Monday 22 February 2021

This and that

 Another day nearer to March.   My mother would say, 'Don't wish your life away like that' but I think most of us - shut indoors because of Covid - are longing for the days of sun and fresh air.   We shall know today just how much (if any) more freedom we shall have during the next month.   This is in no way meant as a criticism - this isolation has been very necessary but there is no doubt that some have coped better than others with the solitude.

I'm not sure whether I have fully coped this time round.   I am lucky in that I have J for an hour every morning - busy, chatty, friendly J - and she starts my day off on the right note.   Right now she is getting her vaccination so I hope all goes well as she has gone into our nearest large town for it - twenty five miles away rather than just down the road.   But she was desperate to get it done.

Speaking of vaccinations I watched an item on the News yesterday about Vaccination Refusers, who seem to have picked up strange ideas from some source.   Speaking personally, I had no more side effects than I get with my annual flu vaccination and I do now have a bit less worry about catching the wretched thing.   And reading an article in today's Times - written by a front line Intensive Care doctor - about the effect watching young people die or struggle for literally months with the infection has on him- should surely persuade some of the 'deniers' to change their minds.

Back to coping with Lockdown 3.  I have found that one of the things which has been essential during this time - for me at any rate - is keeping a strict pattern to my day.   The carer helps in that I always get up, shower and have my breakfast at the same time every day.   Then the day is mine.   I always start with the 'Mind Games' in the Times and follow that with my Hip Exercises.   A cup of coffee from the flask J has left and go on to my Blog - at least to read what posts you put on that day and your comment on mine even if I am not ready to post at this time.   Then that brings me to lunch time.   J has brought me Spam with cole slaw, chutney, tomatoes, green salad and beetroot so I am off now to cook half a dozen small new potatoes in the microwave and then enjoy it.   Enjoy your lunch wherever you are dear blog friends.   'See' you tomorrow.

I am very happy so had to add that it is a lovely afternoon here with a clear blue sky and a warm sun.   I put on a coat, took Priscilla and - for the first time since my fall - walked 'round the block'.  Not very far by the standards that Percy and I used to walk prior to my fall, but a huge improvement on previous walks since then.   I took it steady but felt great when I arrived back home.   So now that will be my aim every day.

32 comments:

Sue said...

I love your thoroughly positive attitude Pat, you lift all our spirits just reading your words.

Yes, a little bit of routine goes a long way in making life feel more 'normal' and bearable doesn't it. For me it is the twice daily doggy walks with Suky, of course I don't always feel like going out especially when the rain is pouring or the pavements icy, but once I get back I feel invigorated and glad I went. So Suky is my saviour, just as Tess was your little ray of sunshine for so many years.

Take care, and good luck with todays puzzles. xx

coffeeontheporchwithme said...

Good morning! I am hoping for a day, soon, when you can be back out having lunch somewhere with your friends. As more and more people get the vaccine, that day should be getting closer. -Jenn

terry said...

I spend my days like yours, in a regular routine. Dog walking is the best part of the day except with snow and ice here lately. I find myself doing things the way my mother did many years ago now that I am retired. Laundry on Monday,vacuum on Tuesday etc. We get our second jab this week and I look forward to a little more normalcy.

Jennyff said...

Lunch for us is bread pecorino and prosciutto sitting on the sunny terrace, of course with a pot of Yorkshire tea. We are fortunate to be kept busy with the house and garden here. Sadly infection rates in Italy are going up, we shall be here a while yet, it’s no hardship although we would like our vaccines which we would have had if we were in the U.K. Keep on doing what you are and what Boris tells you, this time will end.

Margie from Toronto said...

I too find that a bit of routine to the day certainly helps - for me it's my PT admin work from home - just 4 or 5 hours per day so mostly the morning. I also volunteer via Zoom one evening a week and generally have another 2 or 3 Zoom meetings per week so it fills the time. By the time I fit in a trip to the grocery store or library each week, some housework and cooking and then my books or Netflix in the evening - another week has passed.

