A very different Christmas

Afternoon everyone, 

Today marks the beginning of my last full week at work and I think it has finally settled in that I am leaving following my resignation. It is an odd time, what with the run up to Christmas, finishing off shopping for presents, and the odd social occasion following the lifting of Lockdown 2.0 at the beginning of the month. Whilst I feel slightly lacking a little in festive spirit and joy at the moment I am sure it will hit me in full force as opposed to the waves I have been feeling, probably much like the rest of the year, just riding out the rollercoaster of emotions. 

Adding to it all, Saturday marked the six-month countdown to my wedding day with Mr. Warehouse, and despite being in a similar situation last time around, I am feeling a little more anxious (for obvious reasons) this time around. Back in March, I was extremely cocky about the fact that my wedding would go ahead without a hitch and that even during lockdown that eventually things would go back to normal and I assumed that this would be quite quick all of the information I was provided through the media. But within a few weeks of being back from Newquay in the summer made the decision to cancel our wedding day and postpone to 2021. 

I am feeling optimistic, especially so considering the fact that the first virus injections went ahead and continue into this week as well. Reading up online recently one of my favorite women's magazines, an article was written by Glamour asking the important questions on every Bride and Grooms lips. They confirm that Boris Johnson recently revealed when big weddings are likely to recommence and that it could be soon. I agree with Bianca London when she writes that despite a lot of us hoping that we'd be toasting to the shit show of a year whilst knocking back tequila shots and dodgy dancing to 80s cheesy hits with 120 pals at a wild wedding, the virus shows no sign of abating and so what does that mean or hold for next year's weddings is uncertain. 

Following on from one of the most recent blogs that I posted regarding the CEO of Bridebook and his views on when weddings can restart again, similarly, MPs are taking note of weddings, at last, hosting a long and positive debate recently to discuss how they might increase the number of guests allowed. The article goes on to say that during People's Prime Minister's Questions, Boris Johnson himself has given hope to couples planning on tying the knot next year and when a wedding venue owner (and bride-to-be herself) asked when the wedding industry is expected to recover, and moreso when big weddings are likely to recommence - BoJo himself said things could be back to normal as soon as Easter.

Does this give me faith? Yes. However whilst I am optimistic I understand that open very quickly as with last time I do not want to start getting my hopes up and start getting cocky about having my wedding day only to then have my hopes and dreams dashed at the last minute. All I know is that there are quite a few months between now and June. Christmas this year is going to be slightly different than I had originally thought, certainly very different from what previous Christmases have been over the last 29 years of my life. 

This year myself and my fiance (still) are going to be spending it just ourselves, just the same as how we have spent the entire of this year really. Good food and great company though is all you really need at Christmas isn't it? At least that is what I keep telling myself ... 

'Til next time, Love A.Lou xx

Giving with one hand and taking with the other

Evening Ya'll, 

So last week I explained my departure of leaving my job and handing in my resignation. It has been nearly a fortnight and almost halfway through my notice period and I suppose you could say that time flies when you're having fun, especially so when our current lockdown in England has been lifted. Well, Kinda?!

They dubbed it "Wild Wednesday" after Boris Johnson made his announcement of easing out of the second national lockdown in the space of a year which was imposed across England. All non-essential shops, restaurants, pubs and leisure facilities were to close for at least four weeks, starting at midnight on Thursday 5th November 2020, with measures due to remain in place until just last week. 

Now I must say, I was doubtful that Lockdown 2.0 would have ended n December 2nd, for various reasons, not least of which is my absolute lack of faith and trust in the government or what they have to say - Something many of my generation face after the coalition government fucked up university fees and screwed up most people's chance of getting on the housing ladder. It goes without saying that had the vaccine not been announced, and in the subsequent days that followed more and more good news about other vaccines and drugs and science then we would still be still simply kicking the inevitable can down the road by teetering between being locked down and free (with restrictions). 

