Author: Tom

Ruffy’s latest idea

First he tells me to stay inside, now he says I have to go out and blow a whistle! Or clap, but we’re not really equipped for clapping.

He says it happens every Thursday, at eight o’clock.

I’ve dug out all my whistles.

The police whistle is loud, but people might take me for a policeperson.

I’ll try them all.

I think the postal workers’ one is best. Loud, bright, and principled.

Now I’m all ready for eight o’clock.

Ruffy says everyone will be outside, clapping and whistling and tooting.

I know my eyes aren’t great, but it looks very quiet out there.

I don’t hear any clapping or whistling.

I suppose I missed it. Oh well, there’s always next week.

what’s been going on?

So many things to get done when you’ve just come out of the cupboard.

There’s cleaning to do.

And the clocks have stopped.

(I’ll need a ladder for the kitchen clock – I’ll wind that later.)

Better see what food I’ve got, and make a shopping list.

Ooh, Alicia left lots of tasty things in the cupboard when she went back home! I must remember to thank her.

I won’t need to go shopping today.

I can climb up to wind the cuckoo clock.

Oh dear, it gets harder every year.

I’ll rest at the top, and have a chat with the big cuckoo.

The little cuckoo keeps itself to itself.

At least the electric clocks are still going.

I still can’t believe it’s April! Have I missed Easter?

I think I’d better phone Ruffy. He always knows what’s what.

That’s my friend Ruffy. I have a picture of him on my desk.

I know – I’ll ask him round for a cup of tea and a good catch-up.

I’ll get out the best cups.

And a clean table-cloth. Maybe put on a necklace.

One biscuit left in the packet.

Nice and soft, I’ll break it into toothsome morsels.

I’m looking forward to having a tea party!

It’s always good to talk to Ruffy.

After tea, we can go for a walk. Lovely!

ring ring — ring ring — ring ring — ring ring

Well, he’s in a funny mood.

Better look at that letter. Where did I put it?

I did read the letter (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/876876/CCS155_CCS0320349160-003_PM_letter_to_nation_on_coronovirus_Accessible.pdf),

and then I phoned Ruffy again.

He told me all about the coronavirus.

He says it’s even worse than the letter said.

Because I’m old, and because I have underlying health conditions, I’m extra Vulnerable.

So I can’t go out at all.

Can’t see my friends.

Can’t go to the shops.

Can’t go to the park.

I just have to stay at home.

I suppose I may as well have some of that biscuit.

out of the cupboard

Feels like spring. Probably time to get up.

Or down. It’s a long way down from this cupboard.

There’s a trick to getting down.

My granny taught me what to think about, when a situation is making you feel tense:

Neck – release, head – forward and up, back – lengthen and widen. Then JUMP.

Ouch. Some people think that teddies don’t feel pain. They’re wrong.

(Doesn’t anyone ever clean round here?)

Let’s see what the date is.

No!  It can’t be April! I never sleep that late!

Anything could have happened while I’ve been in the cupboard!

I’ll see what’s come in the post.

This letter looks important. It’s from the Government.

But come to think of it, I’m hungry.

I’ll find something to eat, and I’ll open that letter later on . . .