Friday rambling

Good morning everyone,

I guess by now that some of you are facing more big restrictions on your lives thanks to covid19, and I know it is extra stressful now, when we are all feeling quite battle-weary with it all.

It hasn't happened to me as yet, but wouldn't be at all surprised if we aren't all in this position soon. And it's extra hard when you are a carer. Life can be very lonely and isolating without extra restrictions on your daily life.

Regardless of the many opinions of how we came to be back in this position, it's important to take care of ourselves in terms of mental as well as physical health.

I know that I'm very lucky that I don't have the stress of caring for someone else right now. But whatever your circumstances, please remember that you are vitally important, and every bit as deserving as the person you care for.

Whilst active carers probably won't have much time for hobbies and pastimes please try and find something which will help keep you cheerful in any little way you can manage.

Contact with others is vital so use any means you can whether that's face-timing or the phone and don't be afraid to say if you are struggling. Talking's so important.

I don't go out myself much these days, because of the large student population living in my locality, so here are a couple of ways I keep myself entertained.

The leaves continue to turn to gold on the trees outside my window, so I can return to my guilty pleasure of sitting watching the world going about its business, coffee in hand.

A favourite TV show restarted last night. That's the silly 'Taskmaster which is presented by Greg Davies and Alex Horn, who set ridiculous challenges for competing celebrities to solve, usually with hilarious results.

Finally my dolls house, which had been neglected for quite some time. My lovely daughter bought me some new items which has reawakened my interest and caused me to complete a lighting project. The house has no time period. I've mixed and matched according to what I could afford to buy, or make. I can lose myself in it, and the lovely thing is that, whenever I open the doors, all within is calm and tidy, unlike my own chaotic existence. (The attached picture is the nursery. I think nurse needs to get those babies dressed!)

Whatever you choose to do, enjoy it! Even if it's only a five minute mindfulness meditation a couple of times a day.

Please stay well and safe, and if anyone else would like to share their hobby or pastime with us, we'd love to hear from you. 🙏🙏

[sassy59]

Thank you for your thoughtful post Callendersgal. I’m fortunate to be able to see family and get out for a drive sometimes. Having grandchildren close by is a godsend. Hoping to see our eldest son next week. He’s doing much better.

These are very challenging times for all of us and we will emerge triumphant.

Your dolls house is beautiful and obviously brings lots of pleasure. Pete and I enjoy watching tv, I like to read and cook. The weeks are passing quickly. I send love and hugs to all carers and all Care Community members.

Hunker down and hold on tight.

Have a good weekend. Xxx😘💕💖🌈

[Hidden in reply to sassy59]

Very wise and concise words sassy59. I think that 'hunker down and hold on tight' will be my new mantra! 😊 Thanks for sharing your hobbies with us. Stay safe and I hope that your eldest son is continuing well with his recovery from covid19! 🙏🌷🌸🌹🌻🌈xxx

[sassy59 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you Callendersgal. I just feel that's all we can do really. Nobody has all the answers so life has to go on in some way.

Yes our son is doing better but not 100% just yet. Stay safe and well. ❤️😘😀🌈 xxxxx

[Hidden in reply to sassy59]

That dolls house is great isn't it?

[Hidden]

I enjoy listening to music, watching films on TV as today I have put on pop hits from 2006 when I was 30 and there's some great songs.

This week every day I have put on hits from each year of the 2000s and have had some great walks down memory lane and it's comforting to know how some things in life don't change no matter what year it is.

I enjoy my daily walks as well and zoom get togethers most Friday nights.

I'm starting to enjoy cooking again and I feel it's important to put in little things in the diary to look forward to at present even simple things like listening to music and daily walks.

[Sara_2611]

Its a lovely post & a lovely picture

[Hellebelle]

Hi Callendersgal, I really enjoyed reading your post and I think the dolls house is fantastic. I think we all need a bit of escape during these strange times and I enjoyed reading all of the other experiences on this post. Human beings are very resourceful and many realise what is important in life and gives them comfort and joy.

My main escape is to go to the swimming pool, which, thankfully, is still open and observing certain hygiene protocols to keep us all safe. I am able to keep myself fit and see the regulars, albeit at a distance. Walking in the local woods with our gorgeous Jack Russell is another uplifting event in my day. I also enjoy cooking and have become a bit more adventurous and tried out many different recipes.

Sending lots of kind thoughts to all the carers out there. 💕

[Hidden in reply to Hellebelle]

Hi Hellebelle, Thanks for sharing your interests with us, and for the compliment on my dolls house. It really is an absorbing hobby, even when things don't quite go according to plan and you have to start a particular project over again.

How lovely to be able to continue to swim. It's such a brilliant and enjoyable way to exercise. And who could better both nature and pets? Walking through some lovely scenery is always uplifting, whatever your mood and whatever the weather. And I think it's safe to say that all dogs agree!

I must admit I enjoy cooking always, but during the pandemic my efforts have been focused on baking, especially sourdough bread after finally getting my own starter up and running.

And you're right. Whatever it might be that takes our interest, it's a big help when times are tough!

Joining with you again in sending all carers warm thoughts and wishes.

And to you too Hellebelle. Please stay safe and well. 😊💐