The supermarkets here in Wales are only selling “essential“ items at the moment.
Essential goods are not flowers and so Ive had to raid the last of the garden flowers in order to satisfy my need.
I know its not a big gripe but I will find it hard without flowers
I had a phone call yesterday from TRACK & TRACE .
A very nice and efficient lady informed me I had been tracked as a possible Covid at risk person and needed to isolate for the next ten days
I informed work immediately
luckily I have no symptoms, and to be honest I feel that I have already had the virus but the rules are rules and I am locked down at home until the 6th of November.
An hour after I informed the village whats app group that I was isolating
a bag of crisps, two scotch eggs, a packet of coconut macaroons and a large bunch of grapes had been left at the kitchen wall drop off point.
This morning another villager left some dog food for me with no mention of being paid
But ten days locked down at home!
Lord!
I’ve dug out one of the jigsaws my sister gave me, and will start that today.
The pile of paperbacks at the foot of the new trendy couch await my reading too.
so what HAVE I done ?
cooked myself eggs on avocado on toast,
read the news-online,
gave Mary her anti fungal bath and cream,
cleaned dog splattered bathroom,
started my jigsaw ( titled quite tweely as The Christmas tea rooms)
cleaned kitchen, bedroom and made a fire
fed dogs
walked Mary and Dorothy across fields away from the village population
made leak and potato soup.
wrote blog and a Haiku ( for a bet)
did two loads of washing
replied to 20 or so texts
looked at the clock
shit
its only
12.55pm
* *. *. * * *
At 5pm Monika from London Road brought me some homemade rogaliki
beautifully delicate Polish pastries!
Hopefully you have no symptoms to come. Enjoy your time and relax. Cook and bake and enjoy your lovely animals!
ReplyDeletefingers crossed x
DeleteHow to Stop Time is a fab read John.
ReplyDeleteso i shall put it on my list first x
DeleteFor me it would be the thought that I HAD to be in, not that I GOT to be in. We are enjoying having a jigsaw puzzle on the table and I have lots of good books to read as well as plenty of flours and recipes to make interesting new breads. I have also found many TV series on the web for us to watch - not liking to have regular TV on at the moment. Enjoy your mini-staycation!
ReplyDeleteim going to go stir crazy
DeleteTake care John! It is good to see the support from the village friends. Hopefully this is just an abundance of caution.
ReplyDeleteStrangely, at first glance I thought "How to Stop Time" was by Matt Haggis. Now I fancy a bit of haggis!
this afternoon monika brought me some Polish home made pastries
Deletethey were called rogaliki
DeleteTime to catch up on some needed sleep and rest after the 'nights'.
ReplyDeleteLooks like you will be busy.
Sending positive energy your way, John.
im going to read everybafternoon and rest
Deletei promise
I very much doubt that coconut macaroons can be classed as "essential" but I could be wrong about that. As for flowers, why not order some fake ones from Amazon? They will last for years. See what's available:-
ReplyDeletehttps://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=artificial+flower&crid=1B9U35S832O2P&sprefix=artific%2Caps%2C210&ref=nb_sb_ss_i_3_7
they were much appreciated anyway
DeleteHere's something interesting. My sister is a surgical nurse. It's a small hospital, so her department is perhaps a dozen people. Someone tested positive for covid. They tested everyone. Another person tested positive. As small as the department is, they have all been physically exposed to covid. Since they are all considered essential, (although the vast majority of their surgeries are elective), they still work every day. ALl of them.
ReplyDeletedebby , all nurses wear PPE so are deemed safe
Deleteif colleagues are tested positive
I don't understand either, can't you be tested rather than isolate when you may not / probably don't have Covid ?
Deleteno .you only get tested if you have symptoms
Deleteit baffles me too...
DeleteSupposedly the Government is sending quick testing kit for all the (you) wonderful health care workers on the frontlines in Arizona. So you don't have to wait 2 weeks. That would work so much better for you.
DeleteLove all the gifts on your wall.
xx
The problem with at least one of the quick testing kits is that it can produce many false negatives; this was one of the reasons the virus ran rampant in the White House. (The President being an ignorant anti-masker was, of course, another reason.) Plus, the test is only a snapshot in time; one can be negative today and positive a few days later, being infectious to others in the meantime. Isolating is the safest course. Carol in Philadelphia
Deletedammit! but the NY art deco book looks interesting. how will you walk the girls?
