Tuesday 16^th February, 2021 1730

Well there's a first. Just popped out to the jing jo shop for my daily needs, which today were to cost 80¥. Loads of boxes outside the shop along with large buckets of eggs. I wish that had happened two days ago before I bought two dozen in the supermarket, not only would I have had fifty eggs but a great reusable bucket to keep.

Anyway, Mr Jing Jo was busy dealing with customers so as usual I went inside to get my beer cans and jing jo ready, problem was there were none of either out on the shelves. Mr JJ poked his head in and pointed to which box of beer to open and indicated the jing jo was behind the counter. So I served myself and bagged up. As I was wondering whether to go into the cash drawer to put my money in and take my change, JJ poked his head in again and indicated that indeed, I should do so! Immensely trusting of him considering there's a fair amount in there, albeit in small denominations. To my relief there were no 100 yuan notes in there – only 50s and below – so my bright red ton will be immediately apparent the next time he opens the drawer.

The bonus? He would have given me a 20¥ note in change, I took a ten and two fives. Why? Because I am hoarding tens and fives for next term. A taxi to or from BHG is ten and to or from school is fifteen. It saves problems having the right money when the driver has no change or indeed no money and expects that Alipay thing I don't use on the phone.

It's as dull as ditchwater here of late. A great deal of blame must attach to my lethargy, I even keep delaying BHG trips, hence tonight's dinner will be a dozen of those dumplings the school gave me for new year. Well – I have to make some space in the freezer! I had some a few days ago, prawn fillings and I never realised what happens to Chinese dumpling vinegar (which bears no relation to our wonderful Sarsons for fish and chips) if you leave it overnight in the bowl after eating. It lays down the foundations for a new block of flats! I shall be sure to rinse after dinner tonight!

This is the fourth day Jody has been gone. After a year of having her here (spats and all) it seems strange to be alone again. I find myself at night going as if to turn down the volume of what I am watching in case she is asleep and then catch myself when I realise she isn't here.

Please don't get the wrong impression, we are like an old married couple who hardly speak but each knows the other is there. And occasionally we can go out shopping together or for dinner. Outside of term time when at least I had students, it would have been hard in solitary so her company has been invaluable. At least when the Yanks were here I could always have some company – even if their stipend meant it cost me a bloody fortune.

Alice asked me if my school wanted an English teacher so I asked. She is keen to leave the international language mill she is at. So I emailed dean Delia who jumped at the chance but never read my email properly saying she was an old student of mine. Delia thought she was a foreigner. Where am I going to conjure up one of those in the Covid years?? Interestingly it seems the new rules for new-entrant Chinese teachers are that they must have a PhD so Alice is out of luck for public unis for now, possessing just a Masters.

Ah well, at least I am saving money. Might even get Alice roped into opening a bar if she becomes really disillusioned......