Proof of age may be asked for...

Contemplating the eagerly awaited easing of Lockdown. (Does it warrant a capital ‘L’?). I call one of the other in-laws, whose birthday it is today. He is finding it more arduous than most of us, but unlike the rest of us retired ones, used to spending days pottering with ‘projects’, he, at 76, still works in his own business. And quite hard physical work too - no way is he ‘vulnerable’.
We agree a big get- together celebrate will be on the cards ‘once this ridiculous L thing is over’.

But will it be over for us? As small shops, then businesses, then Primary schools gradually open, as young families are released from their cramped flats and doll’s house starter homes, will the over 65s be told they should still Stay Home Stay Safe and paint a rainbow on their downstairs window?

Time to look online for hairdye peeps, and a bright lipstick, some new narrow jeans some new sunnies. Cross fingers that the daily exercise has encouraged the dropping of a few pounds and - come on folks, get dolled up and try to pass for 55, so we can strut to the pub. Pray that you don't look like Private Godfrey in that Dad’s Army episode where the platoon had to look younger, I forget why, where they ended up looking like Robert Smith but not in a good way. (The Cure). Choose a pub with a garden, pick a shady corner and send the youngest person in for the drinks. Don’t order sherry, babycham or a pint of mild, go for a bucket sized glass of pinot grigio or a pint of eurofizz. One hopes the bartender won’t squint suspiciously over the bar and ask to see proof of age. Just don’t proffer your bus pass.