Late Nights & Christmas Lights

Hi Everyone, 

Goodbye snotty nose, cough, and dry throat! For once I am sickness-free and finally totally back to little old me again. But that might not stay as I have my COVID booster booked in this week. 

Whilst we discussed last week that many more people have been not only singularly but doubly vacc'd, some people, like yours truly has even been offered a third vaccine to protect them from this disease and all of its variants and mutations. Government figures show that so far, 89% of people aged 12 and over in the UK have had their first vaccine dose, 81% have had their second and 36% have had a booster. The BBC confirms there have been more than half a million confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK in the last week, however, the number of dead has not increased since my last blog post.

The British broadcaster's website explains in an article by James Gallagher, a Health and science correspondent, that whilst some scientists have described the new variant of  COVID19 (Omicron) as milder than earlier versions of Coronavirus, such as Delta. Although of course, it would not be fair to only listen and read up on one side of the argument. And so we need to establish that science in its very nature is rather subjective and as such, some academics in the Science industry have claimed that Omicron had such a long list of mutations that it was being described in articles as "horrific" and the worst variant they'd seen. 

Omicron, named by the World Health Organization, following the pattern of Greek code-names like the Alpha and Delta variants has now been detected in more than 30 countries and there are signs it may be able to bypass some of our immunity. Great! But a lot of mutation doesn't automatically mean: bad. It is important to know what those mutations are actually doing explains James Gallagher in the article. 

Whilst there are fears that Omicron could be more infectious and less responsive to vaccines personally feel as though the aforementioned "precautions" are being taken a little too prematurely. At least wait until scientists can properly assess what the new variant's impact could be and then jump into Hands-Face-Space-Repeat. But then I suppose if this did all blow up and went to shit we would all be blaming BoJo and his friends for not acting quickly enough. Like a lot of people I know, I am totally unnerved and somewhat untrusting of the government, especially after the shit show that was last Christmas and the close to years in totality we have now had to spent locked in, locked down, and isolated. 

All we can do is hope and pray and enjoy our freedom as it stands at the moment. And I did such that on Saturday even when, as always, I went for a nice relaxed and quiet catch-up with Miss Hackney and Miss Sugar-Coat. It was the first time since Mr Warehouse and I got married that I had seen Miss Sugar-Coat and I was excited to fill her in and hear all about her life too. But as it always happens (and I don't know why I thought this time would be any different) no sooner had our food arrived on the table at Baja, a casual Mexican restaurant in the heart of Bedford Town, we were already planning to leave. 

Not one to turn down an invite, Miss Hackney and I "joined" Miss Sugar-Coat and basically gate-crashed her work Christmas party. A good few hours of drinking ensued, several shots of Tequila and many bottles of wine and champagne, many we had not put our hand in our pocket for. It wasn't long before we were dancing on the top floor of some nightclub and stealing fresh air and conversing with all sorts of messy characters. As the night progressed, Miss Hackney and I left Miss Sugar-Coat and her colleagues to it and headed to another bar. Although we were refused entry to one, goodness knows why and nearly kicked out of another for smuggling in a bottle of Rose. Within a couple of hours though I was headfirst into a bin and remembering what my Chimichanga tasted like the first time. 

The following day I woke up, remembering how Mr. Warehouse was collecting our nieces and nephews this afternoon so we could have a Christmas craft day whilst their Mom and Dad helped "Santa" out with some last-minute bits. I had hoped that it would be a quiet afternoon in front of the telly, cuddled up with snacks watching The Grinch. I mean it worked for a little bit, and the crafts and colouring allowed me another hour or so but boredom was afoot. However, on noticing we have yet to put up our decorations there was soon "something" to do. Dreading it I was actually pleasantly surprised that the tree wasn't top-heavy being decorated all in one place with little hands. I was quite proud of my youngest Nephew, taking on the role of chief detangler of Christmas tree lights and deputy tree dresser. 

And so as I sit here now, dogs cuddled up around me and Mr Warehouse watching the football, we are sat here in the glow of the Christmas tree, all in the knowledge that had the kids not pestered me to get up from my pit and dress the house in Xmas joy and tinsel, then it would have been another weekend passing without decorations in our home. I don't know why they abolished child labour, they seem to have so much fun, and secretly, so did I. 

'Til next time, Love A.Lou x

Remember, if you would like to purchase anything then please feel free to check out my store at: https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/Wooftys or visit our Instagram @WooftysDogTreats and use "TATOATS21" to get 10% off your first order over £15.00.

Here we go again ...

Hello All, 

One week on and not only am I still recovering (mainly snotty nose, cough, and dry throat) from the flu but now my Husband has it too, although mild in comparison to moi. Positivity is on the decline as we have yet to receive a reply from Hays Travel, following my four-page letter a fortnight ago, complaining about our Honeymoon from Hell to the Continental Plaza Beach Resort Hotel Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt. Still there is nothing as yet. But be warned Hays Travel, I am not going to be letting this one go!

Sadly to say the positivity is low this week as the world is dealt another blow from the all-consuming dread that is COVID-19. Since I last mentioned stats and news and blah blah blah back in the heady heights of summer a lot has changed. Many more people have been vacc'd, not just one but two, and some people even a third. Government figures show that so far, 89% of people aged 12 and over in the UK have had their first vaccine dose, 81% have had their second and 31% have had a booster. Barer of (mainly) bad news, the BBC confirms there have been more than 10 million confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK and nearly 145,000 people have died.

