The tiers are in… And we’ve been rated…… TIER 3.

Great.  The new tiers have been announced, and my home area is in tier 3, as is my partner’s home.  Now his area, I can understand, but mine?  Unless there is something I have missed, I didn’t think we were as bad as some areas

So, as we’re in a support bubble (and we’re in the same tier) I’m planning to escape next weekend to see him, as I haven’t seen him since the end of October.  I know it’s not as long as the first lockdown, but this time of year, things are that much gloomier, and it makes me want to curl up with someone I care about, and chill out watching a film.

Ah well, guess I’d better get back to the grindstone – my lunch break is nearly over.

Back when I get chance.

 

Karen

You gave me your love
To last me forever I know
Our love is forever
You gave me your love
To last me wherever I go

Working from home (part 2)

 Well, I’m back at home, due to the new lockdown that was announced on Saturday night.  The office is closing from tomorrow night, so I’ve had to make sure that I have everything I need at home.  

That’s not an issue – apart from me being an idiot and not plugging the headphones into the laptop (they were plugged into the monitor), and wondering why I couldn’t hear anything.

Once I’d realised what I’d done (and finished feeling like an idiot) I was up and running.  EE must have done some serious network improvements, as I’ve not had to curse the dongle once.  Which is a miracle.  

Ok – I’ll rephrase that.  I only cursed whilst my dratted laptop decided to do an update this morning, meaning that I was late logging on to the system. OK – not an issue…  

Or I thought it wasn’t….  Until I realised that I couldn’t use the phone.  Or log into part of the system where I keep files that I need to get access to.

So, one call to the IT helpdesk, and the issue with the cloud storage was sorted.  The phone side was sorted by emailing a colleague who is already working from home, and they managed to help me sort the settings, so that was nice and easy.  What I didn’t realise was that I would end up feeling…... Numb.

 I didn’t realise just how much I enjoy being in the office – despite all my grumps about my colleagues – it’s a good laugh with them as it means we can bounce things off each other, especially if one of us gets stuck with something that we have no idea about.  

OK – on the plus side, I have the view of the garden, and no travelling, meaning a decent lie in in the morning, and no fighting my way through the traffic to the office, and contending with 4x4 with only one child in going to the private school!

 But on the downside?  It’s the human need for companionship.  Now I am the first to admit I am an antisocial so-and-so at the best of times,  but there is something comforting about being part of a group…  But I know I’ll get over this, and knowing me, will probably resent the fact that I have to go back into the office after this lock down.

Ah well, time to log off and join family.  I shall be spending enough time staring at this damned screen for the next four weeks or so...

Back soon.

Karen

Another lockdown

The PM has finally confirmed what the papers had been saying yesterday.  We go back into lockdown on Thursday.

Only this time, it's not a complete lockdown - I can (at the moment) go into the office as I cannot work from home.

Whether the office remains open is another matter.  It depends very much on the decision of the leadership team, and if they decide to close the office, then I am stuck.

Not because I don't have a laptop (I do - hateful thing) but because I am one of those rare people who don't have broadband at home.

Ok - I have been given a WiFi dongle that should (in theory) allow me to work at home... But because it's on a network that is hopeless where I live, I might as well use it as a doorstop.

So, if they decide to close the office, I am stuck.  It means getting up at stupid o'clock in the morning to get as much work done as I can before the system kicks me off, and then working in the evening to make sure that I get my hours in.

And that's not the only thing that is going to cause a problem.  The lockdown also includes restrictions on so-called non-essential travel.  Ok, I can understand that.  But you can travel for work or to go to your support bubble.

Now my support bubble is with my partner.  Who lives about 50 miles away from my home.  So I can see that causing issues with the police as they would be within their rights (as I understand the rules) to stop me and ask why / where I am travelling to.  

Knowing my luck, they wouldn't believe me that I was going to be with my support bubble, so this may be the last weekend I can spend with my partner until the lockdown is over and done with.

So, I am going to make the most of today, as it may be a few weeks before I can see my partner again.

Back when I get chance.

Karen

Making the most of today

A new phone has arrived

 And I didn’t expect to have to replace my Motorola G7 Play as fast.  But it’s gotten to the stage where I can’t trust the damned thing *not* to die as it says that the battery is depleted.  Yet when I power it back on, it seems to miraculously have about 50% left in the battery – not impressed at all.

