On Sunday Queen Elizabeth broadcast to the nation, for only the fifth time in her 68-year reign. This was an historic speech, given by a Monarch, who has devoted her life in the service of her people and the country she loves. Like many others, I was glued to the television, despite feeling unwell myself. As a Monarchist, I have much admiration for Her Majesty and believe passionately in the work she and her family do. For Queen Elizabeth to give such a message to the UK and Commonwealth, the situation must be serious; her words were spoken at a crucial time, as the pandemic reaches its peak over the next few days.

The Queen's broadcast was emotional, poignant and historic; just what the country needs at this time. She praised the good work of key workers and spoke candidly about her own childhood. Appealing for unity and resolve, Her Majesty struck a chord with all of us who watched on Sunday night. I was personally left feeling comforted and determined to do what I can to help with the efforts, ensuring normality returns as soon as possible. If we were in any doubt of the seriousness of the situation, we were given a hard dose of reality by the time she concluded her words.

In times of national crisis it is important to hear from any Head of State. At 94 years of age, The Queen is vulnerable to COVID-19 and is in self-isolation herself, so her words were even more important than ever. Her encouragement and sense of duty, has been unwavering at this time and for those of us, not following the rules, still sunbathing in parks or browsing in supermarkets, this should be the wake up call to finally do the right thing. HM The Queen will remain paramount in the fight for hearts and minds, as this pandemic reaches new heights. Her words should be the focal point for the battles ahead; all of us should look towards our Monarch as the voice of reason and stability in these uncertain times.

Just as The Queen finished her broadcast to the nation, the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson was taken to St Thomas' Hospital in London. His COVID-19 symptoms were getting worse, and he was no longer able to cope with them at home. The PM's office at number 10 stressed that it was a precautionary measure, while Mr Johnson undergoes tests. By early yesterday evening Boris had been taken to Intensive care, as his condition deteriorated further, and he was no longer able to breathe unaided. The crisis now engulfing Britain was turning into a national emergency, with the PM now unable to carry out his duties.

I watched the television in horror yesterday along with everyone else, as Boris was admitted to Intensive care. I can not remember a period where I have felt so scared for the future. It does seem like we are living in the middle of a nightmare, one that just will not end. Whenever I switch on the television set, there is nothing but death, doom and destruction, and I am becoming more and more depressed as the days go by. Life all across the World has been disrupted in a way, none of us have experienced before and I feel mentally drained every single day. None of us know for sure when this is going to end and each of us just exist day to day.

There is no protection for any of us, rich or poor, we are all equal in the eyes of this virus and everyone just has to do what they can to survive the next few months. Despite having my own symptoms, I still have no idea if I have had the virus or not. The Doctors I spoke to on the phone said I have COVID-19, but I just don't know for sure. That is what makes this journey so much harder, not knowing! I have become a slave to Coronavirus and whether it's washing my hands forty times a day, cleaning surfaces time and time again or wearing masks and gloves on every shopping trip, I am literally spending my life living in fear. This really isn't living, this seems like a bad dream, that I will never wake up from.

Not having my partner around at this time has made my life unbearable. He is phoning me every day, making sure I am OK, but it isn't the same as having him here. We have been together for 24 years, so being separated, in the middle of a pandemic, with Darrell in Australia and me here has been the biggest challenge of our life and believe me, we have had obstacles to overcome. It isn't until you lose something or someone close that you truly realise their importance. Together Darrell and I are inseparable and always working hard to achieve our goals, but with the World in lockdown, that has all but stopped. We no longer have the dreams we once had, we no longer plan ahead, and we no longer have the life we fought so hard to obtain.

My fears and nightmares are now at the forefront of my mind. I do not have happy thoughts any more and that is sad. This bloody virus has taken away my security, sense of belonging and thrown me into a soup of boiling turmoil. With no end in sight, each of us are trying to survive until tomorrow. With each passing day, we are becoming more distant from our friends and family and less willing to take the step back towards normal life. I feel tired, shattered and fatigued; I feel upset and angry at the loss of loved ones and the people who are shouldering the burden of life and death most and I feel directionless, drifting in a sea of worry and stress.

