I had to move office yesterday. Long story but I’m in the same building, but on a different floor. The good news is that, after 21 years in the organisation, I finally have my own place. I’ve arrived, an overnight success, I’m the big chief with too cooks to stir the pot. Or something. And,Continue reading “Unpalatable Truths”
Tag Archives: lockdown
Lockdown Fatigue
I’ve been under the weather of late. Not firing on all cylinders, less than 100%, below par. It all started a few months ago. I was struggling to run and my times were abysmal, even dog walking was leaving me tired out. Then one day I carried something up a flight of stairs and wasContinue reading “Lockdown Fatigue”
Happy St Patricks Day?
Happy St Patricks Day from Northern Ireland. It feels no time since I was writing the same words a year ago, when the country was in lockdown and all the pubs were shut. And, here we are, 365 days later, still in lockdown and all the pubs are shut. There will be no parades, noContinue reading “Happy St Patricks Day?”
Let Them Eat Cake
I woke up hopeful this morning as our power-sharing executive had announced some weeks ago that today they would release a ‘Covid Recovery Plan,’ outlining a gradual easing of restrictions and return to normalised society. Hopeful but not confident, as our political leaders have repeatedly let the country down with previous promises and assurances. And,Continue reading “Let Them Eat Cake”
Confronting The Lockdown Blues
When I started this blog way, way back one of the main motivations was to tackle my fragile mental health. I found that writing was a great release for me, it was a mental cleanse badly needed at times when I feared my mind was overflowing with toxic negativity. It allowed me to tackle difficultContinue reading “Confronting The Lockdown Blues”
My Thoughts On Inauguration Day
The word on many people’s lips this week was ‘inauguration.’ And what a defining moment in American history it seems to have been. Donald Trump left the White House to be replaced by Joe Biden. The United States is divided and gripped by a pandemic that has left over 400,000 of its citizens dead. PresidentContinue reading “My Thoughts On Inauguration Day”
COVID-19 In Northern Ireland
As expected, new COVID-19 restrictions were announced in Northern Ireland yesterday in an effort to combat the rising infection rates. On Wednesday, over 1200 people tested positive, a record high. This time last month we were averaging around 120 a month. Tragically, four people also died taking the death total in our little country toContinue reading “COVID-19 In Northern Ireland”
How Has Quarantine Been For You?
When they vote for the most frequently used words of 2020, surely quarantine must be a front runner. The pandemic sweeping the globe has meant that it has jumped onto our lips and out of our mouths on a regular basis. Most of us have experienced lockdown from behind closed doors, watching our television setsContinue reading “How Has Quarantine Been For You?”
Social Distancing – Here To Stay? – Part One
I visited our local fish and chip shop yesterday, a pay day treat for the Black clan. And while you might think society is returning to normal, walk into any shop or business and you can see that this is clearly not the case. Social distancing is here and it’s here to stay. Be thatContinue reading “Social Distancing – Here To Stay? – Part One”
Researching Book Three
Another day in paradise. Or lockdown hell, whichever way you wish to look at it. I woke up to more five star reviews for ‘Skelly’s Square’ on Amazon. The USA and UK are now tied at 56 five star reviews each. These mean so much to me as they bolster my ever fragile confidence. TheyContinue reading “Researching Book Three”
Social Distancing – Northern Ireland Style
Rebecca, Charlie and I made some new friends on our walk this morning. Apparently the cows of Aghalee don’t believe in social distancing, preferring the…ahem…herd immunity approach to combating coronavirus. They were a friendly and curious bunch but a left a lot to be desired with regards their personal hygiene and toilet training. Rebecca lovesContinue reading “Social Distancing – Northern Ireland Style”
Woke up…Ran A Half Marathon
Five loops of the village this morning in bright sunshine amounted to a half marathon. I haven’t run this far in some months now, so was quite anxious at the prospect. I actually tried to talk my way out of yesterday until Fionnuala gave me a pep talk, ‘encouraging’ me to lace my trainers upContinue reading “Woke up…Ran A Half Marathon”
Coronavirus – Northern Ireland #19
It’s our sixth week in isolation. In some ways it has flown by, in others an excruciating drag. The lockdown will continue for at least another two weeks, as the U.K. death toll now sits at over 16,000. There have been 207 confirmed deaths in Northern Ireland although current figures don’t include deaths within careContinue reading “Coronavirus – Northern Ireland #19”
Coronavirus – Northern Ireland #16
Good Morning to you all from a grey and damp Northern Ireland. The lockdown continues here as the U.K. death total neared 9,000 yesterday. The experts say the curve is starting to flatten but almost 1000 people died yesterday, which does little to raise hopes or offer light at the end of the tunnel. 10Continue reading “Coronavirus – Northern Ireland #16”
Coronavirus – Northern Ireland #15
We woke up to another bright, sunny day. The best weather of the year and the whole nation is on lockdown. Typical. Even better weather is predicted for the Easter weekend and the government are warning people of the need to stay at home in order to save lives. Over 900 people died in theContinue reading “Coronavirus – Northern Ireland #15”
Coronavirus – Northern Ireland #14
The U.K. death total passed 6000 yesterday, an increase of over 800, which showed how premature the calls of some had been for a relaxation of the lockdown rules. There is a light at the end of the tunnel but this is a very long tunnel. There were three deaths in Northern Ireland, bringing ourContinue reading “Coronavirus – Northern Ireland #14”
Coronavirus – Northern Ireland #5
I will never take anything for granted again. During this lockdown I have become increasingly fixated on sales of my first book and finishing the edits on my second. This is what I do. When stuff gets real and scary I tend to hide in fantasy land. I struggle to cope with the situation soContinue reading “Coronavirus – Northern Ireland #5”
Black Thoughts 