So, I decided to do some research and find myself a phone that:

1. Wasn’t an iPhone – I don’t want to use the Apple software as all my apps are on Android.

2. Didn’t cost stupid money – some phones were very high three figure sums (and I have a habit of dropping phones – either into the bath, or onto the tiled floor in the kitchen...)

3. Wasn’t so small that I need a magnifying glass to see the buttons.

4. Has a decent battery life (preferably one that doesn’t die after about 20 minutes usage)

5. Has a good internal memory – so many apps (and their relevant updates) take a lot of space, and you soon run out even with 32GB internal memory.

So, taking all this into consideration, I have opted for a Nokia.  And it’s huge.  It’s the Nokia 5.3 – with a huge screen, and a good internal memory – plus the option to add extra storage via a micro SD card.  The only “downside” is trying to get the updates done on the phone, and then adding all the apps to the phone.  

Stuff that I use on a daily basis (not to mention the NHS COVID-19 app – there are quite a few places that require you to scan the QR code to check in).  I also have to buy a new case.  Which is a shame, as I like the one that I have for the G7.  It’s got an Anne Stokes image on it:

Can I find one for the Nokia?  Can I hell.  So, I've opted for something slightly different:

So I am not too unhappy - it's a nice case, and stands out from the normal black cases - and it has enough space to keep the necessary pass cards in, so I don't have to wear a lanyard with my security stuff - I hate lanyards!

Ah well, guess I'd better call this quits - I need to go and sort my flight bag ready for tomorrow - I'm away for the weekend.

Back whenever,

Karen

I will decide myself
No chains on me
Oh, ain't no chains on me
I will decide myself
I am set free

That venue is cursed…

Yet again my plans to see Magnum at Birmingham Town Hall have been changed.  This time, it’s COVID-19 that has scuppered it.

The band have released the following statement:

As most of you have presumably noticed by now, this year continues to be more than a bit rubbish.  So this announcement won’t exactly come as a surprise.

The decision has been made that most of the shows planned for November, December and February are again being rescheduled - to September/October 2021.  These are the Scandinavian, Dutch, UK and Irish shows.  This is of course 100% beyond the band’s control, and we’re all very disappointed and frustrated with the ongoing situation.

All tickets will remain valid and will be automatically transferred over to the new date.  If you instead require a refund please get in touch with your ticket supplier.  Unfortunately the shows in Hull and Exeter will not be going ahead at all.  Please contact your ticket supplier if you have tickets for these shows.

Please note there is also a change of venue for the Birmingham show: this will now be taking place at The Symphony Hall.  Tickets will be available from 10:00am Friday 2 October 2020. If you have already purchased tickets for the Town Hall, please wait to be contacted by your ticket supplier for the specific details of the venue change.  Your booking will be automatically transferred to the new performance, with your tickets located in like-for-like seats.   

Announcements for other dates will follow in due course.

The live events industry as a whole is suffering a great deal, but Magnum will be back as soon as we are able.  In the meantime we ask everyone to stay patient, stay safe, keep loving music and maybe buy an extra t-shirt if you can!

The band has been back in the studio during this extended hiatus, and we hope to bring you more positive news soon.

Rescheduled dates 2021:

05 Sep 2021                De Pul                              Uden                NL
07 Sep 2021                Fryshuset Klubben          Stockholm         S
08 Sep 2021                Vulkan                             Oslo                  N
09 Sep 2021                Folkets Park                    Huskvarna        S
10 Sep 2021                Pustervik                         Gothenburg       S
11 Sep 2021                Nojesfabriken                  Karlstad            S
13 Sep 2021                Babel                               Malmo              S
16 Sep 2021                Rock City                         Nottingham      UK
17 Sep 2021                Leadmill                           Sheffield          UK
19 Sep 2021                Waterfront                       Norwich            UK
20 Sep 2021                Assembly Hall                 Islington           UK
21 Sep 2021                Engine Rooms                Southampton    UK
22 Sep 2021                Tramshed                        Cardiff              UK
24 Sep 2021                Academy 2                      Manchester      UK
25 Sep 2021                Picturedrome                  Holmfirth           UK
27 Sep 2021                Symphony HalL             Birmingham     UK
29 Sep 2021                Junction                           Cambridge       UK
30 Sep 2021                Garage                            Glasgow           UK
02 Oct 2021                 Voodoo Lounge              Dublin               IE
03 Oct 2021                 Limelight 1                      Belfast              UK  

It’s almost as if the music gods don’t want me to see them at the Town Hall…  But if I am honest, I am not surprised, as this year has been pretty screwed up due to the damned virus…

So, I have something to look forward to next year..