My hope is this ends soon, and we can all get back to normal living, my guess is it won't conclude for many months to come, and we will continue to live through this hellish existence. The support we give each other now, no matter how distant we are, is crucial to our well-being. Reach out to those in the greatest need - the old, infirm, ill and families of those who have died, and hold them closer than you ever have before (Not physically of course). Protecting the most vulnerable individuals in society is a mark of humanity and as institutions collapse around the globe, all we can do is grasp hold of what makes us all human; the good that keeps us as one!

Yesterday I received an email from one of my readers, a lady calling herself Angel. Angel has written to me before, and has been one of my staunchest supporters. She wanted to ask if I could do a blog entry detailing what people like her, can do during these lockdown  measures, that we currently live under.

I am no expert in such matters, which is why I asked friends and family on facebook and twitter what they are doing, to help overcome their fears.

All of us have been thrown into a strange new World, that is alien in every respect. Keeping structure and order in our daily routines is important right now, as we not only deal with the horrors of Coronavirus, but we also prepare ourselves for the weeks and months ahead, by living a solitary existence, without regular contact with the outside World. These can be lonely challenging days, but with a little bit of thought and ingenuity all of us can strive to win the battles ahead and learn to cope in the COVID age!

Lynn

'I am doing Joe wicks, cooking, tidying and doing jigsaws... I'm lucky enough to be going out to work though.' Lynn has also managed to lose two inches from her waistline, something I could do with doing myself, when I am well enough. I think I'll have to give this Joe Wicks a bit of a watch!

Charlene

'My children have been doing gymnastics. They made a zoo out of Daddy's work tools and put the toy animals in. Cheerleading stunt pair Daddy and daughter. Been OCD cleaning daily lol and watching films, cooking bread, flapjacks, cakes and pizza. Home work outs bodyweight /weighted, and jumping on spin bike. Doing Max Whitlock and Joe Wicks work outs with the kids. And 3 school work tasks a day - we're on day 15 today. And me and the kids have only been out to collect something from school 1s. Daddy is the shop man.' Wow Charlene you are really busy and probably put the rest of us to shame, but when you have children to entertain, you never have a spare minute!

Helen

'Luckily for me I get to go to work every day, on days off we’ll go out for a nice 2-hour walk around the country lanes. I would literally go crazy if I couldn’t go to work, hopefully you’ll be able to get back soon, big hugs.' Helen lives on the beautiful Island of Jersey, which has also been affected by COVID-19.

Janet

'My garden, it has never looked so good; very therapeutic, vegetables and flowers. Am even growing some grape plants for wine !!!!!' Gardening is a great way to pass the time, nothing too strenuous though Janet!

Michelle

'Everyone has to find a way to cope with this awful situation. The emergency services and forces often use very dark humour to cope with the horrors they endure. It's human nature to try and respond positively and connect with each other and blogging like you do is a perfect way of doing that. The first thing we did at work was set up regular video meetings. We just check in on each other and are honest about how we are doing and it's been a really important way to get through this together with some of our mental health intact. I'm sorry you're feeling ill and you're so far away from your love. keep on blogging.' Thank you Michelle. You have always been a great source of inspiration for me and I always appreciate your advice. You are so right about video calling. My Aunt was able to talk to all her daughters and the kids together yesterday, which is so important right now. Stay safe my lovely! x

Danae

'Baking and watching box sets.' Now I've known Danae for a while and I never knew she baked cakes, but good on her for doing it, keeping her mind occupied and doing what needs to be done, surviving lockdown life!

Michelle and Paul

'Well Paul and I have been sorting out all our cupboards and getting rid of huge amounts of paperwork.'  Two beautiful friends from Spain, who I was due to visit only last week. I know my Aunt has also been sorting out things she has been putting off, the perfect way to pass the time. Just be careful what you are throwing out my lovelies!

Steve

'Hope you're feeling better today. I've been going through all the old family photos and putting them in order. I've scanned them to my computer. There's an online company called Mixbook where you can create an album. You don't have to pay until you've finished or when you have funds. It's an enjoyable thing to do and passes the time. The Planet Mirth Adventures Two, my second children's book, will be out soon. I'll never forget the help you gave me with the first one. Stay in and stay safe,' My dear friend an author Steve, who once again was always an inspiration. It's good to see him occupied and busy. I'm sure he is also working on book number three!

