this post is closed
Life outside Ambridge
Life outside Ambridge
Life outside Ambridge
Popular posts from this blog
Life in Ambridge
THIS POST IS CLOSED "longer off topic comments" - Episode 14 Life Outside Ambridge Have a seat and let's chat.
Italians singing to keep their spirits up - I'm not ashamed to say it brought a lump to my throat!
ReplyDeleteSpirit raising was certainly achieved as well though GG, lovely singing 🎤 🎼👏🏻
ReplyDeleteA lovely post at the end of the last blog Archerphile thank you and your wishes are returned to you and Mr A.
ReplyDelete(Maybe clever Gary can post it again on this new blog🤔)
Lady R, thanks! Had meant to do so and forgot...
DeleteThank you Gary 👏🏻
DeleteArcherphile March 13, 2020 at 10:37 PM
ReplyDeleteAs the virus news seems to be getting worse and worse, I’m sending my love and thoughts to all our bloggers and hope that you all manage to get through this difficult time unscathed. We will probably all be affected in one way or another but I am sure we are all tough enough to to survive!
Special thoughts to our ladies in Italy - keep safe and well.
And to those living alone or with difficult health problems, accept help if you need it and don’t be afraid to ask.
I think we are in for a difficult few weeks but I’m sure, courtesy of these blogs, that we can keep each other’s spirits up. Bless you all.
Lanjan.March 14, 2020 at 8:38 AM
ReplyDeleteWhat a well thought out post ,Archerphile 10:37pm
I certainly agree with everything you said.
My thoughts are particularly with our friends in Italy and those who are not well at the moment ,especially Spicycushion who has gone through so much without complaining and who ,is still suffering.
Thanks for the singing Italians ,Gary .
ReplyDeleteLovely.
Grazie Gary. There's a wonderful clip from Naples singing the beautiful Neapolitan song Abbracciame (Hug Me) by Andrea Sannini. it made me quite emotional .It sums up the sentiments here that we will be able to hug and embrace our fellow human beings without restrictions very soon. And that there is nothing that will dampen the Italian spirit. In times like these it brings out best in people.
ReplyDelete💕💕💕
ReplyDeleteManila has now been locked down by Duterte, and my son sent me a video clip on Whatsapp of someone going round Masbate island, where they live, with a loudspeaker saying that people are to report anyone who has recently arrived from Manila. He doesn't want either his wife or her mother to get coronavirus because they have both had T.B. in the past, and her mother has been left with weak lungs.
ReplyDeleteBig hug to those of you in Italy. Love the spirit that keeps singing.
Our house is smelling like a hospital. My daughter, because she works in a holiday park and mixes with people coming from all over (although thankfully this time of year it is still quite quiet), is worried about catching and bringing the virus home so she has made up this revolting decoction of dettol plus a bit of lavender oil and is spraying it all over the door handles and everywhere she goes in the house. It smells horrible! I shall be living out in the garden at this rate!😣
I've just watched the Ted talk that followed on from playing the video above of the singing Italians.
ReplyDeleteInteresting and thought provoking.
Best wishes to all bloggers at this uncertain time.
Aren't they splendid ! Seen another one forwarded from a friend. The Italians should inspire all countries with their attitude🤗 & thanks, Gary ! Also for reposting the last 2, well said, AP & Lanjan.
ReplyDeleteHave feeling these blogs will fill up even more quickly than usual ....
Mr .C woke up with a cold today, probably nothing more than that, but we've had to cancel 3 planned 'human contact' events over same number of days, as we obviously can't take the sniffles anywhere.
We were supposed to be going to a friend's wedding anniversary party tonight, but they have had to cancel it due to so many people calling off.
ReplyDeleteLovely to see the Italian spirit manifest in that video and those following.
ReplyDeleteThank you GG - as others have said you are brilliant at this and they are all so apt and topical.
Archerphile - what a lovely message you have composed for us and on behalf of us all.
Thank you
I've had a ' funny' throat all week. Deep in the back of my throats but not progressing into anything worse. A bit of a headache some of the time. Daughter noticed on the phone that my voice sounded a bit croaky, I noticed it too.
I don't for one moment think I've got the virus, rather a cold I'm throwing off, probably because I've had it before so my immunity is kicking in.
But I keep thinking I ought to call 101 to check out, but worry that I will clog up the system for genuinely sick people by doing so.
I'm sure this will be a lifeline for some of on here over the next few weeks as we might be getting lonelier that usual.
So ........
MIRIAM .....
you better keep reading.... you might need us !
I had the throat a few days before my cold Mrs P and an annoying cough. Do ring the helpline if it will clear your mind. Most of us here are in the age group that this advice is aimed at and you are very important too- certainly to us here on the blog.
DeleteOne thing I heard on the radio yesterday is if you can take a deep breath and hold it in for 10 seconds without needing to cough or have a painful chest or a dry mouth (I think) all should be ok.
I had the same thought regarding (you) Miriam - you know where we are 🤗
So far we have cancelled a group lunch, a lunch date with my niece & her partner, 2 funerals ( I had a bad cold anyway) and now our neighbours “Diamond Wedding” anniversary meal with friends and family booked for next Thursday is off. Very disappointing but better safe than sorry.
ReplyDeleteAren’t we lucky to have our blogs for company 🤗
Our chorale rehearsals are about to be suspended for the time being, majority of choristes of a certain age.. next 2 concerts cancelled.
ReplyDeleteI think you were advised to call 111 if symptoms got worse during 7 days after they appeared or persisted after the 7 days. Of course these days are advised to be in isolation.
ReplyDeleteMrs P ,the Healthline number is 111 not 101.
ReplyDeleteTo be honest though I think they will only repeat what we all know .
If you have certain symptoms then you should self isolate.
I know many of us are in the “at risk “ category but I am looking at it in a different way.......
Those of us who have retired and have access to the internet quite possibly will not find it too difficult to self isolate .
We don’t have little children we would be worried about if the schools are closed and we didn’t have child care.
We don’t have jobs that we have to go to each day.
Hopefully if we need shopping we can order it online and can do so for neighbours who are not able to do that.
Somehow I think the bulldog spirit will come out.
I am taking the opportunity of having a good old clear out.
Wish this hadn’t happened during Lent though because I would be much happier doing that with a g and t in my hand .
After writing all that well balanced sense, Lanjan, don't you deserve to relax the g & t ban ?!
DeleteOne of supermarkets, kind of assuming on behalf of them all, said that there are plenty of stocks coming so the currently empty shelves will be filled ( i.e before the next rush of bulk buying). I think we should eliminate the word 'panic'now, as it is only sensible to gather sufficient essentials, as plenty will have to self isolate, if only for a week or so.
I do want to add though that I am aware that there are many older people who are more at risk because they can not self isolate because they have conditions which means they have to have Carers who need to come in to help them.
