So very crazy these days, so much has even changed over the last week. And its still rapidly changing. It reminds me of the verse about sinking sand. Schools only closed last Friday night. Pubs, coffee shops etc closed over the weekend. Lots of restaurants are with closing for the month, or offering takeout/delivery only. The officials here are just now getting serious about this virus. Just now. It feels like society has had a Humpty Dumpty “great fall”. London is getting bad now, with at least 1 hospital with no empty beds left. The NHS has kind of taken over the private hospitals and doctors by “mutual decision”. It certainly gives the NHS more resources to help folks who are very ill.
Americans traveling overseas are asked to return home as soon as possible, and Americans living overseas are asked not to travel, as international travel has much higher risks of catching the virus. Heathrow is considered a high risk place. My Mom has a bed made up for my visit…but I’m not able to come yet. Hopefully soon, or if something drastic changes. John gets alerts from the State dept. etc.so we will roll with the changes as needed.
Out here, not in a city, there are many FEWER cases of this virus, but since they are not testing all sick folks…who’s to know the totals of cases?? If sick people are not having trouble breathing….they are asked to stay home till totally well. I think this is similar to the States. Its good to watch some news, but I try not to overdo it. It doesn’t add to happiness. HAHA, even in the best of times watching the news in normal times... often doesn’t give happiness! Oh well.
My grocery store has just this weekend offered an "aged hour” first thing in the morning. People with immune issues are included in this early hour group. Yay. So I went this morning, with my homemade mask and wipes. Only 1 door of the store was open, with 3 employees there to make sure no “normal” folks came in for this special hour. I explained myself, and went in. There was no toilet paper, but I didn’t need any anyway. There were huge gaps of what was available. I’m sure that every hour various other stuff was restocked. The staff was working hard. I got plenty of what was on my list, I’ll try to catch the rest of the stuff next time. It was nice to do something ordinary!
I’ve taken a bunch of walks, which helps so much with my attitude. The weather has been mostly beautiful, but cold. Its been so helpful to be outside. I still smile at people I meet, but from farther away. I am often not walking into town, but around and about the town. Sometimes I wear my walking tennis shoes, and sometime wellies, for muddy areas. I sometimes I do yoga, or find a couple of familiar line dances. I also do sewing projects like up cycling t-shirts into workout gear, making face masks, and I’m making a everyday dress. Its kind-of interesting fabric, a tiny bit like a camo fabric. Pictures to follow on social media, when its done. I also do jigsaw puzzles and computer jigsaw puzzles. I also brought a couple games from the states…maybe John and I will pull them out. There is always British mystery shows, sewing shows, cooking shows. And of course I’ve been trying out recipes too. I made Paul Hollywoods hot cross buns for my neighbors for Mothering Sunday, (yesterday)which was fun. There were extras to eat, of course. Yum.
Extroverts are not used to being alone. So Facebook and instragram are my friends! FaceTime is also wonderful! I know this whole swirl is going to be over one of these days. People are saying maybe 12 more weeks.
Guessing our trip to the states is off, and beach trip as well. Some counties in North Carolina are closing their counties to vacationers, as it would spread the virus more. I guess they have a point- but its very sad for the vacation homeowners and vacationers alike. For some reason people are driving and taking planes and trains into the Scottish highlands to “escape” the virus….but the Scotts are saying go back home. Just like the beach counties in North Carolina. Sigh. Its better to huddle in place safely, and dream and plan for better days.
John and I are very healthy, so trying to stay that way. I have appointments in June to see a rheumatoid arthritis specialist and an endocrinologist. Similar to the States, just to keep tabs on things. John heard new work info just about every day last week. Crazy to keep up with. But for now he is working from home every other week. So the weeks he is in the office there will be only half the staff, so easier to keep a safe distance from people.
Since he is at home more, he is getting back into the habit of running. That is his current happy place.
John ordered a small battery mower and hedge trimmer, so I’ll get some practice with new tools later this week. John needs to put the mower together. My garden is just popping with flowering plants, its truly a joy to see the happy flowers and to care for the plants. I’m keeping up with the weeds, and the encroaching ivy from beyond the back fence. At the back of the yard is a couple of steps and a small door. A sign is hung on the door which says “no entry”. This seems unkind…but I guess its the state of things. Sad. If I was able to, I would add another sign “except on party business” Which is a sign from the Hobbit. I would like to be on party business. Parties are fun group gatherings which I miss these days.
I know this pandemic is equated with times of rationing and war. After WW2, the Brits had rationing into the 1950’s. I was astounded to realize that. So it helps me to understand their mindset. Really, I don’t agree generally, as we are not asked to leave home, or to fight, but I guess it is a trial none the less.
Stay well dear friends, make do, recycle, reorganize your stuff, stay sane with whatever works for you!