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I have received the letter releasing me from shielding. I shall continue to do the same as I have done all along as it was a better routine than before. I now become active earlier in the day and go shopping and do the crossword before 9 a.m. and have managed to solve most of the problems that have arisen. I removed a lump on my face myself as recommended by the doctor by 'phone. I did some necessary plumbing. I have managed to get my 'dead' computer working. I solved the problem of a computer file too large to open. I have had many delightful (though tottery) solitary walks, essential exercise because my legs are getting weaker.

I have produced eight more History 'papers' which I cannot distribute yet. I have a lot more research under way, hindered by the Library's limited opening times. I have grown my own tomatoes and have a good crop. The cat that has taken up residence with me seems very content with the arrangement.

One has to make the best of a disastrous situation. I could worry about the outcome to the country which appears bleak, but I cannot do anything about it.

On Monday Sainsbury's opened both entrances so the supermarkets now seem almost back to normal but with social distancing.

It might have been a catastrophe but I like solving problems. The inlet valve on my upstairs toilet broke and water gushed out so I had to turn the water off at the mains. Washing and drinking without water are impossible, so I disconnected the lead pipe and bent it over the bath to collect any water. I could then turn on the mains just long enough to collect water and fill a kettle.

Eastleigh no longer has any practical shops so I had to walk over the to the Woodside Industrial Estate, which fortunately is only just over a mile away, to find a replacement valve. B&Q did not have the right kind, but I could not check with "Screwfix" or "Toolstation" because they only do 'click and collect' during the lockdown. It took two more jaunts to Woodside to get what I needed as I had to go home order and pay on line and go back to collect the items. The new valve arm could not move far enough to shut of the water. So I had to fill the cistern using large bottles of water and a ladder.

Next day, after two more trips over to Woodside I 'click and collected' a brass plug to block of the toilet water supply. It worked but the lead pipe leaked so I had to click and collect some waterproof tape. At last I had water on tap.

The saga continues- a tap on the lead pipe might save me having to use bottles of water to fill the cistern. A tap ordered today should arrive tomorrow.

I like trying to solve problems and have patience enough to keep trying. It all shows how troublesome the lockdown can be.

On Monday Sainsbury's opened both entrances so the supermarkets now seem almost back to normal but with social distancing.

It might have been a catastrophe but I like solving problems. The inlet valve on my upstairs toilet broke and water gushed out so I had to turn the water off at the mains. Washing and drinking without water are impossible, so I disconnected the lead pipe and bent it over the bath to collect any water. I could then turn on the mains just long enough to collect water and fill a kettle.

Eastleigh no longer has any practical shops so I had to walk over the to the Woodside Industrial Estate, which fortunately is only just over a mile away, to find a replacement valve. B&Q did not have the right kind, but I could not check with "Screwfix" or "Toolstation" because they only do 'click and collect' during the lockdown. It took two more jaunts to Woodside to get what I needed as I had to go home order and pay on line and go back to collect the items. The new valve arm could not move far enough to shut of the water. So I had to fill the cistern using large bottles of water and a ladder.

Next day, after two more trips over to Woodside I 'click and collected' a brass plug to block of the toilet water supply. It worked but the lead pipe leaked so I had to click and collect some waterproof tape. At last I had water on tap.

The saga continues- a tap on the lead pipe might save me having to use bottles of water to fill the cistern. A tap ordered today should arrive tomorrow.

I like trying to solve problems and have patience enough to keep trying. It all shows how troublesome the lockdown can be.

During the week I found no sign of the rabbits at the Job-Centre. I created a water supply device using a tray and old plastic bottle but when I found someone in a sleeping bag outside the Centre door one morning I assumed that rabbits had been forced to depart.
However this morning when I went to check I encountered a rabbit so I have moved my water supply and provided some 'Timothy Hay' which rabbits apparently like. As rabbits are 'crespucular' - active at twilight', they are not obvious during the day.

There have been very few queues outside shops, even supermarkets, during the week though a few more people are about.

When I went out the front at 5 pm no one came out to clap in our terrace. I was surprised.

Earlier in the afternoon I saw that the Job Centre was preparing to re-open. I wonder what the rabbits will do.

This evening I saw a hedgehog crossing Chamberlayne Road. When it saw me, it stopped to have its photograph taken. I stood by it and it eventually ambled on across the road and under a front gate. I thought they had all been exterminated in the Town. It has little hope of survival, even though the traffic on our non-main roads is light during lockdown, they try to travel miles, but our garden walls prevent them from moving freely.

There were people outside the Pubs in High Street, and the Chamberlayne Arms had customers.

More shops, but not all, were open in the Swan Centre and main streets. Hairdressers were noticeably popular. There were more people about but still fewer than before. Social distancing was adhered to.

This evening I managed to take a slightly better photograph of a 'Job-Centre' rabbit before it jumped the wall into the bushes. I received a letter telling me that I was shielding until 1st August. There was some relaxation threatened on 6th July. I am hoping that the Library and Museum will reopen, but a librarian told me there will probably be no loitering, browsing, computers or Newspapers and an appointment may have to be booked. That does not leave much to do there. I have probably forgotten my Library Card number by now.

On my way back from the Lakes at Allbrook I passed the Job-Centre and discovered that the rabbits are still there oblivious of traffic (but not people on foot). I took several photographs but discovered that my memory chip was full and there were no pictures recorded. A great disappointment.

Tescos barrier inside the Swan Centre was not open. I caught it open on Monday but it was not actually in use.
Today I used a bus for a short journey to Boyatt Wood. I had to wear a face-mask. Many of the seats were partly taped off to allow social distancing. Eastleigh was very quiet - not many people about.