I've Not stockpiled toilet paper
But I do have a bit more dog food than usual.
Choir has been cancelled as have yesterday's theatre trip and tomorrow's cinema jaunt.
And today I've bought a large selection of books to read during the next few weeks.
I'm feeling lonely already.
But that's only because my-look-forward-to planned catch ups have had to be cut short.
My " spare " time will now have to be shared with bike riding ( I'm going to get fucking fit)
House decorating ( my next holiday) book reading and allotment digging.
Oh and I guess my telephone bill will be increasing drastically as the only voices I will hear at home will be from the cast of The Archers.
I'm feeling sorry for myself just a little , as I suspect we all are doing
Keep calm and carry on blogging John x
ReplyDeleteOh that goes without saying pat xxxas you will be
DeleteI think the psychological impact of the virus is going to be far-reaching for those of us who live alone. I rely on meeting up with friends and going out several times a week to keep me sane. The prospect of having to stay in my village and seeing little of other people fills me with dread. All the usual activities that I do have been cancelled and my week suddenly looks very empty. On a lighter note, I've got some loo roll if you're desperate!
ReplyDeleteYes Val.....I think you've articulated better thank have
DeleteOne safe activity is to phone people and talk their ear off! I bet there will be more reaching out that way.
ReplyDeletei don't get the tp horders. if they need that much toilet paper they must have something much worse than coronavirus wrong with them.
ReplyDeleteI'm a flushable wet wipe guy myself
DeleteThe Australian product has been found to be not really flushable and is causing costly sewer blockage probelms,just a heads up.
DeleteI don't feel alone, I have the phone and the computer and we are all in this together.
ReplyDeleteWe are, and I feel better you say this x
DeleteWe've got blogging; that will keep us going. And you've got a job and work to think about. So not all lonely days and doggie walks to see other doggie people.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteTry Face Timing. Seeing others electronically is not ideal but it can help with the loneliness we will all be feeling.
ReplyDeleteI've only just got on my feet
DeleteI think I am worried of slipping back to where I was
My man keeps cracking on about the Daily Herald on a nail at the bottom of the garden... no idea what he’s on about!?!
ReplyDeleteLX
It moves it around but it doesn't wipe it up
DeleteI welcome anything I can do to help mitigate this horrible curse, and, in the US, it is as if legislators are finally taking action. Sure, limits social life, but I would rather be part of a solution.
ReplyDeletePerhaps group video chats are a way forward
DeleteIts quite a sad feeling, all youth clubs have now been suspended for the kids. Im going to be doing decorating too with my spare time and continuing decluttering. Whats app is your friend. Just had my first video call with my parents it was fab
ReplyDeleteMaybe we all should whatsapp
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteI have my quilting and LOTS of fabric, quilting books, patterns, thread plus books to read. DH has books and his woodworking shop. Then there is Netflix and such in addition to DVDs and CDs. I agree about phone calls. They help.
ReplyDeleteYes, we're all in this together.
Hugs!
Thank you for that perspective x
DeleteI think we're all feeling out of sorts. No-one knows how this will pan out and for how long. I have so much I can fill my time with but the minute I'm told I have to stay home I want to go out! You are in the very fortunate position of living in a caring village, I too live in a smallish community but I can only imagine how awful this will be for people in high rise flats in city centres. This will pass - hopefully! Take care xx
ReplyDeleteYes I've got to stop feeling sorry
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteWhat's with all the deletions
DeleteSorry first was in the wrong spot, second was : we do not all have whatsapp, which seemed whiny and off point. Sorry.
DeleteI think there will be a lot of decorating done over the next few months while everyone is self isolating. If you have wattsapp on your mobile we can all drop you a text and drive you mad with trivial chit chat
ReplyDeleteThere's a plan I like! The Going Gently Group.
DeleteI will look into this
DeleteAh, well, most of us are in the same boat.
ReplyDeleteYes you are right dave ..perhaps we should FaceTime
DeleteOur family business, an Irish pub, has been closed today (take out food only) one day before the busiest day of the year. We are devastated for our employees but know it's necessary.
ReplyDeleteLike Barbara Anne, I'm a quilter and will be making comfort quilts for charity, walking, talking to my neighbours and getting my house ready to sell. I'm thinking about flying a kite too!
