A very real problem – what do we do about it?
NEWS 10 APRIL
MAY
Weather is not great – not warm, showers. plants doing OK though
COVID STATISTICS 9 APRIL 2021
Vaccination
Interesting times? First of all Chile – 3rd in world league table of % vaccinated but has a spike in infections. This is put down to easing of restrictions too fast. Vaccination is not the answer, just part of the solution. Social distancing and mask wearing indoors, are probably here to stay for some years. Opening the doors for foreign travel would seem to be over optimistic (or culpable?) until the worldwide pandemic has abated. I think the theme time for the detective series in the 60’s was called ‘Softly, softly, catches monkey”. – Probably classed as racist now – but an approach favouring caution is needed.
Secondly the Astra Zeneca – definitely the most world friendly one, but would it have been approved under normal circumstances? Almost certainly not without caveats. But has it been a success? Apart from the 7 deaths and 23 other cases it has – without it, the number of deaths would have been thousands – but no solace for the deceased’s relatives. Given a choice I would want my children to have a Pfizer or Moderna one; but definitely have the jab.
There are still many things that are unknown – how long do the jabs work? Are they successful against variants, are they ok for children? What level of protection is necessary for ‘herd immunity”. – if this exists at all.
Brilliant – yesterday Maz, Rich and Erin and Adam came up -first time we have all been together since 2020 I think. No hugging, just sensible distancing, so hopefully all ok – patio door open all the time too. Cornwall and here have very low rates of the virus at present so I hope all is fine.
COOKIES
Latest one was nice!
60g each papaya, mango and date (all chopped), 1 lemon juice, 130g brown sugar, 200g each plain flour, oats and butter. 20 mins at 180C. Sorted.
Next up today or tomorrow is a nut loaf – tomorrow probably as I need to consider options. Bread crumbs obviously, onion – cut into strips and caramelised; handful of sage and maybe parsley; garlic crushed; szechen pepper; an egg; 6 small tomatoes; mushrooms; marmite so only a touch of salt; nuts and seeds – not sure what nuts I have. And grated cheese on top?
Then Lemon Bars – argh I have lost the recipe – so I will make up something to use the lemons for – maybe just put lemon icing on cookies above! Maybe a pineapple something?
COVID – WORLD PERSPECTIVE
Interesting radio programme on this topic. Asia countries have done much better than Europe. They acted faster than we did and seem more efficient – thus have not had to lockdown late and hard! South America has in general been abysmal!. Brazil’s President is a danger to his country and the world!
Recipes to try – flatbreads
Spaghetti lemon homemade spaghetti and home grown lemons I hope! One for the future.
VACCINE PASSPORTS
Interesting that trial venues are receiving abuse for suggesting that they may require vaccine proof. Personally I would not go to a pub, cinema or inside venue which did not require one. For local events I think registration is enough – as I have stated previously. People are happy to sign up for loyalty cards and Amazon Prime, etc. If rates of infection remain at current levels around here a membership card for a pub would be more than ample. If there was an outbreak they would know who to contact. Visitors should have to sign in with ID proof (not vaccine proof).
PIZZA
New pizza stone to try out. Having read Felicity Cloakes ‘Completely Perfect’ I am happy with what I do. OO, water, yeast and salt with a dash of olive oil and some thyme.
Topping – something different – a rage bought sauce for a change with cheeses, mushrooms, sun dried tomatoes and possibly roasted peppers and some garlic then sprinkled with parsley, greek basil and ground pepper, olives. I know that is probably too much taste, but why not. It was ok, but I think I will cook the baser a couple of minutes before adding the top (as my tops are always tomato heavy.
