OFF the COUCH....At Last...

[Oldfloss]

Okay people..Here I am...

Yes... It is me... and no, I am not hiding, though the temptation has been there

Firstly... I offer my HUGE apologies for this really, really late post.

The current situation has caused havoc with so many things and I have only just found enough time to get in touch.

This is going to be a very difficult time for so so many of us, and for many reasons. The virus alone is impacting massively, but all the additional, un-thought of repercussions from that, make it so much harder.

I myself saw my small granddaughter ( in person).,for the last time yesterday, for the unforeseeable future.

We care for her two days a week, but as my husband is over 70 and with strong indications of Dementia and some underlying heath issues, we shall be self isolating for the next three months starting this weekend...I have cared for her, on those days, since she was one, when Mama went back to work, plus all the extra days.... 🤣🤣and I am going to find it really difficult.

But after a hot shower, a glass of wine and a good cry last night... I am raring to go again!

OKAY...Time for us to pull together, support each other and do our very best to keep moving.

So.. what can we do to stay fit, healthy strong and sane

I do hope that many of you have read the really incredibly useful posts put up by or amazing and tireless leader, our own roseabi . A new one has just been posted today too.! I have joined in the group!

The links she has put up already are really very informative...

please do read them.

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Before I post up some ideas... I want to stress, that having read the information linked...you, yes YOU, decide to do what feels right for you...do not be swayed by anything other than the facts and the recognised advice.

We are lucky right now, and are being advised that yes, we can go outside to run... observing Social Distancing, trying to avoid busy places and maybe running at less busy times... But.. if that is tricky for you... or you do not feel happy going outside for any reason at all... then there are so, so many ways we are able to stay ft and healthy whilst indoors.. We do know of a few folk on C25K who completed the whole nine weeks indoors too!

Our own Strength and Flex Forum has loads of ideas. Including a set of my own posts that covered every bit of our running body ( well almost) !

Toes to Top indoor exercises that we can do inside!

healthunlocked.com/strength......

healthunlocked.com/strength.......

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

healthunlocked.com/strength...

healthunlocked.com/strength......

Many, many other ideas there too, do take a look!

Now I am going put some links up.. do take a look and maybe pick put what feels right for you... pick and mix and take at your own pace/

shape.com/fitness/cardio/cl...

/

runnersworld.com/beginner/a...

runnersworld.com/beginner/a...

I also, from preference use a lot of stuff from Bodyfit with Amy on You Tube,,, there is a wealth of exercise ideas there for everyone... short and long .. and for all levels.. you do need to scroll around a bit but, it is worth it!

E.g.

youtube.com/watch?v=qc0i0nu...(Not working as expected?)

Now...

One thing we need to be really aware of is the stress involved in all of this. Stress is so, so bad for us... we need to stay positive and stay buoyant!

There is a brand new support area from HU, which roseabi just posted on all our forums.

I have joined!

healthunlocked.com/marathon...

And, what about Yoga? Well there are lots of links on Strength and Flex and the wonderful Yoga with Adrienne!

E.g.

yogawithadriene.com/runners...

Meditation?

qz.com/1818622/how-to-pract...

Now that the schools are closing... there are ideas too for working out with the children at home... e.g.

todaysparent.com/family/fam...

Another link too, which I saw this morning and forgot to add,, thanks to our wonderful

backintime

playtivities.com/20-family-...

… and don't forget, simply taking time out... doing things that you enjoy.. read... relax... watch TV... ( not serious stuff) .. paint a picture... sing a song... take a long leisurely bath, cuddle up on the sofa with those you love... anything that chills you , is good

If you are still able, do get outside too.. the National Trust are hoping to keep as many open park areas and grounds open to all... for free!

nationaltrust.org.uk/press-...

The RSPB reserves are open too...not the cafes etc..but the open areas.

Lots of places to blow any cobwebs you may have away.

So, some initial ideas... and if you have any indoor exercise tips that you are using, please share them with us here

I will be posting again soon, as I was Soooooooooo very late with this one...

Stay safe, stay running ( where and when you can , stay exercising ( indoors or out an do please, stay happy

Love Oldfloss x

PS

If some of the links do not work just cut an dpaste in your browser

[backintime Graduate]

Thanks OF for this helpful post - I will keep you and your family in my thoughts - hope all goes well for everyone.

