Sunday 31 May:

Moira and I walked around Greville Smyth Park ‘first thing’ (first thing for Moira, that is!) and then home for coffee in the garden before streamed church. Pentecost Sunday and it was rather lovely to have ‘live’ links with church representatives from Uganda and Peru.

I spent some time writing an email to Sam regarding B.Friend/Zabiullah… essentially saying that I’ve decided to step down, with immediate effect. I’d originally intended to do this after my initial 12 month commitment expired earlier in the year, but decided to hang on so that I could accompany Zabiullah to his Asylum-Seeker Appeal Hearing in Newport. Well, given the ongoing coronavirus situation – and the fact that Moira and I have effectively ruled out using public transport (and Car Club) for the foreseeable future… probably for the remainder of 2020 – it just seems pointless to delay my ‘exit’ further. I’m also very aware that I haven’t been in touch with him as often as I ought to have been (I find it very difficult to make out what he’s saying on the phone). I'll ring him once I've heard back from Sam.

Ruth popped in to collect various things from her studio (and also parcels for posting from us)… she brought the Sunday paper and a lot of her lovely paper hearts (she’s given us one for every day of our lockdown!).

Lots of criticism of the government’s plans to ease ‘lockdown’ (a significant number of its scientific advisors are against it)… and social media is full of pictures of people completely disregarding social-distancing (and group gatherings) ‘rules’. The Prime Minister/government is also coming under huge pressure to sack Cummings… it’s going to be an interesting week at Westminster!

Sketched in the garden after lunch and also read some of my Simon Armitage book.

Also spent a little time thinking about a drawing Ed wants me to do of his house in Stackpool Road (a 10 year anniversary gift for his wife Helen).

Roast pork supper (and I also opened a bottle of Rioja from Naked Wines!).

Image: Came across these two ‘abandoned’ chairs in the middle of a large expanse of grass on our Greville Smyth Park walk this morning (someone’s generous community offering?).

Saturday 30 May:

A somewhat low-key day… and I didn’t go out of the house at all.

Instead, I ended up reading the last third of my ‘Outrun’ book – and really enjoyed it. I also wrote up my blog review of it. I also wrote in my ‘reflection’ blog diary (for the first time for ages).

Moira and I enjoyed morning coffee (and supper) in the garden… it almost goes without saying that it was another lovely day.

Lee had drafted out a good, sensible email to the Archdeacon regarding the church re-ordering… which everyone also seems pretty happy with. So, we’ll just have to see what advice he has for us.

I’d ordered a roll of cartridge paper and an A4 sketchbook – which duly arrived today. That’s good, so I can start thinking about the various drawing projects I’ve been ‘set’ recently.

One of these relates to Megan’s birthday present for Adam, so I spent a fair amount of time this morning starting to compile a collection of images that I might be able to utilise.

I decided that it was about time I watched another of Hannah’s DVDs (The Great Gatsby) but, when I turned on the TV, I discovered they were playing highlights from the 1966 World Cup Final… so ended up watching that before going on to watch the film (lots of memories – we were on holiday in Bispham at the time).

Image: Cathedral dawn (from Vauxhall Bridge).

Friday 29 May:

A dawn walk around the harbour on yet another beautiful morning…

The weather has been ridiculously good – virtually every day since ‘lockdown’ – and I feel sure it’s helped the mental health of an awful lot of people (lockdown and miserable weather might have been unbearable for many).

Moira and I enjoyed morning coffee in the garden ‘as usual’… mornings work well from a sunny aspect perspective in our small garden.

I spent most of the morning writing some church Re-Ordering notes for, ultimately, Lee to pass on to the Archdeacon to seek his advice regarding our consultants Heritage+Community.

Read more of my ‘Outrun’ book – really impressed with the eloquence of the writing… and the author’s ability to record her, often scary, experiences so wonderfully well.  

Chatted to Iris later… and she’s been doing a lot of (pretty wonderful) painting recently… and also meeting some of her friends (from suitable distance) at the park.

Moira had her bookgroup ‘meeting’ in the evening so I disappeared to bed fairly early (again) to read (again!).

Image: I stopped and watched this cormorant diving+surfacing a number of times next to the marina first thing this morning… and this is what it caught (an eel?). Ironically, just a matter of 20metres away, there were two fishermen – both hunkering down in sleeping bags (and both asleep?) and with numerous rods ‘in action’ over the water… completely unaware of their rival fish hunter!

Thursday 28 May:

I read my ‘Outrun’ book in bed instead of going for an early morning walk.

I was particularly conscious of the need for me to prepare for the important Re-Ordering Group’s zoom meeting later in the day. Prepared lots of notes on the garden table in the sunshine… and also chatted to Tom to compare our thoughts.

Later, I’d agreed to meet up with Mike Levine (one of my Tory-voting friends – who’s actually a delightful man). He’d suggested meeting up at Royal Fort Gardens and sharing a bottle of red wine (supplied by him!). We each took our own glasses (and Mike even wore gloves while pouring the wine!) and sat at the either end of two benches. It was rather lovely and we chatted merrily away for nearly two hours.

Re-Ordering Group meeting covered all the necessary points and we’ve agreed a plan of action (of sorts). I think I have a very busy couple of days ahead!