Jo

'I would put money on 2 things, the divorce rate is going to be higher this year and there are going to be lots of new babies born December/January.' Good old Jo, she is right. I'm sure most people are just having some good old-fashioned fun and why not!

Johnny

'Downloading lots of things to binge-watch....but I usually do that anyway ;) Arguing with idiots on stalkbook (which I usually do as well). Gone back to being a kid......ordered some model kits off fleabay, THAAT should keep me busy for a while as I have crap eyesight and sausage fingers LOL - Stay safe brother. I'm quite lucky the way my brain works. If it's something I have no control over...then I don't even pay it a second thought. I should be worried; as I have copd, diabetes and plenty of over things wrong, I could just as easily get splattered crossing the road....so not worth stressing about ;) It's a shame I can't help in any way, as I know you can be quite a stress monster. My stress relief at the moment is channel "Now 70s" on the TV. Non-stop 70s music all day long. I can listen to this for hours at a time, and it takes me back to a happy, simpler time.' The wonderful Johnny. I went to school with this chap over 40 years ago and I know this is a really stressful time for him, even though he hates to show it. I know he will certainly do the right thing and stay safe!

Rita

'When I'm not at work a bit of baking.' Now I've tasted Rita's cakes, and they are to die for. She would be the perfect companion to be self-isolated with!

Linda

'I’ve been doing jigsaw puzzles on my iPad and going for regular walks around the garden and listening to music.' Linda is such a positive lady and always finds the good in everything. These maybe dark days, but we can let light in!

Zerina

'Laying in the garden reading a book while every one else is in doors,   it's nice just me.' For those who are well, it's the perfect time to rest and recharge, so enjoy the time Zerina, it won't be too long before you are back at work!

Pamela

'Watching films and TV, sleeping a lot, doing housework and cleaning and going shopping once a week for essentials and paying bills like  topping up electric.' Like so many others, Pam is doing what she can to carry on with normal life. Giving ourselves a sense of routine, despite the pandemic is so important right now!

People are great, aren't they? Everyone is doing what they can to overcome their own personal difficulties at this time. Of course, it is right to wish the NHS well, support our doctors and nurses, by doing the right thing and staying at home, but it is also important to recognise the challenges everyone is experiencing today.

Families up and down the country are having to adjust their lifestyles in order to stay safe  and hopefully ride out this storm. From cake baking, to reading, keeping fit to dancing, everyone is finding their way through this turmoil. With HM The Queen broadcasting to the nation tonight, I just hope we all continue to follow her example and stay calm in the face of disaster. The British people are known for their resilience; we will all embrace again one day!

Another fantastic song from my Cousin Phoebe Over, so poignant for the times we live in today and a credit to her as a writer and musician. I hope readers to Roaming Brit love it as much as I do!

I have been a blogger for nearly five years now  and spend a good proportion of my life blogging about pretty mundane stuff really. It is something I enjoy and a passion that was born out of adverse times. In April 2015 I started to document a very difficult period in my life, for no other reason, than to keep my own sanity. There is something very soothing about putting words down on a page and offloading your inner most thoughts. By the end of entry 1, I felt like a weight had been lifted from my shoulders and was looking forward to entry number two.

My own circumstances turned to illness and I spend a year writing about my struggle with depression. It was an important part of the heeling process and the beginning of a vocation that I have always continued, almost on a daily basis.

Of course much has happened in my life since 2015, there have been many ups and downs and I have always found a reason to blog. Not only do I enjoy writing, but I also want to help others. You only have to look at the different categories on the right-hand side of this post, to understand the subject matter I choose to write about. Bullying, homosexuality, Expat life, illness, family and politics, just some topics I cover. The blog has reached many people, who continue to read it when they can. I have had letters, phone calls, emails and messages from hundreds of loyal readers who just need someone to talk to, who understands their plight. The most import aspect of blogging, is the connections I have made over the years.

