Day 4 of Self Isolation

The pattern is emerging! Up late, prolonged breakfast, morning tea and then a long walk. 

Another beautiful spring day in London. A trip to Gunnersbury Park with James and the dog was a late morning excursion. 

Gunnersbury is such a large open space, thanks to the estate being purchased back in the 1920s by the Rothschild family, and then donated to the nation. 

The estate has had aristocratic  occupants since before King Canute’s niece back around 1000 AD. Since then it has had various mansions and grand buildings on the estate. 

In walking around the vast grounds you come across interesting aspects of the past. 

The Gothic ruins were built in the 1840s to hide the Rothschild’s stable, but today just a curiosity for those with nothing better to do!

Part of the Gothic remains at Gunnersbury Park.

But of more interest is the old boating pond with the curious swans gliding across the surface. The only 17th century building still in the park is the temple folly across the pond. 

Inquisitive swan on the boat pond with the temple folly behind.

Back home for lunch after having complete our compliment of steps, with the rest of the day catching up with reading and doing this blog. 

Isolation day 4 done!

Day 3 London Self Isolation

Just starting to get into the routine of this self isolation business. Getting use to the requirements is taking some time. Often reminded of our limitations by a very mindful son - which is much appreciated. 

Tend to be sleeping later and then taking time getting moving for the day - not that we were going anywhere in particular!

Our daily walk, keeping our distance from all we came across, took us to Turnham Green, a large open space for the locals to enjoy. 

Busses in the background with no passengers - in normal times they would be packed. 

Interesting to see the trees on the verge sprouting their new season’s leaves. 

Flowers and blossom at Turnham Green. 

An interesting historical footnote about the area we were walking in today, it was the site of the Battle of Turnham Green,  back in 1642, an early battle of the Civil War.  

“The Battle of Turnham Green took place on 13 November 1642 near the village of Turnham Green, at the end of the first campaigning season of the First English Civil War. The battle resulted in a standoff between the forces of King Charles I and the much larger Parliamentarian army under the command of the Earl of Essex. In blocking the Royalist army's way to London, however, the Parliamentarians gained an important strategic victory as the standoff forced Charles and his army to retreat to Oxford for secure winter quarters.” Wikipedia 

A battle that was inconclusive but with horrendous consequences - resulting in four more years of warfare - and a King’s head.  

Big Decision

Woke this morning to the realisation that our trip in the motorhome would just be a memory of previous years! Isolation and non-essential travel has been spelt out quite clealy overnight. We  contacted our storage area and advised them that we would not be considering taking out our vehicle for at least the next few months.

Just a memory - 2019!

James and Maddie had been strongly suggesting that we bunker down with them until all this blows over - not sure if they realise what they are signing themselves up for!! So,we have decided to do just that.  

Yesterday, after a late rising, James organised an outing to the lovely open space at the golf course with Maddie and Kevan, and the dogs of course.  More champagne and wine to help continue the wedding celebrations, to enjoy the company and the sunny weather. 

Sunny celebrations - sunny day with a beautiful blue sky.

The Brits have been encouraged to take to the outdoors whilst maintaining "social separation" - today the same encouragers have been critical of the masses of people who were out and about yesterday and were in close proximity to one another. A lockdown is fast approaching!

Today we started our isolation routine with exercise being a major part of this containment. A short trip to Gunnersbury Park, a delightful large open parkland in the heart of west London. Many people had the same idea- but large enough to be well separated from each other. 

Gunnersbury Park fountain. 

Some lovely floral displays with the Gunnersbury Museum in the background.

Spring has sprung!

Tonight the further locking down of the UK was announced - with the police now able to check on movements of the population. Dodgy Aussies beware!

Wedding

What a fantastic day! 

Maddie and Kevan’s wedding was such a happy and joyous occasion. Given the circumstances leading to today, it all ended beautifully.

Kevan and Maddie Merlehan at The Old Marylebone Town Hall after the Civil Service had been officiated.

The day began with the cancellation of the restaurant (reception) after the announcement from the government re the closure of pubs, clubs and restaurants. The good news was that The Marylebone Old Town Hall were still conducting weddings today. So it was full steam ahead!  

James generously offered his apartment as an alternative to the restaurant so necessary catering plans were quickly put into action! 

Maddie came over to get ready for her big day, while the rest of us shared a few steadying champagnes.

Preparations nearly complete.

Brother James leading us all astray!

... and the ever present fine tuning by Mum!

Never was the notion of “the only constant is change” true! Events leading  up to Maddie and Kevan’s wedding were in a constant state of flux. Right up to this morning we were not sure if it would go ahead. 

The 5 pm live press conference by Johnson and co. was compulsory viewing for us, it was here that the new changes for the next day were announced. 

We learnt at the end of Maddie’s ceremony that theirs was going to be the last wedding where more than four people could attend! So, given everything, we feel rather pleased that most of the plans eventually came to fruition. 

One of Kevan’s brother  was unable to attend, being prevented from travelling from the Ukraine, but enjoyed the ceremony via a FaceTime hookup - love technology sometimes!

Both families retired to James’ apartment for the evening where the Irish and Aussie spirit was very evident! 

One of Kev’s brother, Allan, with the happy couple.

The bride’s brother and Mum, James and Helene.

A most joyous day!

Three weeks in the UK

Another two weeks have passed and our world has gone crazy! A week ago we were still planning to go to Europe for our Spanish experience. Now, we are pondering our best options as to where and what we’ll do - and this changes daily. 

One thing we do know (at the present moment) is that Maddie and Kevan’s wedding is still going ahead on Saturday, with the restaurant still able to have the wedding party.  The government here have not made it compulsory for venues to close down - at this stage anyway. 

Being in the higher risk categories we are attempting to keep our outdoor ventures to a minimum. 

Keeping in line with the guidelines we felt it okay to visit Kew Gardens where we were away from other visitors. Interesting to see the gardens at this stage of the season.  Spring just starting to set in with some of the winter flowering still on display. 

Earlier in the week we did visit the large local supermarket and found scenes that seemed to be being experienced world over. 

The high street coffee shops and eateries are usually well patronaged but this has fallen away drastically. 

One Week Down - London

It's had been a week since we have arrived and we are starting to get our land legs back. 

Not a lot of time to rest up as we hit the ground running. 

Last Friday James drove us to our van storage area for us to get some of our warmer clothes. The van is in very good condition, with the motor starting first up. James and I must have done a good job installing the solar panels, with the starter battery receiving a trickle charge all through the winter months. 

Saturday was the big day with Kevan’s 8th birthday - a leap year baby!  Maddie had organised a surprise party at a restaurant in Ealing Broadway. As it turned out the surprise was genuine with Kev not having a clue as to its happening.  

Sunday saw us being fitted for suit hire - Kev and Maddie’s wedding in a fortnight’s time. 

Monday and Tuesday it rained all day so we were able to catch our breath and rest up before taking on the puppy-sitting duties. 

Wednesday Kev, Maddie and James  and co flew out for their winter breaks. The 2 delightful puppies are now our responsibility. 

Lots of fun!