8th February 2021

UK Deaths: 333  Harborough Infected: 355

We woke to freezing temperatures and falling snow, which continued throughout the day. Even a few brief sunny spells in the afternoon couldn’t stop the snow flurries, and a brisk breeze meant that any ventures outdoors were decidedly short-lived.

Today was Mia’s sixth birthday, and among her many presents was a rather stylish outfit, perfect for the wintry conditions. Here in Leicestershire, it’s been quite a few years since the children have experienced such snowy weather, so the Rothwells made the most of it with a spot of sledging. It brought back fond memories of my childhood, weeks of deep snow, frozen milk bottles on the doorstep, snowdrift dens, and endless snowball fights. Before global warming took hold, we had proper winters up north in Yorkshire during the ’70s!

9th February 2021: UK Deaths: 1,052  Harborough Infected: 357
From next Monday, passengers arriving in England from 33 high-risk countries will be required to quarantine for 10 days in government-designated hotels, at a cost of up to £1,750. Those who attempt to conceal travel from COVID-19 hotspots face up to 10 years in prison. An “enhanced testing” regime will also come into effect, requiring two tests during the quarantine period.
It all feels a bit late; Cyprus had similar measures in place right from the beginning of the first lockdown.

Another bitterly cold and snowy day. My morning turned out to be rather interesting: During my usual bike ride, I decided to check on Peter’s car, which has been parked off-road in Lubenham for the past 18 months while he remains stranded in New Zealand due to the pandemic.

Last week, the council contacted me requesting Peter’s details, as they want the vehicle removed; apparently, the locals have begun complaining.

As I arrived, I encountered two people chatting nearby: a resident and a gamekeeper from Lubenham Hall. After a brief exchange about the car’s situation, the conversation meandered onto the weather, village life, and, rather randomly, TV game shows.

Out of the blue, the gamekeeper revealed he was a former professional boxer and launched into a story about his youth, describing himself as having been “a bad ’un”. According to him, his parents were so desperate, they arranged for both him and his brother to be exorcised. They’d been setting fire to buildings, stealing and burying jewellery, and even entertaining the idea of shooting and burying family members.

Thankfully, it seems the priest knew his stuff because the man seemed perfectly pleasant, up until the moment he proudly claimed he made and sold the best knives in the area and asked if I’d be interested in buying one.

At that point, the lady quickly made her excuses and left, and I soon followed suit.

Hmm… perhaps I should carry a bible in my toolkit the next time I cycle through the village, just in case.

10th February 2021: UK Deaths: 1,001  Harborough Infected: 291

After the coldest night of the year so far, with temperatures barely creeping up to zero during the day, the best place to be was indoors with the heating turned up.

At Willow Bank, our only visitors were Jim and Bridget, who had just returned from three weeks away. They parked their car in our driveway for now, until a space becomes available at their place.

It’s Bridget’s birthday tomorrow, so we gave her a card and a bottle of wine, such a shame we can’t join her to celebrate properly.

11th February 2021: UK Deaths: 678  Harborough Infected: 298

While Scotland shivered through a bitter -22°C overnight, here in comparatively balmy Harborough, it was a mere -8°C at breakfast. By the time I mounted my bike for a particularly invigorating morning ride, the mercury had soared to a sweltering -2°C! Strangely, there weren’t many others out making the most of this rare opportunity to spot the odd penguin…

Since Storm Darcy shifted the jet stream south of the UK, bringing with it a blast of icy Arctic air, Sue and I have been reluctant to head out on our usual rambles. Instead, we’ve been passing the afternoons delving into the Palmer and Crosbie family history via Ancestry.com.

On the plus side, time seems to fly by as we uncover intriguing incidents and unexpected connections among our ancestors. It’s certainly helped to make lockdown life a little more bearable.

12th February 2021: UK Deaths: 758,  Harborough Infected: 234
The UK’s coronavirus reproduction number (R-value) is now estimated to be between 0.7 and 0.9. A rapid community testing centre opened today at Harborough Leisure Centre, offering residents a chance to be tested more easily.

It was another bitterly cold day. Late in the afternoon, we looked after Harry while Charlotte and her family viewed a house in Harborough. They’re considering a move to a larger property and are exploring what’s available locally.

Later in the evening, both Sue and I received text messages from our local GP practice, inviting us to book appointments for our Covid vaccinations. We’re now scheduled to face the needle on the 19th of February.

12th February 2021: UK Deaths: 621  Harborough Infected: 236
The number of UK adults who have received their first dose of the Covid vaccine has now reached 14,556,827.

Across the Atlantic, Donald Trump has been acquitted of inciting insurrection at the conclusion of his second impeachment trial. Shame on those Republican senators who failed to put their country, or democracy, above their own or their party’s interests.

The irony is striking: the very democratic process that Trump has so often disregarded is only defended when it serves their purposes. A sobering reminder of the fragility of principles when power is at stake.

13th February 2021: UK Deaths: 258 | Harborough Infected: 228
More than 15 million people in the UK have now received their first dose of the coronavirus vaccine. It’s also been confirmed that all children are set to return to school on 8th March.

Despite the thermometer reaching a dizzying 2°C today, a biting north-easterly wind made it feel closer to -7°C. According to the BBC, temperatures are set to rise considerably tomorrow—perhaps even into double figures. Until then, Sue and I are staying firmly indoors.

Earlier in the day, we had a lovely visit from Sarah, Lee, Alice and Mia, who joined us for a fish and chip lunch.

Meanwhile, Jamie, Ruth, Joey and the dogs found a patch of deep snow and went off for a vigorous yomp. From the video they sent, they all seemed to be having great fun, though it did look absolutely freezing!