Today is so called Freedom Day as the majority of covid restrictions have now been lifted. Stuff like mask wearing and social distancing are no longer mandatory in most situations. There are no limits on the numbers of people that can meet, people are no longer encouraged to work from home and most businesses can open as normal. Infections are still very high but hospitalisations and deaths are low due to the vaccination program so the idea is we can get through it without it screwing up the NHS.
Went for a swim early Thurday morning. Chilled and worked on my song. Did an evening ride with Kelvin and Andy. We met on the pedestrian bridge over the Thames where a few kids were jumping off then headed out to the Black Horse. A tractor and trailer full of people drinking turned up. They said it was a works outing from Woodcote and we figured they were probably from Langtree School. There were in fact 3 tractors.
We chatted to the drivers. They are based in Sonning Common and do it every couple of weeks. All for charity to avoid all sorts of regulations. They'd done one pub already and were going to finish at The Cherry Tree. The bogs haven't improved.
We then headed for The Sun at Hill Bottom and had some fine pizzas. We finished up at the Fox and Hounds in Caversham. Still table service outside which is good. All the pubs felt safe. Andy was being very cautious as he has his hip op next week. He has to be tested before hand and him and Jeannie need to isolate. We bumped into Harry Pearson in the FnH. He'd been for a run and a dip in the river. M had been up to London to meet Mark Kieran and we got back at the same time so we had a night cap in the garden. Went for a swim on Friday afternoon. M made some fine focaccia. The Olympics started today in Japan, a year late, with no crowds and against the wishes of most Japanese. Finished my song on Saturday and started on a video. Did an Ottolenghi for tea.
A lazy day on Sunday as heavy rain was forecast but never materialised. Worked on my video. I'd had an email earlier on in the week about an American band called Della Mae coming on tour to the UK. Got another today saying the tour has been cancelled as people from the US are no longer allowed to come to the UK.
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Its a bit of a gamble and no doubt other countries will be paying close attention. I went for a morning ride along the Kennet to Theale and back via Mapledurham. It was good to see that there were a lot of people still wearing masks in the town centre. There was a bit of a kerfuffle with the Goolies WhatsApp group. Roy left because he got woken by a message from John around 4am. All sorted now though and he's back in. I have it muted anyway. Went for a bit of a walk down Nob End after tea. On Tuesday I put up some more signage in The Three Brothers Taverna area.
Went for a ride out Henley way in the afternoon. It was so hot the tarmac had melted in places. Popped into Waitrose on the way back and everybody was wearing a mask except 2. One was a shop assistant so probably exempt as all the others were wearing them. The other was sitting down by the exit waiting leave. Sitting with someone else who was wearing a mask so again possibly exempt or taken off because just leaving. Didn't do much on Wednesday but had to go to BnQ. Most people wearing masks but quite a few not in spite of a customer announcement asking people to. M has finished her PhD for the summer so celebrated. Started on a new song.
Went for a swim early Thurday morning. Chilled and worked on my song. Did an evening ride with Kelvin and Andy. We met on the pedestrian bridge over the Thames where a few kids were jumping off then headed out to the Black Horse. A tractor and trailer full of people drinking turned up. They said it was a works outing from Woodcote and we figured they were probably from Langtree School. There were in fact 3 tractors.
A lazy day on Sunday as heavy rain was forecast but never materialised. Worked on my video. I'd had an email earlier on in the week about an American band called Della Mae coming on tour to the UK. Got another today saying the tour has been cancelled as people from the US are no longer allowed to come to the UK.
Watched the first 2 quater finals. Italy beat Begium and Spain beat Switzerland on penalties. A good start to the day on Saturday, finished the prize crossword and did really well in the Saturday quiz. I worked on the potting bench in the afternoon and was doing really well until I attempted to drop the slate top in place at which point it smashed so need a rethink. Watch Denmark beat Czech Rep in the first quarter final of the day. Ralph, Sue and Kelvin then came round to watch the England game. We beat Ukraine 4 0. Had a society walk on Sunday organised by Nick and Becky starting off in Finchamstead Ridges and round Moor Green Lakes. Still no pub lunch. Maybe next time.
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