That being said though, I am not sure that I know what it really feels like to be "free" again. Freedom from face masks, queuing for shops and unable to cuddle loved ones? I certainly don't feel "free". I still feel trapped as England has now returned to a stricter three-tier system, far worse than before. 

Some people have described it as just lockdown continuing just under a new name. As reported through the Independant.co.uk, different parts of the country have been allocated different tiers - medium, high or very high.  Dependant on the rates of coronavirus infection in the local area, the majority of areas have been placed in either tiers 2 or 3, with just three regions in tier 1: the Isle of Wight, Cornwall, and the Isles of Scilly. Just some of the areas placed in tier 2 include London, Somerset, York, and Cheshire, meanwhile, some in tier 3 include Bristol, Manchester, and Birmingham where the virus is rife. 

As with everything, the government has said that they cannot confirm an end date for such restrictions and that the tier system will be reviewed every 14 days. Should coronavirus infections have dropped substantially in a local area within this time then, naturally, its tier allocation could be lowered, or increased if changes in the opposite direction. 

The new tier system has been scheduled to run until the end of March 2021, however, Boris Johnson has now offered MPs a get out of jail free card (otherwise known as a “sunset clause”) that would end the system early due to a growing rebellion amongst the public as well as within the Conservative party itself. So living where I do, and working where I work, it turns out I am in tier 2 - High alert. But what does it mean and what can I and can't I do?! 

Meeting friends and family? The Gov.uk website states that "You can only meet socially with friends and family indoors who you either: live with or have formed a support bubble. ‘Indoors’ means any indoor setting, including private homes and other indoor venues such as pubs or restaurants". So basically if I don't like my household (which, as much as I love my dearest Mr Warehouse I have seen very little of anyone else's face this year than his) then your fucked. 

Gov.uk continues to state though that "you can see friends and family you do not live with or do not have a support bubble with outdoors, in a group of no more than 6. ‘Outdoors’ means in a private garden or other outdoor space. You can continue to meet in a group larger than 6 if you are all from the same household or support bubble" Unsurprisingly though, as before, this silly rule is inclusive of all children at any age. But you can send them to school with 30+ other kids?! 

But alas, "normal" sociable activities are still restricted. Gov.uk confirms that venues can host multiple groups and should follow COVID-secure guidance (whatever that means), however, you must not mix with anyone who is not part of your household or support bubble when you are indoors. This includes in: pubs and restaurants, shops, leisure and entertainment venues, personal care and close contact services, places of worship or public buildings such as libraries, community centres/halls, recycling and waste centres (oh yeah 'cause that's where the fucking parties are at the effing tidy tip), public toilets or car parks (although to be fair I have been to many a rave-up in a car park). And even if you do attend these places, at least one person in your group should give their contact details to the venue or check-in using the official NHS COVID-19 app so NHS Test and Trace can contact you if needed.

So where does this all leave us now? Well, we still have to go to work in an office environment (as long as it is COVID secure, again, whatever that means) and if you break any of the rules you better have a good bank balance as fines can be hefty. Have I been out for dinner yet? No. Will I? Yes. Can I guarantee that everyone in that restaurant lives with each other in that household - No of course not! No one will listen and with Christmas plans already confirmed by the government about who you can and can't spend the big day with, eating turkey and arguing over the queen's speech, I can't think of anyone that will abide by the new set of rules. 

I can guarantee that within a few weeks we will be in lockdown number three. We might make it into the new year, but rest assured it is almost certain to happen again. And despite the new Pfizer drug being rolled out throughout hospitals and doctors surgeries and care homes in the coming few days producing some golden news for the nation, I fear it will be a long while before we can hug friends and family again. 

'Til next time, Love A.Lou xx

To Vax or Anti-Vax?!

Heyy, 

Over halfway through as we start the beginning of week number three of our new UK lockdown and with more news of the incredible efforts from pharmaceutical companies including Pfizer and now a home-grown drug produced by Astra Zeneca over in Oxford, the new coronavirus vaccine (vaccine's now) are now on their way. 

