What are you all up to

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  • marchie1053
    marchie1053 Forum Participant Posts: 584
    edited March 2020 #33302

    Have a look at the Guardian Live Blog and at the pictures of people queuing outside Tesco at 0545 today. Social distance observance is hard to judge with the depth of field, but people look to be closer than 'at least 1 metre' [Royal Mail says their staff should stay 2 metres apart].

    Yesterday at our local Asda, people were taking produce from the 'Click & Collect' Customer Order boxes and the staff member trying to protect her 'Click & Collect' Trolley told us that customers were buying the permitted 3 packs of toilet rolls, taking them to the car and then returning to the store to make a 2nd or even 3rd purchase. That is not the fault of the store, it is customer selfishness.

    Perhaps time to stamp customers' hands with the old 'Disco Entry' Inked stamp [does that date me?] sealed

    Steve

  • Rocky 2 buckets
    Rocky 2 buckets Forum Participant Posts: 7,101 Participant
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    edited March 2020 #33303

    We as a species have a minority who act in a sub human way at times Mills☹️. They are taking food from babies to ensure they get a tea/coffee, that is beyond sick it really is. 

  • DavidKlyne
    DavidKlyne Club Member Posts: 14,381
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    edited March 2020 #33304

    I suspect its not as simple as that. Nearly three weeks ago when we were still going to Waitrose in person we noticed and increase in footfall. As regular Thursday shoppers you get to see the same people shopping every week but we noticed there were a lot of new customers. Not sure I saw any evidence of people just throwing things in trolleys but it was certainly busier. In recent years the trend in shopping has been little and often as probably our parents did in a different age. However this sort of emergency concentrates the mind so even people who are not bulk buying are more than likely thinking two weeks ahead rather than one. It is very difficult to persuade people not to look out for themselves. I suspect the situation will gradually improve as all those new freezer buyers realise they have no more capacity! Obviously many people are pretty scared about the current situation and if they have to self isolate for a week or maybe two it would seem logical to increase the volume of food you have at hand. All retailing is geared up to just in time stock replenishment so even a modest upturn in demand can have a major impact of the supply chain. Hopefully it will even out before the need for rationing. My own view is that rationing would only be introduced if there were actual food shortages rather than just delays in the supply chain. But who knows?

    David

  • Goldie146
    Goldie146 Club Member Posts: 2,553
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    edited March 2020 #33305

    Our 2 day "holiday" down the fields will be next weekend. Tonight we are dressing up and I'm cooking a poshish supper (duck).

    This morning OH has a trip out - to a wind blown isolated Lake District farm, to return some tups we borrowed. They've done their job and are going home.

    I'm staying home, partly because I've developed a tendancey  to be car sick! Must be my age.

    Just to cheer you up - or if you're like me, reduce you to tears - click the link.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wVYPVvS-mI4&feature=youtu.be

  • ABM
    ABM Forum Participant Posts: 14,578 Participant
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    edited March 2020 #33306

    Whooopeee !!

    Qiuite  Chirpy fellow this morning 'cos my friends have made it home from their apartment in Fuengirola   laughingwinksmile !!

    Altho they said there was no sign of any Virus control at Manchester Ringway --  they were just moved from the 'plane and allowed to intermingle as usual.   BUT at least they are home  Whooopeee !!

  • KjellNN
    KjellNN Club Member Posts: 8,856
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    edited March 2020 #33307

    Yes Millie, we were astounded!  We have not asked whether he actually did go to see them.

    DD said she and her OH had discussed the plan for us all to stay apart for at least 14 days to start with and that the 2 of them were in agreement on that.  

    OH just asked her yesterday if SIL had informed his parents of the plan, due to start last night, and for assurance that they would comply, to which she answered that she presumed so as they were his parents so his job to tell them!

    The reason she asked was that SIL's father and BIL, whose wife is imminently expecting a baby, were on holiday in Japan when the first cases there were reported,  so on their return were supposed to be staying away from close contact with the rest of the family for 14 days.  We heard afterwards that this agreement lasted all of 1 day, they really are not taking this seriously at all.   frown

    We are also keeping in touch with the family on line, we had a "chat" with Callum this morning, in between him switching the computer off and on!

    They have just heard that his nursery is now closed as far as normal use goes, but has been designated as one to take children of key workers, so, having voluntarily withdrawn Callum, they will not now have to keep paying the fees to keep his place.  A little bit of good news for them amongst the gloom, and will mean DD can take some unpaid leave to look after Callum if necessary.

    Off to my garage now to work on our son's 50th birthday present, means I can put off that tidying!!

    OH is going to compile a list of things that need to be done around the house too, so I will not be bored!

