Saturday 02 January
It has been another crazy day of populism and politics where education, once again, is the football being kicked about. The day started with a government U-turn resulting in all primary schools in London now delaying their full-reopening for two weeks. I suspect, the about turns have not finished just yet.
Last week the government announced that primary schools would reopen as normal next week with a small number of exceptions. Secondary schools would have a more staggered return. And, as usual, no adjustments for special schools or alternative provision schools.
This has raised growing concerns over the past few days as we have seen the daily figures for confirmed tests and hospital admissions getting alarmingly high. So, with just 36 hours (from when I am writing this) until schools return after the Christmas break, we are still unsure of a number key things.
Which age groups should return and when? Which regions are staggered in their return and why schools in areas of the same tier category differ in their directives. How is the rapid lateral-flow testing actually going to be administered and who will do it (teachers, other staff, the army?) What long term impact will all of this have on staffing and staff safety, the infection rates and exams?
Our wonderful neighbour supplied us with some apple wood for burning on our fire. It’s such a lovely feeling to stack barrows of seasoned firewood. Mid-winter has to be the most satisfying time too. I double-gloved my hands and found a fairly protected space to stack them. The nutmeg-brown grain is beautiful to look at and the wood is solid and heavy. And I sit here now, clock ticking in the background, with a supply of reading material and a glass of wine in a crooked arms reach, with the wood glowing Infront of me.
And the best thing, there is a plentiful supply, just next door. We are lucky, and must savour these situations. Especially when so much else appears to be going to shit.
I received a number of ordnance survey maps for Christmas this year. The explorer versions that come with a scratch off code that allows them to be downloaded via an app to my phone.
Today I put it to great use by plotting another extended walk from home to Dedham and back. Just me, Lisa and Mabel starting off with cloudy skies, then about half way round the sun broke through and stayed shining for the rest of the afternoon.
This region of the country is so flat that when you come across any form of hill or slope it’s a revelation. And the walk down into the edge of the Dedham vale, looking across at the church tower peering through the trees, and back home again was magnificent.
So, whilst the country heads to hell in a hand cart, I will continue to be grateful for what is right there in front of me. Simple pleasures.
The Bald Birder 