Saturday 28 March 2020

Comforting

There is something very comforting about friends.  After more or less a week of warm, Spring-like weather, suddenly the wind has turned to the North and the sky has clouded over, so that intermittently we have a heavy shower.   It is not a nice day.   I was pleased to see my plants arrive by post (3 different Herbacious Geraniums) but they have gone into the garage for now;  no way am I planting them out in the cold and they are all reachable so no excuse for ringing my gardener and asking him if he would pop round and do it for me.

But my friend and neighbour rang me this morning to see if I was 'alright'?   She couldn't find my number so she rang another friend S for it.   So then S rang me to ask if I was 'alright' as my neighbour hadn't seen me.   This network of friends is very comforting when one lives alone.

I hope everyone is managing to 'keep their heads above water' during these worrying times.   I must say that to some extent my days pass rather aimlessly.   I have plenty of jobs to do - finishing the teddy I started making about three years ago,    sorting a book shelf out, cleaning the one or two bits of silver which haven't been cleaned since I moved in here. I could go on but one of my father's favourite sayings in such a situation was, "Don't keep doing your jobs twice - once is enough when you've got your duster in your hand."   Somehow the day passes without my doing much at all other than getting a mid day meal and keeping the place tidy.   Oh and chatting on the phone of course.

Someone says in today's Times that she thinks we should applaud at 8pm every Wednesday night for all those marvellous NHS Staff who are keeping things going in such difficult conditions.   What a brilliant idea.   Are we going to do it?   It is such a small thing to do for the huge sacrifice they are making.

Well, soldier on everybody.   It will come to an end, although goodness knows when.   Keep smiling.

27 comments:

Bovey Belle said...

We're all looking out for one another round here too. My friend N phoned this morning to say she had a click and collect slot next week, was there anything we needed, bless her. So now we won't run out of milk.

Cold wind here today too, but dry, so I got out for my walk and already the hills are a tiny bit easier, even for an asthmatic like me.

Gerry Snape said...

I'm loving my netwotrk of whatsapp friends Pat...choir..readers..photographers..and of course family...now on Zoom to have bigger groups of family across Europe. Still reading you every day!!

Jennyff said...

Yes the time goes quickly here too despite very little happening and fortunately I am sleeping really well which helps. I keep sending off emails to everyone I know, for me it seems a positive thing to do and I tell everyone they don't need to reply though I love it when they do. It gets worse in Italy, the first virus death in our little village, I think the next few weeks will be critical for us so its good people are finally doing as they should, mostly.

Doc said...

We have rain for the next week but as you said we soldier on. Practically our entire neighborhood turned out for the applause last night,bells whistles and clapping. It was loud but brought a smile to everyone’s face and let’s not forget that smiles are free.

JayCee said...

You have a good network of friends to look out for you, and many blog friends here who care about you too.
Here, there have been many instances of local people and businesses dropping off treats and essentials for our local NHS staff and Police & Emergency workers too to show their appreciation.
We are all in this together, as you say.

Midmarsh John said...

There are some really kind, thoughtful people about. A couple of days ago while dog walking a man I occasinally just say hello to stopped, on the opposite side of the road, and asked if I was all right, introduced himself and offered his help in any way if I should feel the need.

Linda said...

Is it Wednesday for the clapping? It was Thursday last week and I read that it was planned to be Thursdays in the future. Stay safe and keep well.

Rachel Phillips said...

Indeed, at the end of the day people are good to each other as I used to tell my mother. It is only a very tiny percentage who make the news who aren't. I applaud the NHS services for doing their jobs properly, their chosen career. I applaud all other services and workers and those in places of decision making who are keeping it all going.

John "By Stargoose And Hanglands" said...

Glad to hear that you have people around who phone you for a chat. I've just come in from painting my garden fence. According to the weather forecast there's a 10% chance of a shower this afternoon - I'm relying on the other 90%!

Jules said...

Friendships and connections are important at the best of times but especially at the moment. It's reassuring to know we can rely on one another when it really matters. X

crafty cat corner said...

My youngest son is a nurse and is exhausted all ready, he spent 6 hours in one of those suits and masks on Friday and it was not comfortable. He's on the front line and I just hope he doesn't contract it himself as he has a young family.
Briony
x

Rachel Phillips said...

If you want to remain safe and live anywhere other than an isolated spot I suggest you do your clapping in the safety of your own front room.

Heather said...

At least we are isolated in our own homes and not stuck somewhere abroad not knowing if or how we are going to get home. Several of us here opened our windows and applauded on Wednesday, and one or two passing motorists sounded their horns. Our manager has sent each resident an encouraging note with useful information as well as sound advice. The steady stream of daily visitors has slowed right down and I think it is now just sons and daughters, like mine, who do shopping for us. We are all looking forward to the next batch of sunny days. I sat in the garden here on my own, listening to birds singing and bees buzzing. It was so relaxing. More of the same please!

Bonnie said...

I'm happy to hear others are checking on you but I am not at all surprised since you are such a good friend to many. I love the wonderful thanks and celebration your country is showing to the health care workers each week. It is inspiring and they and many others still working in this deserve our appreciation!

Living Alone in Your 60's said...

It was Thursday but I know it's hard to keep track of days now!!

Gwil W said...

I've been doing my exercises on my balcony with my Mario Lanza CDs going nearly full blast. I think we're all Italians now (although Mario Lanza was born in Philedelphia)!

Mary said...

Almost 90F here today! We started on the potting shed clean out this afternoon but almost collapsed in such heat - too much, too soon!
I need to get my hands on potting soil and plants somewhere soon - I wish I could still manage a vegetable patch but it's too hard - plus I get to share my lovely neighbor's tomatoes, peppers etc. come summertime!

Glad your friends check up on you Pat.
Stay safe - Mary

Tom Stephenson said...

I think that things will change for the better after this is all over and done with. It has all come down to priorities and social values.

Red said...

We are forced to change things. You have changed some of your pleasant routines. But as you say it will end .

Galestorm said...


I have have been reading your blog for many years. You are quite an inspiration to me. Take care and stay safe.

Joanne Noragon said...

I hope we come out of this to a world we remember--from a long time ago.

Margaret Butterworth said...

My 95-year-old partner is passing the time finishing his memoirs. Have you thought of doing that?

carolyn said...

A great idea, Margaret. Weave I would love to hear memories of your travels. You have a very interesting life and your are such a wonderful writer.

Cro Magnon said...

I think we will all come out on the other side as slightly different people; and hopefully better people. We will appreciate simple things more than we did in pre-virus days. Friends, shopping, going for walks together; all will be better appreciated.

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Librarian said...

We had wonderful spring weather yesterday, sun and 17C. The cold and grey (and showers) have arrived today, so we'll be largely staying indoors, cook something nice and maybe watch a film together before O.K. has to drive home.

Your friends are good friends because YOU are a good friend, too - it always works both ways, doesn't it!

The Weaver of Grass said...

SORRY _ You are quite right - it was THURSDAY I just lost count of the days. Thank you all for your inspiring comments - that is what keeps me going - it's a two way thing. Take care.