8th March 2021

UK Deaths: 65 Harborough Infected: 75

The new ‘Declaration to Travel’ form comes into effect today, requiring passengers travelling overseas from England to complete and carry this exit permit. Ellis and Lucas returned to school today. Both will be undergoing two Covid tests each week. Ellis will be tested at home, while Lucas’s tests will be administered at school.

9th March 2021: UK Deaths: 231 Harborough Infected: 72

With heavy rain and strong winds forecast for tomorrow, today provided a welcome interlude of sunshine amidst what feels like an eternity of unsettled weather. Buoyed by optimism, Suraj attempted to book a round of golf for the two of us this morning. Although we are now legally permitted to meet and exercise together, golf courses remain closed until the 29th.

Instead of chasing a small white ball, I opted to follow a rotavator around the vegetable plot, planting six rows of onion sets. Perhaps not quite as enjoyable, but at least one more task ticked off the list.

10th March 2021: UK Deaths: 190Harborough Infected: 125
Total 1st Vaccine Doses Administered: 22,809,829

A wet and blustery day. After visiting Charlotte, Sara and Alice stopped at Willow Bank to collect more woodchips before heading home.

On my morning cycle ride, I paused twice to chat with a couple of ex-rugby mates. Our conversations drifted away from sport and instead focused on the frustration of not being able to get out and about or meet up with friends. One offered a sobering reminder of the times we live in: his brother-in-law had passed away from COVID-19 just three days before he was due to receive his vaccination.

11th March 2021: UK Deaths: 181. Harborough Infected: 108.

12th March 2021: UK Deaths: 175. Harborough Infected: 91.

The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in France rose above four million on Friday, as the health ministry reported 25,229 new infections.

13th March 2021: UK Deaths: 121 Harborough Infected: 76
UK Vaccinations: 23.6 million

Today was Ruth’s birthday.

From Monday, shops, restaurants, and schools will close across most of Italy, with Prime Minister Mario Draghi warning of a “new wave” of the coronavirus outbreak.

Still, there is hope in this Covid-infested world when Leicester Tigers beat Gloucester and England overcomes a talented French side, finally breaking a run of dismal performances.

Though it’s been less than a week since restrictions were eased and schools reopened, the number of deaths and infections continues to decline, while the vaccination graph climbs ever more steeply. False dawn, or a resplendent sunrise of good fortune?

It’s more likely that the true impact of the current measures will emerge over the next couple of weeks, but for the first time in a while, I’m beginning to feel just a little more positive. Now, if only the weather witches would cooperate and bring a touch of warmth to that sunrise…

14th March 2021 Mother’s Day:  UK Deaths: 52 Harborough Infected: 70

British Airways has announced plans to introduce digital vaccine passports ahead of the anticipated reopening of international travel in May.

The day began early at Willow Bank with a video call from Sarah, wishing Sue a happy Mother’s Day. Unbeknownst to Sue, she was to receive a surprise visit later in the morning, courtesy of a treasure hunt organised by Lee. Last week, he had hidden a series of notelets at various locations using the ‘what3words’ app, each one revealing the location of the next. Under Lee’s instruction, I had hidden one of the notelets in our garden—in the red telephone box next to the pool.

Sure enough, Sarah, Lee, Alice, and Mia turned up mid-morning, discovered the note, and paused briefly for coffee before heading off to track down the next clue, which I knew to be tucked away in a shed in Lee’s parents’ garden. A very novel, and rather touching, way of visiting your mum on Mother’s Day, I thought.

Charlotte arrived at lunchtime with Harry, bringing flowers, chocolates, and a beautifully boxed-up special lunch for Sue. It also happened to be Harry’s birthday, so I treated him to a couple of goodies and an especially enthusiastic ear fondle.

While Sue and Charlotte chatted in the lounge, I retired to the kitchen to prepare my not-quite-so-special lunch of pie, chips and beans. Just another 98 days to wait until Father’s Day…