Is it just me?

One unlooked for advantage is the improvement in my finger nails! They've been splitting and flaking for months and nothing I've tried has made any difference. I've had to keep them so short you'd be forgiven for thinking I've been biting them! Suddenly, at least in the last three weeks anyway, they are looking so much better and actually growing! No flaking! My diet hasn't changed much and I don't think I'm any less stressed, so who knows? I'm really pleased, though. ??

I wish I could enjoy it my DH and I are supermarket workers so nothing has changed for us we are working as usual.

I too can see that some good has come from the lockdown - the best of human nature showing in so many ways for a start . I do however feel very worried about our schoolchildren. They will be the ones to suffer, particularly if the lockdown were to continue & they didn’t return to school until September. At that point they would all be moving up a year . New classes, new teachers - many children , especially those with anxieties would struggle . They are already missing out academically & socially, especially those that are an only child . Of course I understand fully the reason we have closed schools - it’s still a worry?

Polnan,Of course this lockdown will be very difficult for you. At a time when you most need people you cannot have them. And for all the others in the same position or facing other problems and difficulties alone.

But

I confess, that I am quite enjoying it. Ihave a huge list of things to get on with in the garden, house and some research projects I have. DH is working still from home and the weather is glorious.

In our village, far fewer cars but everyone is out exercising so I am meeting many more people when out walking and we all exchange the time of day and I have had several (socially distanced) conversations with fellow villagers I have never spoken to before.

Apart from thinking of the people who are stuck in flats with no space around them, I am enjoying gardening,and doing things which havent been done for a while, not having to rush to do things all at once is lovely,I also love the fact we arent spending as much money! Now what are we going to do with it all at the end of this?!!
I miss planning, which is my favourite hobby, lets hope soon we can plan ahead and enjoy life, even if it is going to be different.

Me too Polan DH died 3 months ago so it’s difficult having no face to face contact .However I’m thankful he didn’t have to go through this or even worse become ill with Covid 19 and I would not have been able to be with him during his last days .
I’m not enjoying this enforced isolation at all , but at least it seems to be working . I can’t bring myself to clear cupboards but spending time gardening and generally doing nothing .I’m concerned how we are going to get out again , and so worried for my DD and SiL as they are both self employed with no money yet as promised . Also worried that one of my GD (8) is enjoying home schooling too much ,she never liked going to school?

I feel the same as Hetty58 but we are lucky to be living in a quiet village in a semi rural area and we have a large garden. I would hate to be living in a town or a propery with no garden, as does one of our sons with three small children. So more than ever we appreciate how fortunate we are.

Not being able to go out and socialise doesn't really bother us. Apart from walking the dog once a day we have not been out for eight weeks and are quite happy to remain at home until we feel it is safe to mix with other people again. The end of lockdown is often spoken of in terms of weeks, we feel it should be months, at least until there have been no new CV cases throughout the UK for at least three weeks. That could be a long time away and I know it would be very unpopular with many people. But easing up on restrictions too soon eg. while new cases are still occuring, is madness. We still don't know enough about this virus to predict its longterm progress and future threat.

lizzypop

My nails have grown also!

I am glad you put concern for others.
So many who are suffering because of coronavirus or the knock on effect..
Extremely vulnerable,we are not able to go out.
So would love the quiet walks but not going.
Family of key workers,.one on I T U,and one on dedicated ward for covid19.
Lots of reasons why I am not enjoying it,but will abide by it.
Hope everyone is well and staying safe.

I’d say there was a huge number of people for whom this awful saga is nothing more than a minor inconvenience - which is why the country is in the state it is - they have no empathy or consideration for others and are generally inward looking self serving individuals. And this applies across all sociology economic sectors

I'm ok with it. But we're shielding so confined to the house and garden. It's lovely to have a garden and DH is happy but not getting out but I find it very frustrating not to be able to help or visit the offspring. Not to be able to see friends. And especially not to be able to use our lovely campervan which is parked frustratingly on the drive outside.

One thing I have noticed is that people walking in the lane outside no long stomp past arguing on their phones, no F***s every other word. They chat nicely. To start with people went past with their heads down ignoring each other but now everyone seems more at ease. Even at three metres apart. They pass the time of day and converse. Even if it means walking up the road with one on the pavement and one in the middle of the road! The quiet is calming everyone down.

Calendargirl Well, isn't that strange? ?

Good for you, Parky! Into the sixth week of lockdown and spending time to type up forty years of genealogical research.
I live on my own and, like yourself, other than concern for others, find the freedom inspiring, peaceful and restful. I wish I could bless all friends with such contentment.

When we took the dog for a walk this afternoon we paused along the footpath to look over the valley at the beautiful view. Apart from the sound of birdsong there was absolute silence. I have never heard that in England before, a few times in Spain but never here. I love it.

As a person who was always out and about I am surprised how well I have adapted, but I am fearful for young people. My daughters partner now has no job and they moved house very recently so are quite stretched. My son is trapped in a very small apartment in a large US city and half his job has disappeared. Goodness knows when we will be able to see him again. The beautiful five years olds I used to work with are at home with parents struggling to educate them, missing out on vital early years socialising. Some of the parents are also having to work full time. One family near me are on their knees. Yes its lovely hearing the birds sing rather than the cars roaring, but is economic melt down just around the corner?

I think its horrific for people trapped in unhappy or cramped or damp homes.

There are things I enjoy in my own home, yes.

I am not for one moment enjoying lockdown knowing why we are subjected to it. To those who lost their lives, rest in peace, and to those you leave behind my deepest sympathy.

notanan How about the people not in unhappy cramped and damp homes. Are there any?

I have decided that ‘it is what it is’ and we just have to look at the pluses and value these.

Yes, I so miss the hugs from the grandchildren and meeting up with friends, and yes, there is a whole world that I don’t see where people are in ICUs and NHS staff are giving their all.

But I can’t do anything to make that better and I can do something to stop it getting worse by following lockdown rules. So no point in being miserable- it won’t help and thank goodness this is happening in spring and not in darkest winter.

So I’m enjoying watching the birds building nests and the leaves and blossom opening, and the lack of traffic and exhaust fumes. I’m appreciating the community spirit with neighbours helping each other and the Thursday Clap.

I try not to think about the people living in flats, the effect of the virus on third world countries and the awful death rate. Deep down all these shock me and I could easily slip into depression, but, because I can’t do anything about them I take a positive grip on my mental health and allow myself to appreciate the beauty and the good I see around me,

And on a personal I’ve been through much worse

Yes I am with you. I am enjoying the birds singing and the air seems so pure and clear. On my daily walk I take deep breaths and can really feel the benefit, pollution free. I'm also enjoying that complete strangers nod, smile and acknowledge you from a distance. In a funny way, although I'm missing certain things, I dread it ending and going back to what was a "dysfunctional" normal.

It's fine by me as I'm not a social animal so my life is not much different. Hope the 2m rule is here to stay!

Peridot8
My heart goes out to you. Such a poorly understood and debilitating condition.

I'm enjoying the forced rest at weekends. I'm still working full-time but I'm the only worker going into the office. Normally there's 25 of us. It's given me an insight how relaxing things could be if I didn't make so many unnecessary (?) arrangements to socialise. I'm finding an inner peace that I didn't think was there. I'm saving lots of money (I've donated to a few animal charities who are struggling) and my car is doing 3 weeks to the gallon ? I'm mindful of those who have no chance of these 'luxuries' and all is fine as DH and I have not been touched directly by the virus. I may have a different take on things if we are struck down.