That’s Why She Wanted All Those Twigs
Coronavirus Belgium Update
The numbers here are good and getting better. The health system coped well with the last wave of infections, which is mostly the less harmful Omicron version of the virus now. As a result, as of Monday, 7th of March 2022, restrictions are downgraded to, what is now called, level yellow. This means that as of Monday, nearly all restrictions will end, except for the wearing of face masks on public transport and in Hospitals and other medical facilities. More detail in the following links.
RECENT COVID-19 FIGURES FOR BELGIUM
CODE YELLOW LEVEL RESTRICTIONS
I really hope that this is the beginning of the end, this time. But I can’t help getting that nagging feeling that we have been here before.
Prefectdt
SPANKEDHORTIC II 
Great pic Prefectdt. So glad things are tracking well there covid wise and that restrictions are about to be further lifted. Numbers are still high here with more people in hospital. They are unable to keep up with PCR testing demand too so DIY rapid tests have become the go to.
Hugs
Roz
I took a couple of LFTs, this weekend, Roz. Both negative. Looks like I have the first dribbly nose cold that I have had in about 3 years. I hope that things continue on the up, in NZ.
Prefectdt
First let me say I’m glad the numbers are improving and that the restrictions are going to be eased…. it’s the same here – but to be honest I don’t trust the numbers – we’ve been here before – so I am going to keep doing what has worked for us……. masking and hand washing… and be careful where we go and what we do.
Now to Sunday’s Swishing pic……… switches!! I loved them!! but was shocked what a mess they make when used indoors – all those lil bits of broken branches…….. ugh …. I don’t much like having to do a clean up after a spanking!! BUT they are nice – and the marks on the bottom in the pic?? pretty much true to form. Have you ever been switched Prefectdt??
It makes good sense to be cautious, morningstar, but it is still good to have hope.
Corylus avellana (Common Hazel nut tree) is the best wood to make a birch from, that does not have so many bits breaking off all over the place. But be warned, it is just about the most severe wood, that you can use to make a birch or a switch. It is truly evil.
Prefectdt
glad the numbers are improving where you live. Seems to be a worldwide event. you should celebrate by being birched like your photo, but without the blood.
bottoms up
Red
What kind of tree should the branches of the birch come from, Red? It would have to be something special for that kind of celebration. 🙂
Prefectdt
There are four hazelnut trees in my garden Prefectdt. We cut one down last week as it wasn’t growing where we wanted. I took a couple of switches off that, but they haven’t yet been tried. I didn’t know that they were good for switches and also birches… now that I do, they are much more treasured trees!
If you have left the stump in the ground, merksmith, the cut down tree should develop new shoots. If you keep it pruned as a large shrub, you will have a convenient supply of branches from it.
Prefectdt
Thanks yes. They constantly poke up up new shoots that grow very rapidly. Until now I’ve been mowing them off. Hopefully there’ll be cause now to cut a few more carefully! Thanks.
It is in the nature of Corylus, merksmith. It is a classic coppicing tree. In the old days it was often used for producing flexible stems, good for making fencing and other goods and if left to grow longer, can quickly produce good burning wood for stoves.
Prefectdt
In my experience the reason that birches break and leave bits every where is because are too dry. Sometimes this is because they are too old which is why ideally the recipient to be should be sent out to gather new switches prior to the punishment. If they can be sent out with their bottom bared so much the better. This has only happened to me once as obviously most places don’t have the required trees or privacy. When it did happen, in a very secluded and large garden, it was one of the most exciting afternoons of my life.
True, Simon. Branches for birches or switches should always be freshly cut. But branches from Birch trees (Betula Jacquemontii) will always shed, even if fresh.
Prefectdt
I have never been spanked with a birch. Ah, things to look forward to 🙂 XOXO
It’s an experience, nora. And if you have enough space in the garden, you can grow your own toys.
Prefectdt