To be frustrated by Gransnet comment?

I asked my DD if shopworkers sometimes say things to her like 'You can do that on our website' or 'You could look for that online', when she's making an enquiry of some kind.

'Yes' she said.

And do they ever start by saying 'Er, do you have internet, at all?' ?

Immediate guffaws from both.

(It's usually said very tactfully and I appreciate the thought, but it amuses me.)

Aside from the patronising assumption that we are all stuck at home with time on our hands (which we clearly are not) it's not the most sensible time to be decluttering when it's not that easy to get rid of the things we no longer need.

Some charities, but by no means all, are offering freepost and drop off points but it all means non-essential journeys and contact which .... er .... we are not supposed to be doing right now. Same goes for selling stuff on eBay which will require a trip to the Post Office, standing in a long queue with other people. Bad timing Gransnet.

Not in paid empoyment doesn't mean not working. What would the voluntary sector do without all those retired volunteers?

Then there are those providing childcare, caring for ill and disabled family members. The things that we are busy with during the day are helpful and productive.

Yes, now and again we say to hell with everything else and sit down and have a break.

As for lockdown, I have still to run out of things to do.

Maggiemaybe. I agree with the physio lecture comment. I think NanaLyn you are just trying to defend your daughter. I think almost no-one would have read Maggie's anecdote and felt hostile to physios. Most of us have found them really compassionate and helpful over the years.

And I for one, did laugh at your obviously light hearted tale Maggie

Thank you, NotSpaghetti. I really wouldn't criticise any of the wonderful people who have helped me since I broke my shoulder - I had first class care and attention from all of them. I suppose if you have to trip over a tree root, the best time to do it is when A & E is very quiet!

Sorry Maggiemay

I didn't mean to sound as if I was lecturing you and had no intention to cause any offense! I thought that your physio had really p****d you off and was just trying to stick up for her.

Sincere apologies to anyone I may have offended.

NannaLyn, I understand exactly where you were coming from.

With police officers in the family my inner tiger mother starts roaring when I see criticism of them (just about every day)! right back at you.

I mean for you as well, of course, not throwing them back at you! Oh dear, I’d better get to bed...

I know what you mean.

Night night. Sleep well.

I’m not getting older, but I would like to know when the NHS started employing 12 year old doctors

Seriously, they all look so young these days!

While I agree that all grans are not stay at homes, I didn't read the newsletter as being assuming so. We all do have a bit more time at home because we are not out socializing or doing other activities, therefore more time to organize our space.

Although I do agree that Gransnet markets to those grans that are retired and at home. If you assume the average age of first grandchild at 52-55, quite a few of us grans have 10 more years in the workforce.

Namsnanny

Ooo I do wish you had said that Maggiemaybe.
I would love to have heard her reply.

I wonder what the question would be to a 20+yold?

And can you still do .........?? Answers on a postcard please!

Knitting has made a large resurgence in 20 and 30 somethings. Pre-pandemic knitting classes were always full, I know, I tried to get in to learn!

? and some of us aren't even Grans...

Thank you all for your wonderful responses! So many amusing ones amongst them. I did have a good few smiles.

I am a gran to two lovely grandchild but have years of work to go (I believe!) sorry for not responding more yesterday - I had a lovely walk but then got caught up in two work situations even though I was officially off yesterday, and completing another training module for CPD which we still have to do. We lost one of my team as well last week very suddenly (massive stroke) so definitely more sensitive than usual.

@maggiemaybe - I would have been tempted to ask where she would like the knitting needles inserted! I do enjoy knitting and have done throughout my life though.

@Eloethan - suicide is a massive risk currently with so many groups - we work with vulnerable adults, many of which are high risk, and mental health issues are growing exponentially at the moment.

Anyway, good to hear I’m not the only one who doesn’t appreciate the stereotyping! And yes volunteers are massively important. We couldn’t manage at my work without them!

Now back to sleep if my brain will stop over thinking ....

@canadiangran - erm “all have more time...” hmmm wish I could find it!!

DD regularly knits items for me. I have several pairs of fingerless gloves to help deal with my Raynauds Syndrome, cosy socks and she is currently knitting me a gorgeous sweater.

Pre-pandemic knitting classes were always full, I know, I tried to get in to learn!

Our craft group had a waiting list pre-pandemic and they were going to split it into two groups. Not just knitting, though, there were various types of crafts and skill levels but always someone willing to help.

I'm looking forward to being able to meet up again.

it's not the most sensible time to be decluttering when it's not that easy to get rid of the things we no longer need.
Hejira that's my valid excuse for not doing it.

My 76 year old pal is a physio and is still working.. p/t but still working!

I set up my own consultancy ,working from home, since I retired' 10 years ago. I think there are many of us in a similar situation here. As someone has pointed out adverts/ focus groups/ journos etc. use lazy stereotypes across all ag groups. Annoying because sometimes others believe it is true!

I probably fit the stereotype.
How very annoying!!

Cali

Hejira it's not the most sensible time to be decluttering when it's not that easy to get rid of the things we no longer need

Sorry, a bit off thread. A perfect time for some things. We have sold loads of books and DVDs to various internet sites (I think both books and DVDs quietly breed in our house). Just parcel them up as required and you can arrange pick up from the house.

Freecycle - this week I gave away a Halogen oven, 2 lots of hair straighteners that have never been used and a big mirror. There is no contact with anyone, we just leave things in the porch and they come and take them away.

I don't really understand selling on eBay but lots of people use that for decluttering.

DH was working until his heart attack in November. He is 77. He intends to return to work once he has fully recovered.

He is a consultant engineer and the work is done from home and is mainly reviewing plans and documents.

I am on the committee of the county archaeological society and we are still busy organising online lectures and research projects. I haven't even started on any craft projects.

Regarding the knitting comment I might have said ‘no, I leave that sort of thing to my other half’. I think it is good to lightheartedly challenge stereotypes.

Ageism is still rampant, we are on the way to beating racism and homophobia and other isms, but this one has a way to go.

What are these ‘shreddies’ that we are supposed to be knitting? I thought it was a breakfast cereal!