Feest Isolation Days – 4 January 2021
New Year has brought with it a whole lot of mud! We went walking again in the woods around Failand. Our newly discovered walking paths around that neck of the woods are only about fifteen minutes from home, but a world away! The crowds of Clifton are left far behind as we leave the Suspension Bridge and head along Beggar Bush Lane. According to a learned gentlemen, Mr. V. S. Lean, the name of Beggar’s Bush is this. “The primary meaning was a rendezvous for beggars at the bifurcation of two roads. Such a one exists on the Leigh side of the river Avon, opposite Clifton, and it is still called “Beggar’s Bush Lane”. I always thought there was only one Beggar, but from now on must remember there were many! Beggars not beggar.
We walked there twice over these past few days. The first walk was in the glorious, sun shine and golden light. The second was an entirely different experience. We found ourselves in a whole lot of water…as well as the mud! It was quite remarkable. The snow lashed down, although it didn’t stick to the ground, but the mud stuck to the boots!
We stopped in the woods for a coffee and a biscuit. It was wet and cold but our clothes kept us warm and dry. Just as well. Both walks wonderful in their own ways.
Last week, I decided to buy some bedding. It is New Year and it seemed time to do just that. I ordered some online, but the set only had two pillowcases and I wanted four matching pillowcases. Luxury if ever there was any! The original company didn’t have the matching pillowcases so I ordered them from another company. The pillowcases were SO much nicer than the duvet; back that went. My problem began when I tried to buy the duvet I liked that matched the pillowcases. I could have one but I would have to go and collect it! Now, I don’t go into shops, I don’t collect anything – everything is delivered. What do I do? Put my mask on, take my sanitizer and park up and see if I feel comfortable going into a shop to collect that’s what. Honestly! When did a trip out to buy duvet become such a worry? Will I be able to find the place? Will I be able to safely collect my goods? The answer to the first question was a resounding no! I went to where I thought the trading estate was. But it wasn’t. A very helpful woman on the end of the phone directed me to the right place… about a five minute drive from where I thought I was going, and all was well.
The Dunelm company did a great job. I was never closer than about six feet from the woman who got my goods. And I stood in an open doorway when she was retrieving them. It felt very strange. I was happy to get home.
But how Bristol has changed! My normal routes in and around the city are no more. I got stuck going the wrong way and had to turn around and try to get home a new way. Eventually, after a time, I managed. The whole world feels so different! Everyone out and about has a mask on and there was literally no traffic downtown at all on a Sunday morning.
When I got home and opened the duvet (Which is actually quite splendid!) I discovered….no pillowcases! I went back to the place online that I bought the original cases….sold out. Dunelm however had some! Within an hour of my ordering online, I was back in the shop collecting the goods. Standing in the doorway again, not coming in contact with anyone and feeling much more comfortable the second time around, I realised I could become an old pro at managing click and collect. Nevertheless, I don’t intend to set out again for quite a time. I prefer just going to the door and receiving my packages. For now. Ask me again in the summer when I’ve had my vaccination!
Once again, the government has done a terrible communications job on vaccination rollouts. Those over 80 who are expecting their second jabs this week will not be getting them. Instead, the jabs will be dispersed more widely. It all makes perfect sense, unless you’re over 80 and don’t quite understand and no one has told you!
The first; jab will keep you safe after twelve days or so. An explanation would help.
Meantime, the government dithers over whether to close schools or not and Primary kids are meant to start tomorrow. What difference would two more weeks of closure make? Teachers are worried and the drivel that is coming out of some broadcasters mouths is appalling. Facts seem to be in limited supply at the moment. The new wave of coronavirus is spooking people it seems. On one hand, the more contagious variant for some is driving them even further into safe behaviour, while on the other, people who ought to know better are fed up and not taking it so seriously. Let’s hope the hospitals are not overwhelmed. The vaccinations are on their way but they are not all here yet!
Soon, very soon, we will make trips to buy new bedding and not feel worried by our task. Or at least, we certainly hope so!
Until then, take care and be safe. Keep doing the right things. You know what they are!
With love
Kathy x