Philip (Phil) England

What day is it today? Sunday 21st March 2021, but there are different days to make us aware of various things. Today is World Poetry Day So there you all go, hey! It is also Vermouth Day - one of the most infamous drinks out there International Day of Forests - very important so plant a tree if you care also Healthy Fats Day - reminds us all everything must exist in moderation, that includes the level of fat Slytherin Pride Day - a Harry potter thing, I wonder what house you will be placed in under that hat! I wonder what day tomorrow will bring? I compiled this list by using Microsoft's Bing

 Now I am not one to panic or worry but..... nahhhhh, who am I kidding PANIC! WORRY! PANIC SOME MORE..... 😱 I have just read this on Twitter The Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine has been suspended in the Republic of Ireland Ireland’s health ministry NIAC recommended the move following reports of serious blood clotting events in adults in Norway, BBC News reports. Meanwhile, WHO said countries should not stop using the vaccine due to there being no link between Oxford-AstraZeneca and an increased risk of developing a clot. The Public Health Agency in Northern Ireland said it would "closely monitor" the situation. Photo via @Reuters @BBCWorld News said, In a statement, Northern Ireland's Department of Health said it administers vaccines under the "expert direction of the MHRA". It said it had received guidance from the MHRA in light of the vaccine's suspension in the Republic and that the "roll-out of Northern Ireland's vaccination programme will

I was standing in the kitchen waiting for the kettle to boil, with my walking stick in hand, looking out the window, I had a feeling of emptiness as I stood. I made my tea, went out in to the hall, cuppa in hand, sat on the sofa feeling down, until Smokie jumped up and meowed at me then started purring - bless him. I have a friend, Su, who has lost her cat Minnie. Seems she may have wandered off, but I have noticed a number of black cats that have gone missing lately around Swansea. I have been talking to Smokie, and thinking. I do think Smokie needs to be with her. At Su's Smokie can go outside to frolic in the 🌞 sun and be company for her.  While it pains me to have to give him up, I feel it will be best for him in the long run. He has his toys and his boxes what would go with him, with familiar smells on them, I could still spoil him lots.  I think I need a dog so I have a reason for going out and get gentle exercise. I have tried twice to put Smokie on a harness, wasn't a

So the plan for Wales to come out of its mothballs / box / bubble wrap / cold storage / lockdown is as follows, with my own views in brackets and itallics Here are some key dates: March 13: Stay at home requirement lifted - Five mile rule comes in  ( basically what I am doing now in my support bubble) March 15: Hairdressers reopen and more pupils back in school  ( I do my own hair, don't have kids, but at least less stress for parents ) March 22: Supermarkets can sell non-essential items ( while a good thing, I think other shops should also open... or it's not fair ) March 27: You can travel anywhere in Wales  ( so excited about this one... long drives ahead! - while this is a great thing to happen, no one from other parts of the UK will be able to come in to Wales, and no one from Wales can go outside of Wales ) April 12: All shops can reopen and all pupils return to schools  ( all shops should open on March 22nd ) Mid to late April: Wales is considering reopening some outdoor

So, Saturday I had the first part of the Covid vaccine . I had the Oxford AstraZeneca one. Don't get me wrong, I am over joyed to have been called up for it, but the side effects since are not too good, but as people keep telling me, "it's a sign it is working", geee, thanks for that! Before I go any further I want to say a massive thank you to AstraZeneca and also the University of Oxford, and the Swansea Bay NHS health board for getting this out. During yesterday afternoon my arm started hurting and then I started feeling as if I had a head cold coming on. Later in the evening my mind got a bit foggy. Day two since first part of vaccine jab,  I was woken at about 5am this morning. Feeling worse,  , woke up in a pool of sweat, and somehow managed to squash my pillow up and out of its pillowcase in the night. The sweat I could have done without, it was horrible waking up to that, when all I wanted to do was stay in bed, waking up in sweat just made me have to get up s

Mental Health and the Pandemic https://youtu.be/odDr7lTplJc via @YouTube In this video I talk about Mental Health and the Pandemic, with a video from Mind, the mental health charity and some information slides at the end. Take care, stay safe

Phil's Video Blog 180 , view it at https://youtu.be/kpPE3A8lWsQ This video blog it's a MARS SPECIAL . To start I tell you about the covid test I have been asked to get via email from the Zoe C-19 app. The rover touched down on the red planet, and is sending back footage. Witness the moment when it touched down, and the moment the first picture came in. See more footage that the Mars rover is sending back at https://youtu.be/6B_6K-splRU #StaySafe​