Monday 14^th June, 2021 1900

As much as I would happily have lounged around doing nothing, it wasn't an option today.

Two things were in short supply: wine and Twinings breakfast teabags. I enlisted Jody's help so that I could get three boxes of wine from BHG, which will ensure I only need one box a week until end of term. The teabags however, could only come from Metro.

And what a shock! 100 bags priced at 138¥ (that's nearly £15) when the last time I bought some they were 87¥. That's one hell of an increase and I wonder if it is something to do with the global shipping container crisis due to most of them being on quaysides in South China. I noticed coffee had gone up last week but not by how much, it's not something special and Twinings is. If it's happening here then I would assume it is or will be happening around the globe. Freight costs are now through the roof and the whip hand belongs to the shipping companies. I can't say I blame them for caning the market, ships were given a very raw deal indeed when the virus hit. I suppose it would be too much to hope that some of the added profits might trickle down by way of crew bonuses.

Both of us were tired and neither fancied Burger King, Jody amazingly refused my offer to take her to Starbucks (and she loves it) because that particular outlet is, according to her, far too crowded. Considering today is Dragon Boat Day I reckon she might have been right. So it was a quick shop. I even forgot to check on the cheese section.

I had another afternoon kip and of course felt dreadful when I woke up. I haven't eaten and I'm not hungry but I did buy an Italian sausage pizza which will probably be dire. I will give it a try!

When I went to the jing jo shop I couldn't help but notice a vehicle parked in the Shijia hotel car park. An SUV liveried in the most dreadful matt grey with matt black trim. It looked like a huge training shoe on wheels!

Last night I had a punt on Euro 2020/1. England have never ever won their opening match and I am pissed off with losing money backing them, so I was cheering for Croatia last night. It may be that if I bet against England every time they may win the tournament for once! Wonder if the FA will reimburse my losses.......

But the big question today is – when will England ever be free? Is it to be an unending extension of lockdown???