However, with a new vaccine on the horizon, I have noticed a new strange phenomenon. People actively shunning it. This new wave of people, who would have otherwise been described as "Karens" several months ago are now being heralded as "Anti-Vaxxers". As a side note, if you are not aware I am not against Karen's in any way, this is just the 2020 version of saying "you're being a douchbag". On the website, UrbanDictionary describes being labelled a "Karen" is a way of describing someone who makes solutions to others' problems an inconvenience to her although she isn't even remotely affected. For example - Karen complains that her favourite parking spot was replaced by a ramp for wheelchairs. She parks her car in the old spot anyway and shoots a vlog about it. Being a Karen. 

Anyway, after being sidetracked by "Karen-ism's", whilst I can understand the "Anti-Vaxxers" reasonings for not wanting or actively being against such an immunisation, I do not support it. Some people may simply be a bit unsure about whether or not they want one, or have genuine questions, for example around safety and side effects. It is understandable and I totally get what those people are mindful of, especially so when this virus is barely even a year old and already we have a magical new miracle drug for it?! But I am discovering that there are also people who are against vaccinations full stop - Known as 'anti-vaxxers' - And are part of the anti-vaccination movement.

But what is the anti-vaccination movement and how harmful is it really? The children's website describes finding a coronavirus vaccine is seen by many scientists and experts as a key way of tackling the pandemic and helping us return to normal life. 

Reading up online about anything you will find loads of articles for and against whatever your controversial opinion maybe - Hitler was a saint, blue/black dress vs. gold/cream dress or my personal favourite - The Queen of England is actually a lizard-person controlled by the Illuminati. This proves that regardless of your orientation you will make up your mind based normally on how you feel, not on the facts. And sometimes they can be hard to find online in a world of fake news and bogus articles. Finding a reputable article online from CBBC of all places in the media (news outlets are the one place I would only mildly trust what I am being spoon-fed, albeit a children's one). 

The kid-friendly website goes on to explain that the anti-vaccination movement is when people don't believe that some or all vaccines are a good thing, and do not want themselves, family members or other people to be vaccinated. But the anti-vaccination movement isn't something new and isn't just against a coronavirus vaccine. However those who make anti-vax claims usually don't have a scientific or medical background and claims can sometimes sound far-fetched, They want to try and convince people that vaccines aren't safe or to make them believe a conspiracy theory. This is something that has been going on for generations, ever since the scaremongering in the late '80s and early '90s when having the MMR jab for Measles, Mumps and Rubella was a huge no-no for Moms & Dads the world over. The NHS website now makes it clear in their guidance that the MMR vaccine is NOT linked to autism. After the Doctor who wrote the damning papers was struck off it was widely made available that there is no evidence of any link between the MMR vaccine and autism. There are many studies that have investigated this all made available in various links to lists of MMR studies and their findings on the Oxford University Vaccine Knowledge Project website. 

But even if a successful vaccine has been made and developed, enough people need to have it to make it effective. Some people who are curious or nervous about vaccinations might be put off having one because of what they hear from other people, or what they see online or on social media. They might already mistrust the governments or companies that are creating or giving out the vaccines. However further informing young (and a few older) minds, CBBC confirms that the UK government says it takes the issue of vaccine disinformation "extremely seriously" and social media sites are working with the government in order to tackle lies about the new coronavirus vaccine online. But this is a big task - and some say they have not done enough to label or remove posts on this topic that have been shared online for months. 

Would I take a vaccine if it protects me and my loved ones? If it meant we can go back to some sort of normality? If it meant I might have a fighting fucking chance of getting married in the next six months? Yes. Yes, I would. But I know I would not be first in line and that in itself lends itself to resting my worried little head about any fears surrounding its safety or efficiency. Who knows, I am sure it will be several months yet before people in my age group get anywhere near to the top of the list. 

'Til next time, Love A.Lou xx

A Break Through?