How dreadful.. so many people are going to struggle I hope the government supports everyone
DeleteThink folks are hoarding TP because they've no clue what else to do. Been in Florida for 20 years, and it took me a few storms to learn what to put on my Hurricane Shelf. That experience has helped me a lot in getting ready for this. I did do something I don't usually do when I'm "in the cone." I went through my medicine cabinet making sure I have everything I need and none of it's expired. Just amazing how much stuff I had that was 2 and 3 years past its expiring date. Yikes!
ReplyDeleteI'm trying to get fitter, too. I think it's important for all of us to try to be as healthy as possible, and I've not been attending to that the last year or so. So I've been walking again and eating less, trying to drop some weight and strengthen my cardiovascular system. I have asthma and generally take colds hard, so I'm worried about this virus. You have the right idea about keeping busy - books, gardening, using the phone and internet to keep in touch.
ReplyDeleteFrance is going into lockdown tomorrow and only French or legal residents are allowed in the country. How do I prove I'm a legal resident since I don't have the paperwork (can't apply until July as their site isn't up and running)? I may end up having to hide in my basement I guess. Then we ALL have to print off an attestation if we are out and about to say "going to work", "going to the shops" and so on and if we don't have it the first fines start at €38 and can then go up to over €100. I wonder how many will get caught out. Oh well, I've been meaning to clean out my basement for years and all that reading and quilting too so .... While I don't suppose any of us want to get stuck at home in such gorgeous weather it will only be for a finite time and it is in everyone's best interests isn't it.
ReplyDeleteI guess we all can exercise and get outside
DeletePlenty of good basic beginner yoga sessions on Utube to do at home or out in the fresh air with earphones. 😷😁
DeleteKeep on blogging, John. I don't have a smart phone or iPad, so no WhatsApp either. I'll be relying on reading your blogs to keep me sane! What's on your book list?
ReplyDeleteI will do a list tomorrow
DeleteIt's fantastic
I am apprehensive about what will be,but for myself isolation is not a problem.As long as I can walk my dogs and buy essentials I'll be fine.I don't go out much as I get exhausted.Walking an hour and a half daily and eating fairly healthily is all I can do.I too have a worrying shortage of loo roll.I cannot hold it for several months and may have to take desperate measures x
ReplyDeleteAfter you read the books, then you will have toilet paper.
ReplyDeletePractical as always
DeletePlease don't worry about slipping back as you mentioned in a reply earlier. You have proven to be much more strong and resilient than you felt capable of. We all are wanting to stay in touch, so we shall, and going through this together could very well result in our having even warmer closer feelings for each other. Chin up, gorgeous, we can do this ! xx oo -Mary
ReplyDeleteMary
DeleteOut of all my commentators I feel you tick my box more than anyone else xxx
Email me jgsheffield@hotmail.com
DeleteWhat a pleasure seeing your reply to me is, I'm quite touched, thank you. Opening my email to send you a note now. Sleep well when you do, and have sweet dreams. - Mary
DeleteI look forward to getting it
DeleteJohn, you will be fine. You have built up a multi-national band of followers. And if there are fun ways of getting through this together, you'll find them.
ReplyDeleteI just wanted a moan
DeleteI think of my grandmother, stuck in a two-room cabin four miles from the nearest hamlet with two children under the age of four, during the 1918 Spanish flu epidemic. I really believe I'll be just fine, especially with the input from John and all his friends.
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing what we can do when we have to. Just think of the zip wire you did for the Samaritans last year, how you were dreading it and then, so I understand, didn't think it was as bad as you thought. Another time to tighten the bra straps?
ReplyDeleteJoan. Xx
DeleteYes, trying times.
ReplyDeleteAs an elderly person (69 in 2 months) with a portfolio of relevant health problems
1. Insulin dependent diabetic
2. Blood pressure
3. Smoker
4. Recent prostate cancer radiotherapy with on-going hormone injections
I'm probably going to be told to self-isolate for quite a long time.
The virus has already fucked up my DFDS ferry to Amsterdam for St Patricks Day (mini-cruises cancelled) and looks set to fuck up the next Amsterdam trip for Kings Day (27 April) as well as a cruise in May and a holiday to Fuerteventura in June.
And I've nearly run out of toilet rolls.
Ok I will shut the fuck up
DeleteJohn, I keep telling myself "this too shall pass". I live rural, and really don't like going into town when things are normal, now that things are shut down, it makes me want to go...silly.
