCKED DOWN

So this evening Boris Johnson confirmed what needed to be done and locked down Britain. Businesses have been told to close down and people work from home, don’t socialise with other houses and only go out once a day for exercise. Amongst other things to be raised.

It’s madness, it really is, the country is isolated and people are likewise.

You can still go food shopping but the shops are struggling with demand and things like that

Shares dropped like a stone once again and it’s hard to judge how long this is all going to last – the lock down is due to be re-assessed in 3 weeks time but it’s going to be super hard to cope with the lack of contact etc

Checked in with Mum and all that and she was okay – bit worried and a bit sad because she’s had to say goodbye to visiting Derek for now – but it’s for the best.

I’ll try to keep updates on here but it’s tough

Work is at a premium and we’re watching TV too much!!

Coronavirus hits the Stock Market – My Shares Portfolio

It’s been an absolute nightmare for the Stock Market and everyone’s taking a massive hit.

My portfolio is struggling but I am hoping that the investments I’ve done as the market was crashing will improve things (IAG, Barclays and Legal & General)

Literally everything is 50% value compared to what it was 4 weeks ago

Ignoring Tremor which was a poor decision a long time ago and BT which has been 45% off the investment value for about a year the GVC shares were in great shape and were 55% above my investment value so all this red is a bit depressing.

Let’s return here in 6 months and take another screenshot and see if there are improvements…I bloody well hope so!

Porto – Day 4 – Coming Back to England

Up early and sorted and waited for our food to be delivered because we’re not allowed downstairs to the breakfast room

Didn’t appear even after we chased them for it so had to leave to get the train – whilst paying in reception the tray went past so we quickly grabbed a load of items and walked off to the Metro which was literally 5 mins away

Woman sat next to me kept coughing – she’d been to Marrakesh she kept telling us and was getting on my nerves

Airport no problem and very quiet indeed – walked through and quickly realised ours was one of the very few flights actually going ahead – don’t think I’ve seen so many Cancelled notifications on the board, certainly not since the 80’s

Our flight was fine though and went ahead as planned and Tash and I got 3 seats for the 2 of us

Everything very smooth – got some gin in the duty free so bonus and then drove home

Did some work in the afternoon and caught up with everyone.

A very nice break indeed

Porto – Day 3 – Last Day – Loads of walking

Up at 9.00am and down for breakfast. Not as much as yesterday as was still quite full.

Decided to do the walking tours from the book and sat here now at 5.00pm and regretting it!! Of course I’m not, but my body feels broken.

Got round loads of the town and through backstreets and all that. Was interesting even though most places are closed like shops, galleries and churches. Nice coffee overlooking the river, then a walk along the riverfront and then up those bloody steps so as to be able to cross the Louis bridge. Great views

More on the other side and then lunch in the park before being chased out by the Rozzers. More dawdling through the town and then back to the hotel and sat in the rooftop bar looking out over the city catching up on news and reading and having a beer.

Had a snooze, well two hours and then went to the restaurant at the hotel. Empty of course and we sat where we wanted overlooking the city. Stayed inside although I’m sure outside would have been amazing, just cold!

Treated ourselves to nice food and wine and all very pleasant Caught up with family and social media and then bed, end of a lovely weekend.

Porto – Day 2 – River, Walking & Drinking!

Up early for breakfast and went down to the river front for our boat tour only to find that the tour had been cancelled because of the virus.

Apparently all boats were cancelled but we walked 10 metres and were approached by a tour rep and he said there’s was still going. So we signed up for that one

About 5 other couples joined in and it was a pleasant run under the 6 bridges. Bit windy and cold but when the sun was out it was nice.

Wandered along the quay when it finished, and stopped for a beer at one of the few open cafes and then it started raining as forecast

We had a voucher for Port tasting so we went and found it and it was a good idea. Very nice cellar and location and the port was really nice. It was quite out of the way but very quickly fill up as other people with vouchers arrived! A group of 6 older women were there and one of them came over and filled out glasses from a bottle she’d bought. So that was nice.

