26th April 2021:

UK Deaths: 6 Harborough Infections: 10

The European Commission has initiated legal action against AstraZeneca, accusing the company of failing to honour its COVID-19 vaccine contract. This action appears to be more about saving face than saving lives. The only takeaway for pharmaceutical companies seems to be a warning against entering future contracts with the EU that promise anything beyond the bare minimum.

After a 4.5-hour walk to Foxton and back with my two little companions, Rocky and Nala, they were collected late in the afternoon by Jamie and returned home.

27th April 2021: UK Deaths: 17 Harborough Infections: 11

Pentagon scientists claim to have developed a sensor that, when inserted under the skin, can detect COVID-19 in a patient before symptoms appear. Additionally, they have created a revolutionary filter that can remove the virus from the blood via a dialysis machine, a potentially life-saving innovation that one hopes will become universally accessible.

On a much chillier day than recently, Sue and I embarked on a 6.7-mile walk, starting from Jamie’s house in Desborough and passing through Stoke Albany. Yesterday, Jamie had forgotten to collect the dogs’ blanket when he picked them up, so we parked in front of his garage, let ourselves into the house, and returned their comforter.

Finding our way out of the expansive Grange Estate on the edge of Desborough proved to be a challenge, thanks to a rather cheeky homeowner who had obstructed the OS pathway with a 6ft panelled fence. After a bit of head-scratching and some careful GPS checks, we eventually resolved the issue and set off on our ramble in earnest.

Our route took us north through the long-decommissioned RAF Desborough Airfield, which had served as a Royal Air Force Bomber Command base during WW2 before its closure in 1946. Despite its historical significance, the old, pot-holed runway offered little in terms of scenic appeal; even the melodic warbling of a skylark soaring above couldn’t enliven the monotonous trudge along the vast expanse of concrete. Relief came as we descended from the elevated runway into gently sloping grassy fields. Yet, even here, the dry spell had left the ground treacherously rutted with animal hoof depressions, making the terrain hard on the ankles and the going rather wearisome. We continued to Stoke Albany House, built in 1835 and now open to visitors under the Open Garden Scheme.

Entering the grounds of Stoke Albany House via a stile and a large badger sett provided some welcome relief for our sore feet. We paused to admire this rather impressive country residence. Sue observed, “Look at all those windows, they must be a devil to keep clean.” I wholeheartedly agreed, adding, “And imagine the nightmare of dusting, not to mention all the spider webs.” We unanimously decided to remove it from our list of aspire-to properties!

Leaving the tiny medieval hamlet of Stoke Albany, we joined the Jurassic Way, a national footpath. Our journey south took us through rolling farmland and bluebell-filled woods, clearly shaped to accommodate the local Hunt and pheasant shoots. Returning to Desborough, we passed through its large, modern industrial estate and navigated our way back through the maze of The Grange, eventually reaching the car.

Later in the afternoon, Charlotte arrived with her friend Sarah (no relation). I lent a hand loading Sarah’s car with woodchips from the Council heap. Afterwards, I rotavated the raised vegetable beds in the garden and transplanted four rows of lettuce, which should be resilient enough to withstand any late frosts.

28th April 2021: UK Deaths: 29, Harborough Infections: 11The UK has secured an additional 60 million Pfizer vaccine doses for an autumn booster campaign.

While Sue joined her U3A group for a ramble around Stonton Wyville, I spent the day tending to the vegetable plot.

29th April 2021:  UK Deaths: 22. Harborough Infected: 13.

Today is Joey’s birthday, and he’s had the perfect gift: a week off school! His teacher has been Covid-tracked and traced and is now isolating, much to Joey’s delight.

Sue joined the U3A Nature group for a visit to Southwick Woods and Short Wood near Oundle. Although the day was rather chilly, it didn’t dampen their spirits. They were treated to carpets of bluebells, a few rare orchids, and even spotted a parakeet. I spent another productive day in the vegetable patch, sowing the season’s first carrots and beetroot.

30th April 2021: UK Deaths: 15 Harborough Infections: 14

While returning from town today, I noticed a nurse fully equipped in PPE outside a neighbour’s house. Their son Ben had recently undergone an operation in the hospital. Aftercare has become so much more challenging during the pandemic. I used to work with his mother, Terry, at Farndon Fields School. I truly hope Ben makes a full recovery.

1st May 2021: UK Deaths: 7 Harborough Infections: 15

The morning began with an early trip to Leicester General Hospital for a Lucentis injection to treat my left eye. We arrived 15 minutes ahead of my 8:30 am appointment, and being the first patient, I was seen immediately and treated promptly, finished by half-past and back home by 9:15 am! I rested my eye by returning to bed until midday.

Our next-door neighbours, Mike and Clair, mentioned earlier in the week that they would be replacing the fence between our properties, and I promised to lend a hand. Unfortunately, Mike decided to begin the work in the afternoon. I explained that I couldn’t manage anything physical for the next 24 hours, but I took on the role of expert supervisor as he removed two of the fence panels.

In the evening, we treated ourselves to an excellent Chinese takeaway and settled down to watch The White Tiger. It’s a captivating story, reminiscent of Slumdog Millionaire in its themes and narrative.

Meanwhile, Jamie made another attempt to beat his previous time in the R8 at Santa Pod Raceway.

2nd May 2021: UK Deaths: 14 Harborough Infections: 15

India’s coronavirus crisis has reached a grim new milestone, with 3,689 deaths and 392,488 new cases reported on Sunday. The UK is sending 1,000 additional ventilators to India to assist in its fight against the pandemic.

The day began with another chilly 5:30 am start for Sue, who attended the Saddington car-boot sale. I rose a couple of hours later to pot on some sweetcorn and sow a few more seeds to compensate for a disappointing germination rate. Shortly after returning from honing her bargaining skills, Sue received a call from Lee, informing us that Alice had been taken to the hospital by ambulance after developing a temperature of 39°C and a rash on her legs and arms. Sarah accompanied her to the hospital, but due to COVID-19 restrictions, Lee was unable to join them. He kept Sue and me updated throughout the day. Thankfully, Alice was discharged in the afternoon after being diagnosed with a viral chest infection, a huge relief!

Later in the afternoon, Jamie and Ruth stopped by to deliver several packs of pork steaks for the freezer. Now all we need is some warm weather for a BBQ!