One day at a time

 Melbourne and Victoria are now technically free of COVID-19 after 28 days of zero cases, of course that does not mean that it has been eradicated only that no one has tested positive (someone could have it and not realise). Restrictions continue to be relaxed and masks only need to be worn inside buildings and where social distancing can not been achieved (i.e. public transport). Whilst on the other side of the planet, my UK family are holed up under a lock down , that is due to lift on 2 December, although they will then be under the third (and highest) tier of the new restrictions for England. Over Christmas, these restrictions are going to be eased, but my Dad is planning to stay home - the virus doesn't care its Christmas and will spread given the chance. The Budget product was delivered by the State Government and my work has become very quiet. I'm preparing for the next set of products that will start in January 2021. I am going to be taking a week away from work, I'...

Three weeks with zero cases, that's good going. I've booked a weekend away in regional Victoria and I'm looking forward to the change in scenery more than anything else. I have decided to purchase a new car, I am staying with Suzuki but returning to their Swift model. The old car is being traded-in and I plan to pick up the new vehicle early in December. It's probably the most expensive online shopping I have ever done. As far as I can tell, my involvement in the budget product is almost at an end, I've been volunteered to be available when the budget is released to be on hand to answer questions, but other then that it all seems to be very quiet. Started working on the next two products (they tend to run into each other) and the information for these will be collected in 2021. Will have to see how that runs as a number of the businesses I deal with are going to close down between Christmas and New Year, but they are expected to respond to our requests very shortly ...

 Further relaxation of the restrictions means that we can travel anywhere is the State and I have booked a weekend away in the Yarra Valley, mainly just for a change in scenery. Work was frantic this week, had to move the main meeting on the budget product and then an issue came up in the meeting that had to be dealt with immediately. Thankfully it was sorted out quickly and in the end there were other adjustments that also had to be put into the system. I spent Friday updating all the reports and presentation with the new "final" numbers. I was completely over work by the end of the week, but had to put that aside to think about applying for a new higher position in the team (there is no promotions in the public service). Reading the key selection criteria, I clearly meet more than 70% of it but it depends on who else applies for the position and whether they hit more of the criteria. I don't have a good track record of success applying for jobs in department, the last f...

 The good news about the infections in Melbourne continues with several days with zero infections and also zero deaths related to COVID-19. This week would normally be one of parties as it was Melbourne Cup week, but even though there have been relaxation of some rules, mass gatherings are still banned. I worked for part of the Melbourne Cup public holiday, I still have to prepare for meetings coming up in a few weeks, although I did go shopping for a break and took the car to one of the open air retail parks (I'm still not keen on going to a shopping centre at the moment). I'm keen to buy a new car, although I'm not sure why. My current car is coming to the end of its warranty period, so it would be nice to have a new car with a warranty. I took a day off work to visit my aunt and attend a meeting with her and my cousin about a home care package that is available to her. I don't think she understood what was being explained to her as she was making jokes rather than as...

The main restriction, to stay home, has been relaxed and people are allowed to leave their homes for any reason and for any period, but still only allowed up to travel 25km for shopping and social. Visitors (from the same household) are allowed and ten people can gather outside, with social distancing. All shops can re-open and restaurants and cafes can have dine-in customers up to a maximum of 20 (where space allows). I was supposed to go to brunch with some friends but I wasn't feeling well so I decided not to go (feeling better now). Had to visit my aunt who had put some disposal pads in her washing machine, thankfully it seems to have survived the incident, unfortunately not her clothing, which contains the residue of the pads (they will need to be washed again). I did discover that her tumble dryer was broken, so I hope I have managed to arrange for a replacement to be delivered on Wednesday while my cousin and I will be visiting. We hope to convince my aunt that she should si...