Guess I'd better call this quits - time to home..

Karen

I can hear them calling
Hear the crowd applauding
If it's real I like the feeling
If I'm wrong who am I deceiving?

Taking more responsibilities…

Well, I feel like I have been thrown in at the deep end – with a pair of concrete shoes.  Simply because I have been asked to take over a load of the work that one of my colleagues in the playpen does, whilst they are on secondment to another department.

I don’t mind, as I deal (or have dealt) with the stuff in the past – there is only one thing that has changed since I went near it, and there is a manual for me to have a read of.  It just means that I have to raise my game, but since I was put out to pasture (AKA furlough) I am in a better place mentally when it comes to my work.  

Partly because I am meditating and partly because I have started to listen to Classic FM on my headphones.  Yes – I can still do my job, but I am isolated from the noise and the distractions in the office and people that I don’t want to speak to.

Nasty as this sounds, I am more than happy to be in the corner – away from everyone, so that I can get on with my work - and be left alone to work in peace and quiet.  Whether that stays that way remains to be seen..

Guess I’d better call it quits – my poor little phone is making pathetic beeping noises again.

Back when I get chance..

Karen

Different worlds
Only a walk across the street
Different worlds
You never know what you might meet

Wildlife in the garden

Living in Darkest Warwickshire has its advantages...  Especially when I see things like this in the garden...

Considering the ground feeder is about 6 feet away from the house, the pheasant didn't seem worried that I was sitting in the conservatory taking photos.

But that's not the only visitor to the bird table....  We have had a family of Greater Spotted Woodpeckers coming in.  Not been able to get a photo of the adult female, but I have been able to get photos of the male fledgling....

Ah well, guess I'd better put my phone on charge - poor little thing is bleeping at me again...

Back when I get chance.

Karen

Well, it's a brand new morning

And it's the start of your new life

Yeah, it's a brand new morning

You'd better try and get it right

Brand new morning

You've been awake since early light

Brand new morning

So spread your wings and you'll take flight

Watch the birdies

In these dark times of lock-down, it's the little things that make me smile.  In this case, it was a pair of sparrows having a bath.

Normally, that's not something I would pay much attention to, as I would be busy with other things that my life involved, and forgetting about taking the time to watch the birdies...

 

But the sparrows aren't the only thing to visit the garden...  A cock pheasant has also decided that the garden provides a suitable dining table for him...  Again, these photos were taken from the conservatory on my phone - hence the leaves in the photos...

So I guess there is something to be said for living in Darkest Warwickshire...  When I get sights like this from the conservatory, it helps me appreciate home even more.

Ah well,  time to call this quits.  My poor little phone is making pathetic beeping sounds at me, as I have't put it on charge to do this...

Back when I get chance / inclination...

Karen

Well, it's a brand new morning
And it's the start of your new life
Yeah, it's a brand new morning
You'd better try and get it right
Brand new morning
You've been awake since early light
Brand new morning
So spread your wings and you'll take flight

Furlough, and training

As I’m on furlough, I thought I would have a break from reading.  Yes – that does happen – I do things other than read.  So, as I have been “given” (alright – loaned) a laptop and Wi-Fi dongle, I’ve put my time to good use and completed a couple of courses.  One on time management (something that I have been working on *before* I was furloughed) and the other on basic Excel skills.

To be honest, I thought my Excel skills were OK…  But the course showed me things that I didn’t even know Excel could do…  Bit embarrassing to say the least.  