ReplyDeletei will continue to walk them but in the fields down the lane away from everyone
Deletehattie and Trendy carol have already walked Mary
Better safe than sorry, although not the way you needed to get a break. Hearing on the radio this morning that any immunity gained might not last that long, which is a pity
ReplyDeletei am sure i had it in march , before testing was available
DeleteIt's a COVID vacation! The isolation is the bummer. No symptoms is good news. Ten days with the fur kids and essentials+ from the generous villagers... hopefully the time will pass quickly and you will be back to the norm. Nice floral arrangement with beautiful colors.
ReplyDeleteid rather be at work susan but i get your point x
DeleteBe well John! what an amazing village you live in and it shows how well you are loved there. what a fabulous community
ReplyDeletei have been spoilt
DeleteOh! I want to read that Matt Haig book so bad!
ReplyDeleteit seems to have a big following, i will start it tomorrow
DeleteTo ease your isolation ... perhaps try doing a video reading of that book for those interested in it! Your own audio book ... that would surely help you pass these 10 days and so many love hearing your voice!
DeleteJust a suggestion!
The book may be a goer
DeleteI agree. You have a beautiful voice.
DeleteOMG that was so very efficient!
ReplyDeleteAnd the sense of community is fantastic. Really. I'm sure we'll have another lockdown here in America soon. Cases are spiking and Hair Furor keeps having vanity rallies and being the Super Spreader in chief. Ugh.
Love the idea of doing puzzles and reading these ten days. The doggies are gonna love having you home!
XOXO
i need some more iideas to pass the time
Deleteany ideas?
Write real, physical letters to friends and family. Who wouldn't enjoy a surprise greeting in the mail?
DeleteBooks and scotch eggs - what more do you need?
ReplyDeleterussell crowe
DeleteI hope this proves to simply be precautionary and that you don't have Covid! Or, if you do, that your symptoms will be mild. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteweve been here before xx
DeleteYour village is full of dear people. Now is a good time to take up knitting!
ReplyDeletewith my coordination?
DeleteI’ve been knitting my way through Covid...for seven months. Thankfully I discovered you tube. I do get out for food shopping now and then to break the monotony.
ReplyDeleteYour flowers are cheering me up. Catch up on sleep now that it’s darker.
yes, i have been more tired of late x
DeleteYou get to stay home for 10 days?? I'm envious. I'm out onto slippery, snowy roads in winter weather this morning and for the next 2 days. Keep well. -Kate
ReplyDeleteyou are welcome to my incarceration
DeleteHonestly, I'd love to be locked down at this point, I've got so many plates spinning. By the looks of it, the neighbors have got your essentials ready to go, assuming those grapes are intended for winemaking! I know your social-butterfly self will chafe at the isolation, but it's still better than the alternative of either having or spreading this plague. What a world!
ReplyDeleteI just realized I've read How to Stop Time. I'll be very interested in your review!
Deletewatch this space x
DeleteI would try looking at it as 10 days to pamper yourself how you will. Like napping and lolling about.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful and loving neighborhood you are in. To feel so loved, a good feeling.
i will put on a face pack later
DeleteNow that you've written the above, those twitching curtains (there must be some) will be following your every move!
ReplyDeleteoh yes
DeleteThe time will probably go quicker than you think.
ReplyDeletei hope so jean ,
DeleteYou'd be lucky to find flowers as lovely and rainbow coloured as that in a supermarket! And hard pressed to find neighbours as good anywhere - but you know that already.
ReplyDeletemonika from the village has just dropped off some homemade polish pastries
DeleteHmmmm... Might I suggest either slowing down or taking a nap?
ReplyDeleteive had a short one in the armchair next to the fire
Deletei dribbled
Interesting. They didn't happen to tell you who might have infected you, did they?
ReplyDeleteno they dont tell you
Deletebut i know it was someone that shares my social bubble
no ones fault
Weather permitting walking those fields away from villagers would be a healthy way to spend a lot of time. Is this to be a paid leave of absence or will it cost you a week's pay? Wishing all the best for you,-Mary
ReplyDeleteno, the hospice will pay us, nurses that have to isolate
Deletewhich is nice of them
i think its the same in the nhs
Oh no, what a nightmare. Did they contact you through the covid 19 app? I find the track and trace confusing where do they get your number from? I'm dreading them contacting me. The Julie Walters book I really enjoyed. Hope the time goes quick for you. I plan to clear my wardrobes if i get track and traced lol theres plenty of decluttering for me to do.
ReplyDeleteyes i was phones and informed by app
Deletei will text the app each day to tell them if i am symptom clear
My daughters best friend has just tested positive, waiting for school to contact to say there on isolation. Luckily her friend is ok and only suffered mild symptoms.
DeleteFingers crossed
Deletethe magic wall delivers again! i hope you are well.