I posted this on one other forum, but there are some fun activities for children here, many of which do not involve specialist equipment

playtivities.com/20-family-...

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to backintime]

That is brilliant.. I saw that and meant to add it..may I do that ? Thank you xx

[backintime Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

of course, anything that helps

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to backintime]

'Tis done .. thank you,, some great ideas there

[Wenderwoo Graduate]

Thank you OF. I’m so sorry that you will not see your granddaughter for a while, it must be very hard for you. I do hope you will be able to skype or FaceTime with her 😘

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Wenderwoo]

I will.. and I feel lucky ... thank you x Are you doing okay ?

[Wenderwoo Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Yes thanks, I’m fine. I should self isolate too (immunosuppressed) but at least we can run 👍😁

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Wenderwoo]

Do it.. stay safe... we will run and walk whilst we are able... and the runs always help ..take care xx

[Roxdog Graduate in reply to Wenderwoo]

Take care and run in the fresh air! Thinking of you

[mom24uk Graduate]

Oh, Oldfloss, I've had a similar experience with my grandsons this week but at least we live in a time that has the technology to be able to see and talk to one another. If anything good has come out of this so far its that I think I have spent more hours on the phone to members of my family than I have for ages. Normally we just a quick check in and we're then back to having our busy lives.

Thanks for all the links. When we get our new daily routine in place (home working, home schooling etc), we'll see about fitting it in!

Take care. x

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to mom24uk]

We are so lucky,,, we are trying to schedule things too.. as her Mama and Dad are now home working.. so we shall have times for face to face and story time etc..

I am planning stuff for Mr OF and myself too as we head for the three month isolation period... thank goodness I can still run outside currently!

You need to get settled into a routine and then fit in things as you are able... Staying strong and supporting each other is what matters, and we are here for you

[mom24uk Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

You are so right and getting out and it's important that you get outside as much as you can.

The support here is wonderful. We're lucky to have such a lovely group of people. 🤗

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to mom24uk]

Aren't we just... no matter how low we get.. there is always someone here to lift us right back up again

[CandyCool Graduate]

Oh OF I also feel your pain, I'm going to miss the cuddles so much. But like you my hubbie is nearly 70 and I have an underlying health condition which normally I can just ignore (sort of) but this is just a bit risky. I thin the Positive group is really great. I don't think anyone should feel daft or silly for feeling anxious at the moment...in fact I am more concerned about the blase attitude of some (all ages!).

My commonest statement at the moment is 'I understand the importance of herd immunity but can someone please explain herd stupidity to me!!!'

stay safe and well and while we can.....keeeeep running x

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to CandyCool]

I love that... " herd stupidity..." I think at best, it is fear and uncertainty and at worst, plain selfishness... but there we are!

I feel for you.. yesterday when she was here, before being picked up I just wanted to snuggle with her ll the time. but a three year old whirlwind, she chooses her times

My husband is 74, I am 70 on a few weeks... you take special care..as you say, not the time to take risks..there is plenty to do and we are all her to support and encourage each other xx

[linda9389 Graduate]

Brilliant Floss. Thanks for finding the time and energy to write this post. I am finding my yoga with Adriene really helpful and calming. I would highly recommend her youtube videos.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to linda9389]

I am hoping folk will do just that... I will maybe emphasise that in an edit... thanks you... take care and relaxxxxxxx !

[Roxdog Graduate]

Fantastic, thank you! It's sad not to be seeing family but we will just have to get through it

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Roxdog]

We will.. those runs will wait and we will keep strong and keep going ! x

[Hidden]

Thank you so much Oldfloss for this wonderful post. I shall be certainly be browsing all of the links and hope to keep the stress levels down.

I feel so much for you about your grand-daughter. My parents were due to visit us for a week next weekend and of course that now can't happen. We have a big family get together planned at the end of June for my Dad's big birthday, so fingers crossed we get the all clear by then. In the meantime my mum (a new convert to technology) is doing a cracking job on 'FaceTime with Grandma' as we call it.

