COVID-19: THE WEDNESDAY UPDATE FROM SOLIHULL...

Covid-19: the Wednesday Solihull update…

So how is Solihull coping with Covid-19 at present? 

Well, I have managed to walk each day, although not along the canal, due to perspiring joggers and lunatic cyclists, all of whom are likely to shed bodily fluids at anyone simply walking along the towpath and thus forced into taking evasive action, without actually lunging into the canal itself, scattering families of mallards and needing a tetanus injection…

Yet there are still cyclists on local roads using the pavements, especially whilst hustling their children along on their bikes, which means a hasty evasive zig-zag for pedestrians, yet rarely is there an overtaking manoeuvre in the road used by those cyclists. Hmm... 

A FEMALE BLACKBIRD IS TAUGHT TO MAKE A NOISE IN THE MORNINGS...

Joggers, impossible to detect from behind by simply listening out, suddenly gasp past, sweat splashing from damp underarms and wet foreheads, plus grunts, wheezes, difficulty in breathing and sometimes barking harsh coughs. All this brings to mind someone who might just be an advanced disciple for Covid-19 itself... 

And good manners are often tough to find, for when roads are crossed to avoid passing close to other pedestrians on the same pavements, much of the time there is no acknowledgement from them, which is puzzling. A good many folks do simply wave or speak their thanks in a good natured manner, if distancing is achieved by one party crossing a highway but surely everyone should be doing that?

I drove for the first time since lockdown on Monday morning to collect a shopping order from ‘Cook’ in Olton but twice trucks decided that roundabout rules didn’t apply to them any longer during these troubled times and simply drove in front of my car, which was already negotiating the circle. My horn was soon in full flow... 

GREENFINCH SOCIALLY DISTANCES ITSELF FROM THE CHAFFINCHES & GOLDFINCHES...

Joyriders in souped-up vehicles have been a problem recently too, basically the drivers proving just what arses they are, simply wanting to exploit the quieter roads I guess, but these folks always seem to escape any kind of punishment…

And there are still blokes driving their older open-topped sports cars about, looking pleased with themselves but they are certainly not venturing out for any necessity… 

People are clearly still popping to ‘the local shop’ (often in cars) for fags, newspapers and alcohol, as well as lottery tickets, all of which are of course necessary foods... 

I juggled a football in the garden on Tuesday… First time for a long time and hopefully, that will provide some more good exercise without engaging in jogging-flobbing, or invasive cycling.

On a positive note, though, the applause offered to NHS workers and teachers locally has been totally heartwarming, for not only has it brought neighbours out as a distancing group, it has also helped to find out who the neighbours actually are…

Useful, eh?

Be safe…

The Mowdog…