Applauded the NHS/Support workers as usual from our doorstep (apparently, after 10 weeks, I think this might be the last one).

Image: Flowers from Steve+Diane (they felt we needed to see something of the countryside!)… how lovely.

Wednesday 27 May:

Moira and I have now been self-isolating for 10 complete weeks now.

No dawn walk today (or any walk in fact).

‘Bloke’s Prayer’ at 7am as usual – full turn out. Good to chat. Wonder how long it will be before we get together in a café again?

Moira and I had coffee in the garden – the weather really is quite remarkable… almost feels as if we’re living in Italy.

My big job today was to sort out bookshelves – or to be more accurate: remove all the books from the back bedroom shelves; dust the shelves; dust the books; dispose of some books we no longer require (ie. pile them up on the landing!); replace the books on the shelves; sort out random filing trays and throw out a lot of papers/odds and ends that had accumulated in random boxes etc; vacuum the carpet.

Job now completed and yet I don’t feel as if I’ve achieved an awful lot!

Another Hugo delivery – which was very good news.

Zoom session with the Buckleys at the end of the afternoon… apparently, Mikey can’t wait to drive down to Bristol to see everyone! They all seem to be coping – Dan is getting together (at social distance) with friends to play basketball and football (and also playes video games with them); Jemima is chatting to some of her friends online and enjoying producing lots of Lego creations (she’s apparently not sleeping very well at present and admitted that she had a mix of ‘good and bad days’); Mikey appears to be ‘having a ball’! Dave is a little frustrated by not being able to work in the garage; and Alice seems to be finding a little time to write. All in all, all doing pretty well.

More ‘Sewing Bee’ TV later…

Awful image: Buckley zoom meeting (apologies for the dirty screen and sunlit reflections!).

Tuesday 26 May:

Another dawn walk. Another beautiful sunny day. Simple walk via Bathurst Basin/Guinea Street/Ostrich Pub/M-shed/Gaol Ferry Steps.

Finished my ‘Yes Minister’ book (for what must be the sixth time?)… still relevant and hilarious despite being nearly 40 years since it was first published.

Morning coffee with Moira in the garden.

Spent most of the morning trying to come to terms with my Blub book again… essentially trying to iron our snags and write some text. Slow but steady progress.

Started reading my ‘Outrun’ book.

Spent part of the afternoon trying to sort out books (and bookshelves)… and, in the process, discovering just how dust-covered the books and shelves were! A ‘project’ for tomorrow methinks.

Chatting to Ursa (and Hannah) at the end of the afternoon – they’re camping in the garden during half-term! Ursa’s incredibly enthusiastic (they’ve ‘completed’ two night thus far and Ursa wants to continue for the rest of the week). They all seem to be coping well and are in good spirits.

Moira and I had drinks in the garden before supper (home-made pizzas), which was nice.

Watched Grayson Perry Art Club on catch-up and then ‘A House Through Time’ on BBC2 – featuring the home of friends Karen and David. Exciting!

Image: another M-shed early morning.

Monday 25 May:

Bank Holiday Monday!

Dawn walk around the harbourside on another beautiful, still, sunny morning. Saw just two fisherman (one sitting ‘in action’, the other in tent but with lots of rods in the water), one jogger and one paddleboarding photographer on my travels!

The rest of the day basically spent reading (‘Yes Minister’) and Joe Heap’s sketches (based on awful photographs of an incredibly ordinary-looking house!)… feels as if I’m wasting my time.

And talking of ‘Yes Minister’, Mr Cummings made a statement (and answered questions) about his recent actions. I genuinely thought he was going to apologise and resign… but, of course, why on earth would he do that!? That was followed by Mr Johnson chairing the ‘daily briefing’… I gave up watching (lots of tweets from Ministers saying the equivalent of “right, he’s explained his actions and they seem perfectly justified to me… time to move on”!). I don’t think the country will be prepared to move (and I bloomin’ hope they don’t!).

Finally, FAR more pleasant matters… we had a BABEs zoom catch-up (including Ken+Debby!). It felt as though it’s been absolutely ages since we last got together, but it was lovely catching up with everyone.

Image: paddleboarding photographer!

Sunday 24 May:

Moira and I went walking around the harbourside before streamed church this morning. Lots of joggers about… good to be out walking together, but I find other walkers, cyclists and joggers difficult to cope with.

I spent most of the rest of the day (I know!) finishing my excellent book (‘Purple Hibiscus’ by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie)… and was delighted to have done so. A stunning book.

Rosa rang me during the afternoon and we had an excellent, amusing chat. I told her I’d been imagining cooking macaroni cheese for them and that I couldn’t wait to be able to do that again (she enthusiastically agreed… oh, how I miss them).

Johnson ‘chaired’ the afternoon’s government briefing and, despite the huge criticisms and calls for his ‘special advisor’ to either resign or be sacked, the PM maintained Cummings “acted responsibly, legally and with integrity…”. Give me strength.
The Guardian included this response from an A+E doctor:
“I became sick with #COVID19 in March. My wife was also sick. We have 3 kids & stayed home to look after them. Because that was the rule. Back at work I dressed in full PPE to look after the sick and dying. I didn’t do all of that so #DominicCummings could flout the rules."

