To be honest, I've not had the best of weeks; these past seven days, the weather has been particularly awful and I've just felt like hibernating. I am an Anglophile through and through and love most things British, but the winter just gets me down. The cold and damp has always played havoc with my joints and I really have been experiencing a lot of rheumatic pain, something I avoided when living in Spain. If there was ever a reason to return to Iberia, this is the main one; if it wasn't for the pandemic, I would be on a plane right now, heading for the sun.

I have been trying to catch up on some reading, a pleasure I just haven't had time for until recently. With a busy life, I just don't seem to be able to sit down and escape into a good book; lockdown II has changed all that. About three months ago I started to read 'Too Much and Never Enough' by Mary Trump. This book is written by Donald Trump's Niece and exposes the President for the narcissistic person he really is; it is an insight into the 'real' man who reached the highest office in The United States. This was the book that really began to open my eyes up, to what Donald Trump is really all about and it is a fascinating read.

In the middle of the week we finally discovered who won the United States election; it was a relief to discover that Joe Biden would be the next President and the World would finally see the back of Donald Trump. The last four years have been traumatic, a disaster for the World; one man has single-handedly destroyed the reputation of a country and personally overseen the deaths of a quarter of a million Americans, in the midst of the biggest crisis to envelope the World in a hundred years.

Both Darrell and I have witnessed the like of Donald Trump before. Working for Oxfam taught us a great many lessons, about the terrible nature of sociopathic and narcissistic personalities. Both of us suffered for years at the hands of people, who only thought about themselves and couldn't care less whether we lived or died. I have written a lot about this subject and even gave evidence to the Oxfam inquiry, against people who had no place in normal society. I had my day, I was finally given a voice and I learnt to never  trust anyone again.

The Trump Presidency has highlighted some truly terrible injustices and has given rise to bigotry, discrimination and legitimised racism and intolerance. I have felt a deep sense of sadness and upset at what civilisation has become; the rise of nationalistic hate and the lies' perpetuated by a man who was unfit to govern. Today I am living in a World I don't recognise and a period in time that has shamed us all. Those who have turned a blind eye to what has transpired, are responsible for the hate, acrimony and contempt, directed towards anyone who is different, to what others perceive as normal. This has not been a great time to be alive; I have wished to return to the old normal so many times; I miss my previous life, my husband and the dreams I had.

The election of a new President should begin  a process of healing, not only for Americans, but for the rest of the World. It is true to say that the Trump era has caused me no end of stress, just because of who he is and what he stands for. I have always been an anxious person, but turning on a television set and watching a man, so animated with rage and anger, provoking the rest of us into reacting negatively, has been a tremendously debilitating and exhausting time; it has caused great damage to the psyche of any balanced, rational and sensible, level-headed person. Like most of us, I need a rest from all this disarray and time to recover from this lamentable chapter in history.

I would like to congratulate the new President of the United States and wish him well in his new brief. Bringing America, indeed the rest of the planet back together again, after four years of hell isn't going to be easy. He has a Herculean task ahead of him, helping to pick up the pieces of a broken planet. The end of Presidents Trump's Presidency should be the beginning of hope and renewal; empowering a nation, where everyone feels included should be the first steps, at the start of a COVID free World. I am confident, that in time, all of us will conquer our demons, regain the empathy we lost and finally lay the 45th President of the United States to rest!

Yesterday all of us working at The Newcome Arms said farewell to our customers, as we closed the doors for the last time before Britain once again locked down. I have now been furloughed along with many others, until the Government tell us we can open again. Despite being sad at not being able to see regular customers and colleagues, I am grateful to be away from the impending second wave that is now gripping the country. With five hundred people dying yesterday alone, I am well aware of the dangers of this virus. It seems we could be in for a worse ride than we had before. I will of course still be working else where, but selling beer behind a bar is now an illegal activity, in this strange new World all of us now inhabit.

Saying goodbye to everyone yesterday was a difficult affair, just as it was the first time we closed. Not knowing how others are doing during this particularly challenging time, is going to be hard. It was a testing night overall and not an evening I want to repeat, but I am at least one of the lucky ones; I still have a job and I'm getting paid. If all goes to plan, we will be open again in four weeks, somehow, I don't think that will happen and the lockdown will probably last longer than expected. Until all of us meet again, we just have to make the best of a bad situation; this will not last forever.