The broadcaster's news website explains that a new Covid variant - Omicron - has been identified and there are fears that it could be more infectious and less responsive to vaccines. Therefore, "precautions" are being taken until scientists can properly assess what the new variant's impact could be. Whilst the average number of daily confirmed cases has bounced around since mid-July, they have been rising again since early November and with the emergence of the new Omicron variant The UK government has decided on some new "temporary" measures being put in place as a "precaution". 

Yes, I am skeptical and yes I, like a lot of people I know are totally untrusting of the government, especially after stealing away our last Christmas and the months we have spent locked in, down, and isolated. The new restrictions, including the compulsory use of face coverings in shops and on public transport in England, come into force on Tuesday as well as anyone entering the UK will require a PCR test within 48 hours of arrival and will need to self-isolate until they receive a negative result.

As now dictated, From Tuesday 30 November 2021, face coverings will once again be compulsory in shops and on public transport in England. Pupils at secondary schools in England are being "strongly advised" to wear face coverings in communal areas, although somehow lower and high schools are totally fine??? It obviously goes without saying that any and all contact with suspected Omicron cases, originating from mainly South Africa, should be reported and you will be required to self-isolate for 10 days, regardless of your vaccination status. This goes hand in hand with the order that from 4am on Tuesday, anyone entering the UK will require a PCR test within 48 hours of arrival and must self-isolate until they have a negative result.

The aforementioned third vaccine against COVID is really just a Booster vaccine and the campaign is underway is not just for people aged over 40 or belonging to a number of other groups. It has now been extended to all over-18s to help stop a potential wave of cases driven by the new Omicron variant and with nearly 15 million booster doses already been administered in England so far (1.7 million in Scotland, 870,000 in Wales and 370,000 in Northern Ireland) were off to a good start. 

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said there are "good reasons" to believe the vaccines will provide at least some protection against the new Omicron variant and has even called on people to get their booster doses as soon as possible as "If you're boosted, your response is likely to be stronger so it's more vital than ever that people get their jabs and we get those boosters into arms as fast as possible," he said.

So, What are the chances of another lockdown? Well, the government has repeatedly said it has no plans for another lockdown in England. Although how much of that I believe is debateable and maybe in a few weeks we will revisit this blog post to see how true this really it. In September, Health Secretary Sajid Javid announced a list of measures which would come into place if the NHS came under "unsustainable pressure". These included face coverings, but also measures which have still not been brought in such as advising people to work from home and mandatory Covid passports. Who knows, Maybe BoJo and his friends will wait until we have all spent our money, bought ther presents, put up the tree and have the turkey in the fucking oven before he swipes it away from us all over again?

'Til next time, Love A.Lou x

Remember, if you would like to purchase anything then please feel free to check out my store at: https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/Wooftys or visit our Instagram @WooftysDogTreats and use "TATOATS21" to get 10% off your first order over £15.00.

Unlocking of the Final Door

Evening All, 

This weekend should have been our wedding day. Saturday should have seen Mr Warehouse and I get hitched and finally give Corona (the virus) the two fingers. I think it has been so long since we last spoke of weddings and marriage stuff it all feels a little strange. Back in February this year, Mr Warehouse and I waited by our telly sets with bated breath as we watched on to see if we would be able to successfully get married on our second reschedulement date. It wasn't good news and despite blocking out mainstream media and COVID updates (all bar the research needed for the blog) in mid-January I had become more and more hopeful but Boris had fucked it.

Back then, the BBC confirmed that the 'R' rate was as low as it was in September 2020 and the death toll was just over 178 (as recorded on Monday 22 February 2021) and whilst low, were nothing in comparison to the 3 deaths we have had today (Monday 14 June 2021). I was as optimistic as the next person, however, at 7.09pm, Prime Minister Boris Johnson addressed the nation.

Bozza Jozza told that from 12th April 2021, wedding ceremonies and receptions will be able to process with up to 15 guests permitted, closely followed by the next step with up to 30 people in May with the final stage of reopening from 21 June in which all legal limits on social contact removed and restrictions on weddings and other social gatherings will be abolished. 

Great news!? 

Well yes, it would be if our wedding wasn't on Saturday 12 June 2021. As I shared on my Instagram, at the time, I was just so utterly frustrated and angry that our big day was just 9-days shy of the total relaxation of rules. At the time, Mr Warehouse and I were fizzing with emotions that we just didn't know what to do. Did we postpone? Did we stick? Did we cut and bust and fucking sack the whole fucking thing in? And if we did postpone the wedding, it is yet again putting our lives on hold!

Having the carrot literally dangled in front of our face was difficult, but we took the decision to postpone. And I am so glad I did. Despite the new Indian variant of COVID-19, most of the adult population have had access to their first vaccine, more than 41-million people in fact, with many, like myself and Mr Warehouse having had both. 

However, as reported via the BBC today, after a substantial decline since the start of the year, the average number of daily confirmed cases is now rising, more likely than not down to the new strains including the more transmissible Delta variant. In line with this development, Prime Minister, Boris Johnson has said that most coronavirus rules will remain in place for another four weeks, meaning the original 'roadmap' which had set 21 June as the date by which all legal restrictions on social contact would end is now being pushed back.

Senior ministers have signed off the decision to delay the lifting of all legal restrictions on social contact. This could mean capacity limits for sports, pubs and cinemas will remain, and nightclubs would stay closed. Maybe a good thing we postponed after all. Many scientists have also called for the reopening to be delayed to enable more people to be vaccinated and receive second doses. 

I won't lie, I am glad we postponed now, but I am concerned that this may all be ripped away from us again at the last minute and if that happens I honestly don't know where my head will be at. 

'Til next time, Love A.Lou x

Remember, if you would like to purchase anything then please feel free to check out my store at: https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/Wooftys or visit our Instagram @WooftysDogTreats and use "TATOATS21" to get 10% off your first order over £15.00.

