Friday 17th April
This morning I walk the dogs around the fields, less stressful than a walk around Croft Hill with Chantal “Facebooking” rubbish. Nevertheless, I finish with a short detour up the Hill and find no BBQ waste, just 
seven bottles under bushes where last nights “gathering” occurred. Being charitable, these could be bottles not located after dark. A neighbour reports more waste further round the Hill, possibly from a previous “gathering”. Working at home, and a further 20 complaints about noise and bonfires. Following pressure from councillors we must now write to all alleged “perpetrators”. The number of complaints is overwhelming. I have phone conversations with three colleagues, and realise how good it is to talk. One colleague lost his elderly father two days ago, although not directly from Covid-19. His father had deteriorated since family visits to his care home had been limited. My colleague is finding it difficult and surreal, because he was apart from his Dad during his final weeks, each living in their own imposed isolation. Now the family are unable to be together for mutual support and grief. Aldi this afternoon. A short queue hints at an easy shop, but inside the store is busier than previous weeks. I am not happy that in places social distancing is impossible. A sprinkling of customers wear masks. Some staple items are unavailable; sugar, milk, and, surprisingly, lemonade. The Co-op fills most gaps in my list, but only Croft Convenience store can supply lemonade. At home some forgotten items are noted, as is, once again, the cost of the free-range chicken. A twice weekly Aldi trip is suggested, and promptly rejected by me. I grab dogs and leads and go on a long stress-free walk.
Technically we live in Oaktree House, but sadly the tree had to go.
We now have a thriving Oakstump at the front of the house.