Lamb steaks for supper… followed by another Montalbano!

Image: Sparkling water on the Cut at high tide.

Saturday 23 May:

A slightly strange day. I didn’t walk… I simply stayed in bed reading (African author) until around 9am.

A lot of controversy in the news when it was revealed that Dominic Cummings travelled up to Durham (in March?) during the lockdown restrictions. Of course, both and the government are justifying his reasons for doing so, but the rest of the country seems to be pretty incensed (“do as I say, not as I do”).

Urban sketching day – this time in Pewsey, Wiltshire (Karen’s village of her youth). Another successful, enjoyable day… I think there were 12 of us connected via zoom and a few others who joined at various times during the course of the day.

I did a very quick sketch of some sagging tulips before supper, before Moira and I watched Cinema Paradiso (one of Hannah’s DVDs) – which was very good.

Bed pretty early to continue reading.

Image: dawn at Wapping Wharf (from yesterday).

Friday 22 May:

No walking today.

Spent a ridiculous amount of time trying to get my head around a response to Heritage+Community’s recent remarks about the re-ordering proposals at Saint Stephen’s (ie. responding to other Group members). Eventually got something sent off, but not insightful stuff!

Spoke briefly to Mike Levine – and we talked about a future distance ‘meeting’ at Fort Gardens over a bottle of red wine…

Started to look at doing more sketches for Joe Heap – but my heart sank again when I saw the two views I still had left to do. A bit depressing really.

So ended up spending the first part of the afternoon with my Tom Purvis book (which I’ve now finished and then, at 5pm, had a zoom session with Ruth, Iris+Rosa – which was lovely. They all seem to be coping very well (Ruth is complaining that the girls cook too many wonderful cakes etc!); Iris had ‘social distance’ meet up with her friend who had a heart transplant at the very beginning of lockdown; she’d also managed to use her skateboard; and showed us her (amazing) drawings – she has so much artistic talent; Rosa was just very amusing and engaging; lots of cake-cooking; played the ukulele in Stu’s Mum’s garden; produced a wonderful, simple cat sketch while we chatted using a lump of charcoal etc etc. They all just make me smile (and proud).

Have been enjoying a series on ‘Museums in Quarantine’ (or something like that) – Rembrandt (from the Ashmolean, Oxford) and the Bristish Museum particularly good.

Image: Thursday morning’s pre-dawn sky (from the bathroom window!).

Thursday 21 May:

Set out for my dawn walk this morning, but only got as far as the front door when I realised it was actually raining – so duly collected my waterproof. In fact, it had stopped raining within 30 minutes. Usual harbour ‘circuit walk’… noticed a couple of fishermen right next to the marina (5.30am, laid out in their sleeping bags on camp beds, with multiple rods in the water, apparently both fast asleep, and apparently didn’t think it was going to rain – but it WAS! Made me smile!).

Weather had cleared up the time I returned home and the sun continued shining for the rest of the day.

Started reading my ‘African author’ bookgroup book… and also set about producing some house sketches for Joe Heap (he wants four of them and sent four photographs for me to sketch from… sadly, all four photographs are rubbish, so the sketches will be very boring too! I’m sure he could have produced something far better, but hey! Managed to do a couple of them today.

My case of wine duly arrived from Naked Wines (someone has to do it!).

Moira and I enjoyed wine and olives in the garden before supper (it’s beginning to be a habit!).

Posted off ‘sketchbook gifts’ to Robin and Si.

And, of course, there was the ‘Thursday NHS applause’ (still the same numbers seem to be joining in; feels like an important community connection – a chance for neighbours to acknowledge each other and shout greetings)... see image.

Wednesday 20 May:

Went dawn walking this morning… but no sunshine first thing! Very foggy down along the harbourside and yet really rather lovely. Hardly anyone around… apart from two couples (maybe in their early 30s?) who were walking belong the harbourside at 5.30am!! Have no idea why they were out and about, but hey.

Back home for poached egg on toast+coffee before Blokes’ Prayer.

Interesting discussion among my Blokes’ friends.

Listened/watched Ken Barnes’ video interview with John Anderson (former Deputy Australian PM)… actually very impressive – Ken had lots of information at his fingertips… no notes (I couldn’t have done it!!).

Spent a small part of the morning thinking more about what I might draw on Saturday (urban sketchers: Pewsey).

Received a disappointing/infuriating email from Heritage+Community (in connection with Saint Stephen’s re-ordering)… I read it once and advised the rest of the re-ordering group that I wouldn’t be looking at again for a few days!

Finished my cricket book (excellent) and wrote a blog post about it.

Moira and I drank wine and ate olives in the garden before supper… in the sunshine.

Evening television: Repair Shop and Sewing Bee!

Image: foggy dawn cranes.

Tuesday 19 May:

Drab start to the day and so I decided against a dawn walk (but it cleared by mid-morning and was another beautiful day).

More reading (my cricket book), followed by checking out potential ‘virtual’ urban sketching locations for this coming Saturday (Pewsey, Wiltshire)… and ending up sketching some Pewsey shops.