Coronavirus has changed the focus of my writing greatly. Today I find myself commenting on a subject that has touched all our hearts. This is an important time in history and it is the job of writers, diarists, in fact any one of us, to record events for posterity and our families for generations to come. The dreadful loss of life, brave key workers, nurses, doctors and all those who play a role in keeping us safe at this time, need to be recognised for their efforts in helping to stem the tide of disease.

Of course, I am also in self-isolation, having been told to stay at home because of the symptoms I now have. Being told you likely have the illness is a bombshell, but it is also important, for me to keep writing and carrying on with normal life. Other people may decide not to even speak about their symptoms, but without words, how will others understand the seriousness of this situation. Each one of us is vulnerable, young or old, and we need to follow Government guidelines to the letter!

It is necessary to clarify my aims and objectives as a blogger from time to time and although my focus changes, to suit the times we live in, the reasons for writing are always the same - Making others aware of the circumstances that shape all our lives. I don't hide my emotions, I wear them on Roaming Brit and until I decide otherwise, I will continue doing what I believe is right. Words from the heart are worth more than money itself!

So Proud of the NHS!

Last night I joined my Aunt from self-isolation in an upstairs room to clap for our NHS staff. This has now become a regular feature of British life, as everyone stops what they are doing at 8pm on a Thursday, to celebrate the courage of our NHS and Key workers during this Coronavirus Pandemic. Not only could you hear clapping up and down the street, but fireworks, cheering and ships in Portsmouth harbour; they all made their own unique contribution. This is an emotional time for everybody, so anything we can do to support each other is welcome. Whether you are ill, self-isolating, a key worker or a volunteer, it is heartening to know that we are all in this together.

I've run out of my usual Porridge with blueberries and Oat Bran for breakfast, so I had to improvise today. Pancakes, with melted Easter Egg chocolate and lemon and ginger honey. It may well have not been my healthiest breakfast of choice, but it certainly tasted bloody great, for the few seconds I actually tasted something!

I suppose it's a great time to eat all that hoarded food and stuff that's been left at the bottom of the freezer. When one looks at our ancestors and the trials and tribulations they had to endure, this really is nothing in comparison. As long as people continue to follow the rules, we should see the light soon enough!

Everyone who lives in Portsmouth have been wonderful, offering to go shopping, sending their love and offering support; I am very lucky to have such great friends here. Of course, it isn't until something like this happens, that you realise just how lucky you are. If each one of us does what we can to help our friends, family and neighbours then at the end of all this, the World will be a much better place. The hope is, COVID-19 may just bring us all back together again, in a way nothing has done before!

Today my symptoms have changed yet again. The chest pain I have been experiencing for a few days has steadily got worse. They are sharp or stabbing and in different areas of my upper torso. I am sure if I am honest, there are anxiety issues at play as well, but the majority of these symptoms are unusual and I haven't experienced them before.

I have also started coughing quite a lot and my voice is rather hoarse. Generally I am feeling well enough and my daily routine hasn't been too impeded by this illness.

Mentally I am feeling rather low as you would expect. Being confined to the house 24/7 is not conducive to good health and with the sun shining, I would much rather be out enjoying the spring weather. Depression is a big problem for me and with my fear levels critical, I am not feeling the best. Like everyone else, I am not enjoying this situation and am finding it harder to deal with every day. Hope is the biggest medicine we all have, and we should grasp it tightly with both hands and never let go! Stay Safe!

Last night was terrible, the worst night of my life, I didn't get a wink of sleep, and struggled to breathe; I had severe chest pain (Still do) and a raging temperature. My body was shaking uncontrollably, my head was throbbing and it felt as though everything was buzzing from top to bottom. After experiencing loss of taste and smell since 23 March, I was in no doubt what was happening, I had indeed caught Coronavirus and it was beginning to assault my body, in a way I have never experienced before. I was scared to death if I am honest and just didn't know where this was going to end. By six O clock this morning, I was exhausted, emotional and feeling worse than I ever have done before.

I phoned 111 when I could finally focus; the lines were busy as usual, but I did get through eventually. Trying to talk to the operator breathless was a bit of an arduous challenge, but she was as understanding as she could be and within the hour I was contacted by two COVID Doctors who assessed my symptoms over the phone. I was finally told I had Coronavirus officially and I should self-isolate immediately. I was obviously rather angry at not being told to isolate sooner, but I don't make up the rules, that is the job of Government!