  • Wherenext
    Wherenext Club Member Posts: 11,224
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    edited March 2020 #33308

    I did read a report this week that one woman tried to buy 80, yes 80, tins of tomatoes at an Aldi store. The checkout operative called the manager and he took 76 of them off her and returned them to the shelves whereby she vented her spleen at the staff. As far as I'm concerned she should be barred from the store full stop. Thrown out. I'm also pretty sure that the shoppers would agree.

    It's as well to remember though the acts of kindness and altruism that does pervade the scene from time to time. Our local scout group and cadets have been seen pushing envelopes through he doors of the OAP housing, presumably offering their help.

     

  • Tammygirl
    Tammygirl Club Member Posts: 7,960
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    edited March 2020 #33309

    Bright sunny day but rather cold.

    Our elderly 93 yrs young neighbour gave me a list of things she needed from the shops this morning. I told her to do that yesterday as I know there is no way she can get to the shops, the person who does her shoping normally is in their mid 70s so is also trying to restrict her movements.

    Managed to get all but kitchen and loo rolls for her smile so I gave her some of mine. Had to go to 2 different shops to get her stuff but at least she now has it. 

    Have not witnessed any brawls or 'bad' behaviour, everyone just seems to be shocked at the lack of goods. It seems to differ amongst the shops, Farmfoods and Iceland have some stock but its very low. Morrisons had everything but loo and kitchen rolls. Tesco had lots of empty shelves of things like pasta, beans, loo rolls etc but they all had plenty of fresh milk, bread, fruit and veg and meat. Shops were busy but not manic.

    Have finally got round to emptying the suitcases, no rush to get stuff washed as we won't need them for awhilefrown

    Have managed to get a pkt of dwarf french bean and broad beans to plant, no peas though, guess with us not going away I can get back to growing veg again. 

    Still to get on to BF to sort out the ferry, had an email off them yesterday as us to do it online rather than phone.

    Take care all. 

  • Bakers2
    Bakers2 Forum Participant Trusted Posts: 8,500
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    edited March 2020 #33310

     

    It's as well to remember though the acts of kindness and altruism that does pervade the scene from time to time. Our local scout group and cadets have been seen pushing envelopes through he doors of the OAP housing, presumably offering their help

    This is so true, local pub which let's out 2 beautiful rooms cancelled bookings, before pubs had to shut, and offered them to hospital workers who want to self isolate to protect their families free of charge. 

    Beautiful day here working in the garden. We have great neighbourhood watch WhatsApp someone has bought me milk, I thought I had another at the back of the fridge 😱. One little girl is 7 today and so there's been general birthday greetings for her from us all. I've yet to work out exactly which child it is embarassed.

    Spoken to son all good there, they've ordered dinner tonight from pub in the next village to support, they do anyway, local business not sure if its collect or delivered. Corner store had no milk when he went in yesterday in his 'lunchbreak' working from home very disciplined! But delivery in 45 minutes or so expected would save him some. Goes to show loyalty is rewarded. DIL has had letter from NHS regarding return she gave up physio to farm - hadn't realised they were going to recall all sorts. Son not heard yet but been left longer - he was too. They've had their 1st wedding anniversary, yes almost a year 😯, hotel booking at Rutland pushed on until 15 May - not sure they'll get it then!

    Apparently queuing every morning before 6am opening at Tesco here! 100 in front of someone at 0545...... then it was everyone running like supermarket sweep. (That dates me!!) Tried milk and more website, 1473 in front of me stay with it and I could access in approximately x minutes - even a little green bar to show movement, they must have a very bright and good IT team. Lessons to be learned 🤔. Didn't bother as not far from the shops where others might not be able too. But we are self isolating on OH health grounds so I'm being careful and 'decompressing' when I get in.

    Spoke to daughter in NZ mad out there too. She and the children have lactose issues and youngest granddaughter has additional gluten and other bits, gradually reintroducing things there, but dont want to go backwards!. Plenty of dairy free at the mo but can't buy ingredients for all her home baking. Big issue is items for school lunches as every child has to take their own and for morning and afternoon tea, (kiwis eat all day 😂) these things being the ones in demand. Kindy, for the youngest, provides food even for intolerances at the moment. Their government working on the Singapore method trying to keep cases low - new cases are all folks coming back into the country! They are operating a very strict 14 day self isolation policy. One foreigner already arrested and will be deported once isolation up. They do know from immigration documents where you should be.....

    Lunch break over back into the garden. Sun is so warm  long may it continue. Next shortage will be compost etc and DIY stuff, friends up the road decorating ordered dining room furniture delivery next week - so action stations 😂😂. Only ordered earlier this week!