Hello, 

Day five of current new lockdown 2.0 in the UK and I am fucking done already. Last week I wrote about how, just as Mr Warehouse and I had been released from our very own personal lockdown, we go into another effing one! After Boris Johnson made his announcment last Saturday (31st October 2020) Mr Warehouse and I decided to try and keep our faith high and enjoy the last few days of freedom before things started to seem bleak again like eating out and a spot of shopping. 

Our first few days have not been too bad since the second national lockdown in the space of a year which was imposed across England. Starting at midnight on Thursday (5th November 2020) with all non-essential shops, restaurants, pubs and leisure facilities to close for at least four weeks. With these measures due to remain in place until 2nd of December 2020 (although I will state now I am doubtful that this will be the case as we are simply kicking the inevitable can down the road to further mental health issues, financial crippling and unemployment).

As I contnue to go into the office, despite government advice to “stay and work from or at home” where possible, I like many other people are starting to feel the same blues and clouds roll in as the last lockdown. Desperately trying to keep my head above water is hard on most days but some days are easier than others and like the majority of the population I too am hoping that that things might get a little better with the prospect of Christmas being a bit more closer to "normal" than the rest of the year has been. 

I hate to be all doom and gloom about it but frustratingly this was meant to be my year. Mr Warehouse's year. To get married and have a cracking wedding that would be remembered for years. To have an amazing Hen do that would be joked about until we can no longer remember the original reference and a stag do to never be spoken of. To have an amazing honeymoon just enjoying each other on a beach somewhere with white, sandy, coconut lined beaches and cocktails a plenty. A year for spa breaks and weekends away with the dogs, just me an my future husband. A year to maybe start thinking to the future and who we might like to create to share it with. 

A year that has been stolen from me. Stolen from us. No wedding. No honeymoon. No hen or stag. Nothing. I almost feel like giving up on the whole thing, sacking it in and saying "HEY FUCK YOU CORONA" because she has ruined everything. I dont even feel joy when I think about the wedding. I just feel dread and grey because the prospect that it might not happen a second time around is a real possibility and I really dont know what I will do if I have to make that heart-agonising descision another time around. I just cant. 

Although, just as I was yet again loosing hope at my desk this morning I had a ray of sunshine through those dark storm clouds. it seems as though there might be some light at the end of the tunnel. News broke this morning after whispers from Mr Warehouse's place of work that a new drug was on its way and today as announced by many media outlets, including The Independant, that the huge pharmaceutical company Pfizer have produced a new coronavirus vaccine that is 90% effective (or at least as far as the early data suggests). The news article claimed that Scientists have hailed a major breakthrough after Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech announced that their vaccine appears to be 90 per cent effective in preventing disease. So far the vaccine has been tested on over 43,000 people in six countries and has so far proven to be safe for human use, raising hopes that the pandemic could be brought under control by summer of next year. The Independant report continues that the green light for the vaccine could be granted in the coming weeks, with the UK government “hopeful” that doses will be made available for Christmas. 

In an announcement this evening from the PM, Boris Johnson, this evening during a Downing Street press conference he said that whilst it was “very early days”, the vaccine had cleared a "significant hurdle” but insisted that the country cannot afford to “slacken our resolve at such a critical moment”. The Independant news article continues to explain in detail how the UK government has ordered 40 million doses of the Pfizer candidate, 10 million of which are due to be delivered by the end of the year if approval is granted. however, the longevity of the immune response provoked by the vaccine also remains unknown

But how does it work and who will get it? It is said that protection is achieved 28 days after the initiation of the vaccination, which consists of two doses, meaning up to five million people in the UK could be inoculated over the winter period. England's deputy chief medical officer Jonathan Van-Tam described the vaccine announcement as a huge milestone and said it was good news for other future vaccines in development. 

Authorities have stressed that initial supplies of the vaccine will be limited. The Independant goes on to say that an estimated 50 million doses - enough to vaccinate 25 million people - are expected to be available globally by the end of the year, with further aims to manufacture a total of 1.3 billion doses throughout 2021. 

