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!

Two of our wonderful colleagues from Tesco, Rachel and Zoey put on a wonderful performance of popular music on Friday, as all of us did our best to raise money for our NHS. Up and down the country everyone has been doing something to support our health care workers on the frontline, dealing with the spectre of COVID-19. Clapping at 8am on a Thursday for the NHS, Colonel Tom raising over thirty million pounds for health service charities and the Health Secretary hosting daily press briefings have all become part of our daily lives; so much has changed in such a short space of time!

Most of the staff working on Friday wore brightly coloured clothes, matching perfectly with the rainbow drawings now adorning the windows at the front of the superstore. Local children have been painting pictures, making collages and colouring in rainbows, the new symbol of hope in this Coronavirus pandemic. The weather on Friday was decidedly changeable, bright sunny spells, with intermittent heavy rain, producing the odd rainbow or two; quite apt, while we collected money and rattled buckets trying to attract customers attention as they entered and left the store!

Rachel and Zoey were truly fantastic this Friday. These two girls have come to Tesco to help us during this crisis, both of whom have come from other careers, furloughed during this time. The entertainment industries loss is our gain and I for one am delighted they are with us for the duration.  We have many new employees from all walks of life, all wanting to work and all bringing something special to Tesco. I have been impressed by the way they have settled in and become part of the family.

On Friday, my spirit was lifted in a way it hasn't been for a few months now. The truth is I haven't even listened to music myself, because I just can't bring myself to 'feel happy!' For some reason I thought it is wrong to feel upbeat and positive at the moment, so I have sunk deeper and deeper into a kind of anxiety loop. When you suffer with anxiety, it is hard to break that feeling of hopelessness, especially at the moment.

I'm a person who suffers with health anxiety, living in the middle of a pandemic; in my eyes, what could be worse? It wasn't that long ago that I was at the Doctors surgery on a weekly basis for some ailment or another, so being told you can not attend is rather like having your life line cut off. With all NHS resources rightly directed towards fighting Coronavirus, other health concerns have to take a back seat.

Zoe and Rachel gave me a few hours of uplift and inspiration, showing me there is life during COVID, and we can enjoy ourselves a little, without feeling guilty. The music and their voices were an echo of the precious things we have lost currently, but they are also a reminder that we will get those things back and life will return to normal when this is all over.

Tesco once again did a terrific job raising money for good causes and I felt proud to be a part of that. Living in the COVID era, many of us have been encouraged to do things we wouldn't have contemplated in the past and it has given many a new outlook on life. For the most part I have been feeling low, uninterested and trapped, but there have been moments when I have felt fervent and motivated more than usual. If Friday has taught me anything, it is that we are all literally in this together, as we are frequently reminded, and I am luckier than most to be able to leave my home and work with some of the most incredible people I have ever met. Life is of course very hard for all of us now, but we should never forget that are people far worse off than us.

This is definitely the time to do all the things you wish you had done in the past, getting creative  and discovering life away from the hustle and bustle that we were once all a part of. Like Zoey and Rachel, I want to be able to look back at this period and feel content with the role I played, no matter how small it may be.

Stay safe everyone!

I received a packet of bandanas this morning, that I had ordered to make some facemasks to be worn in public spaces, during this awful Pandemic. It does seem that the British Government will soon ask us all to wear face coverings in public, as they try to stop the spread of this deadly Coronavirus. I have personally always been in two minds about wearing such a mask, because I have not been entirely convinced by their usefulness, but clearly we have reached a point where we will have no option, as the death figure in the UK passes twenty-six thousand. If we are to get back to any sense of normality, we have to do all we can to restart our lives, before the economy collapses.

Personally I don't agree with the public wearing medical grade masks, which should be prioritised for use within the NHS, but I do think if all of us wore some form of covering, we could begin to reduce the spread of COVID-19 drastically. Scotland along with many other nations are already advising people wear protection, so I am sure we will follow soon enough. As a result I have been looking across the internet, trying to find the best way to make a mask and used what I think is the simplest method. Of course this isn't as effective as an NHS equivalent, but it can help stop the spread of this disease dramatically, especially if we all wear one.

I will don my mask in public spaces, although haven't thought about whether to wear it during a nine-hour shift at work and because of my limited contact with the public, being behind a perspex screen, I am not sure it will help me in any case. Whilst walking through the shop or in other enclosed spaces, I will of course put one on.

