Marty

Hi, Albert! Sorry about the belated response. Was in the garden strimming again. Just popped in for a snack and a cup of coffee, before heading out again.

And, according to the BBC... "Coronavirus also claimed the life of country singer Joe Diffie over the weekend, while the family of Nashville legend John Prine said he was critically ill on a ventilator and being treated for Covid-19 symptoms." Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-52089768 The following song written and performed by John Prine ranks as one of my favourite anti-war songs:

I'm so sorry to hear that, B It is probably a wise decision on their part, but it must be very upsetting for all concerned.

At least Albert doesn't live in a remote village in Siberia...

I suspect that (in the case of Type 2, at least) the main reason it's a factor is because it's a lifestyle disease. Caused in a large part by lack of exercise, obesity, and eating all the wrong foods. When I was diagnosed 8 years ago, I made a conscious decision to turn my life around. I started eating much more sensibly, exercising, and lost about 3 stones in weight. I bumped into the GP who had diagnosed me about a year later (she had retired in the interim) and she said that she couldn't believe how well I was looking, and that I looked years younger. I told her that it was all her fault for frightening me with the diabetes diagnosis, to which she told me that I was a very strange man indeed. When I asked what she meant by that she told me that normally her male patients never listened to a word she said!

I'm assuming by that you mean that you are "thinking positively" about being careful...

I know, but thanks for reminding me. Type 2 - not the more dangerous Type 1. I had blood samples taken about 5 weeks ago. My GP was totally happy with the results. Blood sugar levels and cholesterol (both good and bad versions) are exactly where they should be. Liver and kidney functions perfect. He said that I am managing the diabetes that well that he wouldn't even know I am diabetic from those results (as he says after every six monthly blood test). I am currently on minimal medication.

That certainly increases the risk should you become exposed, but it doesn't necessarily mean you would die from it. But, knowing that risk, do everything you can to avoid becoming infected. And, who knows, you might even be immune to it.

Just try to stay safe, Albert. And remember that in the vast majority of cases the symptoms are not all that serious. Positivity! That's what's needed in these uncertain times.

There's times when I wish that there was the option to add two emoticons to someone's post. I so wanted to use Like (for the fact that Albert's managed to sort home delivery) and Sad (for the second part of the post).

Photoshop?

You crack me up at times, young Albert!

Hi, Albert! Hope all's well with you. There's still two hours of daylight left here (oh, how I love the longer evenings now the clocks have changed!). I've just taken a break from strimming the garden. Letting the strimmer cool down (and I think I flooded the engine when I primed it after filling it when it ran out of petrol). Quick cup of coffee, then back out and at it again. And, oh how I love this dry settled weather (even if the temperature's not all that great)!

I'm not sure... Hopefully someone can remind me what were we talking about.

Here in the rural parts of Ireland many smaller shops have put notices facing the street in their windows offering to arrange home delivery for any customers who are unable to leave their homes due to Covid 19. This (deliberately partially blurred by me) notice is in the window of the small shop in my village: Perhaps the situation is not as good in the more densely populated areas, but I have read that there are various community and voluntary groups willing to do something similar for the elderly and/or vulnerable.

Good afternoon, Mister B. Hope all's well with you.

Maybe you should have asked her to put strong (bread) flour and yeast on the list... There's nothing to beat the smell of bread when it is baking. And maybe a bread making machine, if your shoulder makes it difficult for you to knead. It's what I normally use - although I use it on the 'Dough' setting and bake the bread in the oven.

I wonder whether @Bucket1 will need @dughlas to point out the checked plaid shirt again...?

Nearly 1:00 am here. Think it's time for my bed. And I think I'll leave the laptop downstairs.

I'm really happy with the way tonight's bread making and baking went.

I feel your pain, Gary. I really do! I used to think I was invincible, as well. Godammit, I used to even think I was immortal! But as the years creep by and I find that, one after another, things that I wouldn't have shared a thought about doing once, suddenly do need a thought (and very often a second or third thought as well), I am beginning to accept that I'm definitely not invincible, let alone immortal. But... that's life, I suppose. :

Hi, Page The evening will be relaxing. The day in the garden was hard work, as I was clearing briars and brambles. But it was still enjoyable, being out in the fresh air and listening to the birds singing.

Spent most of the day in the garden. Dinner is cooking on the hob. Wholemeal bread dough slowly rising. 500g of last season's wild blackberries taken from the freezer to make jam later. I'm having what might be called a domestic evening.

Oh, I saw it! But we all know you have a wicked sense of humour.

What is all this...? Pick on poor Gary day? You should all be ashamed of yourselves!!! Kicking a man when he's down. It's not his fault if he's accident prone. (Not sure just whose fault it might be though....) Hope it's not too serious, Gary. And hopefully it won't stop you typing away.