Almost ready

 I'm feeling much better today, not nearly so achy and sore, and not even much stiffness when I got out of bed.  I slept better too, which helps.

I got loads done yesterday, everything that was on my list and a couple more things besides.  The lamb hotpot was lovely, we've got it again today so it'll be even nicer (as stew type things generally are, the next day) and it means I don't have to cook a meal today.  The rice pudding was nice too, I had a small bowl of it.  I also made dumplings for the stew - our low carbing has gone out of the window a bit this week, I've been too busy to concentrate on it.....that's ok, we'll be back on it next week.  Anyway, we seem to feel the need for carbs when it's cold, and it's certainly been cold the last week or so.  Quite a bit warmer today, 11 degrees apparently, but mostly cloudy.  Managed to dry most of the washing out on the line yesterday, with just a few things needing 10 minutes in the tumbler.  It was actually very pleasant yesterday afternoon, fairly warm even in the sunshine, albeit with a bit of a cold breeze.

Today I'm making a cherry and almond cake and chocolate muffins, to take up with us tomorrow - it's my contribution to dinner, which my sister is cooking for us.  It'll be lovely, my nephew and niece and their partners will be there too, it's been so long since I've seen them all.

First of all though, husband and I will be doing lateral flow tests.....obviously we won't be going at all if they're positive.  I'm pretty sure - well, hopeful - that they won't be, neither of us has any symptoms and we haven't been out other than Tuesday to my osteo, and the tiny bit of shopping afterwards, and obviously masks were worn.  On the subject of which, I know that mask wearing is now no longer compulsory, but we will continue to wear ours in shops and crowded indoor spaces.  I wonder whether there will come a time when we feel safe enough to stop wearing them......And to think once upon a time we used to think Chinese people were odd when they came over here to visit, as they all seemed to wear masks!  I don't like wearing a mask, don't suppose anybody does, and it's said that they don't protect anyone unless they're proper medical grade,  However, the fact is that husband and I have not had a cold or flu or any other illness (apart from some sort of virus thing that only lasted a day or two) since we've been wearing masks, so I do think they offer protection.  And anyway, they keep your face warm in cold weather!

The packing is done, mostly, just our medications to pack tomorrow morning and a sandwich to make for the journey, I'm not bothering with a flask, we'll get a coffee when we stop for a break.