Tuesday 2 February 2021

Order

 Good morning everyone on this very different morning.   Yesterday it was an almost Spring-like day - today there is absolute no doubt at all that it is February.  In the three hours since I got up about eight inches of snow has fallen and it is still snowing heavily.   Many of the roads across the Pennines are blocked and although my Carer only lives a mile away from me she cannot get here so I am on my own today.   The first thing I have abandoned is getting dressed.   No-one is likely to call on me today and I am certainly  not going anywhere, not even on Zoom so it is Nightdress, slippers and dressing gown all day otherwise I would use up too much of my rather limited energy.  I have already had to deal with making my own porridge, stacking the dishwasher, tidying my trolley, making my bed and dealing with the commode so although it is only eleven o'clock I am quite tired - and lunch looms (I think probably hash browns, fried eggs and bacon and maybe beans).

I was thinking yesterday after our Book Group Zoom meeting how it was quite obvious that some of us were coping with Lockdown so much better than others.   Those who share their houses with a partner are obviously coping much better.   Those of us who live alone not so well in many cases.   I think I score in that  because of my mobility I had been fairly isolated before lockdown any way.   But I do think that the thing that keeps me 'sane' is order.   I have to have a pattern to my days - however trivial.

Yesterday was easy to plan out.    Carer,  Zoom book group, exercises,  walk with Priscilla, afternoon rest, Zoom with friends, tea and either TV or read.   Today not so easy but there are things which need doing and writing a list and crossing them off is psychologically good for me.   1.  Check my Tesco order and add a few more things I have thought of.   2.  Send an e mail to my local shopping lady for the few things I require once the snow has cleared (it is not freezing).  3.  Order 'Mothering Sunday' by Graham Swift - our next Book Group Book.  4.  Tidy my Computer shelf - and wipe down with a damp soapy cloth.  5.  Do my exercises.  6.  Read the obligatory ten pages of Virginia Woolf's 'To the Lighthouse' (I am determined to finish it this time).  6.  Have my afternoon rest.  I add my blog to this and reading and answering yours and that is my day full.   Then I go to bed satisfied that it has not been a wasted day.

So Tesco calls - snowing less fiercely.

29 comments:

Debby said...

You are a very wise woman.

The Feminine Energy said...

Our area of the globe is a snowy tundra too. I am so waiting for spring! Yes, I believe you've hit on something there... order is the key. It sounds like you've got everything under good control in that department. I wish I belonged to a book club! ~Andrea xoxo

Hard up Hester said...

Take care Weaver.

Dc said...

I think without lists, there would be no structure to our days. So far we have moved the lounge furniture around then hoovered and dusted. We do this at the beginning of each month to get equal wear and tear on the chairs. Also order vet medication for Ruby and made her a fortnight of meals.

Jane and Lance Hattatt said...

Darling W,

What a difference a day makes!

It may sound perverse but we really miss the snow. When we first came to Budapest, some 20 years ago now, the snow was a regular visitor for January and February. Several centimetres arrived on a regular daily basis and it was coupled with days and nights of sub-zero temperatures. The snow was as fine as washing powder and everywhere looked magical. Armies of snow clearers ensured freedom of passage and trains, buses and all forms of transport carried on regardless. Now, there is no snow. Not last year and none this to speak of so far.

It is good that you have order to your days. We do too. In that way, as you say, there is always a feeling of accomplishment no matter how tiny the detail may be. Zoom punctuates many of our days with personal chats as well as student centred activity. It is a poor substitute for the real thing but it keeps one connected with the outside world.

We have taken to watching Youtube uploads of old television series, catching up with programmes we have never seen as we have not had a television for 40 years. So, we can recommend 'Amazing British Crime Dramas' for entertainment if you are keen on this sort of thing.

Whatever, stay positive. Keep on keeping on. All will be well.

Librarian said...

I completely agree, Pat - structure and order do us good, as long as it is not pressure but a frame that keeps us stable. Were it not for the highly structured days of my working week, perhaps I would not enjoy the much less scheduled weekends so much, when I can get up pretty much when I feel I have slept enough, go for walks when the weather is right and have meals with O.K. for as long and leisurely as we wish.
Your list is rather impressive! You do well not to invest energy into something that doesn't matter so much, such as getting dressed when you know exactly you won't go out and nobody will come visiting. And most days, you DO get dressed and feel all the better for it - today is an exception, and I hope ypur carer will be back tomorrow. Happy list-crossing!

Fifitr said...

Do you really need to finish To The Lighthouse? To me it's an interesting book, with an interesting place in the history of modernist literature, but if you're not enjoying it and it's a struggle, why persevere, unless it's simply to prove to yourself you can do something?
When I was younger I always finished any book I started, no matter how bad it was. I also read very quickly so it was not such an imposition to 'have' to finish something annoying or poorly plotted or with bad grammar or that just didn't engage me. Then for many years I only read a book or two a week and therefore tended to stick to authors I knew would reward me with a good read. But in lockdown I've had so much more time to read that I have begun exploring again but with age has come the decision that if a book doesn't grab me by page 50 I will put it down and start something else. My reward is I've discovered five new authors I really enjoy and one who is very good indeed.
Perhaps it's a sense that time is running out, perhaps it's the fact that I rarely buy books anymore so won't lose money by not reading, or perhaps it's simply that there comes a time when I could say 'sod it, who cares if I finish it'.
Here's to many more paper adventures and many more long discussions with your book group!