More walking after that break as we meandered back towards the hotel, got our bearings etc

Snooze at the hotel and then back out in the evening.

More walking and detours down streets but it was good and so many sights to see. Stopped at a small restaurant with just 3 tables for a beer and a bread and cheese meal which we’d seen a number of times and finally treated ourselves...well worth it.

We then continued down to the river and found a very nice restaurant that we went in and had a decent meal. A young couple were getting turned away because they were full as we were finishing so we said wait a second and have our table but they then sat down and joined us and chatted for 10 mins about working and living in Holland etc. Nice enough couple

We made our excuses and left but ended up in a wine cafe that was really lively.

Stayed there for 3 more drinks and were quite tipsy walking home.

A nice day and evening done

Porto – Day 1 – Travel, quiet, beach and drinking

Up at 2.00am and on the road by 2.20am heading for Stansted airport. No issues, nice and quick journey. Shame Nik and Gaz decided not to come but it was fine and an understandable decision. Airport was quiet but it was 4.00am and out of season.

Went to the lounge we had booked and had breakfast and a free bar, nice one. Buck’s Fizz and then Gin and Tonics!! Bit tipsy but nice feeling and then got our plane, only half full, if that. Loads of room and crashed out asleep for the two hour journey

No problems the other side and through customs in minutes. Really easy Metro to get to town and 5 mins walk to the hotel. All very, very quiet and shut down. Signs on doors throughout advising closure because of Govt or Virus. Such a shame

Dropped bags at hotel and wandered into town. Mice city, much bigger than we’d expected it to be. Walked through the lanes and then down to the river front. Huge bridge taking over the skyline.

Weather was nice and today was due to be the best day so we decided to go to the beach and went and found they tram stop but that was not running so luckily got a (free) bus instead.

Walked along the sea front for a bit, very bracing Atlantic sea wind and crashing waves and we then found a bar and had a couple of beers and video called the kids which was nice

Crashed out on the beach for an hour or so hidden by rocks so nice and sheltered and caught up with sleep having started so early in the day. Walked a bit further along the beach. Literally about 100 yards to another bar which was more exciting and luxurious and had beer and some snacks. Decided to stay and watch the sunset so had our evening meal there as well! Sunset was nice.

Walked further up the coast to the bus stop but got the feeling it wasn’t running so decided on an Uber...the car arrived literally as the bus arrived!! Typical, but the Uber was only £7 and took us to our hotel so that was worth it in my opinion

Back at the hotel Tash had a tea from our freebies but I wanted coffee so wandered down the streets and found somewhere open which was a nice treat. Back to hotel and we caught up on social media etc and we just had an early night.

The virus really is affecting the whole world and every day gets worse for businesses especially. Airlines, tourism, bars and restaurants are being absolutely battered. The stock markets are in free fall, it’s a nightmare

Where we are there are people with masks but they’re not too common and it feels like people are trying to ignore the situation but it is clear from the places being closed how bad things are. The shares I bought have lost hundreds, will sit it out but really not sure how things will work with my business. I could end up with hardly any money coming in at all.

Gym Consultation

Went to the gym as planned this afternoon for a meeting to go through my fitness requirements and plan of action

No surprise to find I am overweight and all that but it was a good chance to assess things and get something sorted

Was going to use the gym but couldn’t be bothered – not a good sign!

Will get a tailored routine created which I can pick up on Monday

Up to see Derek

Working from home (as per usual) and Charlotte first day of doing so for about the next 4-6 weeks! Busy and got lots done – but my list of things is reducing

Went to see Derek in the afternoon and Mum was there. He was okay but not very chatty or responsive really. But he was glad I went up there I think and I stayed for 90 minutes

Back home and we had Boris Johnson giving a press briefing about COVID-19 and advised that for the UK we’re actually about 10-14 weeks away from its peak…that’s alarming!