    Stay safe folks

     

  • brue
    brue Forum Participant Posts: 21,176 Participant
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    edited March 2020 #33311

    We've been out in the garden, doing a bit more pruning and plant moving. Amazing to see the sap coming out from a birch tree that needed a bit of sorting, it poured from the cuts and I can see why N Americans used it, I tried some but it hadn't got that much of a taste. I think it's probably soaked up too much water this winter but makes you realise how trees can help flood water removal. We don't usually prune trees if we can avoid it, but OH has a lot of bumps on his head due to getting entangled in low flying branches. wink

    Did a Whatsapp video in the garden for grandson (they were due down before Easter) showing him the tree swing was still there, the bluetit activity in one of the boxes, the dog running around etc. Last night I had a video from him...firing a plastic gun all over his bedroom whilst his father was attempting to redecorate...they are all at home now, chaos reigns!

     

  • moulesy
    moulesy Forum Participant Trusted Posts: 9,414
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    edited March 2020 #33312

    Took a letter with some pictures of the dogs and some toiletries up to Dad's care home this morning. Absolutely no visitors allowed, and understandably so, but just have to wonder when we  I'll get to see him again. frown

    Got back to see two texts on my mobile  purportedly from Barclaycard regarding possible fraudulent transactions on my card. Thinking they were probadly scams I Deleted User them, but then went on line to check my account and, sure enough, there were about a dozen transactions over the past few days to companies I never use! So phoned them up and I have to say I was very impressed with the speed and effectiveness with which they dealt with the issue. The curious thing is that it's a card I rarely use, the last time was 3 weeks ago and all these fraudulent transactions were for the past 3 days. Anyway, card blocked and new one in the post but it's worrying that it should happen so easily.  I will be checking my account daily from now on! yell

  • huskydog
    huskydog Club Member Posts: 5,477
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    edited March 2020 #33313

    Went shopping for Mum , she wanted bread ,milk and eggs ,not a chance surprised ,try again Monday . Out in the garden to paint the fence (and the rose bush embarassed) , at least it blends in to the fence laughing

  • ABM
    ABM Forum Participant Posts: 14,578 Participant
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    edited March 2020 #33314

    Gladto hear you acted in time, Moulesy.  It never fails to amaze me where these scammers get their knowledge from.

     

     

    One other , totally  separate thing :-- has anybody heard how Malcolm Meta is doing now. I do hope that he and his lady are fit, well and safe.

  • JVB66
    JVB66 Forum Participant Posts: 22,892 Participant
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    edited March 2020 #33315

    Malc is on a serviced  hard stand  (paying the SP rate ) at Northbrook Farm , waiting for the ground to become dry enough to move onto his grass seasonal pitchwink

  • cyberyacht
    cyberyacht Club Member Posts: 10,224
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    edited March 2020 #33316

    Altho they said there was no sign of any Virus control at Manchester Ringway -- they were just moved from the 'plane and allowed to intermingle as usual.

    You couldn't make it up, could you? Spain is fast behind Italy and we are not monitoring. That merits a 'Victor Meldrew' response.

    They should be shutting the airports if they want to stop further spread or have they just given up?

  • Tammygirl
    Tammygirl Club Member Posts: 7,960
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    edited March 2020 #33317

    Spoken to both boys and their families. All doing fine, eldest son (in army) is working from home and supervising his 2 children, his wife who is a special needs teaching assistant is still working as she is classed as a key worker. Their 2 children have lots of school work to do online and they both chose a project to do to give them relief from the school work. Grandson has decided to learn how to 'touch type' and his sister is learning how to 'sign' smile

    Youngest son is also working from home, he is a visual affects artist so his work is done on computers. They had to wait until their IT department could ensure all the computers were protected against viruses as the work is very 'secret' wink his wife is a dental nurse in a hospital in Sheffield, going in to work but no patients. Before being a DN she was a trained phlebotomist and lab tech in the hospital, only changed to DN due to the lab she worked in packing up and moving to Leeds. She has offered her skills to help out with the demand but they are not interested surprised Their 2 children have work from school but missing their friends already. 

    Had an hour out in the garden this afternoon, lovely to be outside working but it got very chilly so only managed the hour. 

     

  • Tammygirl
    Tammygirl Club Member Posts: 7,960
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    edited March 2020 #33318

    Same when we arrived in Glasgow. 

    When we left Lanzarote the taxi's would only take 2 passengers at a time, now they will only take 1.

    Once in the airport all the safety went out the window once checked in, there were announcements every 15mins telling folk to keep a 1.5m distance from each other. Fat chance of that as the seating is so close together and the queues once flight called was mad, then we were all loaded onto one of those buses like sardines and driven out to the plane where of course once again squashed in like sardines. 