Sue said...

I love my routine. It gives me a sense of purpose and ensures an efficient use of my time. Rick loves routine too, he knows it better than I do. My neighbours say they can tell the time by me walking by with the dog.

Rachel Phillips said...

Yes, a plan for the day is always important and good for wellbeing even without Covid lockdowns.

Carol Caldwell said...

I too like a routine to structure the day. I like to get up at the same time each morning and we eat our meals at the same time each day as this divides the day. I then have a mental list of jobs to do each day and mentally tick them off. When it comes to the weekly shop that needs a written list or I would forget something. You do so well to keep yourself busy and as active as you can be.

Ellen D. said...

You are doing a great job, Pat! You keep yourself busy enough but listen to your body when it is time to rest. You have shown us how to be the perfect patient when recovering from a broken hip! Just enough activity to exercise your body and your mind without overdoing it and keeping a positive attitude too! Well done!

Amanda said...

Routines are an excellent thing - having a structure to the day not only gives you a sense of control, your body knows what to expect, too. All good. No snow here in Florida, but the high will be in the 50's (12 degrees to you) which is quite cool to us. (It's a running joke that Floridians have been known to freeze to death at room temperature.) The real problem is that the wind has been howling for 2 days. I've been through 5 hurricanes, so the constant roar is really on my nerves.

Sue in Suffolk said...

Love your positivity and your routine.
I'm in a state of waiting here.....for spring......for the end of lock-down......and for moving house.
Keep warm and safe

justjill said...

Routine is impostant - it keeps one 'grounded'.

Northriding said...

None of your days ever seem to be wasted.

John "By Stargoose And Hanglands" said...

We have the Spring-like weather down here today - whether it's see-sawing, swings-and-roundabouts or a roller-coaster I leave you to decide.

Beachcomber said...

Your comment about To the Lighthouse amused me.
I have struggled to read it several times but failed.
Perhaps I should follow your example to try again.
Sue

Granny Sue said...

I think you hit the nail on the head. Order keeps us all moving forward, even if at a snail's pace. And yes, having a partner is helpful on many levels. My husband feels being closed in more than I do. I have so many things to do, inside, but he is used to spending most of his days outside. And he misses visiting around with various friends while I've always been more reclusive.

gmv said...

I so understand your need for order to your days. Also having a list and the psychological pleasure of crossing off the to-do items.

Red said...

We just have to keep busy in our own way. I don't mind being alone but I'm not. I can find lots to interest me like you do.

Bovey Belle said...

Co-op called here today - same day delivery when we realized that our next Asda order had been put down for NEXT Wednesday and not tomorrow. Essentials only and we shall NEVER order Co-Op Cod in breadcrumbs again! (Desperation called). We are, all the same, very grateful for the speedy fulfilment of the order especially as wine was included!

I am deprived of order at the moment (apart from the one room) and I crave it. Slowly getting there but gosh, I wish I could wave a magic wand - especially in the hot pink bedroom!

It certainly sounds like you are getting the heavy snowfall that was predicted in Scotland and the North of England. Keep warm and enjoy your routine.

jan b said...

I have just started reading the Graham Swift Mothering Sunday. Do let us know what you think of it. My book club often mirrors your Book Club choices.
Take great care of yourself, you give a great deal of pleasure with your blog. Jan Bx

Unknown said...

Keeping busy and having a routine is important. This morning brought 18 inches of snow and there was some shoveling of walkways and patios. The plow did a good job on the 320 ft. long driveway and with a bit of shoveling around the garage doors everything is clear. The air is clear and the snow is beautiful. The white blanket landscape and the woodland silence except for some gentle wind in the pines and birds chirping - all is good. Let's see what tomorrow brings.

Heather said...

You are so right about having a routine. I find it very helpful even if I don't always know what day of the week it is when I wake up!
It sounds as if you coped admirably without your carer today. Getting dressed does take time and effort, both of which are too precious to be wasted.
We had a little snow but it didn't settle - some of my family would be so envious of your heavy fall. It looks very beautiful but can make life very difficult.

Salty Pumpkin Studio said...

"To the Lighthouse," I think I have a tape of the 1983 film with Kenneth Branagh, and a paperback copy. It's been ages since I watched it.

The Weaver of Grass said...

Fifitr - yes I need to finish To the Lighthouse to prove I can do so.

Thanks everyone for commenting - lovely to read all your replies.

Joanne Noragon said...

I must have order, too. Things to fill my day. I make my bed before I even dress; then the rest of the days falls into place.

Simon Douglas Thompson said...

I think you are doing well! First lockdown I never knew what day it was

Terra said...

I like making lists and crossing things off, that way I know I have accomplished quite a bit. Plus my lists remind me to do things. I am retired and live alone and find being alone sometimes wears on my nerves. It used to be such a treat to meet friends for coffee or lunch, go to Bible study, go to the bookstore, etc. I tell my sons the only reason I have my sanity (or what remains of it, haha) is because of their frequent visits. Another person in the house is so exciting!