I had to go into town this morning to do some banking and again, just like eight months ago, the place was deserted. The streets were clear, hardly anyone was about and shops and businesses were closed. Portsmouth looked like a ghost town and I felt like I had entered a different World. The city centre is usually busy, bustling and full of voices, teeming with life, especially at this time of year. Not knowing when this current lockdown will end is disconcerting, it is a rather disturbing scene to witness, a scene not dissimilar to movies I have watched in the past, documenting the end of the World.

Of course, I will still have contact with others, especially at work, but I am concerned about those who live alone. Particularly vulnerable, are people who were shielding during the first wave of the pandemic and are no longer required to do so. Many of them are choosing to stay at home anyway, for their safety; a difficult decision, but a welcome one. Isolation and despair are common symptoms at this uncertain time and that is troublesome for the more exposed in society. Walking around the quiet streets today, I also felt very much alone with my thoughts, able to contemplate the future and think about my own anxieties. This is going to be another solitary time for me and I will do my best to embrace it, as I did at the beginning of the year.

I hope to once again spend time walking across the city, but with Christmas coming work will of course take priority. The weather is cold and uninviting, not ideal for exploring this great naval city, but it is something I have to do, if only to stay fit, healthy and sane at this time. Being able to clear one's head, shake away the cobwebs and breathe in the sea air is a must. I am however mindful of my aches and pains and have to take care I am not over doing it. Unlike last time I will not be walking seven miles a day; when one is on one's feet all day at work, a little rest is probably more beneficial than a long distance walk in the rain.

Speaking to Darrell today I was conscious of the huge differences in the direction we are both following in our respective countries. Sat with his Mother, friend Beth, drinking a pot of tea outside Woolworth's in Perth, they were all enjoying a normal life. No masks, no social distancing, no hand sanitizing; all of us are living in significantly different Worlds. The contrast is stark and clear for all to see. How could two countries, both islands, do things so differently? One successful, in more or less eliminating the virus, the other, still suffering through inaction, dither, ignorance and a failure to understand the pandemic that is ripping across the World. I am astounded that Boris Johnson and his Government are not being held more accountable for such monumental failures of judgement and hope in time that will change. It is shocking just how many mistakes have been made.

The next few weeks and months are going to be difficult, as we all try and survive this winter lockdown. The pressures on the health service and the rest of us will undoubtedly take its toll, but it is up to each of us to stay safe and look out for one another. All of us hope this closure will only last until 2 December, but that of course depends on how we all act. In Australia, everyone understood the importance of social distancing, mask wearing and hygiene, here, people seem to be ignoring basic logic when carrying out their daily tasks. Whether they are belligerent with fatigue or confused by the Government's mixed messages up to now, nobody really knows, but their actions will cost lives. Now is the time to act responsibly and follow the rules and hopefully we can all enjoy the family Christmas we planned, looking forward to a pragmatic and hopefully productive new year!

On Saturday the Prime Minister announced a second lockdown to begin from Thursday. I was working at The Newcome at the time, as all of us waited with bated breath for the details of exactly what was going to happen. From Wednesday evening, along with many millions of us, I will be furloughed once again, as the pub I work for closes its doors for a second time. Each of us who work there, were prepared for this day, but it doesn't make it any easier to cope with. The mental health of workers, up and down the nation is beginning to suffer, as each of us battle our way through this turmoil. We have to learn to look towards a positive future, rather than constantly looking back at a time, all of us will need to forget, in order to move on.

I had a brief telephone call with Darrell this morning, just to make sure everything was OK in Australia. There is so much death and pain in the UK at the moment, that it does make a pleasant change to hear good news, from the other side of the World.

Australia, like New Zealand, has handled this pandemic well, far better than us. Darrell told me that Western Australia is beginning to open up to the rest of the country, in a way it hasn't up to now. Western Australia's isolationist stance has sheltered it from the worst of COVID and as a result life has carried on as normal. Naturally Darrell is concerned about what is happening here, and like everyone else, shocked at the mess Britain is in. Both of us are still working towards seeing each other next year, but we are not holding our breath; this is a virus that keeps on giving and who knows where we will be in a twelve months time.