It is silly to think however that this new Pfizer vaccine will be able to stop the UK’s mounting second wave however maybe we can be hopeful that it may prevent future waves and maybe, just maybe we can get back to living a normal life. As England's chief medical officer, Professor Chris Whitty, said the results demonstrated "the power of science against Covid”. 

It just makes you wonder doesnt it really; In the space of nine-months we have found a possible vaccine against a deadly wave of flu-like virus - So why have we not found a cure for cancer or genetic disabilities or AIDS? Unless someone has but companie make more money out of people being sick than people being well. Besides a controversial poit could be made that it is natures way of culling the population and keeping the numbers down?! But maybe that is for another day ... 

'Til next time, Love A.Lou xx

Do Not Look Back, You're Not Going That Way ...

Heyy, 

Almost settled into our new home in the countryside Mr Warehouse and I decided to embark on a weekend away with the dog. Nowhere particularly fancy just a hotel by the seaside in Bournemouth for a couple of nights. And truth be told honestly I think we needed it. 

Following the stress and pressure from every angle over the last few months on top of my poor mental health of late has certainly not helped our relationship blossom as best it could given the fact we are newly engaged. For me anyway I think the fact that I am mentally preparing myself for a monumental life-changing event and inadvertently my focus has been on that rather than my relationship with my fiance. I suppose I just thought that after getting engaged and moving into our first home together it would be a time for constant banging, laughs and giggles all the way. I suppose in a way things have been difficult a little bit since Mr Warehouse had his motorcycle accident. 

Our first morning in our new home was meant to be something special. I would wave of Mr Warehouse as he went to work meanwhile I would be safe and sound in my cosy bed having a much needed lay in before getting up to unpack the rest of the boxes strewn about the house after my normal day off routine of coffee, toast with posh jam and a dose of Holly and Phil on Pre-Recorded This Morning and maybe a cheeky Homes Under The Hammer. But less than twenty-minutes after Mr Warehouse had kissed my forehead and wave me goodbye from the bedroom door I had a phone call. Answering in my croaky slumber I was pretty sure that the phone call was not for Good News. Listening to the voice on the other end of the phone it sounded panicked and in pain. They sounded scared and we're asking for my help. 

"It hurts. Everything hurts" was all that I could remember Mr. Warehouse telling me before I started getting my shit together. Jumping out of bed I explained as calmly as I could to Mr Warehouse to stay still and make sure he does not move a single muscle in the knowledge that he could well paralysed himself or even worse. Taking a very brief note of what hurts and where I hurriedly threw on some clothes including leggings from the night before and the most quick and conveniently easy to put on top half; Nope not a T-Shirt, a button down shirt ladies and gents. For some odd reason I thought that opening up my wardrobe and grabbing a Chequered shirt with buttons was my best option rather than my embarrassingly large collection of slogan Tee's.

Running down the stairs and out the door shoving on trainers I have gone for the last three days non-stop and grabbing at a first aid kit not knowing what level of injury would await me on arrival. In my bleary half asleep moments I locked the house said goodbye to the dog and started the car all in a few moments. As I started my short journey through the empty Village that chilly morning I decided that it would probably be a good shout either way to call an ambulance and I am glad that I did for when I arrived within four-minutes of the initial first phone call from Mr Warehouse he was refusing all medical treatment and was despite my instructions to stay still, he was up on both feet and walking around, talking to another biker who had seen the abandoned motorcycle and pulled over to check he was OK. 