DeleteI do not want you to think I am trivialising this terrible outbreak.
The consequences are much more serious. I have spent the last hour on whatsupp with my daughters. .the older one who works for United airlines has been told to either go on leave or on furlough..apparently American Airlines (and this is not official) have grounded all flights international and domestic.
ReplyDeleteMy younger one who lives in N.Y. works in the hospitality sector and is down to an hour a week ...this is catastrophic beyond belief.
Cant even think about listening to the Archers at this time..already too depressing
DeleteAutumn leaves,I am very sorry to hear your news.
DeleteI can understand how you must be feeling and hope things do not turn out to be as bad as you fear.
(Nobody ,me least of all ,knows what to say when folk are going through a really worrying time but I hope that knowing that we are all with you and others who are worried sick about things ,may help in some small way.
I hope so too Autumnleaves
DeleteI think that there will be very many people with Coronavirus symptoms who actually will not be suffering from the virus.
ReplyDeleteTwo months ago I had a really bad continuous cough which meant I couldn’t lie down at night so sat in a chair for several nights .
(Then sensible son told me that what I was doing was ridiculous and I would be far better going into the spare room -very narrow bed- where I would not be disturbing anybody else with my coughing.)
It lasted for about 2weeks in all.
Had that been happening now I would have thought I had the virus.
There are many seasonal "sniffles" around, with snotty noses, tickly cough etc. which are not Covid-19.
DeleteThe difference surely has to be - is there a fever?
Miriam, thank you for pointing that out.
DeleteIt is the reason that I am not very concerned about my symptoms as I do NOT have a fever.
If I had, I would not have hesitated in calling 111 or my surgery, as well as not going out.
This situation is affecting so many lives + families.
ReplyDeleteMany of my family members, are (as from Monday) doing a trial to try + work from home.
The one member of my family who can't, is my eldest niece.
She works for a Council, in the suburbs of Manchester....but I have been sworn to secrecy, as to what she is now involved with, so can't say.....😣
All I can say is, that I wish her well.
DeleteMy niece worked for 75 hours last week, sorting things out.
The sad thing is that, she has hardly seen her son + daughter plus partner for over a week now.
Many people will be very grateful for her commitment I’m sure Miriam, but tough on her and her family all the same.
DeleteYes, we must understand that the consequences of this pandemic will affect us all in some way.
ReplyDeleteI am of the opinion that it might change the way ' the whole world ' organises its services to all of us.
AutumnLeaves, I can understand your concerns for these consequences for your daughters and realise that there must be many people in yours, and their situation, and that you must be very distressed for your girls.
This seems to be a time that all countries must pull together even though different governments may decide to organise the response in an alternative manner.
Perhaps it will change us all, we can only wait and see, do what we can to keep ourselves and others safe, and understand that no one person is immortal or more important than another, for every one of us is important to those who love us.
Mrs P.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful post.
👏👏
Thank you all for your kind posts. I realise that I won't be the only one, not by a long shot to be affected..long after the virus has been tamed. As I said to them today ,we have our good health and our resolve.so we 'll get through this as a family. They are so far away and feel very vulnerable which is why I was so very moved by the song I mentioned above. I wish I could hug them to reassure them.
ReplyDeleteWho would have thought just over 2 months ago when we were wishing each other happy New year
I think we are all feeling very similar.
DeleteIt's the not knowing, which is so hard to understand.
Take Care.
The one thing, that I have highlited on my next weeks shopping list, is another 2kg bag of cat food.
ReplyDelete"Puss Cat" is so important to me and I want her to be safe + well. 😺😺
Enjoyed reading the positive and kind thoughts of fellow bloggers. Good wishes to all and may we all stay well. So far I have two ladies lunches, one birthday party, one exercise class cancelled but this is small stuff compared to what others are coping with.
ReplyDeleteI have been vocal tonight.
ReplyDeleteMay I return?
This is by far, the best place, to talk about TA + Ambridge.
It is such a friendly place, with so many thought-provoking comments, all posted in a civil way (apart from mine!).
The other sites I looked at, were just awful..
🤞🤞
Only the administrator can give decide, whether I can return, or not.
DeleteWelcome back Miriam!
DeleteAnd of course I apologise that I hurt your feelings - I didn't mean to drive ANYONE away!
Thanks so much 😀
DeleteYou might just regret this....
Miriam, of course you can return if you want to. Nobody, as far as I remember, told you to go!
DeleteAll has ended in such a lovely way
DeleteI am back!!!
👏🏻🐈👏🏻 Welcome back to both of you Miriam 🙂
DeleteI feel like a bit of an old hand at self - isolating. It’s more or less what I have been doing for the past 6 or 7 weeks!
ReplyDeleteI was only saying to Mr A the other day, that I wanted to get out and about a bit once again. The only times I’ve been past the front door since early Jan were 3 visits to the physio, 1 to the consultant and 1 combined outing to the hairdresser and Sainsburys.
Now, just as I was planning to go shopping for holiday clothes, visit the local grandchildren and perhaps have a pub lunch, the world has changed and we are more or less confined to the cottage.
Good job I’ve got a big pile of jigsaws to do!
😊
Once in 2014 and again in 2015 Mr R had to have two periods of 3 mths indoors I still don’t know how he did it 😱 strength of character I guess ⭐️
DeleteSo we know how you feel AP it’s called Sods Law! All to look forward to though!
Lovely, Miriam!😊
ReplyDeleteArcerphile.
ReplyDeleteLike you, I also love my jigsaws + books.
I have a 1000 piece jigsaw on the go and it is very difficult.
I have also, just bought the latest Anne Cleeves book, The Long Call.
Is it as good as her other books, I hope so hppe so 🤞
I have decided that if the Premier League can be postponed then I am going to postpone my Lenten fast from this very evening.
ReplyDeleteI have already been given my Mothering Sunday bottle of Arran Malt Whisky so I will make a start on that soon.
I have some marzipan chocolates in the fridge so will start on them tomorrow and joy of joys ,a big box of broken biscuits .
I plan to self isolate in the back garden on good weather days and catch up on knitting,reading and card making when it rains.
What are you knitting?
DeleteI am doing a lacy crew neck sweater, which is for me, rather than the youngsters
It is going well, so far
With isolation in mind Katy has bought me a big box of M & S Belgian chocolate biscuits. As she is gf, I will have them to myself! She has ordered a big box of pick n mix for her! The dogs have plenty of food!