Looking back to the first lockdown, 8 months ago, it was a particularly difficult time for me. Like most people my anxiety levels were high and the fear I experienced on a daily basis was palpable. I withdrew from life in a way I have never done before, attending only my core hours at work and for the first time ever, undertaking an exercise regime, walking from one side of Portsmouth to the other. Physically I felt fit but emotionally and mentally I was drained and dreadfully unhappy. Lockdown life had taken its toll and the repercussions have been difficult to shake.

Only recently I was able to resume normal activities, interacting with friends and family and working overtime when I am able. My anxiety had all but disappeared, and I was happy with my life, despite the pandemic simmering under the surface. Surrounded by good people, mates and work colleagues, I was able to overcome my trepidation surrounding the virus and get back to a sense of normality, that only existed before COVID drove headlong into all our lives. Of course nothing is forever and for the last month I have been preparing for this very day once again; deaths are rising at an alarming rate and all of us are now faced with the prospect of living through yet more hard times, away from loved ones, isolated at home.

It is ironic that just as I have become used to the 'new normal,' we are returning to the Draconian measures employed during the first wave; I have once again begun to feel anxious about the weeks and months ahead. The World I had created recently, involving a few close friends, colleagues and family, has suddenly become out of reach again and lockdown part two is about to take centre stage. As the NHS battles to save lives, Zoom calls will become the norm, a telephone call becomes the only interaction we are likely to have and separation, segregation and quarantine is necessary to stem the tide of the virus.

The mixed messages, confusion and incompetence, our Government has exemplified over the course of this pandemic, have highlighted the failings that have brought us to where we are today. Boris and his bunch of nobodies, has brought this country to its knees and as much as I will follow the rules, I am becoming increasingly weary of the flip-flopping inconsistency and lack of clarity shown by this shoddy Government. They accept the scientific advice when it suits them and disregard it when it promotes their agenda. I am exasperated by the appalling lack of judgement and failure to learn from the mistakes of the past. If we want to understand the course of the virus, we only have to look to Europe and the rest of the World for answers. We have been blinkered as a nation and refused to accept restrictions of liberty in order to save lives; that is a terrible indictment on all of us.

If we are going to survive the next few months, we need to do what's right for us now. We need to follow our own set of rules to remain safe and stop trying to make sense of the Governments guidelines. Confused about what we can and can't do, I have stopped trying to understand the regulations. I just can't worry and stress any more, about circumstances that are being ignored and exploited by others. I know the right thing to do - washing my hands, socially distancing and wearing a facemask and as long as I continue doing that, I feel content with my response.

As the curtain falls on the new normal once again, I am looking forwards to a little bit of 'me time.' I will embrace a return to diminution, curtail my activities and sink back into hibernation. I am well-used to spending time unaccompanied and thankfully enjoy my own company, so for me this isn't a difficult process in the short term. For others, a return to lockdown will be hard and I will do all I can to reach out to them; people are social animals, we all need someone. As I continue on my journey away from those I love, I will always have an open heart for anyone who needs a hug, even if it is given virtually. Good luck to all of you once again, I'm at the end of a phone if you ever need to talk, we will all get through this together I'm sure and see one another on the other side!

Coronavirus knows no bounds and its latest victim is no less a person than Donald Trump, The President of the United States. When I woke up this morning, the World was just beginning to digest the terrifying news, that the leader of the free World had caught COVID-19. This was dreadful news for America, coming just four weeks before the Presidential election; Mr Trump will now have to self-isolate for fourteen days. Of course nobody can be sure just how this will pan out, but if he recuperates well, he should be back on the campaign trail in a fortnight. Despite my dislike of his policies, I wish him and the First Lady, who also tested positive, well.

It is ironic that a man who constantly criticised his opponent Joe Biden for wearing a mask, is now suffering due to his lack of precautionary measures. This is a man who only recently started wearing a face covering himself and it is likely he has infected others in his Whitehouse team. I find his handling of the pandemic appalling and his reluctance to wear a mask shocking, considering the huge loss of life in the United States. The next week will determine just how bad things will get for the President, he is after all in a high risk category; at 74 years of age he is clinically obese; nevertheless despite this, statistically he is likely to pull through. There is of course lessons to be learned for all of us and the hope is people will finally wake up to the enormity of the threat at hand.

