Thursday 14 May 2020

Thursday


Nothing much has changed here in my household after listening to Boris's instructions for a slight lifting of things yesterday.   I am not missing much during lockdown - I have largely adjusted to it and shall for time being continue as I always have done.   If I was of working age then things would not be quite so simple.   I am not sure how I view going back to schools from the point of view of being a teacher, which I was for most of my working life.   I am thinking of Primary Pupils here and I believe many parents are doing their best with home teaching.  It will be such a short time to the end of term and teachers are in quite a dilemma when it comes to balancing the needs of their pupils with the needs of their families.   I am glad I don't have to even think about this.   I am of the firm opinion that the good teacher teaches pupils how to learn rather than facts.   I cannot tell you how many times in the past I have come across ex pupils of mine, pupils who really struggled with maths and english, and where have I come across them? Often working on the check-out in one of the large supermarkets - working efficiently, smart and alert and so pleased to see me and to show off their skills.   But parents have to balance their need to get working again with whether to send their children back to school or not - and that is a dilemma I am pleased I haven't got.

I have had some really nice surprises this week.   When one lives alone and has plenty of time for thinking about things, nice surprises are wonderful for keeping things moving along nicely.   Yesterday a lady called Jean Rumbold sent me a lovely newsy e mail from Australia saying that she followed my blog.   It was a delight to read - and to answer.   Then at lunch time yesterday, when the post came, there was card number eight from my friend D in the Lakes - he has sent me a card every week since lockdown began and I really do appreciate it.   We have also, along with friends W and P, had a Zoom coffee afternoon and intend to have another one shortly.   Then this morning, when the Times came, the paper girl rang the bell to say that a card was stuck in the letter box.   It was a card of a Matisse cut-out 'Blue Nude' - one of my favourite works.   The card was from Rachel, who knew how much I admire the work of Matisse.   Then this morning when the postman came there was a nice newsy letter from a friend and a Premium Bond.   Apart from the Premium Bond all acts of kindness that make a huge difference to my day to day life and I hope they all know just how much I appreciate their kindness.

In my garden Pink Lady is definitely Purple Lady as she has enormously long legs.   My large pot which holds a Pot Magnolia was dead - or so I thought until today when I see it is covered with leaves - not dead after all.   My pinks are all well in bud and the hellebore seedlings I pricked out are doing well.   So everything is designed to keep me going - I can't do anything about the threatened recession which is expected to hit us, I can only do my part in keeping my distance from others and I can also go out and applaud at eight o'clock tonight, applaud for the NHS workers - the doctors, the nurses, the auxiliary staff, the ambulance drivers, the paramedics, the  cleaning staff, the kitchen staff who keep the meals coming, and the many, many thousands of workers throughout the country who are working to keep things going - they need our thanks s o let's all get out there at eight - only a tiny thing to do - but better than nothing.

*****It is half past ten and I have just drawn the curtains after watching Marigold Hotel.  The sky is by no means dark yet - there is a golden glow on the horizon and Venus is incredibly bright - still like a giant torch shining in the sky.




 

20 comments:

Salty Pumpkin Studio said...

Your experiences with your friends sends the message of how very important keeping contact is to a person's well being.

thelma said...

All uplifting thoughts Pat.

Bettina Groh said...

My daughter teaches at an urban high school... currently online. She has to be available twice a day. Once in the morning and once in the afternoon so that students and parents can reach her. She posts class work and assignments and the students are supposed to hand in ( online) the completed assignments.
My daughter has too many students that do not do the work and parents she cannot reach to tell them of the uncompleted assignments.
There are many reasons for these problems ... lack of consistent wifi... parents who work at essential jobs... students who work to make ends meet ... and lack of interest on both parent and students alike.
My daughter worries about this and has told her administration... but not much is changing.

JayCee said...

These days I find it quite exciting if the postman calls, but disappointingly it is too often just bills.

Ellen D. said...

Your post is so positive and upbeat today. I can sense the happiness and contentedness that you are feeling. You are right that just small, simple kindnesses can make all the difference in a day! Thanks for sharing your happiness, Pat!

John "By Stargoose And Hanglands" said...

It seems very odd that teachers will be expected to spend all day in a room full of children, but will not be allowed to see their own grandchildren.

Rachel Phillips said...

I went to the Matisse Cut-Outs exhibition in 2014 and bought a book of postcards and one or two other things and was happy to share the card with you when you told me how much you love that particular piece of work, The Blue Nude. It has been very cold here again today and a day for being by the fire.

Heather said...

How precious those little surprises are just now. I set my kitchen timer on Thursday so that I am aware of when 8pm arrives and a ready at the window to clap or bang a saucepan lid with a wooden spoon if it seems too quiet outside!
I think most people think it too soon so open the schools and when I start to get concerned about the recession and life in general I think back to earlier times when things were bad and take small comfort that, come what may, life will go on somehow or other.

Bonnie said...

I enjoyed hearing about your lovely day! You have many good friends and I know that is because you are a good friend to many.

The Weaver of Grass said...

Keep your positive thoughts coming folks.

Joanne Noragon said...

How wonderful to occasionally see old students who are appreciative of the skills you gave them.

Gail, northern California said...

I have no clue. What's a Premium Bond? It may be boring to others but I find it soothing to read about how you've spent your day. Keep writing, always.

Librarian said...

Isn't it one of the loveliest things to receive a card or letter by mail? That does not mean I do not appreaciate each and every email my friends (some from the blogosphere) send, but an actual card or letter is different. I only wish I would be a better hand-writer myself! It makes me mad, not being able to write as clearly and quickly as I can type, really slows down the flow of thoughts. Therefore, apart from Christmas and birthday cards, I send precious few handwritten cards or letters these days.
We've had a solid grey sky all of yesterday, no stars visible at night. Tomorrow, the sun is forecast to be back.

the veg artist said...

I thing that, like me, many of your retired readers will be secretly quite relieved that they do not have to face the dilemmas of the type you mention. The education of young children, travel to work, dealing with clients in what would have been a normal face-to-face situation, protection of the safety of staff, the whole employment/furlough/security of employment issue; the list of responsibilities seems endless. All most of us have had to do is to stay home and stay safe. We can creep back into normality when it suits us. Who knew that this would be an advantage of getting older?

The Weaver of Grass said...

Thanks to you all. Isn't this exchange of thoughts and ideas a help getting us through this difficult time?

Anonymous said...
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Bovey Belle said...

I have to say that the letters from friends which are arriving here (and parcels of books!) are MUCH appreciated. When it is difficult to stay in touch with the outside world, it is wonderful to have it come and visit you instead.

I am glad you are able to have Zoom meetings with your friends. Strange times, but we will - and have - adapted.

Ruth said...

I believe the matter of school is one of the biggest problems. So many parents work during school hours - if they're able to go back to work (I pray they can!) where will they find child care for all those hours? Opening schools could be dangerous. So much is still not known. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, in talking about the big outbreaks there (the first really big one in Long Island) explained it started with one person carrying the virus unbeknownst and attending several huge gatherings. "It only takes one!" is how he puts it. Heaven forbid things open up and that one in hundreds who picked it up somewhere else now sets it off all over again. All signs are that effective vaccines won't be ready yet for quite awhile. It's such a nightmare. Enjoy your flowers and all the beauty that surrounds you. We seniors can find ways to cope and pretty much are used to staying put - but my heart bleeds for the young generations. Stay safe and well dear Pat - you are a ray of sunshine!!!

The Weaver of Grass said...

Thanks to you all.

Maudie said...

Please tell me your impression of Marigold Hotel.