ReplyDeleteWe took them to the beach today and Dudley did a naughty hassling another dog which then turned on him. Was pleased as he needs to learn not all dogs welcome his attentions. He then went off piste and followed yet another dog into a big pool only stopping when it got too deep. We finally rounded him up. It was the first time he has run riot on the beach and usually stays close but thankfully no harm done and apologised to first dog’s owners who were fine about it. Shih Tzu are notorious for doing their own thing! We don’t often let him off lead but it is nice for them to have a free run on the beach. Buddy is completely biddable now but we did have problems with him way back especially diving into the mud at the Creek!
How lovely all our pets are.
DeleteThey certainly give an different focus on life.
Yes they do! Gypsy loves music and sings along. In the car with radio on we were treated to Katy’s tuneless caterwauling accompanied by Gypsy! The boys and I were relieved to get home! It was amusing though!😁😂
ReplyDeleteOh Miriam !
ReplyDeleteWhat are we to do with you ?
We all knew you would be back, and none of us actually said you needed to go.
So WELCOME HOME.
Ev I'm pleased you let Dudley off lead. It may not be practical to do so often, but he obviously makes the most of it when you do.
Lady's friend Misha mum rang today and we took them up to Selsley.
When we got to the car park I had to let Lady just jump from the car and run, because Misha was howling for her. They hardly stopped for at least forty five minutes, rolling and mouthing over each other. They really do play rough and it's a delight to see their mutual joy in each other's company. Yet again Lady stood back and watched Misha with other dogs, clearly learning how to be friendly.
Lots of skylarks all around us and although the sky was cloudy the Welsh hills and the Black Mountain were extremely clear on the horizon, with the wide strip of the Severn glittering in the foreground.
My Messiah concert has been cancelled but two other concerts are going ahead.
As they are in churches I don't suppose I will be permitted to take the dog.
Text from my G daughter telling me that her interview at Westminster ( Art) has been postponed. She has already been accepted at Kingston and who knows, she may have to accept that without the choice of them both.
We are all having to make sacrifices.
Hand washing certainly dries up the hands but I have found Cotswold Lavender body lotion very good. Lavender is a natural antiseptic too. We had a lavender farm on the island now sadly no more but I now shop online with Cotswold Lavender. The purchases arrive quickly, beautifully packed and if you spend over £40 post free. I do a big order occasionally. I also love their face cream which helps my rosacea. They are based at Broadway near Evesham. Not open all year but well worth a visit for those of you living nearby. We went there a few times when we lived in Ledbury and visited Mike’s sister in Evesham.
ReplyDeleteWell, France is now on stage 3 from midnight tonight. Only food stores, pharmacies, banks, post offices, filling stations open, everything else closed.
ReplyDeleteWhat a catastrophe for so many people.
Just booked in chez la coiffeuse for Thursday.. mince alors !!
DeleteMiriam
ReplyDeleteMr A gave me the hardback of Anne Cleese’s The Long Call for Christmas. Having a couple of other books to finish before delving into her new series I am
now half way through.
I must say, although I know that area of North Devon like the back of my hand and was really looking forward to reading about her new location, I’m not sure whether I really like the characters yet. I so loved Jimmy Perez in Shetland, I am finding her new policeman, Matthew Venn, rather a cold fish. He is married to a husband who runs the local craft and community centre. The husband seems a much more interesting character than DI Venn and I’m not actually finding the story very involving. I think it is going to take one or two more books about these characters to get me hooked. I shall be interested to hear your thoughts when you have finished the book.
Miriam 🖐️🖐️
ReplyDeleteHead of Fr public health - rapid increase in serious cases, 300 cases in intensive care, half of which are under 60.
ReplyDeleteI am just assuming that we are going to get the same restrictions imposed up here in Scotland parsley - it's almost as if we're practicing for them at the moment. Went to the supermarket this morning just to top up on essentials and came straight back home. We are pretty much resigned to the idea that we will not be visiting bars or cafes or anything involving other people for the foreseeable future. It's all pretty grim isn't it? But if it's got to be done, it's got to be done.
DeleteNewspapers this morning make very grim reading. Talk of all we ‘elderly’ folk being confined at home and whole families being isolated if just one of them gets the virus.
ReplyDeleteAlso talk of airlines collapsing which will greatly affect our son and our granddaughters vital A level exams being postponed.
It seems that all ages and levels of society are being hit by various ramifications of this pandemic.
It’s all very well to think/say ‘Keep clam and carry on’, but it’s getting more difficult by the day.
I suppose we need to revitalise that famous British spirit from the last wartime days.
‘Beware the Ides of March’ the soothsayer claimed, from now on we are being told it is all doom and gloom. No jolly feasting and drinking, going to the football, cafes and anything that involves meeting and enjoying the company of others. People are dangerous, as Julius Caesar discovered.
ReplyDeleteBut soon ( we hope) it will all be over and we shout for joy or sing as the wonderful Italians are doing.
So folks keep on washing your hands and stride out with chin held high and go for a walk. Two metres apart from your companion.
It is the tradition in Oxford to go for a walk on this day.
We do have the bulldog spirit in this Country.
ReplyDeleteThere are some things we can’t do anything about.
Decisions are made for us so there is no point in worrying about those .
We have been told what we must do and we can follow that advice.
People of my age are particularly at risk and therefore should be thinking of self isolating .
I am.
Our garden should look amazing by the time this dreadful time is over.
As Stasia says -chin up..
I wonder what will happen in situations like mine where I live with daughter. She will come and go so even if I self isolate I could be exposed to the virus. She is a teacher but of course schools could be closed by then. I couldn’t walk the dogs or have the dog walker pick them up. It is complicated!
ReplyDeleteWith relief changing the subject! Last night for our Saturday film on amazon we saw “Last Christmas”. It was a feel good film with a story co written by Emma Thompson and her husband. She played a formidable former Yugoslavian mother. The family had moved to England to escape the war over there. The story centred on her daughter. No spoilers but an intriguing film - very good escapism in these troubled times!!
Merci Stasia ! It's a beautiful spring day here, we will be out for a walk this afto, not allowed to go & vote after all.. 😉
ReplyDeleteAt last with advice from Lanjan I appear to be able to post again. Bad luck everyone!
ReplyDeleteThanks for best wishes from the people with whom I am in email contact. For others a brief update. I am self isolating as I have a severe chest infection and pneumonia. GP gave me a request form for chest x-ray to view the damage but haven't been to hospital yet as I am too scared to go, to be honest.
I am trying to get son to isolate as well as I am frightened he will bring home the virus and then feel guilty if he passes it on to me.
I have given up Scouting for the moment. Trying to keep sisters away. The closest one I have been supporting over the past month or so as her daughter (age 42, married with 2 primary school children) has just been diagnosed with breast cancer. Sister was too young to remember when our mum had it in 1980s so I have been racking my brain trying to remember details as sister frantically researching everything.
Anyway that's about it for the moment. Chins (in my case a couple what with the steroids!) up!
As they say "Worse things happen at sea!"