Time for some R&R - Relaxing and Reflection

Heyy Hunnies, 

The fourth week is well underway and today was super busy as the first big training morning took effect today with the inclusion of engineers' PDAs and planning works. I was in my element and with everything being said, I think they are quite happy with my progress so far. And so for one night only (like some sort of travelling circus, minus the bearded-lady act), I am once again in my budget-friendly hotel room writing from the desk below the telly as I listen to the traffic pass on by my window in the distance. It's quite peaceful actually and reminds me of lazy summer nights back home with my parents in our 3-bed semi and how I can still recall the noises from the motorway a few fields over.

Despite the new Indian variant of COVID-19, Prime Minister, Boris Johnson is still pushing on with his continuation with his roadmap for reopening. It is almost as though, apart from a small few details such as face-mask-wearing, life has virtually returned to normal - Or what I can remember of it at least. Meeting indoors (up to six people) as well as going to the pub, or out for a nice meal at a local restaurant is now the norm. Museums, theatres, cinemas, and children's play areas can open, not that I will be going to the latter, that would seem a bit odd with no children in toe. 

Supporting the good news, the BBC reported today that whilst there have been 4.5 million confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK and nearly 128,000 people have died, government figures show that more than 40 million people in the UK have now had their first dose of a coronavirus vaccine.

Whilst there are several areas that are experiencing a rise in cases linked to the variant first detected in India, some scientific advisors have urged caution over lifting the timing of the last step in England's roadmap out of lockdown from 21 June 2021. And holiday's aren't looking likely either with Portugal, one of the only places on the Green list was taken off and demoted to Amber late last week, quashing all hopes of a summer getaway! But with COVID tests being well over £100 in some circumstances holidays are completely unaffordable, even the mildly well off in society. 

But it is not all doom and gloom as should things have been different this would have been the countdown and the final few days until my 2nd wedding day, postponed from October 2020. Hopefully, this weekend Mr Warehouse and I can celebrate what could have been and look forward to what is to come. Maybe a posh afternoon tea, maybe a night away somewhere, maybe a spa day. Either way, I am sure it will be nice and after many weeks now spent working away, it will be nice to have some QT with the future Hub-by!

'Til next time, Love A.Lou x

Remember, if you would like to purchase anything then please feel free to check out my store at: https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/Wooftys or visit our Instagram @WooftysDogTreats and use "TATOATS21" to get 10% off your first order over £15.00.

Blazin' Bank Hols

Evening All, 

Week three complete. I was done. Done with hotels and done with living out of a suitcase. Done with eating out or takeaway every night and done with crappy hotel telly. As much as I loved the job, working away was taking its toll after three weeks. I was ready to start working from the MK office and be home in my own home, eating a home-cooked meal and my own bed at night.

But alas next week is half term and with a couple of staff off with the kiddo's, I was asked if I would kindly stay away. It was only a few more nights and there was plenty I could be getting on with, so I agreed.

This weekend was a bank holiday in England and as such we expected the shitty weather to continue. Non-stop, almost from the very day I started my it has rained and with grey skies and storms have been an almost daily occurrence. But, this weekend has been blinding. And I am glad. Friday I finished work and thundered up the motorway, homeward bound ready for Date night with Mr. Warehouse at the local Indian. Sitting there in a restaurant was weird though, being the first time both of us have been out to dinner eating inside a restaurant since last year. My god I actually can't even remember the last time we ate at an actual restaurant, may even be Turkey!

Saturday though we were up and dressed early, leaving the house and after a few errands, we were planning to be at the coast by midday, just in time for a fish and chip lunch. However, as we waited in the Vet's car park for the little Pups booster vaccine's missed from last year we had a tap on the car window. Mr. Warehouse got out to see what the tall gentleman wanted. Doggo in hand I joined the two men as they looked at the front of my car. I was then told something that I had known was coming for a few months. I had anticipated at some point having to get my tyre's changed, but the gentleman had kindly brought it screaming to my attention that the tread on my tyres was dangerously low and that I should seriously get them looked at. And so, delaying the seaside road trip we made a detour to the mechanics in order to get them swapped out.

As lunchtime approached we set off for Great Yarmouth and after nearly three hours, one pitstop for wee-wee's and poo-poo's and several traffic jams I could see the sea. Stepping into the soft pale-beige sand, the dogs were in paradise. Running along the shore Mr Warehouse and I was soon aware that our eldest dog was struggling. She couldn't manage it like she had used to. Limping along, she tried to keep up with us all and put on a brave face but she was done in. So stopping for a bite to eat, fish and chips obviously, she was able to have a good rest. We even treated them to a doggie pup-cake ... And the remainder of the fish and chips Mr Warehouse and I couldn't finish.

Rounding off the day with some arcade games and penny slots on the pier and ice cream, I and my little family headed to the hotel we were staying at. The Swan Hotel was situated right along the main street in the small market town of Harleston in Norfolk, approximately 45-minutes from Great Yarmouth. Combining centuries-old hospitality with the latest modern amenities it was just a place to rest our heads, and paws. The 16th-century beams, huge inglenook fireplaces and an arched courtyard were pretty, but Mr Warehouse hated it. The character, charm and possibility that it was haunted were not a turn on for him and he complained about everything and anything he could find wrong with it. Everything from the curtains to the carpets. I could understand it though, the cost of the room (£85.00) for a twin room with a dirty bath, stained carpet and square marks on the walls where you could tell a picture frame used to hang certainly didn't seem to match the price we were paying.

