Easing restrictions. Out and about with the lost and found. Fun with names.

We’ve not had Mr Johnson’s proper announcement (Alas ... waffle, waffle ... doing a good job .... waffle, waffle ... sorry to say ... waffle, waffle ... all in this together...) about easing restrictions but word seems to be out that schools will be fully open on March 8th and a few weeks after that, when the schools break up for Easter more or less, then friends and families socialise outdoors but not in pub gardens. Or maybe it’s just two people who can meet for an outdoor coffee. No doubt we’ll find out later today.

Perhaps I can finally go for a walk with a few old friends, probably one at a time, as we have planned to do for a while but have put off while the rules seemed to say not to drive anywhere for exercise. We have, of course, accidentally on purpose met our daughter and offspring for walks on a fairly regular basis. Last week she felt a little restricted because both her small people had been having to isolate because of Covid cases among the nursery staff. Yesterday she finally felt able to pack them in the car and meet us for a walk up to Dobcross, around the lanes and back home.

The rain stayed away while we were walking. We noticed that some gardens had washing hung out to dry and decided there should be a new definition for “optimist” - someone who lives near the foothills of the Pennines and insists on hanging their washing in the garden in February! In fact it’s quite miraculous that it didn’t work reverse magic and provoke the rain to fall. 

It certainly rained again in the night and was still drizzling when I went for a run earlier this morning. Since then the day has steadily brightened up. It would be nice if we could have a sunny spring like last year. There is time yet; officially Spring is till a few weeks away although nobody has told the spring flowers which are already popping up all over the place. 

Out and about we have grown used to finding odd gloves, wooly hats, occasionally socks on the top of hedges and gate posts, probably put there by people who have found them lost or abandoned on the ground. A couple of days ago we came upon a perfectly serviceable, if well-worn and a little battered, hiking boots, line up nicely on top on the wall at the bottom of the lane going up to Dobcross. As cars are frequently parked there (dangerously in our opinion as it is is just before a bend in the road - an accident waiting to happen when someone comes speeding down) my guess is that someone was changing their footwear after a walk, putting on better driving shoes, and just drove away forgetting to put the boots in the boot. 

They had gone when we walked up there yesterday so maybe Cinderella came back and claimed them. 

Here’s some nonsense a friend of mine sent me, a collection shop names:-

A chippy called “The Codfather”

Bakeries called “Bread Zeppelin” and “Bread Pitt” and “Life of Pie”.

A couple of useful establishments: “Sew it Seams” and “Iron Maiden”.

And a computer place called “Tech IT Easy.”

“Florist Gump” is quite pleasing but I’m not sure about the cafe called “Fuckoffee”.

Life goes on. Stay safe and well, everyone!