It has been a complicated week as I change my working practices so I can keep in touch with my students online. My husband is now working from home for the foreseeable future and my children's school and college will be closed from next week. My poor son, who was due to sit his GCSEs in a few months, burst into tears last night with the frustration of it all - years of hardwork and no exams, no big send off for him and his friends at the Y11 Prom, cancelled rugby tour and the cancellation of his expedition and charity trip to Cambodia. I think he is the hardest hit in our family, so if he's putting a brave face on things, so can I.

🐶Our family dog is made up though - the house is going to be full of her family for weeks!🐾 Walks anyone?

Big thanks to all those on the forum who are keyworkers and helping to keep everything going. You are all stars.🌟

Take care everyone and run safe, where and when you can xx

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Oh gosh! What a pity.... it s so upsetting when there are things planned... thank goodness for technology and face to face!

I am 70 in April and daughter had planned a birthday lunch too!

On my husband's 70th, he got a scan photo of his expected Granddaughter...it was memorable for him.. she is three , nearly three and a half now... mine will be memorable for different reasons

But...we shall make the best and enjoy shan't we?

Your poor son... the GCSE must have been the last straw ... and gosh, what a young man to be proud of!!

But.. every cloud... as you say, the dog will come out of this wonderfully and be loving it! My garden will benefit too and my writing and painting!

If there is good to come out of this it will be the strength and love and support that we find in each other.

Take care all of you .. and a special virtual hug for that young man and your Mum and Dad too x

[Hidden in reply to Oldfloss]

🤗 xx

[Nymahchai Graduate]

Thank you for all the links. It is very thought provoking and cathartic when things like this happen . I fully “get it”. I will not be seeing my grandchildren either due distance/other countries. We are now squirrelled away TFN. Stay strong 💪 👏

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Nymahchai]

Hugs for you too.. take care, and keep moving and keep running..stay strong is the mantra

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Nice one Oldfloss

Keep safe, keep well, keep running, keep smiling.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thanks you... trying to do all three...so far so good, and you too my friend xxx

[Nottooold Graduate]

I am so sorry for your problems, OF, and I understand you very well because I take care of my grandson too.

Thank you for the links...I will try some of your suggestions to do something new during this empty time (I live in the north of Italy, so our time is really empty!).

I have only one question: who reccomended you a 3 months isolation! ? Oh, goodness...such a long time...😕

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Nottooold]

The Government have requested it... 12 weeks.. for the over 70s and those with health issues also...

Are you still able to care for your grandson?

Do try some ideas.. pick and mix and fit in what you are able...you are in a really tricky time in Italy and my heart goes out to you...some things here could help to fill some empty hours...

I intend to crack on with finishing a book and finishing some very overdue water colour paintings too.

But I will run outside as long as we can.... and I will continue my routines for exercise as normal too..

Do keep reading the posts here and do keep posting please...take care xx

[Nottooold Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

I am still able to take care of my grandson because we live in the same town and I have an authorization to move between our houses. He is so young (7 months) that it’s impossible for my daughter and her boyfriend to work from home if Federico is at home too😁.

Take care, OF, and think that these measures are for our safeness

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Nottooold]

They are..they are and we are hoping folk will take notice . It is lovely that you are there for your small one, many many folk here are going to be struggling dreadfully with child care..xx

[Dexy5 Graduate]

Never apologise for a late post Oldfloss - everyone is grateful for the time you put in when you can. It is so sad that grandparents are being separated from the young ones but we know it makes sense for everyone involved. Children do seem to pass any bugs around.

Keep safe everyone, and keep running while you can.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Dexy5]

Hello you... How are you and how is that injury!

What a time we are having...!

Yes, folk with children now off from school, are going to have a difficult time... and are trying to fit in so may things, which is why if we can keep running and keep exercising it may help on all levels

I only saw five high school children this morning... at a distance... and three dog walkers!

I have exercise routine taking shape and weather permitting.. the garden will be acting as a work out xx

[Dexy5 Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

My leg is coming along nicely and short walks are ok. Another week until my physio appointment where I think he will concentrate on balance and strength before running. Going down stairs was something I had a problem with but is now fine.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Dexy5]

That is great news...slow and steady as you go..,? Xx

[Buddy34 Graduate]

I'm sure you've had lots more to think about than posting Oldfloss but what a great post with lots of helpful info.

I hope you , your husband and your family are okay . Keep safe and stay strong 🤗🤗

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Buddy34]

Hope it is useful...we are all struggling, but we will find the strength to carry on with all the support here on our forums

Mr Of and I are lucky..we have daughter and son in law on call albeit at a distance..and plenty to occupy us..

