It doesn't matter what how many times the rules keep changing, what tier we are in or whether there is a national lockdown, my life has remained largely the same since March 2020.
A constant round of avoiding people, avoiding shops, washing hands, wearing masks, avoiding the office, opening windows in the cold and then worrying that I might inadvertantly have picked up the virus through one of the situations or brushes witth people that have been unavoidable. And that I might then pass this on to my weak and ailing father.
Today should have been a celebration of the possibility of these circumstances changing. I took my father to the Countess of Chester Hospital where he had the Pfhizer MRNA Vac. Now, he has to wait 12 weeks instead of 21 days for the second dose. In 12 weeks there is a distinct possibility that he will not be able to get into a car and travel to the hospital.
It was a stressful experience. There were a lot of people in a small space on hospital grounds. No ventilation and we were there for an hour and a half.
So the worry is set to continue.
Nevertheless, we did celebrate by driving down to the river Dee at Chester and sitting in the car with a flask of coffee. I nipped out to take this picture as the sun was starting to set.
Tomorrow, this 'leisure' activity will be against the law, attracting a fine of £200 if caught.
Some days it is just hard to stay positive. I guess I am just tired.
oh helen. i hear you. it seems to have become more wearisome as time has gone on. the vaccines seemed finally to be some good news and then we hear that the second doses are to be delayed, which causes more consternation. but as far as i understand it at least this first dose will give your father some significant protection. i hope that my mother (84) will soon have hers. i agree that not much has changed for mr g and me with this new lockdown ... but i do feel for all the young folk, including our sons in london, whose lives are so much curtailed. i hope this beautiful sunset image lifted your spirits a little but indeed some days it's hard to stay positive as you so rightly say ...
Oh Helen I do I know how you must be feeling. Here in Australia the situation isn't as bad as the UK but I have a sister there who lives alone and has just had a mastectomy. Neither myself or her son can leave Australia to be with her and at present. Luckiky she is staying with a friend who can keep an eye on her until she is able to return home.
I am sure your Dad is relieved you are able to spend time with him. Stay safe and take some pleasure in scenes like this to brighten your day.
@kjarn the uk government has changed plans in order to get as many people as possible protected with first jab due to the dire situation with escalating infections here. One in 50 are said to have the virus. Whilst trials have not tested the theory of giving the second innoculation after 12 weeks instead of 3, they are hoping it wil still work to maximise the effect of the vaccine. I understand why they have madet this decision - for the overall good of everyone - even though it seems a bit risky. It is just frustrating, because if Dad had had his first vaccine one day earlier, they would have gone ahead with the 21 day rule and ultimately, I would feel more comfortable as his carer. In my situation, I am not allowed to test for the virus without symptoms, so every time i visit, I carry a worry with me.
Oh dear, I understand your worry, I so hope your Dad will be ok and I hope the situation improves over there soon. My daughter lives in UK and my son in LA, they are both young and healthy but I still worry.
I've heard this story from other people so often recently.
I wouldn't swear to it but I do think you would be allowed to take your dad out like this as part of his mental health treatment as you are his career.
Great photo too
A beautiful sunset and great silhouettes.Fav.I agree with Steve,I think you can still take your father out in the car.My grandson who is a police officer,had to self isolate before Xmas, after being in contact with a colleague who was positive.As he lives with us,he wanted a test.The only way he could get one,was to lie about having symptoms.Luckily,he was negative.
@pistache yes I feel for the younger generation too. If it wasnt for the responsibility of keeping my father safe, I would cope with restrictions a lot better. I have a 20 something son in London too and it is really tough for him . Another son who lives on his own in a flat and it is tough for him too for different reasons. I hope your Mum gets called up soon.
@carolmw thanks Carol. It is crazy that those of us who are doing our best to protect others have to lie to beat the system. I did just that before coming to Dad's this time because we had seen my husband's father over Christmas. He has dementia and doesnt really understand the rules, so I felt vulnerable. It was a waste of time since the results took 5 days which was too late as I needed to be at Dad's two days earlier. Thankfully negative!
Oh, Helen -- this beautiful image has a melancholy feel to it, and your message even more so. It's an unimaginable time, and I'm sending you vibes of strength across the ocean. Take care of you. And like the bird, keep an eye on that beautiful horizon.
@helenhall indeed it's so hard on the young. after your track and trace story, my middle son called to say he's got to isolate at home for what must be the fifth time. he has to go to work as he's a civil engineer and has to be on site, so keeps being exposed ...
What a beautiful sight- and I certainly hope all these extreme efforts pay off. Although from what I can see, the virus just goes dormant until the activity starts up again rather than dying off. I'm glad your father was able to at least get the first part of the vaccine.
I am sure your Dad is relieved you are able to spend time with him. Stay safe and take some pleasure in scenes like this to brighten your day.
I wouldn't swear to it but I do think you would be allowed to take your dad out like this as part of his mental health treatment as you are his career.
Great photo too