In the end all of us will have to do what we feel is right at this time. I see many people sporting protective face coverings while I am at work, they are mainly young and not necessarily the people you would expect to see using them. I also see many older and disabled people out and about, who I would have never expected to and should instead be shielded at home, but not everyone has the luxury of having friends, family and neighbours to help them. As we pass the peak of this pandemic, we should all take the opportunity to sit and think about others and encourage everyone to look after themselves and their loved ones. Everyone should take precautions, follow social distancing rules, keep two meters apart and continue to practice good hygiene, so we can eventually get back to a sense or normality and enjoy the lives we once had!

I'm just coming to the end of my few days off this week, and after a difficult time last week, I am finally feeling recuperated and ready for the next few days. On Thursday and Friday, as I made my way home from work, I was spat at by a rather dishevelled gentleman, who I have never seen in the local area before. Considering everything that is going on I felt sick to my stomach, at the thought of someone elses saliva on me. Luckily enough, I was able to move my elbow up towards my face, protecting me from the worst of it.

In most cases everyone is pulling together, but there is still an element that wishes to cause stress and anxiety for everyone else, and they succeeded in my case. When I got home from work on Friday I was pretty angry and took my anger out on other people. To be honest I really don't want to be around anyone at the moment, which is good considering we are all in lockdown. It is clear that certain individuals really shouldn't be mixing with the local community in any case and I just wish someone, somewhere would do something to stop the kind of anti-social behaviour, which is a blight on this city!

The Government has been encouraging all of us to get out and enjoy some exercise each day, despite the lockdown we are currently in. This has been an incentive for me to get up and do something I wouldn't usually do. I have never really been a great exerciser, but over the last week I have been out and about for at least an hour a day, getting to know Portsmouth and enjoying some much-needed physical exertion.

On Saturday I walked to Portsmouth historic dockyard, a place I have been many times before, but somewhere I never tire of visiting. The dockyard encompasses everything that makes Portsmouth special, it is after all a Naval city first and foremost and its connection to the sea is everywhere you walk.

Like the majority of the city, the landscape was desolate and empty with barely a soul in sight. I read an article on Saturday praising just how well Portsmouth has done in adhering to the lockdown measures introduced by the Government and it is easy to see why. The roads and parks are empty and people are following the rules unlike many other large towns and cities across the country.

There was understandably an eerie feeling across Portsmouth as I walked around, a sensation I am just not used to. I remember thinking to myself, that I would wake up from this nightmare and suddenly life would be back to normal, but sadly that just wasn't to be. This really is the 'new normal' now and all of us have to get used to living this way, at least for the foreseeable future. The streets may well have been empty, no longer full of voices, but there was a strange calmness, even in the face of a deadly virus!

On Sunday I walked a slightly different route, this time heading to Southsea Common and Clarence Pier. The funfair was a special place for me as a child, where I would go with Mum and Dad or my Grandparents. It looked sad and tired, closed and shut down with hardly anyone about, but it was a reminder that this venue, like so many others, will rise again one day, as all of us get back to the way things were.

Walking down towards the coast, early on a Sunday morning I was amazed by the reaction of those I passed in the street. There were just a few joggers and runners and others taking their daily walk, but everyone was happy to say hello, raise their hand and say good morning. That hasn't happened before, usually others pass you by without a second thought. The community feeling in the country right now is truly humbling, as all of us try to cope with circumstances we have never seen before.

On Thursday we did our third non touch toast as a family, celebrating each other at this time. With everything that is going on, it is important to remember those close, even if we can't see each other at the moment.

I have to admit I am finding the social distancing difficult, having not seen my Dad or anyone from my extended family for nearly six weeks now. The loneliness has become so extreme, I have become very insular, in a way I haven't since I was a teenager and that really does worry me. Not only am I beginning to resent people, but I am purposely avoiding conversations.

Depression has also become a growing concern, as I navigate this new, untested way of living. Despite getting out as much as I can, soaking up the early summer sun, I want to get home as quickly as possible, only spending an hour outdoors. The long term effects of this lockdown will be vast and wide for all of us and I hope we all learn to live with our families, friends and neighbours once again when this is all over.

Today the weather was a little drab and overcast, so I went for a brisk hour walk around the local neighbourhood, something I haven't really done while I have been here. It was truly heart-warming to see nearly every house, celebrating the work of our National Health Service, in fighting Coronavirus. The colourful pictures of rainbows was amazing and an important sign of the times. It did at least allow me to recall happier times, spent with friends and family, before Coronavirus, before the planet turned sour.

Finally, I went for a stroll around the cemetery, which was oddly tranquil in these stressful times. Just to reinforce the COVID era, a funeral was taking place, with just four mourners and everyone wore masks. Nothing is normal any more, the difference is stark, observing the 'new normal' that now envelops all our lives!