So, I decided to take the plunge and have another look at my Excel skills.  Turns out that there are some rather worrying gaps in my knowledge.  OK – I had the ability to get through the day to day work that I do, but I am getting to the stage that I do need to gain a better understanding of the things that the damned thing can do...  Namely the dreaded function VLOOKUP.

This has caused me more grey hair than enough, and despite colleagues being patient and trying to explain the principals behind this function, I *cannot* get my head around it.  So, I’m using my time to get some training, and hopefully get to grips with this damned function, as well as other bits of Excel that could be useful to me…  

It does help that the weather has been rotten (cold, rain, wind – typical UK spring day) so it means that there has been less temptation to go back to the garden and finish pruning the dogwood.  Not that I am trying to get out of that – far from it.  It’s just that I dislike getting cold and wet – especially when there is no need to.

So, hopefully this course will help me get my brain cell around the methodology of the dreaded VLOOKUP…  Then all I will have to do is put the theory into use – and hopefully discover that it makes my life easier when I am back in the office…

Back when my brain cell tells me that I have had enough (or I have gone cross eyed / bonkers trying to understand VLOOKUP….)

Karen

Write in dust all you say
Look for the answers you know you can trust
One day they might blow away

Reading challenge...

For those rare people who know me, then they will know that I am an avid reader.

My Goodreads challenge has increased from a measly 120 books for the year to 170... And I can see it increasing.

Simply because there are some cracking books making an appearance this year...  Gems such as the new Dreseden Files books - Peace Talks and Battle Ground, as well as the next book in the Hollows series - American Demon.

All I can say is, thank god for the kindle.  I'd have gone stir crazy...

And yes - it is a genuine list.  I have almost given up watching the TV, as I am getting fed up with the crap that the broadcasters seem to think that people want to watch.

There are only so many repeats of Bargain Hunt and Homes Under the Hammer I can watch before my eyes start to glaze over, and my hands start instinctively to reach for the kindle (or tree book) that I am reading....

And guess what? My kindle is calling again...

Back when I can escape the lure of a good book (or three...)

Karen

See the night sky supernova
Chase the cold moon passing over
Start the dragon's fire to smoulder
On a storyteller's night

Enforced lock-down extension.....

Well, we have another three weeks of the so-called lock-down.  HM Government has said that there has been a decrease in the virus infections, but not enough to allow people to escape.

I’m lucky – I have the garden I can escape into, as it’s been beautiful weather.  If it had been cold and wet, then it would have been a very different kettle of fish – I’d have been going stir crazy.  And the best bit?  The cowslips in the paddock are in bloom, and putting on quite a little show.

Cowslips in the paddock

The funny thing is, we only planted a couple of plants - and they were the red and yellow ones - they obviously reverted over the past 20 or so years..  And spread.  Not that I am complaining, although I don't mind admitting that it does make mowing the grass a little difficult...

However, there is a drawback to the lock-down...  I haven't seen my partner for just over 5 weeks.  OK - that has happened before - it happened last year when I caught a nasty chest infection that flattened me, and meant that I spent more time asleep than anything else.  But at least we knew that when I was recovered (and fit enough to drive) we would see each other.

This time, we are (as I type this) both fit and healthy, and only apart due to the social distancing rules.  And all I can say is thank god for unlimited texts / minutes on my phone.  I know there is a reason for the separation, but it doesn't stop me missing him like hell.

Ah well, guess I should call it quits - my favorite Magnum song has started playing on my MP3 player...  Welcome to the Cosmic Cabaret.

Back whenever,

Karen

Hard game and the music's going nowhere
This room's getting smaller by the day
Some dog on the street, he just keeps howling
Welcome to the cosmic cabaret

Out to grass - aka Furlough.

Yep - I've been put out to grass.  Am I bothered?  Slightly, but to be honest, I could see it coming, as I have been trying to work from home, and with the best will the world, it's not been easy.

I'm one of those rare people that doesn't have broadband at home - in this bit of Darkest Warwickshire, we rely on a carrier snail.  And that met with an accident called a pot of salt.

So, until June 1st, I am officially on the payroll of HM Government, meaning that I don’t go near a computer (I’m posting this via the Blogger App on my phone), so it means an enforced break from the usual stuff that lands on my desk (ok – working from home, it’s been the dining table).