The Doctor told me that notifications from the Government were changing daily, and he would have no hesitation telling someone to self-isolate, who had lost their sense of taste and smell today. In his words it was the most prominent feature of the virus, especially recently. He explained that the loss usually occurred at the beginning of the disease, like mine and will remain a major symptom throughout the viral process.

I was encouraged to stay firmly at home and not to venture to hospital and the NHS would get me any equipment I needed delivered to my door. To be honest, the last place I want to be is in a hospital anyway, and I am more than happy to hibernate for seven days, required by law in these uncertain times. Sadly my Aunt also has to self-isolate as well now, but for fourteen days, which will distract from her work in the NHS at a crucial time. We have however devised a system, by where we don't meet or see each other, and I am using separate cutlery, toiletries and other essential items. I am walking around with antibacterial spray at all times and making sure everything is scrubbed after use.

These are difficult days for all of us, even more so because the future remains so uncertain right now, but together as a family and a nation we can get through these dark days. With all our lives so dramatically altered, we have to make the best of a situation we have no control over. I intend to keep blogging (health permitting) and making sure I am as strong and well as I can be, when I eventually come out the other side. The virus is not going to go away, and I am certain I will see it again. For now, I hope the next seven days go quickly and without any complications, only time will tell. Until then, I would like to end by thanking everyone for their kind messages of support. Without all of you, I wouldn't be who I am today!

After suffering from an infected tooth for four days, I eventually managed to get through to a Dentist this morning on the phone. Relieved, I thought I would finally be able to get some antibiotics to help calm the infection down. Sadly that wasn't to be the case, from the Dentist at least. The Coronavirus has shut down every aspect of British life, and the NHS is only geared up for the influx of COVID-19 patients, not someone like me who has a major toothache. They advised me to contact my GP surgery and hopefully due to the crisis engulfing the country, they would be able to prescribe something to help ease the horrendous pain I am in, against normal practice.

Eventually I spoke to my Doctor, who was amazing as usual. He understood what was happening and prescribed a course of antibiotics. This isn't usual of course, only a Dentist can write a prescription for tooth infections, but because of the emergency situation in the country he agreed to do so and thank God he did. Britain's concentration on fighting COVID-19 is admirable, but should other peoples medical needs really be put at risk in the short term? How many lives will be lost because of the Governments current strategy?

I was also able to ask him about me lack of taste and smell. Once again he told me it was likely to be Coronavirus, but I should carry on as normal, since it was not one of the more usual symptoms. He told me to keep a close eye on my condition and contact if anything changes. He ended by saying it was unlikely to get any worse, since it would have done so by now and described the symptoms as asymptomatic. Personally I am not so sure and know this illness can change suddenly at any time!

The Doctor sent my script to Boots the Chemist in the city and I took a five-minute stroll, across the dual carriageway and into the centre and what a walk it was!

The roads were silent, a rather dystopian view greeted me along the way. There wasn't a soul or car in sight, people were finally listening to Government advice and staying at home during this pandemic. The usually bustling city of Portsmouth was at a standstill. Closed shops, cordoned off roads and shuttered up windows and doors were everywhere, like nothing I have ever seen before; not even on Christmas Day. There wasn't the familiar sound of traffic, children playing in the street or smells from the normally polluted air. All I could hear was birdsong in the distance and the rumble of an empty bus drive past; this was a disturbing picture of life in Britain in 2020, a year none of us will forget!

Collecting my medication was a bit of an annoyance with most entrances to the pharmacy blocked off and a queuing procedure in place, encouraging strict social distancing measures. All the staff were wearing masks and eager to quickly filter you through the shop and out the other side as fast as possible. Luckily there were very few people about, and I was glad to hurry home, away from the great outdoors.

It will take many months if not years for Britain to return to normal and our usual ways of conducting ourselves in public will likely change forever. The saddest part of this dreadful pandemic is all the faces I no longer see, waving and passing the time of day. My hope for the future is just survival during this awful time and the ability to finally rebuild our lives in a better, happier more altruistic way, caring for those who need it most and looking after the vulnerable in a way we always should have done. We are all victims today but tomorrow the sun will shine again!