ReplyDeleteOur weather is cold and rainy, when it clears up I am hoping people feel more hopeful. It just seems
so sad right now. I am leaning into the teachings of my grandma and parents.
Hope you and the pets stay well, and be happy.
Joyce in Indiana
I am being selfish
DeleteAfter all..I'm just back on my feet
Wanting to go to empty towns, funny you should mention that Joyce. I see pictures of empty roads because people are not going to work, and I want to go out in the car and drive on them.
DeleteGood plan, John! The world may well be embarking on spending their times on self-improvement, so collectively may come out all the better for it. At the very minimum we do hope to tackle some of those book piles about the place.
ReplyDeleteLet's support each other in this journey x
DeleteYes, no matter where we live, we are all in this together. I, for one, am very grateful for the internet and blogs right now!
ReplyDeleteBonnie, you are so right
DeleteQUOTE: "I'm going to get fucking fit"
ReplyDeleteCOMMENT: You mean like Giacomo Casanova? Or maybe Mick Hucknall from Simply Red.
Sod
DeleteI will be writing about my Health Problems and what I have been doing for years...... but the Blogs make me feel like I am talking with friends.
ReplyDeleteparsnip xx
First time commenting though i've been a reader for some time, i'm not one to comment usually as i'm socially awkward and it makes me a bit anxious. My wife and I are used to being in most of the time but it does make the situation all the more real knowing we can't really go out, my wife is in the at risk category so of course we'll stay home. We've a 10 month old baby to occupy so i'm sure we'll be kept busy, it's our family we'll miss as nearly every household in our family has an at risk person. Maybe this will inspire closeness in family again, I like the thought of chatting about books, tv shows and films with them almost like a book club and writing letters to my elderly uncle as he has a difficult time hearing over the phone. Not everything about this virus has to be bad, I hope anyway!
ReplyDeleteI think it's normal to be worried about slipping backwards and I can understand your concern and need to express it. I do think though that you are adored by your readers, you write and people are listening and always reaching back to you. You've no shortage of friends John from all over the world, you've got yourself books to read to occupy yourself and i'm sure there is people out there who would love to hear your opinions of them. Sort of like an internet book club or like your film and theatre reviews that invite discussion. Sorry for the ramble i'm going to send this before I convince myself not to.
Thank you for reaching out for this, your first time.
DeleteI'm trying not to feel selfish but I don't want go to that black place I was in 18 months ago. Xxx
You won't go back to that black place as they were different circumstances then. Your whole world had crashed down and although you teetered on the edge you didn't actually cross the threshold. I am ordering you to keep busy and stay positive.
DeleteI don't think it's selfish at all to worry about yourself John, any who have had a dark time in their lives fear going back to that. All I can say is you are not alone, I know with all the restrictions it might seem it and I know not being able to keep yourself busy out of the house makes things more difficult and amplifies the feeling. The good thing is you are being proactive, you've a solid network of friends and i'm sure by the sounds of it you've plenty to keep yourself busy. We're all going to have to be a bit creative I think to stave off cabin fever and boredom but in the end this will pass and our lives can resume perhaps with even more appreciation for them.
DeleteReading the blogs is so helpful to me! I thank all of you who take the time to share your lives and pictures and stories with me! It has lifted me up many, many times and it will lift us up now! Stay safe and be kind! You are really terrific!
ReplyDeleteJohn, if you get stuck in your sweet home, you can begin writing that book we've been encouraging you to write, based on your blog wisdom and musings, and the views of the village and your 4 legged family members. You're an excellent writer after all!
ReplyDeleteHugs!
Someone posted online: Our grandparents were sent to war. We’ve been sent to the couch! We can do it!
ReplyDeleteIve been living by this❤️
omgosh....that is so true! This will be my mantra! Thank you for this. Yes, we can do this!
DeleteThat is utterly brilliant. It's a mantra we should all be adopting. Thanks for sharing it.
DeleteSuperb, Suz.
DeleteI think we all are in a little state of shock today. I am realizing how spoiled I am... just from the simple things I do. Yes, you are barely on your feet but...you ARE on your feet! We can do this!
ReplyDeleteLove your blog. Don't worry, SPRING is here, the flowers are starting to bloom and life will go on. Looking forward to your book list.