Returning to the bar downstairs for breakfast I thought it best not to tell Mr Warehouse about the leaking beams and how when alerting the staff they seemed to be very well aware of the leak although were still not able to contain what had now developed from a drip to a full-blown stream of water coming through the ceiling. But alas it was too late, Mr Warehouse divulged over breakfast that his bed was full of springs he felt all night and slept next to a window that didn't open.

Finishing up our full English we headed upstairs to pack and come late morning we had already checked out and were on our way to a quiet countryside campsite in the middle of nowhere to visit my Dad and his wife at their caravan. Me and my fur family (and my fiance) then spent the day sunning ourselves whilst chatting and drinking and eating BBQ food, all in 24-degree sunshine. Mr Warehouse and I even got a little sunburnt.

It was honestly such a nice weekend and after today spent wandering around a market, again basking in glorious sunny weather, so unlike any bank holiday, I can remember. Tomorrow I will pack up my suitcase again and head on down to Hertfordshire for my fourth and final week.

'Til next time, Love A.Lou x

Remember, if you would like to purchase anything then please feel free to check out my store at: https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/Wooftys or visit our Instagram @WooftysDogTreats and use "TATOATS21" to get 10% off your first order over £15.00.

Life is not free of risk

Afternoon All, 

Two weeks down and one to go. As I sit here and write to you all once again from my budget hotel-chain room, I angrily fester over thoughts of how, despite me staying here basically as my home for the last ten nights, I have not been given my usual room. The polite staff (over-friendly no doubt for guilt) do not make up for the fact that yes, whilst the layout may be exactly the same, it is NOT my room! Obviously, there has been an influx of people wanting to holiday in Welwyn Garden City and in particular room 204! I feel like I have rocked up at my parent's house after being away at Uni and they have turned my room into a guest room. I am of course being over-dramatic and totally silly (but maybe still a little truthful) but it's like when your fave WC is out of order, it just doesn't feel right using another.

At least now I am able to have a proper meal other than just pasties, toasties, and Pot Noodles. As of last week (Monday 17 May 2021) the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson announced that despite concerns over a new Indian variant of COVID-19 he would continue with the reopening in line with his roadmap. Detailing that as of last Monday, it was no longer illegal for people to meet in groups of up to 30 outdoors. Meeting indoors with up to six people also commenced with the likes of pubs, restaurants, and other hospitality venues also rejoicing as they could finally welcome seated customers indoors. Museums, theatres, cinemas, and children's play areas can open. 

The BBC reported today that the average number of new daily cases in the UK has fallen substantially since the start of the year, but the rate of decline has slowed in recent weeks. A further 2,439 confirmed cases in the UK were announced by the government on Monday. Prime Minister Boris Johnson has warned that the "Indian variant" of Covid-19 could affect the timing of the last step in England's roadmap out of lockdown from 21 June 2021. Maybe it was a good idea postponing the wedding after all?!

I had hoped that from this date we would also have a little more clarity on holidays however that is still looking fuzzy with only Portugal on the green list of places Brits can go on holiday - For the right price though, bearing in mind the cost of COVID tests being well over £100 in some circumstances, making it unaffordable for even the mildly well off in society. But with new strains of the virus mutating around the world and world deaths still increasing (more than 128,000 people in the UK alone) you can understand the hesitancy by governments to allow travel to destinations not as promptly handing out vaccines as we are here in Britain. 

In the UK, the vaccine rollout seems to be still going strong and the seemingly world-beating vaccine program has completed more than 38-million first dose vaccines with many more in over 50's category having had both already, one of them (albeit not over fifty) is our Mr. Warehouse himself who had his on Saturday morning, Closely to be followed by me in a couple of weeks time.

As usual, though there is always a positive outlook from me, and with the BBC confirming that the daily death toll was only 3 it certainly feels as though COVID is not our biggest threat! Whilst, these figures include all people who have died within 28 days of testing positive for coronavirus, as before, regardless of the cause of death (If someone has a positive COVID test and then 21 days later dies in a motorbike accident it will still be recorded as a COVID death - I know I am eye-rolling here too), so in reality, the figure could be much lower.

I just hope that things pick up enough so Mr. Warehouse and I can get away. I know for a fact he wants the next time for him boarding a plane to be en route to our Honeymoon but babes I need some sun on my bones and a tank full of Mojito before then!

'Til next time, Love A.Lou x

Remember, if you would like to purchase anything then please feel free to check out my store at: https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/Wooftys or visit our Instagram @WooftysDogTreats and use "TATOATS21" to get 10% off your first order over £15.00.

The future depends on what you do today: Part 1

Heyy, 

So ... Last week, I explained that the positivity and hopefulness were continuing in the life of Moi all mixed together with a little uncertainty and confusion thrown in for good measure. Intrigued? Well, I can now reveal that the very interesting decision I had to make in the days following was about a new job.

Since I first started at my "new" job in early January this year, I knew it wasn't really the job for me. The role was very quiet and slow from what I was used to at my last company with it feeling as though I had jumped from the burning firey flames of the frying pan right into the chill of a freezer. As a result of not really using my skills to my full potential and not really understanding or knowing the industry (which I have later found out is pretty much essential for the role) I was extremely on edge and anxious about everything. 

I tried to contain the feelings and gain more industry knowledge and grow as an employee but it just wasn't the job I thought it was. As I have said to a few people over the last few weeks, I very much felt I was sold Tomato Soup but when I opened the can, it was Cream of Chicken. I felt as though the rug was well and truly been ripped out from beneath my feet and I was left questioning myself; second-guessing every move I had made. Was this the right decision to move jobs? Was now a great time to start somewhere new? Can I do this? Am I able to learn a job fully remotely and continue working from home for what could potentially be the next quarter? Will I be furloughed? Will I be laid off? 