Thank you - you have just solved my dilemma about what to feed my very elderly neighbour for his lunch today! I was trying to think of something different and I will give him Spam with coleslaw, some lovely grape tomatoes and a few small potatoes! I made him some chocolate cake over the weekend so that will be dessert! A few of us here in my small apt. building take turns bringing his meals and he is doing well - even needed one of the ladies to take out the waistband of his trousers a bit! :-)

It has snowed all night so another few inches on the ground and it's still coming down quite heavily so this will be a day indoors. The sidewalks and roads will be cleared by tomorrow morning so I'll head out early for a small shop and a bit of fresh air.

There was a bit on the news yesterday about "vaccine refusers" and in this country it seems to be young people in their 20's and 30's. I'm afraid that they've never experienced what a measles or mumps or even polio outbreak can be like (they've been protected by vaccines) but the irony of that seems to go over their heads! Very odd.

Have a good week.

Sue in Suffolk said...

It's worrying about people who are refusing the vaccination. I hope more will be persuaded before many months pass.
I doubt we will hear very much exciting news from Boris tonight, maybe after Easter things will be opened up more
Thank goodness we have things that interest us at home and lovely blogs to read.

Ellen D. said...

I also have a simple routine that helps me pass the time. Crossword puzzles during breakfast followed by computer time (email and blog reading and solitaire). Lunch is followed by a walk (or time on the exercise bike if the weather is bad). Reading, quilting, or cross stitch until time to make dinner. TV, jigsaw puzzles on Ipad, and reading until bed. Of course, chores like laundry, vacuuming, cleaning, grocery shopping are spread out during the week to fill up the rest of my time. Day after day, not much excitement but that can be a good thing!
Stay safe and cozy!

Granny Sue said...

I am glad your carer got her vaccine. We had ours about 10 days ago, the first one at any rate. It does give some peace of mind, although we will continue to be careful as there are so many who have not got the shot, and the advice seems to indicate it is still possible to contract the stuff.

Jane and Lance Hattatt said...

Dear Pat,

It all sounds to us as if you are really "making the best of a bad job" as they say. Whilst nobody would wish for these strange and difficult times in which we all find ourselves, it has brought time to reflect on what truly matters in life and finding the joy in living.

A structure to the day is a good foundation, we think, and something we employ too. It is good to have some commitments to attend to and, of course, how wonderful to have the spirited J calling in each day. It is also good to have freedom to explore other interests. In this, the internet has, undoubtedly, enabled so much more to be possible from the comfort of home.

In Budapest, we wish for a possibility of vaccination but this seems some way off as yet, especially for foreigners. The rollout is slow because of a lack of supply rather than refusers and a lack of infrastructure to cope with the many demands placed on the Hungarian health service by COVID. One can really see the 'health divide' of haves and have nots when, in normal circumstances, the life expectancy of Hungarians is around 10 years less than their British counterparts. It all makes one think a great deal about what, if anything, can be done to bring more equality into the world post- pandemic. We shall see....

Debby said...

It sounds probably odd, but seeing you go back to your daily walk (weather permitting), is very uplifting to me. Seasons change. It's been a long winter for you, and spring is coming...and look at you go!!!!!!

Bovey Belle said...

Well done on your round the block walk - onwards and upwards. I have to say, a bit of sunshine makes ALL the difference. Tam and I had a very enjoyable 4 mile walk today and saw the first Daffodil and first Dandelion - they each looked SUCH a brilliant yellow.

You sound to be pretty positive, but life on your own can't be much fun, so leet's hope that soon we move towards a more normal life again.

the veg artist said...

A lovely, sunny day here in West Wales, gives hope.
What I find scary about the deniers/nay-sayers is that had the world listened to them, there would be no vaccines, no way out. It's not just the people with pre-existing conditions who have been dying, many others have also died way before their time, all over the world, and we will probably never know the true figure.

gmv said...

So happy that you can continue your walks again. :)

RITA LOEHR said...

So excited for you that you got to take a stroll today. Here in Austin, Tx we had snow and ice and 5 degree temperature a few days ago and now it is 72. All ice is melted and people are slowly getting water back. We were without power for a while but managed to survive! Our sons were without for three days. We had all kids, grandkids and grand dogs here for three days. Actually had fun being together and laughed and told the old stories over again. We have both had our covid shots and did fine. Think the more that get them the better off we all are! Sure enjoy reading your thoughts everyday!

