Thursday 19 March 2020

Thursday

Thursday - well it could be any day really couldn't it?   My markers that  map out my week have now all disappeared - Monday the lady comes to clean my bungalow and Book Group meet once a month,  Tuesday coffee with friends (or Strugglers every third Tuesday) and lunch out on two Tuesdays in the month, Wednesday free but often out to lunch with a friend, Thursday hair appointment, Friday coffee with 'the gang' followed by lunch out, Saturday - various things, Sunday lunch with same three friends every week.   Now every one of those things is on hold.   I really have little need to open my front door apart from if the postman rings or an order is delivered.   Everything is stilled.

Not such a bad thing -  ( time to take stock.)   I speak  several times a day to my son about various things, speak to neighbours if I walk out with Percy (haven't been today) and phone friends in the same situation - or they phone me.   Today I have had a very bad headache, so took some Paracetamol and, after tidying round everywhere, I went back to bed and travelled the Sahara with Michael Palin!   I have read his book several times before but I could read about this part of the world over and over again because apart from Marrakech I have not visited it.   Now it is nine in the evening and I feel ready for bed again, so soon it will be Horlicks time.

It does seem as though 'total lockdown' may well be with us before long.   I am practising it already  - I can't see any point in not doing.   I feel I owe it to other people to not go about.   It doesn't appear that the virus has reached here yet but of course we don't know do we? 

So, as I keep saying, instead of looking for it let's all look for the spring flowers coming up in our gardens,  look out for anyone around who might need help with anything (our local very good grocers have started a home delivery service), keep soldiering on and hope it is all soon over.

22 comments:

Heather said...

You are so right Pat. We are all in this together and must help each other through it.
I hope your headache has gone and that you have a good night's sleep. Hopefully we will get another sunny day tomorrow.

JayCee said...

It must be difficult to adjust after such an active social life so far. Perhaps easier for me as I have always been fairly solitary. Although my volunteering shifts have now all been cancelled and I am home every day now I don't mind so much. With sunny, drier weather on the horizon I may go out for walks more but no socialising for the time being.

Jules said...

You are being very sensible, Pat. The coming weeks are going to feel very strange indeed. X

Granny Sue said...

It must seem odd to you, certainly, as you have so many regular activities. Apart from storytelling engagements, we have no set schedule here, and often get the days confused! I keep wondering how many couples might find they don't like each other so well after they spend 24/7 with each other for a few weeks. My hope is the opposite, though--I hope they will discover that they love and need each other even more.

Coltsfoot is in bloom here, and I bet the Spring Beauties are up down along the creeks. We plan to go look for them tomorrow, and pick some wild cress while we're at it.

the veg artist said...

I've spent years living like this, Weave, and I often have to check to see what day of the week it is. You will settle into a routine, though. My days are surprisingly structured considering I don't normally see anyone - your home, garden and interests will fall into natural slots during the day.
My husband is working from home for the duration, but he makes little change to my routine - he's at his desk all day!
Watching the garden is brilliant at the moment - today I noticed that we are going to have a good crop of snake's head fritillaries this year. I'm quite proud of these!

Joan (Devon) said...

Unless you have certain activities on certain days to differentiate them then they all do blend together when you're retired. To help me I cross off yesterday's date on the calendar so I know which day it is today.

Sue said...

It's funny you should mention watching for the Spring flowers, I did exactly that on Suky's teatime doggy walk around the caravan park. It was as though my eyes were being drawn to all the flowers. The beautiful blossom on a huge Magnolia tree, the slightly faded and going over daffodils, a tiny blue 'weed' that was positively beautiful in its miniscule glory.

The world is still a beautiful place, it just seems so out of kilter at the moment.

coffeeontheporchwithme said...

Funny you mentioned that, my husband thought it was Wednesday today and I had to check my phone to make sure it was Thursday! I hope you are coping well. Take care! -Jenn

angryparsnip said...

Your last paragraph says it all !
I am thinking your area should sit outside your front door and talk to people walking by. That way you could visit but not get real close. I remember sitting outside in the evening and saying hello to any passing by.
parsnip xx

Bonnie said...

I feel fortunate that even at home we have so many options of things to do these days. Books, computers and television programs are always available and if you have any hobbies that's even better. I'm so glad you and your friends are keeping up with one another by phone. Take care Weave!

Joanne Noragon said...

It's a strange new world, isn't it. Especially needing to look at an online calendar to know the day.

Cro Magnon said...

I would love to say that I'm going to learn a new language (Italian maybe), but I shall simply read a few more books, and go for longer walks with the children.

Catherine said...

I read this on Friday morning and the weather is looking better than yesterday. My husband is going to pressure wash the seating area in the garden so we can get the garden furniture out of the garage to make room for the dining room furniture so Mum can use the room as a bedroom. Lots of moving today including getting a single bed downstairs. I’m not looking forward to that. I might find time to bake and use up the bananas in bowl and bake some coconut tarts. I saw the recipe demonstrated on Twitter.
I hope the headache disappeared overnight.

Librarian said...

As I still work, I know what day and date it is, but I can see how easily one day blends into the next when one does not have appointments to keep.
I am actually very much looking forward to the weekend, because working from home has been rather busy this week, busier than most (I will blog about the reasons for that soon).
You are doing well in not running any unnecessary risk, Pat. My mother-in-law in Ripon who is about your age (she turned 86 earlier this month) has never been one for much socialising, so I suppose it is not hard for her to adjust to self-isolation. She has her cat and her garden, her books and her daughters and sisters to talk to on the phone. Unlike you, she does not have a computer, so I can only send letters or phone her. With email, I would be much quicker and more regular in keeping in touch, but I shall make more of an effort now.

thelma said...

I am sure you will cope, and think of all the cooking to do. The phone is a good way to keep in touch, though mobiles in the countryside are very dicey I find as I wander from room to room trying to find a decent 'spot'.

Bovey Belle said...

We're going to be busy in the garden and extending the veg plot (we have potato overload it seems, as Tam bought some and so did I!) Plus I have a quilt to finish and another to start, and a bag to work on and . . . a ton of books to read.

Enjoy today's sunshine (hope you have it too).

jan b said...

Thanks for keeping blogging in these strange times. Really enjoy reading your blog. My Book Club has recently read 'Educated', 'Olive Kitteredge' and currently, 'Old Filth.
Think we are on the same path! Thank heaven for gardening and dog walking at present.Keep well and please keep blogging. Jan Bx.

John "By Stargoose And Hanglands" said...

Glad to hear that you have the situation under control - I wouldn't expect anything else from you.

Tom Stephenson said...

I thought my generation had got away with it - no world wars, no national service, a very smooth ride up until now.

The Weaver of Grass said...

I think this has taught us all that we never know what is just around the corner. Keep blogging!

Gwil W said...

I'm enjoying D's blog although commenting is problematic from here. Today's poem another gem!

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