Spicy 💕💕 I was diagnosed with breast cancer when I was 38, & I'm still here!!
ReplyDeleteSpicy, we will get through this. I have just joined you in self isolation - long story, but just had 2 telephone consultations with 111 & then a GP and have been advised to remove myself from society. My last trip outside will now be to the emergency dept of the local hospital to pick up various drugs.
ReplyDeletePlease look after yourself and remember that it's perfectly ok to be scared (I was vaguely terrified in the middle of the night!) but please, please follow the GP's advice. We're all here for whatever support we can give to you and to your family. xx
ReplyDeleteGlad you are back Spicycushion.
Don’t tell everyone what advice I gave you.
Let everyone think that Lanjan is a computer whiz kid !
"Switch it off and then back on again?"
DeleteSorry to read that Gary.
ReplyDeleteThe middle of the night is the worst time.
I have been there .
As you say we are all here for everyone .
Thank you so much for this blog .
We are all going to need it even more in the near future.
I guess many people that love scary films are changing their minds now life itself is portraying them for real. To be honest the situation seems unreal - if only!
ReplyDeleteFor many the self isolating will hold problems particularly those living alone because of loneliness.
Yes there are telephones but people with poor hearing can find using them difficult. Although many of us fall in the affected age group we at least know how to use our iPads/tablets and phones in that respect we can still feel connected.
Good luck everyone 🥰
Glad you are back on the blog, Spicy, &, albeit far from well, able to update here. Understand those early a.m feelings - it's night on our part of the planet, everything at its lowest point of energy, us included ! - and anxiety about having the x Ray; not only that, but feeling so rotten that the effort of getting to the hospital is huge. Still, it could be reassuring in the event - maybe you will a little stronger tomorrow ?
ReplyDeleteSorry you have the stress & upset over family worries on top of everything.
'....will feel a little ..'
DeleteSpicy, Gary, thinking of you especially today and you all at other times.
ReplyDeleteOh, Gary, sorry you are poorly too, & had a horrible night . Your post was published nearly 2 hrs. ago, so maybe by now you've collected the medicines & have crawled back home......so swallow the stuff, get comfortable, rest, rest, rest ! You're a hugely resourceful.person so I have no doubt that you have plenty of things to distract & entertain you at home. Maybe what you, & Spicy, need more than anything right now though, is a good long sleep ...zzzzz.... ( this post interrupted by call from son + d in l, catching up on everything. When self isolating, as increasing numbers of us are, contact by whatever means becomes so important for well being ! ) It's obvious, as has been said, these blogs are part of that & helpful to all of us.
ReplyDeleteSomebody mentioned on the blog that all this hand washing meant rough hands.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was in Superdrug last week the Assistant asked me if I would like some Solait moisturising after sun gel .
Apparently they were”all” buying it instead of the hand gel.
They were down to their last 5 tubes.
The main ingredients are water,alcohol and aloe vera.
Being a sucker for a bargain I bought some (buy one get one half price ) although I didn’t buy it to use as a gel .I thought it might be good for after hand washing.
It is very good for that.
However it is sticky so you would have to add water to it and then dry your hands
Keep taking the vitamin D tablets too.
Gary sending you get well wishes I was so sorry to read of your predicament and can well believe you were scared - well who wouldn’t be especially in the wee small hours. Take great care of yourself 😴 💊 💐
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts are with all of you feeling ill or in isolation. I have been isolated for a week now but with no symptoms. I'm keeping in touch with my family on wattsapp and knitting and doing jigsaws. I haven't got a garden in my temporary flat but I do have a balcony so can get some fresh air. We have another 10 days to wait to see if the isolation will be extended. Best wishes to you all.
ReplyDeleteHave you been joining in the singing Gianna?
DeleteOnly in the privacy of my own home Gary as I am completely tone deaf. We haven't had an outbreak of singing in my area but the Reggiani are more reserved than southern Italians.
DeleteI bet I could beat you in the tone-deaf stakes!
Deletep.s. "outbreak of singing"? Comedy genius....
Warm wishes to you both, Spicy & GG. Middle of the night really is the worst.
ReplyDeleteIf it's the dreaded virus, warning that ibuprofen is not advisable, leading to severe complications.
Miriam will have more info.
💕💕💕
Not just ibuprofen but anti-inflammatories generally, including cortisone.
DeleteThankfully I don't have the virus (as far as we know!) - I was advised to stay away from other people for 2 weeks to help lower the chances of contracting it. I have a flare up of a throat infection that has in the past almost closed my airways completely and being left unable to take fluids, resulting in trips to A&E. What a time for it to happen, eh? But after speaking to 111 & then a GP at the hospital, I was prescribed blockbuster amounts of (hopefully!) preventative antibiotics which I have just picked up.
DeleteThe fact that I first contacted 111 at 10.40 this morning and a GP at the hospital called me 5 minutes after that for another consultation and was then told to come & get the drugs IMMEDIATELY is astonishing! I simply cannot imagine what it's like to live in a country where free healthcare is not provided. (Remember, Scotland has free prescriptions for EVERYONE.) God bloody bless the NHS!!!!
Dear Gary, I am so sorry to hear of your fear in the night and the outcome of your two telephone consultations.
ReplyDeleteWe know you to be resourceful and resolute and can allow ourselves to believe that you will pull through your personal crisis. We must also hope that you will continue your most effective role as our moderator on this blog.
I do hope that the obvious affection that is felt for you by all on here will give you comfort in the difficult days ahead.
SPICEYCUSHION -
so pleased that LJ has enabled you to rejoin us, but so very unhappy for you that your health problems continue to be beyond challenging.
We are all here for you and I hope you can feel justified in complaining when it all gets too much.
Ev -
I intend to continue to walk Lady. Is it really too difficult for you to walk the dogs, for even a short trip, without encountering others at close range ?
I don't know how far you have to go to get to the path to the abbey, but if it's not too difficult surely you can walk them there for some distance.
I have a very fond and vivid memory of doing that walk with my M in L and seeing for the very first time a Judas tree in flower. Neither of us knew what it was, but took a flower and posted it to RHS for identification. I have been 'collecting' Judas trees in my memory ever since.
My daughter in telephone conversation this morning warning me that if I ' get it' and am hospitalised, I need to think ahead about what I will do with Lady.
I don't have an answer !
A friend was telling me that at her library, jigsaws can be exchanged?.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea
If we oldies are to be in self isolation for several months and many folk in our age group enjoy doing jigsaw puzzles I suggested that idea to our local library .
Relatives or friends could take and collect jigsaws .
I made the suggestion and have received an email.
“Sorry it is not possible at the moment”
As you may gather I am not accepting that.
Why is it not possible?
All that is needed is a table and a notice .
Library staff need not be involved.
Am I missing something?
