Saturday 4th April 2020 – Day Twelve

Good morning, and what a beautiful morning it is!

Do you have a garden? Or a park that you can safely access. A few minutes gentle exercise in the open air, will do wonders for your health and for your psychological well being. If you do go out, please take a photo and share with me, it would be great to see how you are able to enjoy our world, despite all its limitations.

If you go out, please stay local and only for a little while

What can I share with you today? – INFORMATION

From Neil: Latest updates how Camden is responding to the Coronavirus Crisis

Latest government advice – The Government has issued new guidance enforcing a lockdown of the UK to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

ART & CULTURE – From Chris B: Learn about Japan while in isolation with the Daiwa Anglo-Japanese Foundation, supporting closer links between the UK and Japan.They are compiling this weekly digest of news and materials so that everyone at home can continue to learn about and engage with Japan and Japanese culture. For people who are interested in ART an Artist Talk:Hochoul Lee in conversation with Jonathan Watkins.

Also, as it is important to stay healthy and exercising, here is a link to the easy and simple Japanese exercise routine, from the Japan Society. It’s a great way to start your day and stay in shape at home. Here is the link:

From Chris T: Get lost in a podcast: I’ve suggested TV shows and movies to stream right now, highlighted excellent at-home exercises to try out, told you all about digitally borrowing books and now to focus on the very best podcasts out there. Here is a link to 21 different podcasts, my favourite was “10 Things That Scare Me” (During each episode, a new person will literally sit in a room alone and talk about his or her biggest fears. From cockroaches to death, flying, large crowds and even boredom, the discussions run from funny to deep and everything in-between.)

From Chris B: Whilst Cadogan Hall is closed for the time being, the Resident Orchestra, the Royal Philharmonic (RPO) is unable to perform so they wanted to introduce you to #RPOatHome which offers many different ways for you to enjoy the Orchestra’s extraordinary musicians and stay connected during these unprecedented times. Here is a link to a beautiful piece of music, and one of my favourite songs ‘Danny Boy” (really, really moving)

FOOD / SHOPPING – If you are in need of an Emergency Food Parcel, please contact me straight away. The packages contain essential food and household items such as pasta, fruit, tinned goods and biscuits, for those who need to self-isolate at home for 12 weeks but have no support network of family or friends to help them.

From Claire: Easy Recipe – Chicken, Sausage and White Bean Stew

Ingredients
1 tbsp. olive oil
8 chicken thighs (2 1/4 pounds)
Kosher salt and pepper
1 lb. sweet Italian sausage (about 5 links)
1/2 lb. bacon, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 medium carrots, finely chopped
1 stalk celery, finely chopped
2 c. fresh breadcrumbs (about 5 ounces)
2 cloves garlic, pressed
2 tbsp. fresh thyme leaves
2 15-ounce cans cannellini beans, rinsed
2 c. low-sodium chicken broth

Directions

Heat oven to 350°F. Heat oil in a large oven on medium. Pat chicken dry and season with 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Place skin side down in the pan. Cook until golden brown, about 6 minutes. Turn and cook for 3 minutes more. Transfer to plate.

Add sausages to pot and cook until browned all over, 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board; let cool before slicing.

Add bacon to pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and crisp, 8 to 10 minutes. With a slotted spoon, transfer to paper towels. Discard all but 2 tablespoons of fat in the pot.

Add onion and 1/4 tsp salt to pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and tender, 5 to 6 minutes. Add carrots and celery and cook for 3 minutes more. Remove from heat.

In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs, garlic, and thyme and set aside. Stir beans and broth into pot along with chicken, sausage, and bacon and sprinkle with crumb mixture.

Bake until chicken is fork-tender and stew has thickened, about 11/2 hours. Heat broiler and broil until crumbs are golden brown, about 3 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

Finally I was talking to my little boy last night, and he said to me that everything would be OK, and life will be back to normal soon. He also said that “something good has come out of this”. I asked him what he meant. James replied, “well there is less cars on the streets, so there is less pollution, “there is less noise, so I can hear the birds, and everyone is kinder to each other”

It tied in nicely with a link that was sent to me by Sarah.

‘Lockdown‘ an inspiring poem with a strong message of hope during covid19 worldwide lockdown. A POWERFUL MESSAGE/poem by Fr Richard Hendrick about the inspiring interactions & actions by people during the lockdowns in Wuhan & Italy due to the Covid 19 pandemic.

I will be back this evening.

Please keep sending me your tips,suggestions, advice, links and I will share with others

If you need someone to talk too, Leah can be contacted on 07716 480 049 until 1pm. If you have an emergency ring me anytime 07759 646507.

Be safe

John