With all of that spinning round in my head and combining it with the lengthy lockdown and the constant grinding thoughts about the wedding & starting a family it was no wonder I struggled. A few weeks ago I had an honest conversation with management and made it clear how I felt about the onboarding and training processes and it was at this point I went back to the drawing board. Essentially I was now in my worst-case scenario - Moved jobs and I hate it/it's not worked out. 

After contacting multiple agencies and interviewing for several jobs over the course of the three weeks I was searching the inevitable would happen. It was an interview I had put everything into. Like I literally pulled out all the damned stops for this. I don't know why but it really appealed to me. It was working for an environmental solutions company installing and maintaining heating, air-con, solar panels, and other eco-equipment for schools, care homes, and other public type buildings. After smashing the first interview they asked me back for a second one to whittle it down. The second interview a few days later I aced it as well and amazingly was told by the guy conducting the second interview that "he regrettably had to end the interview" but that over the last however-many-odd years he had been in business my interview was one of the most fun and enjoyable he had ever had and that in over 7,000 employees he had interviewed in his time, I was his favorite. 

It was amazing to feel like that and I was super excited to hear back as I thought I had a really great chance at this job where I would be managing a schedule for over 40 engineers! Forty! But life always has a curveball and soon enough the phone was ringing for another interview. Since I had no job offers on the table yet I took everything I could get my hands on, one of which was for a security company I had been head-hunted for. They wanted someone to do the managing of some engineers and possibly some back-up on the marketing front. 

The end of the week was nearing and as I pottered around in the kitchen on my lunch hour my phone rang. It was management from the environmental company. They wanted to offer me the job. But there was a catch. Because I and another candidate interviewed so strongly they simply couldn't decide between the two of us and since the work was clearly there, they wanted both of us to come on board and work as a team. Giddy with excitement I accepted and looked forward to finally being able to get my teeth stuck into something bigger and better. 

Out of courtesy I called round the interviews I had left, being the security company I had on the following morning, the Saturday. Wishing me luck in my new role I thought nothing more of it and carried on with my day, however, 5-minutes later I had another call. It was the security company again. They had increased their salary by £9,000. NINE-GRAND! I mean it wouldn't hurt to go to the interview and see what it was all about - Would it?

'Til next time, Love A.Lou x

Remember, if you would like to purchase anything then please feel free to check out my store at: https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/Wooftys or visit our Instagram @WooftysDogTreats and use "TATOATS21" to get 10% off your first order over £15.00.

After the coldest winters come the warmest summers

Hello There, 

Yet again, I sit here and write to you as the sun shines on. Honestly, I am about 30-seconds away from me making myself a gin cocktail and sitting out in the sunshine to write this week. And following on from last week, the positivity and hopefulness continues, if not with a little uncertainty and confusion thrown in. Intrigued? Well, I cannot reveal all at the moment but I have a very interesting decision to make in the next few days, and hopefully by the time next week rolls around everything will have ironed itself out and I can let you in on my big secret plans!

I was hoping that since Prime Minister Boris Johnson's announcement that from Monday 12 April 2021, non-essential retail opens as well as beer gardens, I had hoped that this weekend I would have frequented one. But alas that is saved for this weekend when I get to finally catch up with some old work colleagues from my last job and maybe even Miss Hackney and Miss SugarCoat. I cannot think of anything better than some sunshine on my skin and a cocktail in my hand.

Speaking of which, Holidays?! Are they on the cards for Summer 2021 or not? If so where? and if not then should I book a Staycation instead?! A report by the BBC confirms that whilst all foreign holidays are currently banned, and returning travelers have to quarantine in a pricey airport hotel with no windows, transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: "people in England can start thinking about booking foreign trips again".

There have now been more than 33-million first dose vaccines being handed out and with many more in older generations having had both already. But what does this mean when it comes to jetting off abroad?

One way that will hopefully help travelers in making informed decisions about destinations and where is OK and where is not so OK is the idea of having a simple traffic light system. The BBC report states that details of the new traffic light system for England are expected in early May 2021 where there will be three categories -

Green: Passengers will not need to quarantine on return, but must take a pre-departure test, as well as a PCR test on return

Amber: Travellers will need to quarantine for 10 days, as well as taking a pre-departure test and two PCR tests

Red: Passengers will have to pay for a 10-day stay in a managed quarantine hotel, as well as a pre-departure test and two PCR tests. About 40 countries are on the current "red list"

Where a country is placed will depend on vaccinations, infection rates, how common Covid variants are as well as testing and sequencing capacity. But with so much confusion last year on what and why a country is red-listed, the government are keen to provide peace of mind and clarity as to the scenes last time around with the short notice in changing a countries status meant travelers had mere hours sometimes to pack up and head to the airports, only adding to the panic at resorts all over the world. There will be a "green watchlist", to give people notice if a country is about to move to amber or red.

However with consumer group Which? estimates each PCR test could cost about £120 per person making holidays totally unaffordable for the majority of normal people and members of the travel industry suggesting that holidays and travel will therefore only be for the rich and privileged in society. Some, along with myself, would argue the most affected in society are those on lower incomes and if you have been so lucky to have spent your lock-downs at your second home in Devon with a full range of amenities, a big garden, and room to move freely, then you should probably be considerate to the fact there are people who are maybe more deserving or needy of a break away; nurses, doctors, carers, lorry drivers, supermarket employees and key-workers.

