Very cold and a wet day!

Struggled to get much done today, I have plenty to do but just can’t seem to get the focus I need.

Went food shopping with Tash in the morning – pissing down with rain – but got food for us, Jenny next door and Mum so that was our good deeds for the day sorted

Back home and had Tash’s nice home made tomato soup she made yesterday, very nice indeed and then she went over to her Mum’s to help sort out her credit cards and banking as she’s been caught up in a scam and her details have got out and she’s experiencing fraud – a real shame. But she doesn’t help herself, she has about 40 different credit cards, one for each shop she goes into…madness.

Got things sorted in the afternoon so that was better and then watched more TV in the evening – Line of Duty again, season 3 now!

Busy today – and Baby News

Head down and ploughed through work today – very productive

Charlotte not being furloughed which I think is good because other people are in her company and they’re keeping her on – I think that’s a good omen for her prospects in the future and proves she’s valued. That’s the way I see it

Had some good news announced today – Oscar and Katie are expecting their first baby. We knew about it a few weeks ago but they’ve gone public with it today on Facebook so that’s nice for them – due in November. Exciting.

Tash has made a T-Shirt for Jess as per the celebs – not quite sure about her artistic abilities to be honest though!! Her practice effort and then the finished article - she's pleased with the results... :-)

And I have been making ice today so as to not have to keep buying it from the shops – might as well save myself a few quid I think – should have some fun with it because I’m doing some big chunks – let’s see.

Not much done in the evening, caught up with a few things and watched TV again

Still not exercising!

Birthday weekend is over – back to normal

Hard to get up this morning but back to it

Not a lot to do for clients but kept myself busy with social media and sorting out HMRC and my accounts – felt productive to be honest

My accounts are not in a good position if I am honest, bit worrying.

Been advised by the Utilities that our electric/gas bill has doubled, no surprise there with us all working from home

Walked Bess and that was a nice relax, Tash went for a walk with Zoe and we also got Mexico paid for today. No idea if it will go ahead but needed to be done to avoid losing deposit

Watched a few videos on cocktail making so will try and do those in the near future as I have the ingredients!

Dinner was good and then we watched some TV – x2 episodes of Killing Eve and then bed as we were all knackered!

Tasha’s Birthday Weekend – Sunday – Relaxing

Late morning/breakfast – no one up very early, I think I was one of the first around 10.00am – no hangover thankfully. Pottered around and tidied up

We then had Brunch as people woke up and came downstairs and we just relaxed around – boiling hot today. Very hot and relaxing in the garden

Went for a walk to the Green with Bess, Miles, Charlotte, Lewis and of course Tash

Back to the house and sat around chatting and relaxing and then created a couple of cocktails which was fun, both alcoholic and non. The were good, mostly Mojito but with so many mint leaves growing in the garden it was hard not to! Did well.

Got the BBQ set up and going – heard one of the kids next door comment, “Dad, they’re having a BBQ again..!” – can’t argue with that really! Tash had bought some lovely steaks and I’d covered them with the flavouring and Miles made some pepper sauce as well. Cooked them well and the flavouring/sauce were excellent additions. Did really well.

Lewis left soon after, around 5.30pm which was a shame, thought he’d stay later but there you go, he’s always keen to get back to Manchester. Ah well.

We continued chatting/drinking in the bar with Charlotte and Miles and it was all quite quiet and subdued but it was easy going and enjoyable.

As it got colder etc we then went inside and watched TV for last hour in the evening – started a new series (Treadstone) – not something Charlotte or Tash will like but there you go

I think it was a very nice weekend for Tash – loads of love and having everyone around much have been good.

Bit stressed a few times but successful – all down to Charlotte as well

As always, I wish I was more thoughtful and organised, I wonder if I ever will manage to be so…

I do love her loads.

Tasha’s Birthday Weekend – Home made pizza and First Dates virtual Gin tasting

Another day of trying to sort things out at the last minute for Tasha’s birthday – I am useless I really am

Worked in the morning and then out to the shops to get flowers and drink and a few other things.

Sorted more of the video out in the afternoon and got things sorted. I think we’re there for a good weekend.

Tash was out all day, Jack had taken her to Sue’s and then round the houses to see the other relatives and they were gone all day from 11.30am until about 4.30pm – when she got home it was very clear that she was drunk and had been very emotional all day and loads of crying and even arguing with Sue. It made for a very awkward atmosphere.

I went out and got the pizza oven going and we just got on with things and tried to relax/calm Tash down and eventually it worked – especially after we told her what the evening activity was!

And that activity was virtual Gin Tasting session with Chase Brewery and the main barman in the Channel 4 series called First Dates, Merlin.

John and Pauline Bampton had organised it for us.

So we had the pizzas and then got ready and were in the bar using the laptop and Charlotte/Lewis were the other side taking photos and drinking as well.

It was really good, loved it. Loads of gins to try and Tash got a shout out at the end for her birthday. I recorded the session so we can go back to it at a later date!