Does anyone else know of a library where this does happen?
I do not do jigsaws but Mr LJ does so we are going out tomorrow to panic buy a few from Charity Shops hopefully to keep him going.
Mrs P, I have registered Poppy and Percy with the Cats Protection Charity so that if anything happens to us ,they will take care of our pets.
ReplyDeleteThere may be something similar for dogs.
Goodness gracious!
ReplyDeleteThis blog is starting to resemble an episode of Emergency Ward 10!
So many of us worrying, self isolating, unwell or very unwell.
All I can do is send love and good wishes to all members and bless Gary for keeping us all in touch with each other. A real lifeline, especially for those on their own.
💕💗💕
Mrs P, yes having thought about it I would continue to walk the dogs. The Abbey is a short car journey from here so only go at weekends as I don’t drive but our usual walks don’t involve close contact with others. I haven’t seen a Judas tree at the Abbey but have seen them abroad. Will google it to refresh memory!
ReplyDeleteWe called at Majestic this morning and stocked up on wine, a dozen bottles! Half of it is now tucked up in the wardrobe! They are taking precautions like wiping down surfaces and washing hands between customers. As he said though, people will pick up bottles and no way could they wipe them all down. The same applies round the house where the obvious like light switches can be wiped down but it is amazing how many surfaces you touch each day. All you can do is to regularly wash hands especially when you have been out and about.
I'm feeling much more optimistic today..as I blogged yesterday my daughters had both been put in very precarious positions worldwide. But in a way, when I come to think of it, it's a blessing.they don't have to be exposed to any kind of danger. Luckily we can help both of them out for a few months.
ReplyDeleteThey both went shopping yesterday and in ny there were queues and panic buying but she was eventually able to get a few necessities to keep her going for at least a couple of weeks.
The less you can go out the better. And if you do keep at least 1.5 metres distance.
Where I live there is no panic buying..we have to go in 6 at a time but there are no shortages.
Workwise not worldwise
DeleteThe Dogs Trust have a 'take back' offer if adopters die, but obviously only for dogs adopted from them. The Cinnabar Trust may be able to give advice?
ReplyDeleteI have always thought that cash is dirty, always use a debit card, have refused contactless in the past, but it now seems like a good idea.
My local cinema is seating people with at least one empty seat between groups, and are limiting capacity to 50%, which seems responsible. The films I see are usually limited to tiny audiences anyway, a couple of times I have had the room to myself.
Best wishes to all.
I'm surprised they haven't closed already..what did you see?
DeleteGary what a bummer for you, the Scottish NHS is amazing, you are very lucky. Can’t say the same for our local hospital it’s been in special measures for at least a couple of years.
ReplyDeleteMy sister came back from Italy a week ago and she said lots of people were coughing and spluttering and yet they went through the airport without any one checking where they had come from.
If the leaks coming from the government are to be believed, all the elderly will have remove themselves from society for four months?? If true that is a logistics nightmare. I’m going to the allotment whatever the policy Measure is demanding we take.
I suspect it is all fake news.
To all our friends at home and abroad I am sending best wishes and get well soon to Gary and Spicycushion.
Lots love from me.❤️❣️👩❤️💋👨👩❤️👩👩❤️👨
And me "Andra tutto bene" 💕💕💪💪
DeleteI wish All who are worried and self-isolating, every Good Wish.
ReplyDeleteThis is such a difficult time.
What to do for the best, both now + in the future months, to suit family, friends etc. and how to live a normal life, I have no idea.
As I saw on TV this morning, someone said, something like -
Life will never be the same again!
The only thing, I hope, is that my neighbours house sale goes through, and it is not delayed.
That is such a selfish thought, though...
Having been there Miriam I totally understand your hope (vain though it may turn out to be ☹️)that your neighbours house sale is still able to go ahead. Although you will not be asked to self isolate as you are still a youngster 🤣 so that at least is a blessing . Imagine 24/7 of them 😱
DeleteYes Miriam it probably is a bit selfish but we know what you have gone through with the present neighbours, so it's also completely understandable that you feel that way.
ReplyDeleteAUTUMNLEAVES, glad you feel at little more optimism about your girls today.
It will be a lifeline for some of us on here, and I am pleased to have this blog.
Thanks for the suggestions re the dog. Theoretically the rescue I got her from should take her, but I don't think it will come to that. I am already building a friendship with a Cinnamon dog walking volunteer, and that may prove to be useful.
Ev, the Judas tree I mentioned is on the long walk from ( Church St ? ) towards Quarre. But it was almost fifty years since we saw it. It might have perished by now.
Gary - pleased to hear that it's not the C virus, but sounds pretty bad nonetheless.
You and Mr GG look after each other, and be careful.
On another note, I suspect you won't have much free time in your isolation if the current ' traffic' on here is anything to go by.
Lanjan
ReplyDeleteRe jigsaws - I have been a lifelong hater of them, but my 22 year old daughter persuaded me to buy one in the run up to Christmas, I also bought a zip up board for puzzles.
We are now on our fourth puzzle! 3 were bought.
I then saw in my local library a pile of puzzles for free loan /exchange, no tickets needed.
I think it's a brilliant idea.
Given these challenging times, I can understand caution, but someone asked the question on the R4 PM programme last week about the risk of transmission from library books, and the suggestion was that there would be minimal risk. Apparently the virus lasts up to 3 days on surfaces.
Gary and Spicycushion, I hope you feel better soon. It sounds as if you have both had an awful time.
I am a massive jigsaw lover, as are all my family, through all the generations. Those who are 70yrs down to those 6yrs or similar, love them.
DeleteI do so many different styles, but these are always 1000 piece ones, or larger.
I have 2 brilliant jigsaw boards, both of which have smaller ones, on which I sort pieces out.
I use a wonderful "website" to buy mine.
This is my dream jigsaw: https://www.jigsawpuzzle.co.uk/ravensburger-colin-thompson-magic-library-jigsaw-puzzle-18000-pieces.p51362.html
DeleteIt comes in 4 sections, each in their own bags, but I still think getting it might lead to divorce!
In the meantime I shall stick to his 1000 piece offerings.
When I was growing up our library started a jigsaw section. I have seen a few others since. I suppose a big problem would be making sure all the pieces were there. No-one in the library would have time to check. And spending hours on a puzzle just to find that one piece has gone west is just @"£$%^%!
Our dentist also had a puzzle on the go in the waiting room. Perhaps that was why I grew up never minding going for check-ups : )
LanJan, if your library can't help, perhaps you should volunteer to check the puzzles that get donated to your local charity shop - you'd get the fun of the puzzle and the satisfaction of ensuring the purchaser gets their full puzzle's worth : )
What a brilliant idea !
