Well, here we are just a week before Christmas.

But is there much comfort and joy about, or do we face that Bleak Midwinter our health bosses say has arrived already?

As you know, I do like a trip to Stamford on Market Day, so what did I find today?

Leaving Grantham, the A1 was certainly busy, with many lorries, as if the country is indeed stocking up for a 'No Deal' Brexit, which may cause supply problems with mainland Europe.

Just before turning off for Stamford, a sign said Rutland, and what relatively lucky folk Rutlanders are, able to go to the pub, as long as they have a 'substantial meal,' since England's smallest county is in Tier 2.

Passing The Crown in Great Casterton, although it was only mid-morning the lights were on. And checking their website, you can see they have a festive menu today. I trust it will be as lovely as their Sunday roasts ands what temptation it must present those in Tier 3 Stamford, a short walk away, where pubs can only open for take-outs!

In town, Stamford seemed as busy as always, with cars queueing up for spaces in the Riverside car park. I faced a short wait too and then as soon as one vehicle left, I jumped in, as if jumping into someone's coffin.

Heading towards the shops, I passed delightful cafes offering take-aways. The steak sandwich with fries and mulled wine sounded lovely at one.

Other cafes were sadly closed, as was a sad-looking London Inn and Wetherspoons, which advertised a different view of lockdown to that of government from its owner Tim Martin.

Along St Mary's Street, a couple of new shops had opened, and then it was up towards Marks & Spencer, where the store had erected a fine cover to protect their shoppers from the rain.

Stamford's Friday market looked like it was back to its thriving old self, and one stall had a tasty looking hog roast.

As before, there remained a couple of closed stores in High Street, but the crowds gave a festive feel, though with Christmas approaching, I made an extra effort to keep away from people to help protect my Christmas Bubble.

By Red Lion Square things looked fine and Christmassy with the tree and a massive bow and ribbon on a building. But further up, the Crown Hotel and Paten's looked sad and closed.

Walking up towards the market in Broad Street, I passed a couple of barbers and hairdressers. And as I have said before, strange how they can safely open, when they will be physically touching customers, whereas a bar or a restaurant cannot open (unless for take-outs) and physical contact won't happen.

The market was again busy, with the usual variety of stalls. Alas, my favourite coffee van was too busy for me today. But I do recommend it.

Then it was back down Ironmonger Street, turning right into High Street and back towards the car.

I had planned to go to the Post Office to post a letter but the queue was too long.

Then, as it was lunchtime, I called at that little cafe and had the steak ciabatta with French fries, and why not, it's almost Christmas, washed down with that mulled wine.

To order, the mask was put on and you were able to sanitise your hands with a contactless sanitiser. How very clever, and a highlight of how so many businesses will have spent thousands to try and stay safe and in business.

Sadly, many other businesses will also have invested heavily, but government diktat deems our bars cafes and restaurants a Covid risk, even if actual official figures show its greatest sources being hospitals, care homes and schools.

And it's not just those businesses that are suffering, but also those who supply them.

After picking up my lunch, came the decision of where to eat. You might think it might make sense to eat inside out of the rain, which had just arrived, where a waitress would sanitise the tables and chairs after each customer.

Instead, government would rather you eat outside on some filthy park bench, which seems somewhat of a contradiction.

I did note however, the Riverside Fish Bar has created some excellent looking shelters for its customers.

So it was back to the car to eat in there and soon other motorists were able to fight over my parking space.

I left the car park and headed to Waitrose but again deemed the queue there too long.

Heading home I found a small suburban sub-Post Office where after a short wait, I was able to post that letter.

Then, it was on to the busy A1 and thinking about Christmas, considered what Hell it is going to be on Wednesday when people can drive to their Christmas Bubbles.

The pandemic and its related lockdowns have cost the economy hundreds of billions of pounds. Surely, a couple more billion can be found to upgrade this busy and dangerous dual-carriageway into a decent and proper dual-four lane motorway all the way from the M25 towards West Yorkshire?