Over the last few days, I have been concentrating on my new blog category 'Photographs of Hope.' I was contacted by a reader and asked if I could write something about the positive side of life, offering hope at a time of crisis. I thought it would be better to let the readers of 'Roaming Brit' express in words and pictures, how they are getting through these dark days and inspiring others around them. A few words and a photograph or two can tell a story of survival in an otherwise hostile World.

I have been inundated with messages and photographs and am gradually working my way through emails and including your thoughts into my blog. Your words have been an indication of your steadfast resolve and is a reminder that we are all in this together; I am delighted to read your powerful words of wisdom. I would like to encourage you all to keep on sending in your writing and will continue to publish each of your contributions over the next few weeks.

I am back at work and have completely recovered from my bout of illness. Without a test, I still don't know if I have had COVID-19 for sure, but have been told repeatedly I have. Back outside I have to act as though I haven't had it (strange I know) and continue to practice social distancing and washing my hands, protecting friends, family and colleagues and anyone I may come into contact with on a daily basis. I want to say as a matter of urgency, that people in my position should be tested, so we are aware of our status and can act accordingly. Without suitable testing available it is unlikely the Government will get on top of the virus anytime soon and in order to get individuals and their families back to work, they need to up their game.

My Aunt will be out of quarantine tomorrow and will be able to go back to work in the NHS finally. This has been a difficult journey for her, since she isn't someone who enjoys sitting around, doing nothing for any length of time.

She has cleaned, sorted out, moved around and caught up on some much-needed sleep, but this hasn't been a particularly enjoyable time for her and I feel her pain. When I have a day off, like today, I also remain at home and do not leave the house, which can be frustrating, although I am fully aware of how important it is. How my Aunt has managed two weeks is beyond me, but thank God she is fit and well!

Despite being locked in a house on my days off, I am still active most of the time, walking to and from work and on my feet most of the day. I was watching television this morning whilst ironing my shirts for work and was interested in a discussion about staying healthy during this Coronavirus outbreak.

Apparently the immune system is key here and the Doctor on TV encouraged all of us to take a vitamin D supplement, especially vitamin D3. Vitamin D comes from the sun, so it is especially important that we take a supplement at this time of year. Luckily I have been taking such a pill over the last six months. I also take vitamin B complex and a large amount of vitamin C. Of course no one can say you won't get COVID-19 if you take these vitamins, but they will help to build up your immunity. Interestingly the Doctor also encouraged us all to take a probiotic, since the bodies immune response is mainly concentrated in the abdomen and stomach. I was unaware of this fact myself, but have been taking a high dose probiotic pill, since being diagnosed with IBS. I will of course continue to take these extra additions to my diet and hope I remain well as a result.

Certainly I seem to be eating far better now as well, eating three balanced meals a day. I suppose I have had more time to cook and prepare food and am able to sit down at a table with my Aunt and enjoy a proper lunch and supper. My problem has always been eating too much, and I am carrying extra weight around with me, but that has always been the case. I closely monitor my weight and blood pressure every day and so far it is more than good, I just hope it stays that way!

I am also lucky to have Duchess around, keeping me sane. I have always had cats in my life, they are a great heeler in every respect, but in times of crisis, they really do have the knack of helping to get us through. Apart from anything else they do help to focus our minds elsewhere, offering comfort at stressful times.

Whatever you do to help deal with lockdown, stay safe and look after yourselves and your families. In time this wretched virus will die a death, but until then, we just have to do what we can to help one another get over the bad times and finally come out the other side!

The dreams I had in the past were truly amazing, thought-provoking  and colourfully unusual. Flying above trees and fields, blue sheep and rivers of red. Sat in a chair, pulling my teeth out with a pair of pliers. Travelling to far away places, to the stars and the moon and talking with friends and relatives, long since passed. These dreams were in complete contrast to the life I lead, allowing my mind to escape the rigours of every day drudgery, while gently (for the most part) slipping in and out of sleep, during normal times.

Of course, we no longer live in normal times. All our lives have changed beyond anything we could have ever imagined. Each day has become a deeply moving experience as we count the number of people dying from Coronavirus and adjust our lives accordingly.

My dreams have also changed; for the second night in a row I have dreamt of the uncustomary, unconventional and unorthodox, the way life used to be. Yesterday I dreamed of drinking tea with my Father, while my Cousins played happily in the garden outside and neighbours chatted noisily in the street outside. Last night I partied with family and friends, enjoying a Birthday, as I have done many times before.

Today the new normal encroaches on every part of our life. We are reminded of the changed and different World we now frequent and sit quietly alone, longing for a time when convention prevails. It is therefore only fitting that my dreams diverge in a different direction, telling a tale of better days, when all of us can finally shake off the shackles of lockdown and live once again!