Ruth popped into her studio again briefly (she’d received quite a number of orders during the course of the ‘virtual arts trail’ weekend… and they continue to trickle in). She’s received a text survey from Rosa’s school about a possible return to school (Year 6 are one of the designated classes)… Ruth is yet to make up her mind (her strong instinct is ‘no’ but, if the majority of Rosa’s classmates’ parents opt for a return then Ruth doesn’t want Rosa to miss out on her last few weeks at Luckwell and being with her friends)(she and Rosa are continuing to chat things through).

Received another Hugo delivery, which was great (AND there were potatoes!)… and also received my medications from the pharmacy! Red Letter Day!

I signed up to be a member of the ‘virtual’ audience for a Global Green New Deal online event: “Into the Portal, Leave No One Behind” at the end of the afternoon (with Arundhati Roy and Naomi Klein in conversation, moderated by Asad Rehman)… interesting discussion. Huge challenges lie ahead of us and we all need to resist the call from capitalists on the right telling us all that their way is the only way to redress the massive downturn in the economy due the pandemic.

Also did a quick Drawing Group sketch - the theme was 'Books'.

Moira and I did an evening loop of the harbourside after supper.

Image: Walking into the sun at dusk…

Monday 18 May:

Went for a dawn walk to the harbourside (Gaol Ferry Steps/Wapping Wharf/Orchard pub/Metrobus bridge/Clift House Road). Quite cloudy, but pleasant.

Morning coffee with Moiira then read some of my Tom Purvis book.

Sat outside and sketched very briefly.

I’ve received two ‘commissions’: Joe Heap has me to produce four house sketches and Alan has asked if I’d be up producing (quite) a large 100x40cm Brum city skyline for Megan’s Adam’s birthday in October. I’ll probably do both of them… just feels a little daunting at present!

Ruth (and the girls) popped round briefly (Ruth needed to pick up stuff from her studio)… lovely to see them all.

Read some more of my cricket book.

Had a very enjoyable, long zoom chat with Alan… lots of laughing and reminiscing (and wine!). We have an awful lot of similarities!

Image: Ruth, Iris+Rosa (I took four very quick images – but none of them particularly flattering!).

Sunday 17 May:

Finished my ‘Radio book’ first thing – and it proved to be much better than I’d originally thought – in fact, I really enjoyed it.

Moira and I went for an early morning walk before streamed church – just a brief loop of the harbourside (Bathurst Basin/Guinea Street/Redcliffe Parade/The Ostrich/Gaol Ferry Steps).

I sketched in the garden briefly and then read some of my new ‘cricket book’.

Great to have a proper ‘visit’ (ie. pavement in front of our house) from Hannah, Felix and Ursa (bringing lots of goodies) and also Ruth popped in with a newspaper for us and to pick up some stuff from her studio… SO lovely to see them all. We feel very loved!

I was only saying to Moira on our walk this morning that I was concerned that we seem to have almost ‘come to an end’ of catch-up TV series and the like… and, hey presto, among H+F’s goodies was a batch of DVDs!

It was actually a very good day for treats – because we also had a roast beef Sunday supper!

Gentle evening… which included watching a Scottish documentary on mountaineer, Hamish MacInnes (oh, what exciting lives we live!).

Image: Hannah+Felix+Ursa… plus photo-bombing Ruth. Love it!

Saturday 16 May:

No early morning walk today (pretty cloudy and quite gloomy, but turned to sunshine later).

Sorted out some bookshelves in the back bedroom – with a view to handing over a pile of books to Emmaus(?) and, of course, freeing up some shelf space!

Received an Asda delivery first thing, which was very welcome (some of our supplies had got pretty low).

This WOULD have been the Arts Trail weekend. They’ve organised a ‘Virtual Arts Trail’ in its place (but, as I don’t have anything to sell, I’m not participating)… feels very strange not to have had our Friday evening preview party!

I sketched in the garden for 30 minutes or so, which was nice to do.

Ruth and Rosa popped round to deliver the newspaper and Moira’s prescription… and it was so lovely chatting to them on the doorstep.

I also a phone call from Alice… and, again, it was lovely to chat to her (Dave+Dan were watching ‘live’ Bundesliga football – taking place in empty stadiums in Germany!).

I’m afraid I rather frittered away much of the rest of the day… read the newspaper; read my ‘Radio’ book; also read the ‘Prelude’ to my new cricket (the writer, who’s 9 years younger than me, shares my despair about how the game has changed – and particularly scathing about the new ‘Hundred’ tournament!).

Inspector Mantalbano later (before the BBC makes it ‘unavailable’!).

Image: self-isolating Mr and Mrs B on the doorstep.

Friday 15 May:

Moira and I went walking after (Moira‘s) breakfast. Another sunny morning … and our usual harbourside walk, followed by coffee in the garden.

Spent a little time vaguely preparing for a brief zoom ‘interview’ with Emily Gould in connection with a Resonate poetry podcast. I feel way out of my depth, but I think there aren’t a lot of people from church who are prepared to contribute.

Spent the remainder of the morning, scribbling out a few notes in connection with my Blurb book.

Two very nice surprises in the post: first, an excellent cricket book from Alan (I know!) and, second, a book on commercial artist Tom Purvis (1888-1959)(I’d seen a television documentary featuring some of his work). Looking forward to reading them both!