While the earliest possible date for foreign travel was previously given as 17 May 2021 - Timings, destinations, and protocol have not been confirmed and so Thomas-Cooking-It is off the cards, for me at least until we have more clarity. I am itching to get out there into the big wide world and see more of it before I settle down. But with a bucket list of destinations as long as my arm (and probably longer), some upcoming life changes, and yet more sunshine on the horizon, there are just so many things to be positive about and look forward to!

'Til next time, Love A.Lou x

Remember, if you would like to purchase anything then please feel free to check out my store at: https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/Wooftys or visit our Instagram @WooftysDogTreats and use "TATOATS21" to get 10% off your first order over £15.00.

Ready For A Hot Girl Summer!

Afternoon All, 

As I sit here and write to you all I am having to think about wearing sunglasses as it is so damned bright, however the crazy weather over the weekend with snow, hail, and sunshine all in the space of a couple of hours. It is times like these that I think Summer really is just around the corner.

Over the weekend our little garden hosted yet more guests Mr. Warehouse and I haven't seen since last year including Momma and her boyfriend and their little dog, Frankenstein's sister. It was so nice seeing them and the realization of our approaching wedding, less than a month after my brother and sisters-in-law, was certainly a topic of conversation. I am just so positive and hopeful.

Today also marks the next date on Prime Minister Boris Johnson's roadmap detailing that from Monday 12 April 2021, major parts of the economy permitted to reopen including non-essential retail opens, beauty industries, and some public buildings like libraries. Outdoor settings like alcohol takeaways, beer gardens, zoos, and theme parks are also considered to be in the reopening as well as indoor leisure like indoor swimming pools and gyms. Self-contained holiday accommodation, such as self-catering lets and campsites would also be allowed to operate.

With it being several weeks since kids have returned to schools (a whole spring term would you imagine) and a fortnight since 29th March where outdoor gatherings of either six people or two households will be allowed in private gardens it is good to know that things are going well enough to continue in the reopening. For months, England has been watching on patiently as the other devolved nations like Scotland and Wales break the spell and "stay local" becomes a thing of the past and finally, we can now join in the revolution and start our new freedom.

As usual, though there is always a downside, and whilst more than 127,000 people have died, figures have dropped dramatically with the BBC confirming that the daily death toll is now well under ten with the last report from over the weekend stating that it was only 7! However, these figures include only people who have died within 28 days of testing positive for coronavirus, and as before, this is regardless of the cause of death and so in reality the figure could be lower. Even still, I can't remember seeing a number as low as that for a long time and it brings me such hope that finally ... FINALLY we are on our way out of this shithole. I don't think we are very far away, and maybe in some places, this is already happening - When we experience the first day where there are no Covid-19 related deaths. A day we can all hope for.

In addition, the vaccine rollout seems to be still going strong and the world-beating (all bar Isreal) vaccine program has completed more than 32-million first dose vaccines with many more in older generations having had both already. For context, and as before that is like the population of Borehamwood just north of London (where they film Eastenders), at least by this website's assumptions.

So what the next date circled on our diary? Well, the commencement of the fourth step which will start from Monday 17 May 2021 and would see people meeting in groups of up to 30 outdoors, meeting indoors with up to six people, pubs, restaurants and other hospitality venues can seat customers indoors as well as museums, theatres, cinemas, and children's play areas can open. Hopefully from this date onwards we will also have a little more clarity on holidays and maybe Mr. Warehouse and I can squeeze in a getaway before summers out! So many things to be positive about and look forward to - Bring. It. On.

'Til next time, Love A.Lou x

Remember, if you would like to purchase anything then please feel free to check out my store at: https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/Wooftys or visit our Instagram @WooftysDogTreats and use "TATOATS21" to get 10% off your first order over £15.00.

Boris the Easter Bunny came through for us

Hello Lovely Readers, 

The heat from the beginning of the week had certainly disappeared by the time my extended back holiday weekend started on Thursday morning as it was cloudy and grey-white skies outside. I had hoped, at this late stage of Corona-time, Mr Warehouse and I would be taking a trip somewhere like Venice or Paris or somewhere beachy in anticipation for our wedding, however, we are not. But all is not lost as I said before, our Easter weekend started early as Mr Warehouse and I had booked off the Thursday.

Now I would absolutely love to go into the nitty and gritty reasons as to why both myself and my fiance had reserved that day off in particular - Trust me - But all I will say is that because of legal proceedings and the court case still going through I do not want to jeopardize the case and so, therefore, I won't say much more than that but trust me, once this is all settled, I will be putting the kettle on and spilling the tea EVERYWHERE!

But, other than the above, My beau and I had much-a-to-do in order to get our little garden ready in time for the myriad of guests we were due over the weekend. As explained a few weeks ago, our plans started last year when Mr Warehouse and I had thought about a small extension or conservatory. This was something we had actually seen one of our neighbors do in their garden and whilst it was seemingly simple and took only a few hours to build and construct from the timber frame, that type of thing was costly.

So in lieu of this idea and with nothing else to occupy our weekends during the first lockdown, we decided to take the plunge and get the patio extended. However, after looking at the cost of extending we were still being quoted nearly a grand for the work and that was just labor. No parts, no cement, no sand, not paving slabs. For the better part of six / seven months that an English summer hangs around, I just couldn't see the real value it would give. But after we consulted next door (she had laid the patio herself, not a huge amount, but nevertheless, she did it) it gave Mr Warehouse and I the confidence to take the plunge. We purchased the much-sought-after Buff Riven Tiles but with Coronavirus scuppering our plans for family BBQs and summer parties in our newly extended garden, there they lay in our garden for the winter.