ReplyDeleteso far no symptoms x
Delete"Hair Furor" - that is precious. Thank you Sixpence Notthewiser.
ReplyDeleteWeavinfool and I have been locked down for several months and some of it is actually enjoyable. Enjoy your isolation as much as you can.
welcome mr mz Ham
Deletei will indeed try my friend
Everywhere will be locked down again....its already starting. Us humans can't contain ourselves.... epsecially us Americans who can't go more then two days in lockdown apparently or wear mask.
ReplyDeletelook after yourself maddie, this world is much mire colourful with you in it
DeleteAs a nurse w no symptoms, are you not exempt?
ReplyDeleteno my contact apparently wasnt at work
Deleteam glad to hear you're no covid positive and that this 10 days of staying home is a precaution. Might you paint one of your rooms while at home?
ReplyDeleteI LOVE that your neighbors have put essentials and treats on the magic wall. How sweet it is!
Books and sewing (making quilts of various sizes) keeps me from going nuts. I have a wonderful fabric stash but may need to soon buy thread.
Hugs!
yes, good idea the hall upstairs needs a lick of yellow
DeleteI love being home but I do get restless from time to time so I go walking. I should walk every day but I don't. Potato leek soup is my favorite soup. I also enjoy puzzles. Stay negative.
ReplyDeletei will walk the dogs , but away from the village, i think thats allowed
DeleteYou made me laugh John and I know just how you feel. Many a morning I've been for a walk and then come home and done all sorts in the house. When I look at the clock and it says 10.30 I know it's going to be a very long day.
ReplyDeleteit reminds me ofbthe end of the first act of Shirley Valentine
DeleteI love that movie!
DeleteHugs!
I enjoy being busy doing nothing but you enjoy the company of others-perhaps you can wave to people from your window John x
ReplyDeletedone that today ++++
DeleteI'm sorry. I've taken to reading, or skimimg, on old book a day here.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the much needed time off... blog,blog,blog, we are here...
ReplyDeleteLXX
and i will continue to bore you all silly x
DeleteTen days of isolation sounds pretty nice, to be honest. :) Enjoy them as much as possible!
ReplyDeletespoken by someone who isnt single x
DeleteI would love to be locked down for 10 days. Do think Firefly could sit still that long though.
ReplyDeleteits a long time for a single guy bathwater x
DeleteLove the support you are receiving - and deplore its necessity.
ReplyDeleteyes half full, half full
DeleteI've just added walking around New York with John on my bucket list inspired by the book in your stack. I hope you don't mind. We have been under fairly strict restrictions since March, it is starting to get to me. Inventive bucket list items are a momentary respite.
ReplyDeleteinadore new york
Deletemy last favourite walk in the city was an afternoons stroll on the raised railway walkway
Oh, I have been there, WONDERFUL,
DeleteI have 'How to Stop Time' waiting to be read as well and I would love to read the Julie Walters book - she is such a funny lady. How lovely and supportive your villagers are. I hope you continue to feel well and don't go too stir crazy
ReplyDeleteyes the walters book is second on mylist
DeleteHow the hell did you accomplish all that by 12:55?!? Sorry about your personal lockdown. I'd suggest you keep yourself busy, but I have no clue what else you could do with your time. Slow down a little maybe? Wishing you stay well and don't drive yourself crazy. We now have a curfew (11 pm to 6 am). Not much covid activity anywhere near us, but life kind of sucks right now.
ReplyDeletethis afternoon ive made meatballs
Deletewatched a movie WINCHESTER 73 with James Stuart and Shelley winters
and played at my jigsaw
You live among very good people.
ReplyDeletei do
DeleteGood Luck
ReplyDeleteand to you dearheart
DeleteI certainly hope you do not come down with it. However, in the meantime take it as a time to relax, read and putter around the cottage. It does sound like you won't go hungry with your wonderful friends and neighbors!
ReplyDeletePS
You sure got a lot done this morning!
and a few more things thus afternoon, nothing tonight except tv and blog replies
DeleteIf you have to hibernate for a while your cozy home and village is probably the best place to be with everyone rallying around and bearing gifts, if the shoe was on the other foot you would be out there doing the same.
ReplyDeleteStay safe John better times ahead.
Will you get paid?
ReplyDeleteyes, thank goodness
DeleteThat's good. Take care.
DeleteA fine opportunity... to start writing a book...
ReplyDeleteMy sister told me that
DeleteWell a good boy should always listen to his sister. If you just got into it a little bit and it took hold of you, ten days would fly by... and if it didn't take hold of you well at least you will have given it a try. Who knows... in retrospect they may prove to have been some of the most influential 10 (well 9 now) days of your life... (End of my Mr Motivator sermon - you can get back to sitting watching films and bingeing on those coconut macaroons :)
DeleteI think planning it will be the hard thing
DeleteBut I have ideas now....thank you x
Ah well, I'd say just start, write something, then it may flow.