All of us should follow Government guidelines and wear coverings in public spaces. Remaining at a safe social distance is also necessary to stop the spread of COVID and not mixing with other households is a must. I am not visiting anyone now, and I am keeping clear of everyone who I don't personally know. The only real contact I have with people are those I work with and close family, even then I am mindful of the situation we all find ourselves in and keep a safe distance.

I was able to at least see family this week and spent a few hours walking through the cemetery feeding the squirrels with my Aunt, Cousin Rachel and the kids. All of us met outside in order to limit as much contact as we can. As the Coronavirus total continues to rise, I am once again  becoming rather anxious about the difficulties we are now all facing; I want to do as much as I can to protect those around me. I haven't seen my Cousins for quite a while, so it was wonderful to just relax in their company for a short while.

On the theme of 'doing the right thing,' I have continued to get to grips with my health issues, that have become more visible recently. Yesterday I had a physiotherapy session, where I was referred for more blood tests, this time for Rheumatoid Arthritis and Ankylosing Spondylitis. The consultant believes I have symptoms consistent with both conditions and wants to rule them in or out before we carry on with the sessions. These are not diseases I know anything about and for the first time I haven't googled their symptoms. It is important to find out exactly what is happening with my general well-being now, as I approach my 50th year, and I am glad the Doctors are doing what they can to ensure I understand the nature of the pain I am now experiencing.

Darrell and I are keeping very much to our 'family toast' tradition each week and yesterday we had our usual photo together, taken on different sides of the World. 'Doing the right thing' and keeping our relationship alive under the most difficult circumstances is important, even today. In fact, we have spoken every day this week, which has helped our situation feel more normal.

At our age we are lucky to still have each other and understand the importance of our relationship, now more than ever. This pandemic has indeed been a terrible juncture in all our lives, but for Darrell and I, it has cemented our partnership firmly together. We have overcome so many obstacles during our 25 years together that we aren't going to let a virus get in the way of our happiness. When all this is over, we can at least add COVID-19 to our list of boundaries crossed and struggles conquered. As long as we continue 'doing the right thing' both of us will come together stronger than ever... Just like all of you, but until then we will continue to fight, learning from our mistakes, remembering the good times and always, always looking forwards!

Today, the Governments new 'rule of six' has been introduced across the nation. No more than six people are allowed to meet together, as the number of UK Coronavirus cases rise to more than three thousand a day. It is clear we are heading towards a second COVID wave and the coming weeks will determine the course of this deadly virus. Whether the public take notice of this new directive, only time will tell, but I don't have high hopes. Walking around the streets of Portsmouth over the last few days, just before 'the rule of six' came into force, I was shocked by the number of people in the streets, partying, as if nothing was going on!

Like most people, I am confused by everything that has been implemented thus far. I have no idea if we should still be following the 'bubble' strategy that was introduced months ago, allowing households to socialise with other single people, or if we can still meet in groups outside in an open space, following social distancing rules. The truth is, I no longer understand what is going on. I am so bewildered by this whole fiasco, that I am no longer following any of the laws introduced by this Government and that's not for want of trying. It's not that I set out to break the rules, but rather, I find it impossible to decipher them sufficiently.

At the height of the Coronavirus pandemic, the Government reported information daily. All of us were able to listen to Ministers explain the situation and tried to follow what we were being told to do. Despite my misgivings, I did my best to conform to the new normal and applied the edicts to my life as well as I could. Don't get me wrong I still felt muddled at the chaotic advice, but at least I was given enough information to make an informed decision about what I should do.

Today there are no scheduled daily briefings and the information we have is confusing and lacking detail. There are so many rules and regulations at play now, that I have lost the will to live. If I am disoriented, then God knows how the rest of you feel. I have always taken and interest in politics and current affairs and watch the news several times a day, so for someone, who shows no interest in international events, there must be even more exasperation. I find myself shrugging and throwing my hands in the air, irritated and aggravated, more often now than ever, and I am not the only one.