ReplyDeleteLiz
I think I know how you're feeling because my office is going to be closed until April 1st and there will be no paid leave unless I take my vacation time. I'm feeling down, and so I've just eaten 4 cookies, and am eyeing another.... Little comfort.
ReplyDeleteSWMBO has recorded tons of movies. I'm okay.
ReplyDeleteI get it. Isolation sucks when you are alone. The Gymnast came over twice today just to bump. I felt a bit empty when she couldn't stay. I love biking I will be doing that as soon as the weather breaks. But by then I will probably have gained ten pounds because other then bumping, eating seems to be my new pass time.
ReplyDeleteIt is amazing to read all these comments from all over the world and see yes we are all indeed in this together. All the best to you and thanks for providing a place to share thoughts.
ReplyDeleteFunnily I made a decision yesterday to listen to The Archers. I haven't listened for decades, so no doubt all the characters will be new, but I thought it give us something different to do.
ReplyDeleteThe scene between Linda and Lilian was incredibly moving
DeleteIt's like going back to a village you used to live in, you can soon catch up. Plus, there is now this: http://www.thearchers.co.uk to help you get up to date.
DeleteI've taken up yoga via youtube vids. The breathing portions are calming. The social engagements that were coming down the pike have been suspended. It's a bit of a lonely time. Beach trips have helped. Be well. x
ReplyDeleteAnd our pets expect us to carry on and wait on them just as if nothing's changed!
ReplyDeleteLiving in N.W.Italy we have been in a lockdown situation for nearly 3 weeks. I live alone so don't feel the isolation as much as others. Even so, it's now getting to me and although I have books to read, tv to watch, dvds etc. it's a crazy situation. It will be interesting to see when it finally begins to cease just how people's attitudes change and so, so sadly how suicide numbers are affected. Keep a sense of humour, a glass of wine and a difficult jigsaw puzzle and we will get through this. Much love & fondest thoughts - Ro xxx
ReplyDeleteChin up and keeping singing out of the window x
DeleteNo bike-riding here. And even sunbathing in communal gardens is being monitored by drone. Strange times. May it pass quickly. We'll keep visiting here.
ReplyDeleteGoogle video chat (you have my gmail address, and Facetime, no reason to sun up the phone bill. For many of us our primary socal contacts are work, and increasingly online. The dogs will keep you busy.
ReplyDeleteI think everyone is scared deep down, uncertain of what will happen. Bike riding sounds excellent.
ReplyDeleteTits up, keep writing, sending hugs.
If it helps, John, we are all in this together. Enjoy the bike rides!!
ReplyDeleteYou're doing the right thing, though, by finding positive ways to spend your time!
ReplyDeleteIt's only just beginning here in Vancouver, but won't we be able to go for walks with friends, for example? Have a picnic on a log? Or even have friends over who have already self-isolated for a period?
ReplyDeleteJocelyn
Shirley a walk is ok
DeleteSurely
DeleteBottom line is, this will suck, at times, but it is the right thing to do to beat this impressive bastard of a virus. Plus it gives us all a chance to catch up with people and do things we need to get done.
ReplyDeleteI am in the US where some people who do not understand science still went on spring break, etc. Typhoid Mary's in the making I tell you.
On a fun note, my son did his first virtual instruction today. He couldn't believe how fast we were done. A huge thanks has to go out to the teachers getting everything together, and with help from aides like me haha, packets/computers were sent home and teachers have their Google Classrooms all set.
Truth be told, I think this is going to turn education and other things on its head. For better or for worse.
Hi John. I also live in a remote rural area and do find it scary to think that I will see no one for weeks.
ReplyDeleteHowever Spring arriving and I can get out of the house - I don't think I will put the sheep at risk !
I look forward to reading your blog on a daily basis.
Take care and keep blogging xx
You've got your wee furry friends to keep you company....
ReplyDeleteI think we'll all get through a hell of a lot of books in the next few months.
We are all in this together John and like all things this to will pass, a good time to get the painting done and small jobs that have been on the back burner, your lucky to have your garden space to enjoy, your bigger than all these things I look up to you and all you have accomplished, so keep looking forward don't look back.
ReplyDeleteI’m trying a meet up in an unpeopled park where some of us who are vulnerable but not coughing bring our own deck chairs and coffee flasks and keep the requisite double arms length from each other. I’m in southern Australia though and it’s still 20+C. Might depend on good weather?
ReplyDelete