Nice evening, Miles came over and we we all caught up on some TV and drank wine

Coronavirus taking hold

Worked from home today and it was productive – loads done and loads to get done still

Charlotte confirmed that her office is now closing down and everyone is to work from home – quite likely for 6 weeks, madness.

Had some food and then Tash and I went to Bootcamp – it was run by the girl this week and wasn’t very hard or inspiring to be honest, worked up a sweat but the other sessions have definitely been better.

Home afterwards and caught up on another episode of a series we’re watching – “The Split” – it’s enjoyable enough and then I watched a film before heading to bed at midnight.

Trump has now set up restrictions to all European flights in and out of the US – but for some reason not the UK. I bought £500 worth of shares in Legal & General today as well – hopefully buying at rock bottom prices will work, just depends if the stocks I’ve bought are the right ones and will recover…we shall see in 6 months I guess!

Working from home

The Coronavirus is having an impact!

Italy is completely shut down – the whole country is locked down – no flights in or out, no one allowed to work or leave their houses – nightmare

Charlotte is working from home today with me

Nikki has told Tash that her and Gaz are not coming to Portugal on Saturday now – it’s not put me at Tash off so we will still go, unless the trip gets cancelled. We can’t afford not to go - £500 lost otherwise!

Business as usual otherwise, just working through things on my plate and trying to keep busy – not having any luck with job hunting. Getting worried and it’s affecting sleep etc

My shares have taken a battering – but you just know they’re going to go back up again so it’s tempting to chuck some more money at them to ride the increases that should be due…we’ll see

Birthday Celebrations in Bicester

Did some stuff around the house in the morning then went to the gym

Was at the gym for 2 hours – 20 mins run, 20 mins rowing, few exercises and then 60 mins cycling – very pleased – knackered though! Jack turned up and we did some stretches together and then home for dinner

New student arrived from Thailand – lovely enough and same as anyone from Thailand – not the best grasp of English but plenty of bowing!

Then we went over to Sue’s as it was a celebration of Nathan and Paul’s birthdays and everyone was there, that is except for Gareth who never attends any of the family events anymore for whatever reason. Which is a bit of a shame but his loss.

Had the rugby on in the background and Scotland somehow beat France which completely opens up the 6 Nations tournament now – England back in with a chance of winning it.

Loads of food and some drink later we then made our way home

Watched some TV and then early night – starting to ache from the gym!

Pressure Washing fun!

Got jobs done in the morning and also a recorded test for an interview I have applied for – it was hard and I doubt I did very well but it needed to be done

Pottered around for a while and then we went over to Sue’s and I did the pressure washer on her decking – what a nightmare, it’s going to take me days to complete it really is. When I went back the following day it has made a real difference but it’s very time-consuming.

Anyway I just got on with it with my headphones on and when it was too dark came in and had a very nice Chinese take-away so that was good. Jack got home from football, not very well – been sick on the return journey and they’d lost in the last minute, he’d been taken off again with 20 left – strange decision if you ask me. But then I wasn’t there.

Managed to watch some of the rugby and England beat Wales

Watched a decent film in the evening and then home

A decent enough day

Improv Night

Normal day working at home – didn’t get any of the jobs I have applied for – getting a bit desperate really

In the evening we went out with John and Pauline and met Wayne and Kerry in town for a couple of pints and then over to the church opposite the Magdalen cinema for a performance from Emily Bampton in an Improv troupe she’s got in with. It was students doing a skit on the Cold War and it was enjoyable. Emily did well and they all clearly enjoyed themselves.

Back to the Wig and Pen afterwards and that was nice and home!

Nice evening, and a little different to normal!

Worked late and Jack playing football at last

But still struggling to get the number of hours up

I am getting distracted by Social Media so really need to stop that

In saying that, was watching updates on Jack’s match today – away at Newport Pagnell in the Berks and Bucks cup and he scored the opener for Didcot but then they lost 2-1 in the end and he was taken off with 20 mins left – odd decision! Their first game for some time because of the storms

Applying for jobs isn’t going well – getting turned down left, right and centre – no idea what’s going to happen this and the following months to come.