DeleteMy daughter and I have recently completed a puzzle, bought new, in a sealed bag, that had 7 pieces missing! 5 from one place and 2 from another. That cannot have been from random pieces being dropped or lost.
DeleteI am off to cook one of my favourite meals.
ReplyDeleteIt is quick + simple.
Core + slice a hard red apple (am using a braeburn) and soften in olive oil, along with chopped garlic. Add in cider, along with chopped chicken or turkey breast. When nearly cooked, mix cornflour with milk, and then stir in double cream + coarse ground mustard.
This served with pasta (if can buy it) or pots. + veg. is a lovely and simple, tasty meal.
Am I too late to come round and help you polish it off?
DeleteYou are! 😀
DeleteLeft-overs already destined for the freezer.
Miriam, sounds yummy. I must think of a veggie version
ReplyDeleteWhat about squash or a similar root vegetable, to stay firm with taste + texture?
Deleteesp. if roasted first, to give an outer, but not cooked totally through.
DeleteAutumnleaves 3.33
ReplyDeleteI go to 'Event' screenings at a national chain of cinemas. They screen live events from the National Theatre, Royal Opera House, La Scala etc. The last screening I saw was La Boheme, which had a good turnout, the worst attended was The Threepenny Opera, only me and one other person. I am an optimist, and have just booked a ticket for 'The Wilken' in May, which has fantastic Maxine Peake. It is an accessable and cheap way to see shows which don't tour, although I would always prefer to be part of a real 'live' event. The thing I don't much care for is that the filming is often slightly intrusive, gets too close to actors' faces for example.
Do you have access to to anything like that? They usually show texts or tweets during the interval, from all over Europe.
I've never been to an event screening. But OMiaS and I have been to several BBC Radio recordings - never the Archers, sadly. In fact, on Friday we got a text to say they were sending out last minute extra tickets to that evening's Now Show, presumably several people had been in touch to cancel their tickets. Unfortunately, getting into cental London in time for ticket validation 35 minutes later was a little infeasible so we had to content ourselves to listening on the radio instead.
DeleteOld Woman ,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the idea
I don’t do puzzles but if it was 1000 piece jigsaw wouldn’t someone just have to count the pieces to make sure they were all there ?
According to Mr LJ, no proper jigsaw enthusiast would ever give a jigsaw puzzle to anyone if there were any pieces missing..
DeleteI am fascinated by the London Underground and bought one of of the Undergound map from a Charity Shop.
I took no notice of what was written on the box.
“Soon gave up .Much too difficult”
The problem was there were too many white pieces
I mentioned this to a friend who said she had tried to do a London Underground jigsaw but found it boring because there were too many similar white pieces.
She told me what she had written on the box! before she had given it to the Charity Shop.
Count 1000 pieces. Nah, way too boring!
DeleteYour underground map, however, sounds fun. If it eventually finds its way to a charity shop ner my shoe I shall snap it up and think of you : )
I was going to go to an event screening of Michael Ball and Alfie Boe .
ReplyDeleteA friend went to the actual Show in Manchester and said it was fabulous
I almost booked tickets but it is on at our local Cineworld on 28th and 29 th March and we might not be able to leave the house then.
My favourite puzzle was not a large one, can't remember how many pieces, but it was central London bounded by Kensington Islington Holborn and Bermondsey I think.
ReplyDeleteI never looked at the picture and did it from personal memory in twenty minutes, and loved every minute.
In my experience most charity shops have a dedicated team of puzzle checkers and there are never any vacancies. From all the puzzles I have ever bought I've only once had a piece or two missing. When I've finished a puzzle if there is a piece missing I always circle it on the picture and make a note.
Maybe it's now time to get out that 3D jigsaw of the Sistine Chapel that I mentioned last year!
ReplyDeleteCharity shops are a really good source of jigsaw puzzles and also eBay
ReplyDeleteI managed to win the auctions for 5 different puzzles last week, mostly priced between £2 - 4. They have been arriving in the post over the past few days.
When we have finished them we take them to our local hospice charity shop.
Our favourite brands are Ravensburger which are very high quality; House of Puzzles which are British made and have unusual shaped pieces and Wasgij, with which you don’t reproduce the picture on the box but what the scene might have looked like in the past - or future. They can be very tricky.
Anyway we are hoping all these new ones will keep us going through any enforced ´old age’ self isolation!
Was reading earlier that one thing we could all do if we were stuck in our houses for months is learn a new language. I'm ashamed to say all I have is a tiny bit of schoolboy French & that's it. Tres embarrassing....
ReplyDeleteMe too Gary. And I'm ashamed !
ReplyDeleteOh, la honte ! 😉
ReplyDeleteI had to Google that!
DeleteIn which case Gary , Mrs P, can I recommend downloading the Duolingo app.
ReplyDeleteIt’s free (if you don’t mind the odd advert popping up occasionally) and a fun and easy way to learn a language. There are dozens of different ones including those with different alphabets like Japanese, Russian or modern Hebrew if you want a real challenge!
I’ve been doing the French course for the last 2 years and it really has improved my O level French, so much so that I can now write and converse with my French daughter in law and grandsons quite easily.
You go entirely at your own pace and it’s good fun.
I try to do 10 - 15 mins a day and really enjoy it.
Thanks Archerphile.
ReplyDeleteGreat idea about EBay.
Off to do our Charity Shop trip this morning and then when I come home I will check out EBay.
With eBay you could search for just ‘Jigsaws’ or specify ‘1000 piece jigsaws’ by make. I find that quite a few of the first listings are by commercial firms offering the puzzles at full price, but I always scroll down for the secondhand ones at just a few £s. You do usually have to pay for pistage from a private seller whereas the commercial firms will often post free.
DeleteIt has occurred to me that, instead of taking our used puzzles to the charity shop I could post them to anyone here who is looking for some distraction! It would mean needing to have your postal address of course, which you might not want to give. But we could set up our own ’jigsaw swopping group’ if anyone is interested. I must have anything up to 50 puzzles under my spare bed which I really ought to clear out!
I have been doing jigsaws since a child as has my sister. She scours her local library and charity shops and then passes them on to me. I love the odd shaped ones but the most difficult I ever did was ‘The fight between carnival and lent’ by Pieter Bruegel took me ages.
ReplyDeleteLanjan if you want to be miserable for the rest of lent I suggest this jigsaw.
I have received a personal !! email today from Mike, the CEO of Sainsburys, of course. He has asked me to buy only what I really need. and to be considerate of others, and has assured me that all his staff are working really hard to keep the shelves filled. He has increased warehouse capacity and will ensure provisions keep arriving.
ReplyDeleteVery reassuring.
BUT no mention at all of the missing cranberries.
Yes, Mistral, I got one of those, personally addressed emails from Mike, yesterday.