We then started more drinking and getting music on and it was a great evening, Tash fell asleep which was fine, we carried on!

Charlotte got Miles and then Lewis was asleep – he’d drunk nearly a bottle of Southern Comfort I’d just bought…

So we then watched loads of musical type videos and it was a really good evening. Gave up in the end around 3.00pm!

I was still getting videos sent to me so I didn’t finish editing the final take until going to bed…fingers crossed it’s okay

A good start to the weekend I think.

Pub Quiz Success

Worked throughout the day, not exactly flat out but it was okay.

Finished and took Bess for a walk and then had nice dinner

Charlotte had a group chat organised for 7.00pm as Sebby & Harriet were hosting a quiz session. I got involved and Charlotte left me to it, she helped with some of the questions, as did Tash and we ended up with 56 points, which I thought would mean we’re about 3rd. However, as the marks came in we found we were way in front, nearest was about 40 or 30. So that was a nice feeling to have done well!

Had a few drinks, not good but can’t help it, and then watched some TV.

Watching far too much but can’t help it

Football boots first time in 18 months!

Worked in the morning and then around 4.00pm Jack asked if I would go to the park with him to practise football

As per the subject heading, I’ve not worn football boots since October 2018, was a bit nervous to be honest, and rightly so.

Went up to Five Mile Drive and it was busy so we went to the middle goals and did a bit of a warm-up, I was blowing and my touch wasn’t the best. He then wanted long passing and kicking, I really, really struggled, everything hurt. My right groin is buggered that’s for certain so many times a misplaced pass from him went passed me because I couldn’t move!

Glad I did it though as I worked up a sweat and he benefited from it, so will do it again but dreading tomorrow when I stiffen up completely!

Was up there for about 2 hours, then home for dinner and some nice red wine and more TV watching!

Watching the Tiger King now, it’s mad, Tash and Charlotte went to bed around 9.30pm so I stayed up and finished the series of Picard that I got into, it was fine and predictable but was late so bed at 1.00am.

Oh, Boris Johnson went into Intensive Care because of his Coronavirus infection so that was a bit of a shock for the nation, makes it seem all the more real and serious, if that was really required.

Busy day inside

Lovely weather all day today, right from the beginning. Worked and was busy all day, quite focussed as well which was pleasing – I am spending far too much time being distracted with social media and news in general – massively procrastinating.

Tash worked in the morning and then sunbathed outside my window – not helpful at all!

Got things done but still at around 5.30pm I was thinking I’d love a drink, this lockdown is bringing out the worse in all of us. Not sure if I will be able to resist though

More watching TV in the evening! I wonder when I’m actually going to get Tasha’s birthday addressed!!

Gareth’s mum, Veronica, isn’t very well at all, they think she only has a matter of time left – such a shame. Jess and Katie went up to Blackpool yesterday and today Nik and Gaz did. Awful situation to be in. Bless her.

Giving blood and gaining work

Worked hard in the morning and then had some great news that one of the customers I have been trying to get in with has agreed to a 3 month trial of one day a week – this is great news. So relieved. Obviously need to ensure I impress! With that news I was able to go out and give blood with a bit of a skip in my step!

Absolute doddle getting out to the JR – no traffic and no one in the car park, what a nice trip that was.

Busy at the hospital, they said they’re getting a lot of appointments so that’s good – you’d think it would drop off, but I guess it’s an excuse for people to get out and about and also do their bit.

Took a photo this time and posted on social media.

Back home, it was warm and quite hard to get going – and then around 3.30pm fancied a drink so hit the Gin & Tonic. Was speaking with Wayne and Jason on WhatsApp so that was distracting as well, gave up working around 4.30pm and just relaxed.

Had a bit of a taste for it and then Tash joined in so it was nice to do nothing

Kids stayed around for dinner and then buggered off so Tash and I taught ourselves Backgammon and had a game of that – didn’t really enjoy it, annoying game.

Decent day, so relieved about the work

Busy day, but for how much longer?

Worked solidly today on Raintree projects so that was enjoyable to be busy. But I honestly don’t know how much more it’s going to continue, with or without this bloody virus.

Didn’t sleep from 2.00am onwards, I lifted a box in my office yesterday and it was far too heavy and I am paying the price now, I heard it pop and sure enough I can’t move or sit or sleep or anything, it’s a nightmare. Trapped a nerve for certain.

Didn’t manage much exercise today, even though it’s the start of the month and a determination to get on with fitness should be upon me! In fact, Tash made ginger cookies and they got absolutely blitzed!! Greedy pig.

Nice Thai green curry for dinner – very tasty and then a game of Scrabble in the evening, it all got a bit competitive and Jack won by 10 points so he was pleased with that.

Watched a new episode of season 2 of Line of Duty and then off to bed. Managed a few sit-ups last thing, hopefully will be able to crack on with more once my back improves…who am I trying to kid??

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