  • Freddy55
    Freddy55 Club Member Posts: 1,975
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    edited March 2020 #33319

    Made a start clearing the border destined to be the veg patch. Went down the garden centre and bought a gert load of seed 🙂 Got back and sowed some onions in the greenhouse. Ordered up some root trainers for the broad beans and runners.

    HD, I noticed you were planning on putting together some raised beds. Can you give some detail? What size, how many? What are you going to grow? That kinda thing 🙂

  • huskydog
    huskydog Club Member Posts: 5,477
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    edited March 2020 #33320

    Hi , the beds are 2m x1m and 360mm high, I have use decking boards 120mm wide and 24mm thick , I have sunk steel fence post spikes in the ground at the corners and knocked in 75mm fence posts ,then screwed the deck boards 3 high to them ,to help them last longer I have put an inner liner of roofing felt then filled with top soil , I am building two of them ,one for veg and one for fruit and salad items .i am just going to experiment and grow whatever survives , I will try to post a photo in the morning 

  • ADD46
    ADD46 Forum Participant Posts: 437 Participant
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    edited March 2020 #33321

    Slight change of plan for Mother’s Day. We can’t take MIL out for a meal but one of our local restaurants has diversified into hot and chilled takeouts. They will deliver or we can collect from their car park. All orders must be paid for over the phone. So we’ve ordered three roast turkey dinners and we’ll drop one off for MIL. Not the way we would like to celebrate Mother’s Day but needs must. Quite looking forward to a lovely meal and pleased to be supporting a local business in such dire circumstances.  

  • Freddy55
    Freddy55 Club Member Posts: 1,975
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    edited March 2020 #33322

    Hiya HD 👍 I’ve opted for 220mm x 45mm treated timber. 3 beds 10ft x 4ft. I quite like the idea of using roof felt to line the timber, I’ll give it some thought. Depending on what you’re growing, you may want to consider getting some netting? When I had raised beds before I used Enviromesh <here>. It’s not cheap, but very effective and is very long lasting. Will you be growing from seed, or buying in?

  • huskydog
    huskydog Club Member Posts: 5,477
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    edited March 2020 #33323

    I will be growing from seed and using fleece tunnels for early protection,each bed took 21 bags of 35litre top soil to fill , I bought soil in as the soil in our garden is heavy clay 

  • Takethedogalong
    Takethedogalong Forum Participant Trusted Posts: 17,821
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    edited March 2020 #33324

    I managed a very easy and successful Aldi shop this teatime. No loo rolls but rest of shelves well stocked, only a few customers around. I did so well I am actually thinking of cancelling some of the stuff on my Tesco order, but will check first if anyone else is short. Aldi have employed Event Security staff to patrol the shop floor, it seems to prevent most of the stupidity.  Staff say it is working great for them, they don’t have to take the hassle.

  • Freddy55
    Freddy55 Club Member Posts: 1,975
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    edited March 2020 #33325

    ‘They’ do say that clay soil is good as it holds the nutrients better. Not much use if you can’t even get a spade into it. Our soil isn’t too bad. There is clay underneath, but have a good layer of topsoil. I’ll skim off some of that layer to fill the beds along with some MP compost. I did this before and it gave the soil a nice texture, ideal for sowing. BTW, have you grown ‘stuff’ before? I don’t want to be preaching to the converted 🙂

  • nelliethehooker
    nelliethehooker Club Member Posts: 14,663
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    edited March 2020 #33326

    Second day of "social exclusion" and starting to get into a routine. Work in the garden, planting a few plants that we got while away and cut down some overhanging branches followed by the second dog walk. Lunch then a bit of work in the house, some reading and then short look on line before afternoon walk out with Flyte. Dinner, watch BBC news then continue with my book followed by back on here for the rest of the evening. Nothing too strenuous, will have to get used to this for a while I fear.

  • huskydog
    huskydog Club Member Posts: 5,477
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    edited March 2020 #33327

    I’ve dabbled in the past before ,and picked up a lot of info from my late dad ,who was in charge of parks and gardens for the local council for most of his working career, but there’s alway something to learn .....

  • Freddy55
    Freddy55 Club Member Posts: 1,975
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    edited March 2020 #33328

    Yes, I picked up a few things from my late father too, who gardened all his life. That said, I found this invaluable. Plenty of easy to follow advice, I can thoroughly recommend it 👍

  • huskydog
    huskydog Club Member Posts: 5,477
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    edited March 2020 #33329

    Yes an excellent book ,I’ve got the whole series of them ..

  • Wherenext
    Wherenext Club Member Posts: 11,224
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    edited March 2020 #33330

    More or less ditto Nellie except Mrs WN takes me for the walk.laughing

    Have to try not to peak too soon though.

  • Freddy55
    Freddy55 Club Member Posts: 1,975
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    edited March 2020 #33331

    👍

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