As a bonus(!?), there was a wine voucher enclosed with the Book Depository’s package for a wine deal with Naked Wines… which I duly decided to take advantage of.

Moira had something of a frustrating morning trying to adjust things on our online Asda order – her laptop and/or Asda’s technology meant that what should have taken 10 minutes took well over an hour! Anyway, the Asda delivery is due first thing tomorrow (fingers crossed!).

Read my ‘Radio’ for part of the afternoon.

Later, took part in a ‘poetry’ interview with Emily Gould via zoom for a forthcoming ‘Resonate’ podcast. Felt all rather strange (what do I know about poetry?), but Emily was ‘gentle’ with me!

Tried to watch the final episode of ‘Wolf Hall’ on catch-up… only to discover that it was “no longer available”. Somewhat frustrating (to put it mildly)!

Image: Bathurst Basin Dawn.

Thursday 14 May:

We’ve now been self-isolating for eight weeks.

Dawn walk via Metrobus Bridge/Avon Lock/harbourside/Gaol Ferry Bridge on yet another beautiful, sunny morning (albeit quite chilly).

Home for poached eggs-on-toast+coffee breakfast… followed by our usual ‘coffee chat’.

Sent off the church re-ordering group’s response to Heritage+Community… it’ll be interesting to see how they respond (I’m not holding my breath!).

Spent a fair amount of the day trying to get to grips with Blurb – I THINK I’ve just about cracked it (but I can’t be 100% sure) – but, in any case, the ‘journal’ will be continuing for a fair time yet.

Continued to read my ‘Radio’ book after lunch.

At the end of the afternoon, we had a lovely zoom chat with Maggs+Jeremy… they seem to be in a similar position as us (and with a similar attitude towards needing to stay in lockdown for the foreseeable future etc).

We joined in the weekly applause for NHS and Care Workers… this continues to be really well supported by our neighbours every week, people on their doorsteps clapping. Quite a powerful sense of community.

Image: Underfall Yard Boats from the edge of the jetty, from this morning’s walk.

Wednesday 13 May:

No walking at all today (despite another beautiful day – or at least early morning).

Bloke’s Prayer met as usual at 7am and, although it was great to ‘see’ everyone and catch-up on stuff, the session was somewhat spoiled by having to re-connect during the course of our chat (twice in my case) which was pretty disruptive and meant missing out on hearing some of people’s updates. So, all a little frustrating.

Lee had asked me to write a contribution for the church’s ‘Community News’ ‘Learning From Home’ column (on my sketching), so I scribbled out some thoughts and emailed them back before over-thinking what I might say!

Had a long chat to Tom on the phone (which is always enjoyable) regarding our Re-Ordering Group’s responses to Heritage+Community’s various queries. I think we’ve both come to the conclusion that a) H+C’s final report won’t be particularly helpful or positive (or even address some of the key issues) and b) Tom and I will probably both be stepping down from future involvement after July’s PCC meeting.

Read some of my ‘radio book’ after lunch.

Still trying persevere with my Blurb book (can’t be sure photos are fitting frames etc etc)… but actually feel as if I’m going backwards. Frustrating.

TV/Catch-up TV evening: Wolf Hall/Repair Shop/Sewing Bee.

Image: Hotwell harbourside facades.

PS: Mom and Dad both died when they were 71 (71yrs 2mnths and 71yrs 3mnths respectively, I checked)... So, as it turns out, today is the day I outlived both my parents… (strange feeling)

Tuesday 12 May:

A dawn walk day… just the normal circuit to the harbourside, but it was a really beautiful, sunny, calm morning and so nice to be walking in relative isolation. Walked down the middle of Leighton Road (with al its bunting)/Vauxhall Bridge/Banksey’s ‘Girl for Pierced Eardrum’ (I wanted to take more photographs)/harbour walk/Gaol Ferry Steps.

Toast+marmalade+coffee breakfast – with Moira’s delicious homemade lemon marmalade (to use up some of Hugo’s lemons!).

Finally finished “The Gift” – although I have to admit that I rather it towards the end (I just ended up feeling I wasn’t clever enough to understand it all!). Also, continued reading Charlie Connelly’s “Last Train to Hilversum” (about the ‘magic of radio’)… interesting, despite the fact that the author writes like a Radio 2 DJ (not that I know anything about Radio 2 DJs!) – trying too hard to be funny.

Continued to look at the Blurb book (but still LOTS of frustrations – I’m sure there’s an easier way!).

This week’s Drawing Group ‘theme’ was ‘Animals’ – not my kind of subject, but I did manage to do a quick sketch based on a google zebra image!

Moira and I watched Inspector Montalbano in the evening, then bed to read.

Image: Wapping Wharf apartments in the early morning sunshine.

Monday 11 May:

I’m afraid I didn’t go walking today – despite the continuing fine (if very blustery) weather!

I read more of my “Gift” book immediately after breakfast and then tried to get my head around to starting gathering images etc for a Blurb book (with a working title of “Love In The Time Of COVID-19” – the same name as my blog diary). Somewhat predictably (because it’s happened everytime I’ve produced a Blurb in the past, I have to remind myself of what needs to be done/how to do it and, despite watching the various, short ‘how to’ videos, it all feels very hit-and-miss at this stage – which is shorthand for ‘very frustrating’!

