There’s a distinct possibility that Julia may be going down with Covid in the near future. Several co-workers have been diagnosed recently, including one who came into work to tell them that she had symptoms, and one who was called at work with the information that she was positive but asymptomatic and may have been spreading virus for some days.

It is a time for keeping fingers crossed.

As a result of this, head office have decided to send them some lateral flow tests for self testing and an exhortation to keep going, It seems that the residential homes have been getting the tests for some time now, but nobody thought to send any to Nottingham. The view from their ivory tower must be quite stunning at this time of year. Not sure where it is sited but it’s a long way from any practical, hands-on experience. Even though 90% of the staff have now deserted them and are refusing to come in to work (two more rang in this morning, one “ill” and one with “stress”) head office does not want them to shut down. The absent staff members are not prepared to work,  but are still  prepared to accept their wages and offer their views on Facebook.

The oldest member of staff, who is also at risk from health, weight and ethnicity, is Julia.  She’s still there. This is a bit of a shock as I normally just think of her as beautiful and a bit creaky. (But I am a bit creaky too, and, as you may guess, my eyes are not great). I am getting steadily less happy with the situation and have already discarded several versions of tonight’s blog due to intemperate use of language.

At times like this, I think of Sir Edmund Verney (1590-1642). He was personally loyal to the King but did not support his policies. He wrote a letter at the time expressing his thoughts –

“I have eaten his bread and served him near thirty years, and will not do so base a thing as to forsake him; and choose rather to lose my life (which I am sure to do) to preserve and defend those things which are against my conscience to preserve and defend”

Strangely, for a man of integrity, he was also an MP. Those of you who are sound on historical dates will, I am sure, already have deduced that he was also quite good at predicting the future.

So, from vaccination on Sunday to rats deserting a sinking ship on Tuesday. What a turn-round in outlook.

On a sadder note Tom Moore died in hospital today. He had an adventurous 12 months, with two World records, a Gold Blue Peter Badge, a Knighthood and 150,000  cards for his 100th birthday.