So, in the run up to departing for the wilds of Northumberland, I indulge in what was apparently some over-zealous gardening and am rendered almost immobile by a pulled muscle in my back. This means that many of the ‘must do before I go’ jobs take twice as long as usual, or don’t get done at all. Let’s be honest, it’s taking half an hour to get out of bed. The days have been punctuated by numerous Zooms, including C17th presentations for The Institute of Heraldic and Genealogical Studies and a panel chat for Family Tree Magazine – you can watch it here. By the time I got to the panel I’d already been presenting for two hours, hence the regular swigs of gin water.

Having been out of the house a mere handful of times since March it does seem rather out of character that we decide to head to Northumberland just as it hits special COVID measures. The plan is to be in the middle of nowhere in the north of the county and restrict ourselves to driving/walking in isolated areas. Definitely no tourist attractions/pubs/restaurants and with luck, just one shop visit – it will be my first for six months.  We are also on stand-by to bale out at any point. In the interests of avoiding public toilets, which are in any case non-existent in the wilds of Northumberland, we have purchased what is basically a bucket with a seat attached. I am still not quite sure how using this in the boot of the car will go, even though it is quite a big boot. Not being able to bend will make it even more ‘interesting’ than it might otherwise have been. Said purchase did mean that Amazon, bless them, sent the usual ‘Would you like to share your experience of …..?’ email. Ermmm, are you quite sure Amazon? Anyway, it is, as yet, untried; I’ll let you know how it goes.

I also have a new phone, this is a proper phone, one that, in theory, does things apart from make phone calls. The operator is still playing catch-up but I am gradually increasing my ability to make it do things. I even occasionally remember to charge it and turn it on.

On the way north, we call on some descendants and meet at a National Trust property. This counts as very adventurous for me and we have duly pre-booked. On arrival at the entrance the man fails to find my name on his list. I have helpfully printed out the tickets and I rummage in my bag for these, only to find that I have inadvertently booked for a different day! By this time, the other half of the party are already inside. I ask if I can inform them of the problem. Whilst I am confessing to my blunder, the fisherman of my acquaintance somehow blags our way in, partly due to his powers of persuasion but helped by my life membership and his status as a National Trust volunteer. Phew. A lovely sunny day and some glorious flowers, although I prefer the wildflowers to the dahlias. It was lovely to spend socially-distanced time with the family. Onwards and upwards.