Whoever I talk to, I am struck by the lack of understanding on the pandemic guidelines, designed to make us all safe. I was given different answers and interpretations of processes that should have been easy to understand. How can this Government expect us to toe the line, when Ministers interviewed on television don't understand the implications themselves. This is a Government that picks and choses their own directives to follow, yet expects us to do as we are told,  without question. If I understood just what was expected of me, then I would have no issue, but I don't and am sick of the empty platitudes, patronising campaigns and lack of clarity. This is a Government that has failed and doesn't deserve our support; I feel ashamed to call myself British!

I will continue doing what I always do; I will limit contact with friends and family, as I have always done, wear a mask in public places and keep two meters away from others. I do not comprehend the concept of 'bubbles' or 'the rule of six' so have dismissed their relevance in my life. All I do is work, eat and sleep, I don't socialise or have close apposition with anyone and that will remain. My life has become dull and boring, without laughter and joy and that makes me sad, but without my husband home with me, that will always be the case; I am really just going through the motions, staying safe and waiting for the end of this terrible time in my life. My advice to all of you, is do what you think is best. You all understand the risks and the need to wash hands and socially distance, you don't need an inept Government telling you accordingly. When all this is over, look back at your response and feel proud of your efforts, unlike Boris and his motley crew of bandits who lost the plot months ago!

Yesterday HM The Queen celebrated her Official 94th Birthday at Windsor Castle. Usually the occasion would be marked with the traditional Trooping The Colour ceremony, at Horse Guards Parade in London. However, we are in extraordinary times and The Queen like others of her age continues to shield at her Windsor home.

The Queens chapter of isolation during a pandemic that has taken nearly 42,000 lives so far, has been the longest period we haven't seen our Monarch. So it was wonderful to see her yesterday, enjoying what has been dubbed 'a mini Trooping the Colour,' surrounded by some of her twenty plus staff, that have been isolating with her, ensuring her and Prince Phillip are kept safe and well. She cut a lonely figure sat in a chair, watching guardsman give their tribute to her on this official occasion, but the messaged it conveyed to the rest of the United Kingdom, was important - The Queen signalled the beginning of the end of lockdown.

This was the first state  event we have witnessed since Britain went into lockdown and it was a reminder of the strange period we are living through. The pomp and ceremony was uniquely British and all of those who watched the days proceedings, were left in awe at the deeply personal tribute to our Queen, at such a difficult time for the Country.

It is likely that Her Majesty will remain shielded for a long time yet, as other members of the Royal Family step up and begin to restart their roles, in the face of this terrible virus. The Princess Royal is the first member of the family to begin her royal duties this week and Prince Charles and The Duchess of Cornwall are returning to London at the end of the week, to greet President Macron of France, as everyone gently comes out of this period of isolation and picks up the pieces of their life, interrupted at the end of March.

All member of the Royal household have been pro active during the last three months, using technology to keep in contact with the nation. Prince William and The Duchess of Cambridge have often been seen skyping the charities they support, Prince Charles and others have been observed opening 'Nightingale Hospitals' via video link and even The Queen herself has taken part in 'Zoom' calls to Carers and health workers. This may well have been an interval of great foreboding, but all of us have been buoyed and reassured by the presence of our Head of State and the family who act on her behalf.

A very Happy Birthday Your Majesty, thank you for being the constant in all our lives!

Some great weather again yesterday, perfect for a few hours walking, visiting yet more places I haven't seen before and others I have only visited briefly. Many of the crowds I had witnessed over the weekend were gone, as children went back to school, so reassuringly, there were very few people around first thing in the morning when I went out for a stroll. I felt a lot more relaxed than I have done for a while and for once, didn't have to dodge people walking up and down the promenade.

It was good to see the Hovercraft and Isle of Wight Ferry still running, even during this pandemic. Sadly however It is likely I won't be able to use this service myself to get away for the day, since it is mostly reserved for essential staff and there would be nowhere to stay or visit when I am on the island. With two weeks off, after just three days I am climbing the walls already. I am of course walking as much as I can, but being able to do a few more things would be a bonus.

