Lockdown

I am trying to hold on to the fact that a vaccination is coming but I have to confess, I feel more negative about it all this time. I don't think it helps that it is cold and dark much of the time whereas the first lockdown was in glorious weather. Still, it is what it is, and we could be being bombed for years at a time. We are pretty lucky, all things considered.

Theoddbird I love your post. Thank you ?

Hetty58
I too like living alone, and joke about how much worse this pandemic would be if in lockdown with my ex lol.
I am a social person though hence having my bubble, however I am extremely careful when they visit, and the visits are few. With no interaction with other human beings I would be even more nuts than I already am lol.
We all make our choices as to our limits and needs I suppose.

It's just too cold to enjoy the garden. Still, I've planted seeds in trays (in the spare bathroom) set up terrariums, gained yet more house plants to look after.

There's loads of films on Netflix and catch-up, plenty of decorating to do, knitting, crafting etc.

I've brought my basic workmate and tools inside (from the chilly garage to the conservatory) to continue my bird box making.

Then, there's cooking (scotch pancakes this morning) baking bread, biscuits and cakes (where did my waist go?) and exploring new walks with the dog.

So - plenty to do!

Granny23 the patio heater sounds wonderful. Thank you for sharing.

We've been more or less isolating ourselves since March so this current situation doesn't make much difference to us.
Although my daughter (single parent) is allowed to visit us we have all been ultra careful to keep our distance and not touch things that others have touched.
It must be hard for people who live alone but normally see their families regularly, though they have obviously previously been able to meet outside. I don't really see why we are only allowed to see one person outside if they are masked?

Downing Street news conference at 5, what now?

I'm like you Madwoman I live alone, my nearest family lives several miles away so although I count one of them as my "bubble" (in case of emergency!) I rarely see them and it has been that way since the first lockdown so things won't change much for me.

Yes, it is more difficult this time because we don't have the good weather but if we want to see the end of this we must follow the rules and each take responsibility for our own health

I am very much the same as you Madwoman. I live alone and have just been going out for click and collect and occasional walks with a friend. I think it was easier last time as we had Spring and Summer which helped. I would sit out on my jetty and see or potter in garden. It is more difficult to get motivated in the dank cold weather. We will get through this though. I definitely feel positive. I am keeping myself safe. Peace and Hope x

Ellianne, yes, I thought they were only for childcare, personal care - and vulnerable people living alone. Am I wrong?

I'm surprised so many people have 'bubbles'. Why the need for them? Is it just because we're 'allowed' them? I'd really like to know.
I thought the same thing yesterday Hetty. Everyone I know seems to have found a convenient bubble.

Granny23, isn't that breaking the rules? (and encouraging others to?).

I thought that we were not allowed to invite others into gardens.

Madwoman11, personally, I disagree with:

'Living alone is difficult during these times'. I enjoy it, as always.

Imagine being cooped up with someone else - especially if you don't really get on!

I'm surprised so many people have 'bubbles'. Why the need for them? Is it just because we're 'allowed' them? I'd really like to know.

I have a slabbed patio, currently doused in salt and my Christmas present to myself was a small infrared patio heater. I already had a chiminea. As long as it is not raining or snowing, this allows me some outdoor time each day, I spend this sawing logs, trying to do sufficient each day to feed the open fire.

Also allows my DGS to cycle along (3.5 miles) every other dry day, for a blether or to bring messages. We sit or stand more than 2 metres apart and shout at each other. None of my family have been inside my house for months, (it is now an absolute tip) but we have seen each other outside regularly.

PS: patio heater was only £45, best present ever.

It won`t make any difference to us as we only went into supermarkets from day one.
We have got used to the new normal which makes it bearable i suppose.

Sarnia

I live with my youngest daughter and her family. I am very fortunate in that respect that I am not on my own. She was not happy one little bit about home schooling as she works from home. However, we just have to get on with it, don't we? As a family we have kept to the rules and miss seeing family and friends as much as the next person BUT I really feel that Spring and vaccines will bring us to a point where we can manage this nasty virus and press the restart button on our lives. In the meantime we have to get on with it.

Sarnia, if you live with your daughter could you takeover the home schooling to help out? I’m assuming the lessons are set by the school anyway and your role would be supervising and supporting the children.
I may be talking out of my hat of course.

etheltbags1 its great you are keeping busy. I'm good at finding things to do too.

polnan I have the same problem as you. Keeping my self safe, so if my bubble are in too many places I'm not risking i.

I’m not sure if it’s easier or harder but just different. My daughter who lives with her two young sons is now able to see her bubble which is great, the restrictions are slightly less severe but I agree with several folks that in the winter with wet and icy weather it’s less easy to get out in the garden or go for a walk. At least this time we have the vaccines taking place and that will hopefully bring better times ahead. Stay safe everyone.

Hey ho here we go again. I'm on my own but I'm planning to sort my house out, tidy up after Christmas, I've got piles of wool, material and paints etc and I need to store then in the spare room. I've got plenty of books and dvds, Netflix etc but the thing that worries me is excersise , I hate going out in this never ending rain, whereas in the summer lockdown I was out everyday, gardening and walking.

I agree we have to give it one final bash, and do it properly. At least we know what it's all about and how to get deliveries or work out when the supermarket is quietest. The weather helps (?) by keeping us indoors.
Quite what we do if this doesn't work, I don't know? I'm not sure I could do it again and again.

no, it is not easier,,
I chose as my support bubble, my gks family, worked great, I went there once a week or so.. and it was good, the weather was sort of fine etc.

now. because my gks are older, and getting out and about more,, I know!!! I have decided it is in my best interests not to go there,, so I am without a support bubble,

it is too cold to go in the garden. etc. etc. etc.

BlueSky I couldn't remember what Stockholm syndrome was, but good old Google helped yet again. Hopefully things will gradually improve.

I live with my youngest daughter and her family. I am very fortunate in that respect that I am not on my own. She was not happy one little bit about home schooling as she works from home. However, we just have to get on with it, don't we? As a family we have kept to the rules and miss seeing family and friends as much as the next person BUT I really feel that Spring and vaccines will bring us to a point where we can manage this nasty virus and press the restart button on our lives. In the meantime we have to get on with it.

I think this time we sort of got used to it. The first time in March was a real shock to the system, we had never experienced restrictions to where to go what to do. I for one am now suffering from Stockholm syndrome.