But, I can at least keep up with the training that I have been trying to complete, and may well be able to get some more bits done that I am interested in – mainly updating my excel skills.

They were good enough (just) to keep me afloat, but things have changed, and I admit that I am struggling with nasty things such as VLOOKUP, data validation and other functions (something that the powers that be have decided that I really should know about)…

So, I’ll be updating on things as they arise, and I can be bothered to type on a tiny keyboard on my phone.  Just hope the spell check is up to it!

Back whenever…

Karen

Hold on, there's a new way a-coming
Looks like it's arriving tonight
There's no more hiding or running
There's no more walking on ice

Damn, damn and damn.

Well, the best laid plans have a habit of going wrong, and I seem to be cursed every time I try to see Magnum at Birmingham town hall…  The last time they had to postpone a gig, we ended up going to see them at Symphony Hall – and I have the album that they recorded there…

This is the statement that Magnum sent to their fans:

“It is with a heavy heart that we must finally concede to the inevitable.

A combination of government measures in numerous countries, and liaising with promoters and our co-headliners Gotthard has meant that ultimately the decision has been taken out of our hands.

The Serpent Rings Tour will be postponed until later this year and early next.  Dates will be announced as soon as possible.

Those with tickets will be entitled to a refund or to attend rescheduled shows - information on this will be given as soon as we know more.

We're very sorry to all the loyal fans who were looking forward to coming to see us.  But even more than this we are sorry for those who will feel the financial impact of this for months and even years to come.  Our friends, the crew, who now have empty diaries and no immediate prospect of new shows of any kind.  Our support acts, promoters, venue staff, security, bar staff and the touring industry as a whole - all of whom face exceptionally hard times now.

It was never our intent to cause anger and hurt with our previous defiance.  With so much already paid for, contracts all in place and the band all rehearsed and ready to go we had very little choice but to try and carry on despite mounting pressure. We really wanted to play more than you can imagine. We held on as long as we could.

Good luck to everyone in these troubled times.  We'll see you on the other side...

Bob, Tony, Rick, Lee, Dennis and all the Magnum team”

But, at the end of the day, the band have to follow the advice from the various governments, and I cannot fault them.  I just hope that this damned virus clears up soon, and life can get back to some semblance of normality.

Ah well, time to call this quits - got to refuel the Monster today...

Back when I can.

Karen

It's another rainy day

Talk of freedom got away

Time to get the message right

It's never black or white

So I'm walking in the rain

Found a reason to explain

No excuses, no regret

We all deserve respect

An attitude I can relate to....

I found this post from Magnum somewhat refreshing…

UK melodic rock stalwarts Magnum have vowed not to let the coronavirus outbreak interfere with their touring plans. The band, who are introducing new bass player Dennis Ward on their forthcoming run of European dates, say that the flu-like virus – also known as COVID-19 – should not prevent fans from living their lives "to the fullest."  

"Let's get this right out there," say the band, in a statement of Facebook. "The band are not going to cancel the tour."  

The statement continues, "We've been in rehearsal for three weeks now. We're all in excellent health. Dennis has been fitting in fantastically and we're looking forward to playing our new material for the first time to as many people as possible.  

We are contractually obliged to play every single show and we intend to do so. We'd urge every fan and indeed every human being around the world to not fall into the trap of allowing fear and misinformation surrounding the virus to prevent them from living their lives to the fullest.  

If a band with an average age of nearly 60 are chomping at the bit to get on a tour bus and go and play our hearts out for three months solid we sincerely hope that you're not too afraid to come out and see us! Pack these venues out and show us what Magnum fans are made of.  

F**k coronavirus. See you on the road.”

And yes – I am looking forward to seeing them the end of this month – I am one of the lucky ones who has tickets for the gig at Birmingham Town Hall.

Back later....

Karen

It's another rainy day
Talk of freedom got away
Time to get the message right
It's never black or white
So I'm walking in the rain
Found a reason to explain
No excuses, no regret
We all deserve respect

Meet the new boiler - same as the old one

Well, not quite.  We're having another condensing boiler, as the amount of work required to swap to a combi boiler would be horrific - as we would have to have the hot water tank in the airing cupboard removed, and all the pipework capped off.