Within a couple of minutes the motorcyclist had gone on his merry way and Mr. Warehouse and I stood shocked and blurry eyed at each other, shivering from cold and shock. Nothing was cut or broken that I could see however I thought that my Fiance may have dislocated his shoulder or even his name in the crash. As the ambulance pulled up I made sure to inform them of everything I knew up until that point including any medical history or medicine I could record that he was taking for his eczema and asthma. Although after giving Mr Warehouse the once over the paramedics thought that it would be best practise to take him into A&E template down to the fact that there was pain in the neck, shoulder and back areas. As Mr Warehouse went to lay down on the splint ready for the ambulance I knocked on a nearby thatched cottage door. No one answered at first however I decided to bide my time as I knew that with the sun coming up someone soon would be up for school. Awaiting a moment or two I knocked again and this time a little frail old woman came to a nearby window and asked how she made help me. 

After explaining what had happened right outside her front door she kindly let me hoof my Fiance motorcycle into a safe area of her large front garden in order to keep safe whilst we went to hospital. Knocking on the Ambulance door, one of the paramedics finally came out to explain that they would be going to Bedford General Hospital and that I should probably follow in the car as I could not leave it on the side of the road due to the safety of other drivers. Almost bouncing into autopilot mode I jumped back into the car and headed to the hospital in advance of the ambulance. Thinking in a more rational sense I stop at a local McDonald's to pick up a coffee in order to avoid the high costs at the hospital canteen and made my way to the Accident and Emergency room just in time for Mr Warehouse's arrival in his own private waggon. 

Rolling him through to the reception and checking in desk I could tell that my beautiful gorgeous boyfriend was definitely on something for the pain. In agony and clearly confused he dried out asking for me unbeknownst that I was by his side all along. The following few hours were spent running back and forth to the car in order to put more money in the machine, calling around family to let them know what had happened and the seriousness of the accident itself and what seemed to be a never-ending scrolling of Pinterest. All the while Mr Warehouse was seemingly unaware of what was going on around him, pumped full of Ketamine and Morphine for the pain, coupled with the stronger Entonox (Gas and Air) in the hospital, he was away with the fairies most of the seven hours we were their. Finally though after a CT scan, CAT scans and X-ray's, we were allowed to go home and with his arm in a sling to help ease the pain on his shoulder and elbow, Mr Warehouse left bruised, battered and shaken but alive. 

A week or so on Mr Warehouse is OK, although I think mentally he is still challenged by his accident and has had several wobbles when on it, struggling to ride past the point in which he came off and barely even looking at his motorcycle let alone using it. It may take some time to get back on the Horse, so as to speak, but I am confident that in time he will be alright. I suppose in a way, in that moment, two lovers separated by a thin blue curtain in a busy A&E department on a cold November Monday morning following what could have been a quite serious RTC, nothing else mattered. The house. The boxes. The lay in and the TV. Nothing else mattered by my Beau and getting him better. Money couldn't help him, neither could Love or anything material. But hope could and with all that I am I stayed with him through everything I could or was allowed to and if I couldn't I was only behind a thin screen, and although he probably won't or maybe ever will remember, I was yelling to him like a soccer mom just how much I loved him and how everything would be OK. 

'Til next time, Love A.Lou xx 

Drives Me Round The Bend

Hiya, 

After the excitement of last weekend coming back from holiday and having cuddles with a newborn baby that didn't cry in my presence (Yes! I am king of all children - OK certainly not true, especially from last weeks post) I have had a stretched out week that took forever to end. Why is it that your week seems to melt away when your sat on a beach with the "Hello-Hello-Olla-Olla-Calypo-Calypo" man screaming in your ear every half-hour as he walks past hoping your not trying to pretend to sleep. Yet the second you get home and back to reality it feels as though someone is pressing rewind on your entire life. Its like ground hog day. Its horrible. I need another holiday. But where too? I am thinking despite Mr. Warehouse somewhat finding steady employment (I said steady, not permanent - As yet anyway) I don't think we would realistically be able to squeeze in a summer holiday together before the leaves begin to fall. However this leaves (Haha, see what I did there) the gap between my birthday and Christmas wide open with a sparse calender of events which in turn is an opportunity not to be missed. Maybe Mr. Warehouse and I can head to the Swiss Alps for a romantic snowy retreat, hot-tub and champagne at the ready. Or maybe a cosy city break to Copenhagen, Capital of Denmark and all things Scandi. Maybe a good old German Christmas Market filled with cuddles over hot mulled cider and horse-drawn carriages. Mmm. I need a holiday - NOW!