Mr Johnson addressed the nation on TV last night about the government’s slightly modified ‘rules’ in connection with the pandemic. Essentially, the message has changed from “Stay Home; Protect the NHS; Save Lives” to “Stay Alert”… and, as a result, he’s been hugely criticised in social media/twitter. The general consensus (at least in ‘our’ part of the social media world) seems to be that the ‘new policy’ feels irresponsible and ambiguous and, crucially, is unenforceable. I think people were hoping for a clear strategy and, clearly, this hasn’t happened.

I ordered some new books (and one was delivered within a few minutes!) – including one for each of my bookgroups.

We had another lovely delivery from Hugo – although hugely frustrating that there wasn’t a single potato among the vegetables (there was only ONE in the last delivery too!). But, hey ho, it’s good to have plenty of fruit and cheese in stock again.

Watched Grayson Perry’s Art Club on Channel4 in the evening.

Image: early morning boats, Bristol Marina.

Sunday 10 May:

No dawn walk today, but I did persuade Moira to have a fairly early (for her) breakfast so we could walk before ‘going to church’. Clearly, 9am on a Sunday morning was a popular time for joggers, cyclists and walkers alike so, despite the perfect weather, it was a bit too crowded for my liking. But it was very good to walk together.

I find ‘streamed church’ a mixed blessing. It’s good to feel connected with everyone – albeit only ‘virtually’ – but, obviously, only one-way so there’s no interaction or exchange of views. Having said that, I thought today’s ‘service’ worked well, from four different computer screens (Lee conducting things; Richard+Tracey singing: Laura giving the talk; and Julia doing prayers).

Seemed to spend a ridiculous amount of time trying to air my views to Lee on church re-ordering and single-parish benefice… I ended up sending something off, but it was all pretty ‘muddled musings’ (and felt a little frustrated by my inability to vocalise my thoughts). Hey ho.

Continued reading my “Gift” book – I feel it’s got an important message but, at present, I’m struggling.

Watched ‘Atonement’ on DVD – previously read the book, watched the DVD (both some time ago)… but it’s amazing how much you forget!

Image: from yesterday’s ‘virtual’ urban sketching meet-up (Sintra, Portugal… with lots of ‘virtual’ people!).

Saturday 9 May:

Another beautiful morning. Up early and walked into town before dawn. Didn’t have a specific route plan in mind but ended up at Bristol Bridge (via Gaol Ferry Steps/Prince Street Bridge/Queen Square). Walked home via St Nick’s market/Corn Street/Watershed/harbourside/Amphitheatre… Eerily quiet. Absolutely no one about.

Back home for poached egg+toast+coffee breakfast.

Started to draft out an email to Lee (a sort of combined response regarding the potential single-parish benefice/querying the justification of operating two church communities/expressing doubts about the viability+enthusiasm for re-ordering Saint Stephen’s/indicating that I’ve probably come to the end of leading re-ordering group - once H+C had reported back to PCC/my own spiritual wilderness)… I think it could several days!!

We had another Urban Sketching ‘virtual’ sketchmeet today – this time in Sintra, Portugal (courtesy of Marta). Stunning location and spoilt for choice in terms of things to sketch. Very enjoyable session ‘attended’ by 19 people, I think. Ironically, while it was a beautiful sunny day in the UK, it was raining in Portugal!

Read some more of my “Gift” book (I’m still struggling!) in the garden.

I also started to draft out an email to Lee about my feelings about Saint Stephen’s church building (re-ordering proposals, its future and the church community’s future)… but I wasn’t happen with it and decided to leave it for a day or so and review.

Somewhat ironically, this was followed by an email from Mary Orna (copied to Lee) – apologising if she’d expressed herself unreasonably at Thursday’s PCC meeting (I think she had somewhat – basically because she didn’t know the full background… but hey). I duly responded… reassuringly.

Watched another episode of ‘Wolf Hall’ before bed and more reading.

Image: Merchant’s Quay at dawn this morning.

Friday 8 May:

Today is Bank Holiday – re-arranged from the traditional Bank Holiday Monday to celebrate the 75^th anniversary of VE Day. There has bunting up in some streets over the past few weeks – one of the newspaper indicated that “the decoration is aimed at cheering people up, boosting a sense of neighbourly togetherness and being thankful for the NHS and key workers. It is an apt tribute given that the rainbow has been the symbol of solidarity through the pandemic” (image from Leighton Road). I suspect some will see it decorations to celebrate VE Day but, frankly, it’s not something that warrants any ‘virtual street parties’ in my view. It all smacks a little jingoistic for my liking and, indeed, some seem to think it’s a Brexit celebration (in fact the ‘Daily Mail’ apparently described the day to mark ‘Victory over Europe’ instead of ‘Victory in Europe’!!). Nevertheless, I accept that it’s important to mark the occasion.

A strange mixture of a day… (but enjoyable nevertheless).

I didn’t walk today… but did do some clothes washing (two loads and both dried outside).

Spent a brief time after breakfast drafting out a rough layout in advance of tomorrow’s Urban Sketching ‘virtual’ sketchmeet in Sintra, Portugal (I’ve done a couple of sketches already, but there’s SO much to draw…).