But one sunny Saturday afternoon I headed outside to Mr. Warehouse digging. After weeks of chatting through different ideas and ways, we could do what we wanted but on the cheap, he thought it would be a good idea to see just how easy it would be to lay just one row. And so we did. One slab, then two. Three and four and then two more. Admittedly it took nearly four hours the first time (all the while I was literally working in just a bra - And not even a sexy one at that), and a lot of sweat, and lumping dirt and heavy slabs around. But we did it.

I was proud. Proud of being able to save me a damned pretty penny. Proud of actually helping out and doing some heavy laboring and landscaping. Proud of being able to get what I want without a financial compromise. Now don't get me wrong, neither of us are Bob The Builder or Charlie Dimmock, but weekend after weekend we have gone out in the mostly cold and grey weather to do another row of the patio, each Saturday and Sunday chipping away at it. Friday Afternoon we finally finished. Seemed kind of apt considering Good Friday Jesus moved a rock or something and Mr. Warehouse and I were doing the same - Kinda!?

After collecting some railway sleepers for edging the patio (because Mr Warehouse cut on a wonky angle) and the Gazebo from B&M, we were ready to host. Nearly. The luxury Steel Framed Gazebo took several of Saturday's hours to construct, but once up it is perfect for relaxing and chilling out under during those long summer nights or to shelter from the rain. I even had several messages from the neighbors asking where it was from and how nice it looked. And so the scene was set - Cute coffee table with some freshly cut pink roses in a tin pot, my reupholstered and restuffed garden seat cushions (handcrafted by yours truly), the rusty old fire pit, a garden rug, and our garden was ready.

Sunday was soon here and after staying up late to bake an Easter choccie cheesecake, marinated my leg of lamb in minty goodness, and tidy the house I was more than ready for my loved ones to reunite and see each other first time in months. I hadn't seen my Dad properly in person since before Mr. Warehouse and I went to Turkey on our "Fuck off Corona" Holiday, probably my birthday weekend in September maybe, and my Nanny Pumpkin would have been much, much before then, possibly as far back as last summer.

I had been planning East-mas (as I was calling it since it was our Easter and Christmas combined) since Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a road-map detailing that from Monday 29th March 2021, outdoor gatherings of either six people or two households will be allowed in private gardens. And so with a gin glass in hand swirling with ice and lemonade Gin my guests arrived. I was so happy and excited. We chatted and even exchanged belated Christmas pressies with my Nanny Pumpkin all whilst the sun shone on.

Mr. Warehouse and I battled it out for the Easter egg hunt my Dad had set up whilst our backs were turned and in good time the lamb made an appearance, the smell wafting through the garden and no doubt into other peoples. Followed with some garlic baby potatoes and simple salad, the lamb was deemed one of the tastiest pieces of lamb my guests had ever tasted and the choccie cheesecake went down even better with people fighting over the last slice.

I honestly forgot all about the pandemic for a short while and it almost seemed like a normal Easter afternoon in the sunshine. This is something I could definitely get used to and I think that I will now take Easter as my time to host in years to come because let's be fair, they can only get better, right?

'Til next time, Love A.Lou x

Remember, if you would like to purchase anything then please feel free to check out my store at: https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/Wooftys or visit our Instagram @WooftysDogTreats and use "TATOATS21" to get 10% off your first order over £15.00.

In A Matter of Weeks

Afternoon All,  

And so finally the day has come. No more counting or crossing off the days on the calendar. Because as England has been watching on patiently as the other devolved nations like Scotland and Wales break the spell and "stay local" becomes a thing of the past, we can now join in the revolution and start to reopen and I for one am braced ready for a little bit of freedom. Today marked the first date in many people's calendars where loved ones can reunite and see each other, sometimes for the first time in months, possibly a whole year.

As explained several weeks ago by Prime Minister Boris Johnson as he addressed the nation about the gradual reopening of the UK and a road-map, the next unlocking of lockdown 3.0 started today, step two of the new four-step plan. As set out in the government's plans, from today, Monday 29th March 2021, outdoor gatherings of either six people or two households will be allowed, both in recreational outdoor public spaces such as parks as well as in private gardens. Outdoor sports facilities such as tennis, outdoor swimming, or basketball courts will reopen, and organized adult and children's sport, such as grassroots football, will also return, something Mr. Warehouse has been itching to get back to see his nephew play footy at the weekend.

The BBC confirmed that the daily death toll today is just 23. Twenty-Three! I honestly can't ever remember seeing a number like that for a long time and it brings me such hope that finally ... FINALLY we are on our way out of this shithole. Whilst the vaccine rollout seems to be slowing it is still world-beating when compared to Europe and the rest of the world (all bar Isreal as they seem to have vacc'd almost everyone now) with nearly 30-million people in the UK having now had their first dose of a coronavirus vaccine. And just for context that is like the population of Pontypridd in Wales (Not Pont-Y-Pandi as I wanted to write - which is the fictional village from Fireman Sam). Or for those not so familiar with small Welsh towns, 30-million people would be equivalent to half the population of the London borough of Chelsea, at least by this website's assumptions.

Telling MPs that whilst admittedly his plan was slow, Bozza Jozza planned for this easing to be the final and last lockdown this country will have to suffer at the hands of coronavirus and we are to, as the public, be "cautious" at every stage of unlocking.

So what next? What is the next date circled on our diary? Well, the next date in your diaries as it is in mine will be for the commencement of the third step which will start from 12 April 2021 and would see major parts of the economy permitted to reopen including non-essential retail opens, beauty industries, and some public buildings like libraries. Outdoor settings like alcohol takeaways, beer gardens, zoos, and theme parks are also considered to be in the reopening as well as indoor leisure like indoor swimming pools and gyms. Self-contained holiday accommodation, such as self-catering lets and campsites would also be allowed to operate (Although maybe let's not spill to Mr. Warehouse that I have already booked a staycation in anticipation). So many things to be positive about and look forward to - The sun is shining and I am ready for the year ahead! Bring. It. On.

