Wheels on Fire – February 2021

As it stands the infection rate is very low – the highest place is currently Corby with a rate of 294 per 100,000. My locality last week had a low of 9 cases, although I am concerned about what might happen when the schools reopen in another week.

I’m really hoping that the cases don’t spiral again. Selfishly, I’m really looking forwards to going to my lovely local for lunches with friends, and some sort of normality.

Getting out and about and Accessibility

No, I’m not talking about breaking any lockdown rules! As long as its not pouring down I always try and get out each day for some exercise (my clothes seem to be shrinking a little – but that’s a topic for another blog).

When I was in Southport for my rehab, I took for granted that all roads would have drop down kerbs at the end (thank you – Sefton Borough Council). When I came home, I soon realised that wasn’t the case.

Its generally not a big issue, as I know where they are and plan my routes so I can easily get on an off the pavement. Which is fine, until people park their cars on the pavement with no chance of me getting passed.

Twice this yesterday, I had to double back around corners, to get onto the road because I couldn’t get through (rant!).

Pavement access is an issue though when I want to go to my local post office. I have 2 possible routes to get there, if I cut along to the main road, the pavement is very narrow. Whilst it is just about wide enough for me, if I meet a pram or person coming the other way, I can’t get off the pavement (sadly, my levitation skills are lacking).

The other route, which I do use, involves me heading up a footpath to a different road, I then can’t get onto the pavement (no drop down access), so have to head out into a reasonably busy road for about 20 feet, until I can get on the pavement.

I contacted my local councillor about this over a year ago, and he’d promised to get this sorted. Indeed, they even came out and marked up the area, then COVID hit. I am planning on raising this again, so fingers crossed!

I am now Borg – COVID Part 1

Yes, I’ve been assimilated! I had my COVID injection on the 9th February – yeah!

The centre was very well run, and I was in and out in 15 minutes. I was rather surprised by the lady in the queue behind me moaning that she had to queue as she’d been given an appointment slot! Come on!! Be grateful that you are getting the vaccine!

I’ve never had a reaction to a vaccine before so wasn’t too concerned when handed a leaflet about possible side effects, I felt fine for about 9 hours then boom! The shivering and aching started, I felt like had a flu and ended up staying in bed sleeping most of the next day.

If I’d been playing bingo I could have claimed a full house for all the side effects achieved!

The worst symptoms passed after 24 hours, but then I felt really tired for a week – but this is a small price to pay. It was the Oxford vaccine, which from what I’ve since read does tend to cause more side effects, although thankfully, no second head has appeared.

Spring is in the air (for now)

The weather the last few days has been glorious – actually nice enough to sit out in the garden.

Each day has also brought more shoots appearing, and flowers opening.

Fingers crossed the sunshine will stay for a while – stay safe Julia xxx