Following on from last night’s PCC meeting, I’d been asked to prepare a draft response to Heritage+Community (consultants for our re-ordering project at Saint Stephen’s) and forward it to other group members for their comments/suggested revisions. Fairly complicated business.

After lunch, I put together a replay to Alan’s wonderful letter… and even found a stamp for posting!

Read some of my “Gift” book outside in the garden (another wonderfully-sunny day).

PS: It WAS Robin who left the wine on our doorstep yesterday… what a lovely man!

Bed reasonably early to read.

Thursday 7 May:

Went for another dawn walk – essentially to the Avon lock (via North Street/Metrobus Bridge then back via harbourside/Vauxhall Bridge/Coronation Road/ Leighton Road (image: early morning from near Underfall Yard – I like the silhouetted geese on the boat roof… and making a lot of noise!).

Back home by 6.45pm and toast+marmalade+coffee breakfast.

Read some more of Lewis Hyde’s “The Gift” book… but I’m really struggling with it. It’s probably just too philosophical/intellectual for me, but it’s had excellent reviews and I’m determined to try to persevere (probably not a book for bedtime!). I’m going to try to read a chapter a day (rather like I did for the Bryson book).

Spent perhaps a couple of hours (maybe a bit less?) sketching another ‘virtual’ scene from Sintra, Portugal (Saturday’s Urban Sketching ‘location’). It’s a beautiful location and with endless subjects to sketch.

Received a wonderful letter from Alan in the post at lunchtime saying how lucky he’s been having such a wonderful brother (made me cry!).

The day also brought another nice surprise… when I received an anonymous text from ‘friend’ (purporting to be from the milkman) and leaving a bottle of red wine on the doorstep! At Bloke’s Prayer, I’d joked about having to ‘survive’ on two bottles of red until the next supermarket delivery in 10 days’ time(!)… so I feel pretty sure it must have come from one of them (perhaps Robin?). I’ve emailed them all, but suspect it might be difficult to find the guilty party.

Zoom PCC meeting in the evening (starting 8.05pm – after NHS applause). Although my mind wasn’t really in ‘meeting mode’, I quite like the zoom meeting format (as long as meetings are well chaired)… and it saves travel time, washing up etc etc.

Wednesday 6 May:

Today marks seven weeks of self-isolation.

No walking today, but a busy day nevertheless…

It was the usual “Bloke’s Prayer” get together at 7am, which was good value. Much discussion about last night’s Resonate ‘meeting’.

This week’s Drawing Group theme was ‘Streetview’ (borrowing an idea from Urban Sketchers) and, as it happens, we have another Urban Sketchers meet-up this coming Saturday in Sintra, Portugal (courtesy of Marta)… there is SO much to draw there that I decided to cheat and produce an extra sketch of the location – which I spent part of the morning putting together.

Drilled holes and fixed new washing line (after battling through thick honeysuckle barrier!).

Zoom chat with Iris, Rosa and Ruth late afternoon – which is always good to do… and everyone seemed to be in pretty good spirits.

The evening produced TWO bookgroup sessions (StorySmith and Bloke’s Books) and both were really good. Hugely grateful that such things can continue during the pandemic.

Government talk about possible relaxing some of the ‘lockdown’ rules after this coming weekend? Don’t think it will actually affect us, as oldies!

Image: Yesterday’s pre-dawn sky (from the bathroom window).

Tuesday 5 May:

Although it wasn’t one of those amazing, calm days we’ve enjoyed recently, I woke to a pretty impressive pink/purple sky above the opposite rooftops opposite the bathroom window. Went to another dawn walk (quite brief, just down to Princes Wharf and back)… quite cloudy and blustery, but good to be outside… and some nice skies too (see image).

Spent some time writing out an email to Emily Gould regarding a forthcoming Resonate session on poetry, but had some internet problems (Virgin Media workers were undertaking maintenance work just opposite the house – which meant no connection for 3-4 hours), so wasn’t able to send it off until early evening (a little bit frustrating!).

Have been enjoying listening to my old Miles Davis ‘Kind of Blue’ CD.

Chatted to Alice and Jemima (and very briefly, Mikey) by phone during the course of the afternoon… and again they seemed to be in pretty good form (it sounds as if Mima is a bit of a Lego Queen!).

At the daily coronavirus briefing session, it was announced that the UK now has the highest number of reported deaths in Europe (25,427).

Resonate session in the evening (with the topic essentially relating to the ‘Church during lockdown’, or something along those lines). An interesting discussion, albeit that I found the process too clumsy – so just sat and listened (three speakers, everyone on ‘mute’ but adding thoughts on ‘chat’ so that facilitator can get them to talk on speaker… or something like that).

Monday 4 May:

Dawn walk this morning (just the usual harbourside circuit… on a fairly grey, still day – no photographs!), but I also incorporated some reflections from the Iona pilgrimage guide “Around a Thin Place” as I walked – just five ‘stopping points’, but that was fine. I found it quite useful (and encouraging).

Sat down after breakfast and prepared a brief Re-Ordering Group report for Thursday’s PCC (and responded to Mary Orna regarding ‘Statement of Need’ issues). Also spoke to Tom by phone, which was good to do.