Although I say this now, I have to keep reminding myself that in actual fact as Autumn approaches it will be about the time that I pass my driving test (hopefully) as it is booked for the fifteenth of September. Yes I acknowledge that this is three days before my birthday and whilst I would like to say I will pass, I doubt very much I will pass first time round. I mean seriously who does that. *Some time lateeeer* OK well after a while Googling people that passed their test first time I can only imagine that Adele, Niall Horan and Pixie Geldof are all just very fortunate and have not experienced brain-farts whilst attempting to Bay Park like I do. I am anxious but not nearly as scared as I was doing my provisional test. I would like to hope that I can pull my driving test forward just a little bit, maybe by a week or so, just so I have time to recover from the unavoidable failure before I turn twenty-five. But judging by this weekends driving lesson I am improving slowly now after learning everything I need to I just have to perfect it now. 

I have started to make enquiries however about whether or not to get a car on finance or not. There are positives on boths sides and whilst a car being bought outright is a good thing as I would cherish it and take care of it best I could, there will always be the potential I could be sold an absoloute Dud. Unfortunatly it would seem my Father is lacking parenting skills and is unable to help me in the simplest of ways so the most likely way of me veiwing and buying a car is either with Mr. Warehouse or the Tweedles. Both Miss Tweedle-Dee and Miss Tweedle-Dumb have cars of their own, essentially bought outright although Miss Tweedle-Dee's Citroen C1 actually was a finance car bought for her younger Brother so is in fairly good nick. Miss Tweedle-Dumb on the other hand has been through numerous car's before landing herself what seems to be a fairly reliable and trusty Renault Megane. I would love a Mini however I would need it to fit a dog in the boot comfortably as well as having four/five doors which for a Mini is rare and quite frankly just doesnt look right. Practically right now my life needs more than what a Mini can offer. I need more. And besides, at over three-hundred-pounds a month for a financed used vehicle it was way out of my budget, and thats not even including petrol or insurance. I am thinking a small car, something that I could maybe have a deal including insurance and all the other bits and bobs or maybe a finance package that offers me the choice after three years to either buy or trade in for another financed car. I dont know. but what I do know is that owning a car is and will be very, very expensive.

Other than my driving lesson this weekend, Mr. Warehouse and I also set about celebrating Bedford River Festival and attended the two day event pretty much all weekend. With lots to see and do we thoroughly enjoyed the weekend although some of the unsavory points were definatly the lack of cash machines, cold drinks and seating throughout the festival. I was also very upset to see that some ridiculous stupid people brought their dogs out to the event which attracted people from as far as London. In the twenty-seven-degree heat I saw every type of dog you can think of from tiny Chihuahua's right up to humongous Leonberger's and whilst I love a big, furry breed that looks like a small bear, I would be a more responsible dog owner not to bring it out to a place where it is crowded constantly and limited water available and when it is, its not fresh or cool. You would not dress a child up in a fur coat and take it out in that sort of weather so why should Dogs be any different. And on the subject of children, later on in the night when the main stage was starting to get heavy (I think thats what the rudeboys say anyway?!) there was still children, toddlers and even young babies out and about, surrounded increasingly by not only people but drunk people, smokers and drug-takers. It was sad not only to see Doggies in this situation but also young children and you really have to consider the parents ethics when you walk passed a girl no older than fourteen lining up white powder with a credit card whilst an older man hold a phone-torch  to guide her. I mean that is someone's little girl for crying out loud?! Does no one care? 

Nevertheless Mr. Warehouse and I enjoyed ourselves and were for the most part, excited to be residents of Bedford and thoroughly look forward to the next time in 2018. Who knows where we will be?!

'Til next time, Love A.Lou xx