'Til next time, Love A.Lou x

Remember, if you would like to purchase anything then please feel free to check out my store at: https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/Wooftys or visit our Instagram @WooftysDogTreats and use "TATOATS21" to get 10% off your first order over £15.00.

Jabbed and Fab

Evening, 

Village Halls are the heart of communities in Britain. They are the places of gatherings and occasion. Donating blood? Village Hall. Kids birthday party? Village Hall. Christenings, Wakes, Voting, Slimming groups, and exercise classes? The good ole' Village Hall. And no matter which one you venture into, be it Scotland, England, or Wales they are all host the same traits and emit the same nostalgic vibes of years gone by.

In years gone by I envisage them being the place to go and dance, somewhere that the whole village would turn out for. The walls would speak of shy boys approaching young girls and asking them to dance whilst older chaperones looked on. The wooden floors would echo this in days gone by of married couples taking their first tentative steps out to the world as they greeted guests and cut the all-important fruit-filled wedding cake covered in rich royal icing and marzipan.

As times changed the village hall would welcome women through the doors not just to host afternoon tea, Tupper-wear parties and book clubs but to vote and make a difference. Villages halls would be a place of gathering to hear news and debate the important things in life. Village halls would have been the place you would go to welcome the young men home from war.

Yes. The village hall is held in a special place of communities hearts up and down this great nation and yesterday was one such day where it again would hold strong and play a part in History. As Mr. Warehouse pulled into the parking space outside the large white marquee he asked if I was nervous. I was. A little. But more than anything I was excited. I was about to make history. I was about to be part of history. Something generations would talk about for decades to come and a moment in time children, maybe even my own children or grandchildren will base school projects and essays on. This is the moment I had my Coronavirus Vaccine. As reported via the BBC, I joined one of the nearly 28-million people in the UK who has now had their first dose of a coronavirus vaccine.

Washing my hands with anti-bac and heading through the sterile tent to another kindly face (albeit half-covered with a facemask) who welcomed me into the facility and asked me to step forward. Taking some details I stood waiting in a short corridor until I was called forward.

Seating myself in front of a young woman, shiny silver rings adorning her fingers, and a flowery spring top on I felt all the ore closer to spring and being free from this hell of social-distancing and restrictions on life. Answering a few short questions I was checked in and handed a leaflet with all the information I required. I was then ushered to a waiting area of six chairs, already filled with five bottoms, all waiting to be seen. I looked around and admired the establishment - The tall beamed ceilings and roof lights, flooding the room with hopeful sunshine and the promise of a better tomorrow. The heaters embedded into the walls just as they were in my primary school, an awful shade of sage green, complete with dusty grids and edges emblazoned with scuff marks from kids running around with trainers on.

I looked at the clock for a fleeting moment as I wondered which self-made cubical I would be called into. Looking around me I could see the statistics from the news. There was only a handful of Black, Asian or minority ethnicities sat waiting for their COVID jab along with me. I think I only saw one out of six of the chairs filled. A worrying statistic was now in front of me and not just some mumbo jumbo on the news. It was plain to see from the young girls register who I had just seen me that there were many a name that was not ticked off and left unhighlighted. I had hoped it was just a glitch or that someone had overslept or forgot, but I feared it was for other reasons. It worried me. Not for my sake but for theirs. What about the families or life they are missing out on by not getting it - And all for fear and fake news.

I was eventually called over by a tall athletic women in her early retirement. A friendly face with short silvered hair and kind eyes. She was wearing a red top with a white shirt underneath and red trousers making her honestly look like something from Cat In The Hat but I liked it. It charmed me. She showed me to another colleague of hers, a tubby Indian man, clearly knowledgeable about medicine (or at least enough to which made me feel comfortable) who welcomed me to the makeshift surgery. Nervous I started answering his questions and I think he could tell I was a little on edge at the sight of the liquid-filled yellow needles sat in a box next to me. I started blathering on about something or other when I noticed his biscuits and asked what his favorite kind was. As he prepared the needle and removed the cap he explained that in actual fact he didn't really like biscuits and yet the ladies kept bringing him cups of tea and biscuits and slices of apple and such every half hour or so.

I thought about that and wondered for a second what his actual job was in normal pre-COVID life. Was he a dentist? Doctor? Plastic surgeon? Maybe he was nothing to do with medicine. Maybe he was a bin man or a lawyer or a pizza maker. Who knows but at that moment I felt a sharp scratch and a cold sensation. Knowing what was happening I looked up. The clock read 12pm on the nose and I appreciated the efficiency of all this.

And that was it. The doctor (or plastic surgeon or bin man or pizza man) asked how I was getting home and if I was driving to which I replied no and that I had my fiance driving me. And with that, he signed off my little card and sent me on my way, although not before sliding the biscuits across the desk and encouraging me to take the little clingfilmed package.

Mrs Cat-In-The-Hat saw me out and escorted me through the foyer to the car park where my faithful Mom-mobile greeted me with its grumbly diesel engine and its handsome driver. The sun shone as we waved our way past all the volunteers and marshalls, driving off into our future of hugging, kissing, and rejoicing in family and friends.

If you would like to purchase anything then please feel free to check out my store at: https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/Wooftys or visit our Instagram @WooftysDogTreats and use "TATOATS21" to get 10% off your first order over £15.00.

'Til next time, Love A.Lou x