Continued to experiment with my ‘new’ watercolours – I’m incredibly timid and unadventurous when it comes down to it (maybe I’ll improve as I gain more confidence with experience?). I’ve done a self-portrait (see image) and found that, somewhat predictably for me, I got ‘sucked in’ by all the details involved in my lined face etc! But quite quick… and enjoyable.

Ruth and Iris round ‘at a distance’ with some supplies (potatoes, cheese, onions, bacon and marmalade!). xx

Received an email from Adrian first thing and it was quickly followed by email responses from Steve, John and John (and I added a reply too)… everyone seems ok (although John Trem needs double-knee surgery which sounds pretty onerous).

Watched “Grayson Perry’s Art Club” on Channel4 in the evening – encouraging people to ‘do’ art… he’s always good value (and some interesting stuff too).

Started reading Lewis Hyde’s book “The Gift” at bedtime… and think I’m going to find it ‘hard going’ (but I’ll persevere).

Sunday 3 May:

No walk today. Pretty grey and dismal day, but dry at least.

Finished my ‘Virgin Suicides’ book before breakfast and then wrote up my ‘review’ in my regular book blog.

I’ve been liaising with Urban Sketching friends Marta and Karen regarding some more ‘virtual’ sketch meet-ups (in Sintra, Portugal and Pewsey, Wiltshire) and so prepared the links and arrangements and posted them on the USk facebook page.

‘Tuned’ into streamed church (led by Maria, with talk from Richard).

Started to experiment with a set of old watercolours that I ‘inherited’ from Don Williamson at Brox (which he ‘left behind’ when he retired… some 30 years ago?)(see image). I’m not a natural watercolour painter and so it’ll be interesting to see how things go – I’ll no doubt end up producing blocks of bland, quite controlled, colour wash. Enjoyed painting while playing some of my old CDs (including the soundtrack from “Amelie”; Miles Davis’ “Kind of Blue”; and Frank Sinatra).

Spoke to Chris and Sarah via zoom towards the end of the afternoon, which was absolutely lovely. We miss them terribly since they moved to France last Autumn. After a pretty traumatic and difficult first few months (friends killed in a car accident in Africa and Chris’s father struggling with depression – not to mention having to adjust to community life), there still seem to be lots of frustrations, but seem to be coping reasonably (and at least they now have their own small apartment).

Excellent roast supper (Moira cleverly utilised one chicken and one large potato, plus carrots and kale), followed by bread+butter pudding.

Saturday 2 May:

Another dawn walk, another beautiful sunny morning. Walked down North Street (on the basis that I hadn’t been in the street for what seems an awful long time). It’s very strange being able to take photographs (and to walk) in the middle of the road… then Greenway Bush Lane/Vauxhall Bridge/SS Great Britain/harbourside/Gaol Ferry Bridge. Wonderful still waters and reflections around the marina (see image). Back home before 7am to breakfast of poached egg+toast+coffee.

Read ‘Virgin Suicides’ for a while.

After lunch (Moira had made some humous), I rang Iris and Dan (again, they both seem in very good form and coping without problems).

Spent part of the afternoon starting to organise photographs+sketches for a possible Blurb book essentially focussing on photographs taken on my ‘lockdown’ walks (together with other related general activities (I’ve yet to come up with a title).

Went for a walk with Moira at around 4pm but, after 20 minutes or so, I decided there were just too many people about for my liking and returned home (Moira continued a little further… and wasn’t quite as fazed as me about ‘all the people’!).

Watched an excellent programme on Matisse via catch-up after supper.

Went to bed reasonably early to read more of my VS book.

Friday 1 May:

We moved to Bristol 17 years ago TODAY!

Neither Moira nor I went walking today (*mustdobetter*).

It was a bright, dry morning so I decided the time had come to I was going to trim the honeysuckle (I’d be thwarted by the rain over the past three days). I wrote this on facebook: “I was about to venture out, but decided that perhaps we should have a coffee before I started (as you do). I then set about the task in earnest (and was really impressed that the shears were still pretty sharp)… so sharp in fact that, unfortunately, within the first two minutes, I cut through the washing line (but we’ll gloss over that). But, despite this small setback, I bravely battled on…
Moira had come out to witness me in ‘gardening action’… and then departed to get dressed - promptly turning the key to kitchen door in the process and locking me out (our garden is tiny and has one access… via the kitchen door). It took an ‘awful long time’ before Moira returned to check on progress… but I was very brave and didn’t cry”...

Oh, how we laughed (there’s now a large pile of cuttings – which will probably have to be left to rot down – see image)!

Read more of my “Virgin Suicides” before lunch, then worked on a #drawbrianslorry challenge by my lovely Urban Sketcher friend Jennifer (the image of a very complicated truck posted on someone’s Instagram site challenging people to produce their own versions of it in sketch form)… Jennifer and I both had a ‘go’ (but very difficult to ‘see’ all detail from the photograph).

Grateful to receive another excellent Hugo delivery (only slight frustrations: ONE potato and no onions included!).

Spoke to Rosa via mobile… and she seems to be in very good form (I miss her banter!).

Watched “Grayson Perry’s Art Club” (maybe I should try to use my ‘new’ watercolours to paint a portrait/self portrait?) and “Wolf Hall” on catch-up during the course of the evening.