DeleteYou’re the man that knows
DeleteI will xx
Thank u
I'd say, if I may be so presumptuous as to offer advice, don't stress for a single moment over what to start with because even if it doesn't end up anywhere in the final product it will still be a start. To paraphrase another saying... A book of 70000 words begins with one keystroke. There may never be a better time.
DeleteX
DeleteSorry yo're having to isolate, but glad you're symptom free. How about a bit of drawing to while away some of the time. Try to capture your furry friends, or your wonderful neighbours. You could repay them with a John original! Take care. Try to enjoy the enforced rest. xx
ReplyDeleteMy sisters are the arty ones... I will design my chess set I think, I’ve been planning them for ages
DeleteBathroom renovation planning?
ReplyDeleteBest wishes for your lockdown.
No money for the bathroom as yet! (Vets bills and Bluebell MOT )
DeleteRead, relax, play with dogs, blog, time will fly by. Take care and stay well.
ReplyDeleteAll I need is dry weather, it’s wet everyday x thanks for the postcard btw xx
DeleteGlad it arrived, blog post about the cards soon
DeleteLoved it
DeleteBut planning takes time, not necessarily money. I understand if you prefer not to plan too far out as it is always so hard to wait once you know exactly what you want! On the bright side, if you're home other expenses may be down.
ReplyDeleteI already know the fixtures and stuff...remember the Ikea trip .?
DeleteThanks for jogging my memory. I just focused in the gorgeous blue sofa ;)
DeleteBeing in the US I have just downloaded your Trace App... I'm curious if it will work here in California through the NHS. I just had a covid test as they are free here with no waiting in line and I got the results in about 17 hours.
ReplyDeleteTen days on lockdown at home, that is rough. How does Covid testing affect that, I wonder. Your village neighbors are such helpful dears. Be well.
ReplyDeleteI am guessing there is some kind of financial allowance to encourage you to isolate. That was a problem here until people could receive money while not being able to work. I would have thought you would have a COVID test and only isolate until a negative result came back.
ReplyDeleteNo there isn’t
DeleteBother! You didn't need that John - but I'm mightily relieved you are getting paid.
ReplyDeleteBetween writing a book (can I put in a pre-order now, please) and getting on with the chess set, those ten/nine days will positively fly by. A friend in the New Forrest has just finished self-publishing her third book, and I was a proof reader for her again.... I'm happy to offer my services for free. I have grammatical and apostrophe OCD!!
I do hope you stay well throughout your enforced rest.
Thank u deArheart
DeleteNo Insentive andrew....
ReplyDeletebut the hospice will pay me which is kind
I hope you stay symptom free John, my granddaughter the Hospice nurse,has just completed her ten days isolation after testing positive for the virus. When she lost her taste and couldn't smell, she knew.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your rest, and stay well.
Jo
Thanks jo x
DeleteTry to enjoy your time at home choosing to do what ever it is you want to. Enforced isolation is a pain but when do you ever get to spend 10 days doing whatever you want usually. Glad you are symptom free; long may it stay that way.
ReplyDeleteAlso want to add that you are one productive guy.. how you get all that done in a morning I don't know.
Jo in Auckland
I like to tick boxes
DeleteLook after yourself John. I've got the Matt Haig book, really enjoyed it xx
ReplyDeleteI’m starting it tomorrow over a cup of tea and a polish fancy
DeleteOoo!-a Polish fancy!-you lucky man x
ReplyDeleteI could say this is time for a well-earned rest but you've started your day with a positive frenzy of activity! The book pile is shouting at you, so do heed it ... Our local Saturday market has a new food stall - a fellow selling Scotch eggs! I've never seen one here in my life and now I'll be tripping over them every weekend.
ReplyDeleteI promise to slow down
DeleteThat will be a long stint. Take it easy. I hope the village empties their flower gardens for you.
ReplyDeleteIs it sad to say I'm jealous? I have a pile if books and lots of shows on the dvr and would be happy to park my butt at home.
ReplyDeleteI hope though that you will get paid. You are lucky to have such nice friends, dropping off such nice treats.
Julie
Gosh ... all those hours and days stretching out ahead of you. Keep busy, but do everything slower, and lots of doggy walks are going to be the only way to stay sane. I hope you stay safe. Xx
ReplyDeleteBloody hell. Ten days is a long time. Fingers crossed you don't get covid and sending hugs.
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