I have visited most areas of Portsmouth now, so may venture elsewhere over the next ten days and do a bit of walking, if I am able. Looking at various travel websites, I can use public transport at my own risk, but with this being a 'lifeline' service only, working on a reduced timetable, I am mindful of the restrictions in place. Something to think about, while I consider what to do, if anything at all!

Discussing the pandemic, looking at this graph above, Britain still has more deaths than the whole of the rest of Europe put together. That is shocking to me, especially from a Government who constantly keeps on saying how well they have done during this pandemic. They haven't done well, we have the second highest death toll in the World and I really am getting sick and tired of the lies they keep spouting during their daily press conferences. Sometimes I think those in charge believe we are stupid. You really don't have to be that intelligent to see through the selective figures that are published each day.

Why would any other country want British tourists holidaying within their borders, when we don't have this virus under control? I am literally finding the propaganda issued by the Government rather tiresome and a complete insult to those of us who have been following guidelines, to protect others for the last two months. The failure of Boris Johnson to stem the tide of Coronavirus, because of his unwillingness to do the right thing, is etched on the lives lost and all of us should be up in arms about these terrible figures.

In Parliament today, during Prime Ministers Questions,  the new Labour Leader Sir Keir Starmer, began the process of scrutinizing the PM and his ministers for their handling of this crisis, and about time to. Anyone can see just how bad things are and with Mr Johnson's failure to sack his discredited advisor Dominic Cummings, for flouting the lockdown laws, their inept, incompetent handling of this pandemic is exposed for all to see!

I was a supporter of the Conservative Party, especially over Brexit but today I no longer consider them competent and trustworthy and have withdrawn my support. I am disappointed at the lack of action and risks taken with peoples lives as circumstances overwhelmed this inexperienced, self-serving bunch of hypocrites. The best all of us can hope for, is we don't have a second larger spike in deaths and opening up the country too soon, doesn't risk the lives of even more vulnerable people!

Walking does give me the time to think and with the pandemic at the forefront of my mind, politics is always top of my list of things to write about. Luckily I can offload my thoughts and feelings on here. The one positive aspect of my life, that has got me through these last few months is blogging. Documenting this difficult period is important for me, and as restrictions are gradually eased, I hope I will once again begin to write about the more positive and pragmatic aspects of life!

Stay Safe Y'all!

It was a stunning day today, the hottest of the long Bank Holiday weekend and since I enjoyed a day off from walking yesterday, I decided to go for a long walk along the coast today. In total, I walked approximately nine miles, probably the longest I have ever walked in my life, but I thoroughly enjoyed myself. I enjoy walking more now than ever and I genuinely feel energized and accomplished by the end of my experience. Of course walking is great for physical health, but it is doing wonders for me sense of well-being and mental health also.

I started my daily constitutional at about 8.30am this morning, so I avoided most of the people that were expected to travel to the coast; for that I am thankful! There were still many people walking along the esplanade today and not many of them were social distancing if I am honest. I was frequently nudged by a jogger and had to jump out of the way of an inconsiderate walker and that scares me. I even walk on my own, for fear of being too close to someone else and I do wish others would follow my example. On pavements, I will always walk in the road if I have to, to avoid others, who are quite literally walking arm in arm, taking up the whole width of the path, without a care for any other pedestrian. People really do need to start being more respectful to others needs, especially now, during this crisis!

Safely at home, I have just finished watching Dominic Cummings give a statement on his trip to the other side of the country, whilst his wife was suffering from COVID symptoms, during this pandemic. I have never seen someone squirm so much. Watching this man try to justify his actions was embarrassing and like nothing I had seen on television before. These are unprecedented times indeed and watching an unelected Government advisor, give a statement in the garden of 10 Downing Street was just unbelievable. In the end it is up to the public to decide if his explanation holds water; my view, unsurprisingly, is that it doesn't, and he should resign; just don't hold your breath!

Stay safe everyone!

Yesterday the Prime Minister gave another address to the nation, when he announced the beginning of the easing of the lockdown here in the UK. With infection rates still high  and more than six hundred people dying each day from COVID-19, I am horrified by the message this is sending to the general public.