DeleteI hope to do a shop there, IN PERSON, this week after the mess they made of last week’s home delivery. Even if I have to grab one of the wheelchairs they supply when my knee gets too painful, I am going to choose my own vegetables and fruit and my own roasting joint. The pears they sent were on their use-by date and were almost inedible, the mushrooms were manky, the joint of pork they sent was dreadful, all fat and gristle and there were many unsuitable substitutes I had to send back.
I would do an online Ocado order as they are so much more reliable but the soonest delivery date available is 12 days hence. So it’s getting in the car to see if I can drive yet, if not Mr A will have to act as taxi driver and ferry me to Sainsburys, then any other supermarket that has stocks of the things I need. (Which doesn’t include loo rolls by the way)
Well - as someone who cannot go out at all, as I have little breath left after 5 steps and have NO immunity to any germ or illness that passing people may care to pass on to me, I am thankful that someone is prepared to do my shopping for me.
DeleteThe annoying thing is that suddenly there are no delivery slots available at all for the next three weeks from JS.
Luckily I do have enough meat and 'cupboard' stuff, just having to ration fresh potatoes.
I managed to book the soonest available delivery from Tesco for next Saturday pm.
Son, who has the dreadful cold I had last week, has just been sent home from work for which I am grateful so he's not likely to bring any germs home. But of course he's now confined to barracks!
The selfishness of people who are emptying the shops, booking the deliveries and then moaning about being confined to home, which includes my very good friend posting dozens of times on facebook about how much she is annoyed, makes me very, very cross.
from Spikycushion ! (sic) (this morning!)
I have just been sitting out on my balconey soaking up the sun to raise my vitamin D levels. It is a beautiful sunny day and the trees are all in blossom. My son is getting some shopping for me as we have to queue up to go into the shop (a few at a time) and I can't stand for long. I learnt Italian when I came here nearly 50 years ago. My cousin is half Italian and I was always envious when I heard her speaking to her nonna (nan) l hope all of you with health problems are feeling better.
ReplyDeleteJust to add I am also doing puzzles.
ReplyDeleteDue to my poor eyesight I can no longer do physical jigsaws but am addicted to online jigsaws!
ReplyDeleteStasia,I know I will not resort to jigsaws whether they be jolly or miserable ones.
ReplyDeleteI love mathematical puzzles and crosswords and each day do the ones in The Times and puzzle for today (BBC Today programme)
Now I have personally postponed my Lenten fast until whenever , I can eat chocolate,biscuits and drink alcohol .
The weather is glorious and hopefully I can do the garden.
It would be great if we could swap jigsaws .
I am still going to try to persuade my library to do a jigsaw swap.
I went to Sainsbury's today.
ReplyDeleteWhat a nightmare!!
There were far more empty shelves, than those with any stock remaining.
I had trouble with both bread + milk, as supplies were nearly non-existant, but there was plenty of fresh veg + fruit, which is what I needed. I also got the last 2kg bag of a certain type of cat biscuits. This, I admit, is a hoarding item, but I want my "pusscat" to stay fit + healthy. I saw one lady put 4×2 kitchen roll packs, into her trolley.
There was nearly no tinned beans (all varieties), tinned tuna and meat, pasta, both pasta + curry sauces, rice, soups, soaps, toothpaste, bleach, and so on.
I felt for the Staff, as they were under pressure.
Also there were, obviously daughters shopping with elderly relatives. How I felt for them.
Similar to our local Waitrose yesterday Miriam. I took a picture of the paper products isle to show Mr R, not a single item of any description to be seen. I did not need any but sorry for anyone genuinely in need. As you say it is all long life / cleaning products that are scare too. People are already self isolating so obviously the online slots are few and far between. I have never shopped this way but will no doubt have to give it a go at some point. Glad puss will be ok for her food 👏🏻 🐈
DeleteJigsaws, is my next post.
ReplyDeleteMy favourite manufacturers are, Otter House + Educa, along with Wasgijw's.
I personally don't like House of Puzzles, along with Eurographic, jigswas, as I don't like the strange shapes of the pieces, but this is just my choice.
I have just finished a 1000 piece jigsaw, in the Ravensburger "Perplexing Puzzle" range, which are meant to be "Challenging - but not impossible" I, sadly, found it easy, and it did not challenge me. 😣😣
DeleteIt was lovely to do though, and I really enjoyed it.
Well Done BBC for saying that the over 75's free licence, is being extended to August 1st.
ReplyDeleteI am happy paying for my licence, as my TV is being watched more now, what with the BBC News and related programmes - even though I don't like the contents.
As a Girl Guide, very, very many years ago- Be Prepared - just springs to mind.
Having listened to BoJo drastic measures all round.
ReplyDeleteMr Nuts was told to work from home for the foreseeable, which as a computer bod is very do-able. Younger daughter is a barber, hopefully she will be stopping soon & I can get her home, I will be happier if I can look after her.
Mr Nuts & I were looking forward to a full schedule of theatre and opera over the next few months, including “Upstart Crow” this coming weekend, now scuppered. An irritation for us, but awful for the venues and performers.
I hope everyone is keeping safe and as cheerful as possible,
We have a milkman, who hopefully can deliver eggs, bread and other stuff, and I always have well stocked cupboards, peasant mentality I think!
Did you see New York?
ReplyDeleteThe city that never sleeps.
Well, its sleeping😢😢
That's us from tomorrow midi.
DeleteI have two sisters who sing in choirs + perform in concerts, both home + abroad.
ReplyDeleteAll rehearsals, concerts + tours, are cancelled, with immediate effect.
My grand-nephews 6th birthday bash with friends, has also been cancelled. This was to be a football training event, at the local football club, which is now "closed". He is very upset..
KPNuts - Love Upstart Crow on TV and I just love David Mitchell's very dry humour.
ReplyDeleteNow son has to stay at home for 7-14 days (not sure now how long) we have planned painting the stair well (3 storeys) or all the woodwork therein anyway. Might have to get a neighbour to get the emulsion!
We have about 60 board games we can play including 142 Napoleonic battles on the Iberian Peninsular campaign.
He also has electronic 'quests' to complete on a Play Station and I can re-acquaint myself with Henry V and Much Ado about Nothing; two of the seven Shakespeare plays which are on the syllabus for the exam I am scheduled to mark this summer. Rather in Limbo about that though. Plenty to keep us busy for a couple of weeks!
Beer & Scrabble for me KP!
DeleteSpicycushion forgive me for being a bossyboots, but if you have a chest infection/pneumonia then I don't think it 's a good idea for you to be anywhere near paint fumes. I should wait a while, and just rest for the present. ☕🍰
ReplyDeleteI hadn't thought of that Janice. Many thanks. Board games it is then!😀
DeleteHeard that my grandson’s University (Leicester) has shut down just as he is in the last stages of writing his dissertation for finals. Students are being told to work at home and tutors will send lectures on computer. He is due to take his finals written exams soon too.
