I hope this letter finds you well. You certainly looked pretty happy in your last selfie. Life is definitely treating you well in your dotage. I try to look after myself as best I can and try to follow advice regarding COVID 19. I did the Guardian quiz to find out out much I understood of the rules here in Britain and I was none too well informed. I always imagine that when you take quizzes like that there has to be a logic. For these answers, logic was well left field. 
I even took the advice from an article in the Guardian that good face masks should be made up of three layers of closely woven fabric. I got my sewing machine out - the one that came with me from Singapore - and made three of them. This was to ensure I would always have a mask with me.
I wore one to IKEA when Nasser wanted to look for bits for his family who are coming to visit today. The escalator wasn't working so we walked up the stairs which in retrospect seemed rather tough going, and then at the top, I passed out. My knight in shining armour stopped me from hitting the deck and we were close to the sofas so I ended up on a most comfortable one. I can say the mask offered full protection from everything - including fresh oxygen! It almost totally seals any air from getting through! Back to the drawing board!
As I said, Nasser's brother and children are arriving today. His brother has got a "holiday" let for a month and we have been cleaning it up and getting the garden ready for their arrival. A few things from my place have been moved over to make the place more homely - I shall be taking an inventory later! (LOL). Nasser has been saving food from his food parcels to feed them and today he is a mother hen clucking around to make sure everything is in order to make them welcome. It is a very big day for him and all very exciting.
When he first came to live with me, I gave him the keys of freedom and today, he gave them back. It is the end of one chapter and so a new one begins. Hopefully, this one will be full of promise as he has family support this time.
Last week, we popped down to North London to pick up a bag that a friend brought over from Singapore. I have to say that I had forgotten what was in the bag and without divulging the contents it was heavy and contained nothing that I couldn't have dumped in Singapore. I see it as a testament to my manic packing, leaving one country for the next! Next time I'll be so much the wiser - that is, if there is a next time.
As part of our trip to pick up the bag we visited my cousins in Watford on the way down and then friends from Singapore who now live in Harpenden on the way back. Meeting people in times of Lockdown is quite strange. The bonhomie of cheek kissing is clearly off the menu. I tend to stand a pace back and wave my arms up and down for probably a second or two too long, not quite knowing what the protocol is for this new world order.
Despite the initial awkwardness, it was really lovely and definitely a day to remember. Nasser is also getting used to meeting my friends and family as well. The rules for socialising should be clearer though. Perhaps they should include things like, "On meeting old friends, stand 2 meters back, lift your right arm to wave and smile. Do not touch!". Maybe elbow nudges could be included in the guidelines. Any thoughts on that one, Marms?
Certainly for you, Marms, I would always tickle you behind the ears whatever, rules or no rules.
Love you as always,
XXX
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