People will now be able to take unlimited exercise each day, even driving to their destination of choice, as long as you stay within English boarders. They will be able to spend time relaxing, sunbathing and enjoying the summer weather. Many people are also being encouraged to return to work, but not to use public transport, all the while children have not been told to return to school. The wearing of masks is being encouraged, although not being made compulsory and walking and bike riding is being actively promoted. The message coming out of Downing Street is often difficult to understand, contradictory and at odds with advice given by the First Ministers of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The original mantra of 'Stay Home' has been replaced with 'Stay Alert,' making the message even more ambiguous than ever and I find the Government's response woefully inadequate!

I have a rather long list of concerns, which I will express fully in another blog, but I wanted to say how anxious I am for the safety of myself and other key workers, now Britain is being opened up for business, far too soon in my opinion. I have worked throughout this crisis, despite having certain vulnerabilities that make me more at risk from Coronavirus. Although I wasn't told to self-isolate, I have been mindful of following Public Health England advice to the letter. I have social distanced, sanitized my hands and avoided contact with my family. After suffering what could have been COVID symptoms. I am well aware of just how bad this disease can be. With Millions of people preparing to come back out, it is people like me who will suffer most; this is not a time I am looking forward to.

Once again I have been doing my daily exercises, following different routes around Portsmouth. I am walking between 5 and seven miles a day and feeling better for it. The weather over the last few days has been by and large OK and it has once again been good to get out and walk, losing a few pounds and getting my blood pressure under control. In 2015 when I was prescribed Enalapril to regulate my BP, it stood at 148/90, today it has fallen to 99/72, a massive drop. I have of course given up cigarettes, alcohol and some of the more processed foods and cheese I used to like, and I am living a relatively healthy life. However, there is a but. I have begun to notice I have a lot of pain in my left leg. It is stiff, painful and at times difficult to move, which is a worry. If the Doctors surgery was operating as normal, I would most certainly make an appointment, but I will be able to speak to my GP on Thursday, who also wants to discuss my trip to A&E last week!

So another week of work and sightseeing, back to Tesco tomorrow. As lockdowns go, this one is as good as it can be and when I can see my family again, life will be perfect, until then I shall most certainly be staying at home!

On Friday all the staff at Tesco celebrated the 75th anniversary of VE Day. All major national events had been cancelled due to Coronavirus, so our two resident performers, who are usually on stage at the Kings Theatre, Zoey and Rachel, put on another great show for all our customers and staff to enjoy.

Such an important anniversary would normally be celebrated up and down the country with street parties, and large events attended by dignitaries, but with COVID-19 wreaking havoc across the World and gatherings of more than two people banned, it became a rather personal affair, with neighbourhoods trying their best to mark this important date. Social distancing street parties, singing 'We'll Meet Again' on doorsteps and flying the Union flag as a sign of respect, became the 'new normal' way to remember the sacrifices my Grandparents generation made in World War II, ensuring we all enjoy the freedoms we have today.

A few friends from the Newcome Public House where I work during ordinary times, were also out celebrating as best they could, doing their best to stay socially distanced from each other and enjoying the beautiful weather. There were many such functions across Britain yesterday and the festivities did feel very different to previous national occasions.

Seeing these six sat in the street brought home, just what COVID is doing to communities. In usual circumstances, all of us would be toasting our armed services in the pub, instead we are all separated and isolated from the ones we care about most. I preferred not to join them sadly. I am a key worker and would not want to potentially spread any virus onto anyone else. The right thing to do was to say hello and move swiftly on!

Zoey and Rachel gave another truly uplifting performance. Customers were left happy, thoughtful and in many cases singing along with the sounds of the forties, making the day an event to remember for all of us who took part, in our own small way. Just as music, stage and comedy gave the war time generation a much-needed morale boost, during testing times, so these two young ladies have lifted all our spirits at Tesco.

Once again I had a memorable day, just before my Birthday, one I won't forget in a hurry. I am proud to work for such a forward thinking organisation, surrounded by the best colleagues I have ever worked with. This is indeed a time to reflect, think and remember what came before the virus but it is also an era to celebrate family, friendships and the people who put a smile on your face every day.

Stay safe everyone!