So, we have had (and accepted) a very reasonable quote from A1 Gas Force to install the new boiler.  The engineer thought that they would have to dig a soakaway as it's a condensing boiler, and were quite surprised when they found that we already had the pipework in place.

In fairness, the old (and condemned)  boiler was one of the first condensing boilers on the market, but they only really took off about 16 years ago, so it wasn't really surprising that they didn't realise what it was.

And the best bit?  It's being fitted on Thursday, so we should (hopefully) have full heating back on line on Thursday night.  It can't come soon enough for me, as I don't like getting out of the shower in a cold bathroom.

Ah well, time to call this quits, as I need to get to bed early - got to be in the playpen for 08:00 tomorrow morning.....

Back soon,

Karen

Still cold in Darkest Warwickshire

The condemned boiler...

Well, Storm Dennis did for the boiler what Storm Ciara couldn't.  It finished the boiler off.  But, in fairness to the boiler, it was old - nearly 30 years old to be honest, so it didn't really owe us anything...

Mum called British Gas today to have a look, and the engineer opened the boiler case, and it was flooded.  So, it was kaput, and the gas has been turned off at the meter, as the heating was the only thing that ran on gas.

It also has a large sticker on the case:

So, we now have the "fun" of getting a replacement boiler.  And the problem is, Mum and I don't have the foggiest what to go for.  We're looking at a combi boiler, but to be honest?  Neither of us have any idea what size or anything else to go for...

Ah well, time to call this quits - my fingers are getting cold, so I'm off to toast by the fire.

Back when I know what is happening with the heating...

Karen

Frozen in Darkest Warwickshire

Storm Ciara and the boiler

Bloody bad weather has buggered up the boiler.  It tries to start up, then trips the main circuit breaker.

We think that the rain may have gotten in, and keeps extinguishing the pilot light (it's a condensing gas boiler) so it won't fire up.

Just means that Mum and I will have to wrap up in a fleecy blanket, and use the fire in the living room for heat.

Sooner this damned weather clears, the better.  And at least it's not freezing cold.  Just wet and windy!

Not nice, but at least we have power.....

Back when I know what the hell is going on with the boiler.

Karen

Waiting for the weather to improve

It's finished....

Well, the relish is finished.  Now all I need to do is put it into a jar.

Finished red onion relish

No fancy jars for me - I prefer the Dowe Egbert coffee jars, as they are the right size (and heat up nicely in the oven).  Plus the tops seal really well...

And after all that, I got one and a bit jars of relish.

Finished relish in jars

So all I have to do now is the cleaning up. Great fun. Not.  But it's worth it.

Back when I have cleaned up.

Karen

Hold on, there's a new way a-coming
Looks like it's arriving tonight
There's no more hiding or running
There's no more walking on ice

Danger - Red Onion relish in progress..

Well, as my partner is at work, I decided to do something creative (and edible).

I'd been thinking about trying my hand at making chutney (pineapple chutney has already been made) and like a twit, forgot to take photos of the process.

So, I decided to make something else (and blog about it!). At least this time it's not as complicated as the chutney was (meaning less bad language during the preparation).  It's just four ingredients:

Red onion x 8

Caster sugar x 100g

Red wine vinegar x 100ml

Red wine x 100ml

Slice the onion, then cook it with the sugar until soft (the recipe I am using is from BBC good food app) and states that it should take about 10 min in a covered pan. (I personally gave it 20 min) them added the wine and the vinegar:

Red onion relish in production

This is still on the hob as I write this, as I am waiting for it to finish reducing and thickening up.

Further updates to follow

Karen

Hold on, there's a new way a-coming

Looks like it's arriving tonight

There's no more hiding or running

There's no more walking on ice

Rocketman... Missed

My mistake. I read Elton John's autobiography when it came out, and really enjoyed it.

I also bought the Elton John biopic, as I'd wanted to see it.

And I wish I had seen the film first.  The best bit was the music. Taran Egerton was very good as Elton, but it was very disjointed.  

If you've seen the film, then read the book.  However, if you've read the book.... Well, don't say that I didn't warn you.

Karen

Hold on, there's a new way a-coming
Looks like it's arriving tonight
There's no more hiding or running
There's no more walking on ice