ReplyDeleteIt really is awful to think the students have paid £9000 a year for 3 years, to say nothing of accommodation fees and are being so let down at the last moment by this virus.
He has no idea where or when the exams will be held or whether his degree will be awarded this year or not. It is a miserable situation, after having worked hard for 3 years, to find themselves, in limbo like this.
I don’t think anyone has an idea what will happen next but hope the university will find a way to complete his studies.
ReplyDeleteWe have decided to cancel our TG meeting on Thursday as many of our ladies are over 70, some well into their 80’s. We have tables of four with coffee/tea, biscuits and chat and then the speaker so it does entail closer contact than recommended. I had to put this speaker off last July as we had extensive roadworks around the hall so hope he doesn’t mind too much! Our Chairman was booked on a Fred cruise but it has been cancelled but better that than being confined to her cabin. What a mess it all is but we will pull through!
I see that the Braemar, the ship we were going to take our anniversary cruise on, is now going to take its passengers to Cuba so they can be flown home from there.
DeleteThey have been stuck in the West Indies for days with Coronavirus onboard and no ports allowing them to disembark passengers. Running low on food, fuel and medicines, at last Cuba has offered refuge.
Disappointed at losing our long anticipated celebration as we are, I think we have had a lucky escape.
Archerphile I am sure that all the young people who are due to graduate this year will do so.
DeleteAs you say your grandson is still writing his dissertation and the tutors will send their lectures on computer.
Everyone is suffering one way or another.
Eventually ,hopefully this dreadful virus will be over.
I feel sorry for so many people ,not least of all those who have to make the everyday decisions as to do what they think is best .
Incidentally I know you were a bit miffed because you paid privately for your knee operation in order to go on your Cruise which was then cancelled .
However you must be pleased now that you had the operation because there is no way in the near future you would have been able to have a knee replacement operation.
You therefore did the right thing .
If you do go on another Cruise you will be able to take full advantage of all the various trips.
Yes, you are quite right about the knee op, Lanjan. And I was in so much pain and having to resort to a wheelchair that I was glad to have had it done. My remarks about having paid, just for the holiday, were a bit tongue in cheek!
DeleteGoodness knows how long other knee/hip sufferers are going to have to wait now. It will be very difficult for them and I really sympathise with anyone waiting for an operation.
I had a text message today reminding me of my dental appt. Thankfully I don't have tooth ache so will postpone. Good wishes to everyone here. Stay healthy and, for those with health problems, get well soon. This too shall pass (although it may take a while).
ReplyDeleteIf it becomes mandatory for us oldies to self isolate, are there going to be people stationed all over the place in order to catch those who have sneaked out to the hairdresser or barber.or even the dentist?
ReplyDeleteI think parsley has just answered your question below Lanjan! Entirely possible....
DeleteFrom tomorrow we have to have an 'attestation' for each trip out to the doctor, pharmacy, food shopping... in case we get stopped by one of the 100,000 police & gendarmes being mobilised !!
ReplyDeleteJust saw that on TV parsley - it's just so bizarre that this is your new normal. We drove to the middle of the countryside today for a sneaky walk and hopefully will be able to continue to do so in the coming weeks and months, but part of me thinks they might put the kybosh on even that at some point.
DeleteAlthough I have only lived in my locality for a few short years, I have become embedded in some areas of the community.
ReplyDeleteLast week I had two emails from different families offering help with shopping and anything else I may need.
This evening a text from the young girl living very close by offering to pick up anything from Lidle as she passes it daily.
I do not have any concerns that I may not cope self isolating, and will continue to exercise the dog daily and can easily keep my distance from others when doing so.
I shall continue to visit my 90 year old that I exercise twice weekly. Her daughter, here from Germany for this week, visited me this evening for a meeting about her mother's needs. We have decided that it will be safe as I shall keep myself isolated, and she is isolated all of the time, and she needs the social contact. She will not be going to her exercise or art classes for the foreseeable future.
I would like my daughter to suggest that I go to them at their remote and isolated home in Cornwall where I could stay in one of the cottages for the three months that we have been directed to isolate ourselves.
I would like......... but I doubt that they would even consider it.
And I'm not brave enough to ask.
Most of us who post on this site have a significant other.
Miriam I think has not yet reached 70.
So any others who read and live alone as I and I think CowGirl do, will be challenged in the weeks ahead. I hope and wish for us to be sustained by our friendships on this blog, and thank all participants in advance for that friendship.
We will all be right here with you Mrs P 👍 🤗 (cowgirl and others)
ReplyDeleteMiriam (if I remember correctly) will be a young 66yrs? later this year and receive that pension - at last 👏🏻😊
I am 65 this year, and work for three afternoons each week in a care home. It is a retirement job - i.e. I retired from my proper job and became very depressed and isolated, so going to work at this place is good for me. I live alone, my family are scattered all over, but as for many others, my pet is good company and makes me get outdoors.
ReplyDeleteToday I was quite blase in Sainsbury's, thinking how silly that a supermarket had no food - then read the BBC news section, and for the first time, it has come home to me that I will be affected, and what a frightening situation this will be for many people.
I hope that we hear more about the good things going on, than the bad, so lovely for Mrs. P to have such thoughtful friends and neighbours, and Lanjan with sunny days in the garden.
My family have amazed me today with news of a new baby and a wedding, so that is something to look forward to. Roll on summer.
Gary 11:12pm
ReplyDeleteFrom where are we going to get all these policemen and policewomen?
Yesterday for the first time in ages I saw two(what we used to call) toffee bobbies on bicycles riding down our Avenue.
I haven’t seen a proper policeman for years .
We don’t have a police station now.
Still as Parsley says it is happening in France so I dare say they will work something out.
Dame Joan Bakewell was on TV this morning. She is well over 80 and is in isolation. She said you have to structure your day and have activities e.g. she exercises for an hour, she reads for an hour and cooks more, making biscuits the other day for instance. She also has bird feeders to watch the birds. I dare say it is easier for her than most but not a bad idea to allocate tasks for yourself rather than sit around. I am going to sort out the garden planting and do put off jobs like cleaning out kitchen cupboards! I feel sorry though for those without an outside space maybe confined to small flats. At least we can all open windows and get fresh air hopefully.
ReplyDeleteWoke up to government text message on our mobiles this morning, reiterating Macron's announcements & with a government link.. 😯 very Big Brother...
ReplyDeleteWent out for a few perishables at our small local alimentation /épicerie, we're fine until we run low on fresh milk, has to be the 'Grande Surface' for that.
We are lucky in having a twice weekly milk delivery, but I keep a tin of dried milk in store in case we run out.
Delete