JayCee said...

Blue sky and sunshine here today to lift the spirits but more heavy rain and gale force winds for tomorrow and Wednesday.
The jonquils are almost in flower so everything is looking up.

Bonnie said...

How wonderful that you've had such lovely weather today and a nice walk with Priscilla. It does lift the spirits when we can get outside for some fresh air and a little exercise. You are wise to maintain a pattern and routine in your daily activities. That can help us in many ways. Enjoy your evening Pat!

Rachel Phillips said...

I remember going round care homes in Norfolk with a nurse and me as administrator at the time of swine flu when the Council offered all their care home staff vaccinations. We couldn't get any takers then. I asked the nurse I was travelling with if she had had it herself and she said "not likely". Not Covid I know, but I think there is a sort of culture of not having jabs when you work in the business. My doctor relation never does either although surprise surprise he has actually had a Covid jab.

Heather said...

Today's walk is quite an achievement - no wonder you are feeling happy today. I think this latest lockdown has been more difficult than the first one. Maybe due to the time of year or disappointment that we find ourselves unable to do the usual things once more. I have become very lazy and can't wait for it to be lifted but am prepared to be patient and to make sure that we have beaten this awful virus. I can't understand those who won't take the vaccine. I would be scared not to have it and, like you, suffered no more discomfort than my regular flu jab.

Traveller said...

Glad you got around the block. The weather I’d feeling more positive down here.

I have found some reactions to COVId most perplexing - people with zero medical training thinking they know better than those “experts”. There is an awful lot of rubbish on “alternative” “news” sites - all packaged as appealing to people who “think for themselves”. Needless to say there are all sorts of horror stories about adverse reactions to the vaccination....haven’t read a report about anyone who grew a second head yet, but give it time! I did see a link to a report that the adverse weather in Texas was man made and all part of the great reset.

Simon Douglas Thompson said...

I've found it very hard this third time. Luckily I've kept myself busy with online activities

Amanda said...

These deniers have, as my Daddy used to day, minds like concrete - all mixed up and thoroughly set. Husband gets 2nd shot later this week. I'll be so glad when I'm eligible!

The Furry Gnome said...

A routine sure helps! Your positive attitude is inspiring.

Joanne Noragon said...

Your walk is such exciting news. When spring comes here, I must walk again.

Susan said...

I agree entirely, having a routine and daily activities is important. Your walk around the block is impressive. Also, a plan to do this daily, weather permitting, will work to build muscles and strength. So important for a full recovery. Spring will get us all outdoors. Sunshine and fresh breezes will do everyone lots of good. Today, on my walk I noticed my trees are in bud. Tight very small buds, but still buds that will swell and emerge as leaves.

Cro Magnon said...

Yesterday was wet and windy here, and it was the first time I heard my wife use the word 'bored'. Later she took Billy to the Vet' for his annual jab, and she seemed to revive. We never normally have the time to become 'bored', but yesterday she did!

Penny said...

So glad you managed a walk,we all need to get out of those walls. Hope your spring isn't too far away.

Librarian said...

I am so pleased for you to have made that walk around the block! Hopefully, whatever bad weather (meaning "bad" in the sense that it makes you stay indoors) comes your way won't last long so that you can continue your trips out with Priscilla.

Not everyone who refuses the jab does so for the same reason. Here in Germany, we have had the staff of a clinic all vaccined at the same time, and half of them had to call in sick the next day - leaving the other half left to struggle with the workload that is too heavy even at the best of times. Many have no or very little side effects from the vaccine, but the staff of that clinic were not so lucky. Others have decided not to run that risk.

I very much doubt that I will get my jabs before September, but I certainly won't refuse them when I get the chance.

thelma said...

Your spirit is marvellous Pat and as the year progresses you will be able to enjoy your garden, a garden bench is a must. Worked out in the garden yesterday, it was sunny and my friend came down the road after a long walk and we chatted for awhile.

Tom Stephenson said...

I feel guilty about wishing my life away too. Being constantly in the present is not always a positive thing at the moment.

The Weaver of Grass said...

What a great conversation we have all managed today. Next best thing to all sitting round together over a coffee (or a glass of wine). Thanks for joining in.

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