[Sandie1961 Graduate]

So hard for you not seeing your grandchildren for such a long time, but we have amazing ways of coming up with ways to make things work don’t we and if we all do it, it will bring the current situation to an end sooner! We are both under 70 and neither of us has any medical conditions, so hoping we won’t be too badly affected if the worst happens. I already work from home on one of my two working days and am increasing to both; should have been finishing at Easter but have been asked to stay on, so that will fill some of the time and put money in the bank. Thankfully we are in a rural area, so I can still run and walk the dog without seeing many other people. I’m also going to restart my home workouts, which I have neglected over the last few weeks. As our summer in France may be delayed, I’m going to spend much more time in the garden than planned. Keep running and keep well xx

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Sandie1961]

Well done you x we will get there..I am like many taking it as ever, slow and steady🏃‍♀️

Lots of runs planned across the fields HM there too possibly next week..HM should have been Sunday.

Lots of ideas here and on the forums aren't there for keeping moving..

Take care you xxx

[Comfortnotspeed]

Thank you for compiling all of this amazing information. It’s empowering being able to do something positive for fitness. The community here is really helping me stay positive.

💪🌸🏃🏼‍♀️🌸

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Comfortnotspeed]

..and that's what we aim for supporting each other and gleaming tips and ideas too

We do keep each other going, with so many folk really struggling to keep moving!

Have a go at some of the ideas and do,please keep us posted! X

[SueAppleRun Graduate]

Floss as usual lots of great advice thank you

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to SueAppleRun]

Welcome...are you both okay...how is the running going ?

[SueAppleRun Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

We are fine thanks, work is scary busy in this changing world but we’ll and happy. Love running did 3k on my day off Wednesday 😀 and will run tomorrow or saturday, i seem to be able to run slowly for longer Willow runs for about 20 minutes then wanders back to the car to smoke and wait

9 weeks 2 days smoke free for me 😀

Keep well and safe

[Granspeed Graduate in reply to SueAppleRun]

Smoke-free is super for your lungs. Well done you. 👏🏼

[SueAppleRun Graduate in reply to Granspeed]

Thank you

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to SueAppleRun]

Wowowowowo well done you!!

[SueAppleRun Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Thank you

[lexi6 Graduate]

Thank you for posting this OF, so much stuff on here - where to start? and so thoughtful of you, as usual to be thinking of others. I hope the time soon passes and what a reunion you’ll have with your granddaughter then! Keep safe Xxx

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to lexi6]

You are welcome and... well... Let's start at the very beginning... a very good place to start ...🎵🎵

It will pass soon and there is so much to keep us occupied here and to keep us fit and strong!

I shall have to keep exercising and running to keep up with small one!

Be safe too my friend

[lexi6 Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Thank you OF, heading into our winter now, they say the virus will peak here in June, so to head off the doldrums I fell into last year, am buying my stepdaughter’s treadmill. 👍 😎 x

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate]

Thankyou for this gentle, caring post...I know you will be devastated at not seeing your little one for such a long time, so I’m sending a hug for you for that one....I’m also sending a hug to you and hubby for his current situation, I know how difficult and complicated dementia can be...we all know how wonderful it is to be outside and should make the most of it while we can, I know I will be although with the schools closing tomorrow having 3 at home will mean some snatched runs for me...but on the plus side, I will be in the company of my very favourite people ❤️ ....thinking of you Floss....and everyone else who is self isolating...or vulnerable or just plain worried...be kind to yourselves where running is concerned and don’t take any risks xxx

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Mummycav]

Thanks for this my friend... there are so many of us who will be feeling the impact of all that goes with the virus...I am I think one of the lucky ones... Mr OF and I will get through the issues as always, slow and steady and little one... well, technology is going to be very helpful!

There are some great ideas to keep you and the children going in the next weeks, although I know you will have your own ideas

Let is know if you have any tips too please...

You have loads of areas to run that are beautiful too, so getting out while you can will be wonderful... we plan to walk and cycle and I plan to run my fields and tracks... me and the birds

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

I have plenty of things for the children to be doing...and am looking forward to spending some time in the garden with them...and maybe the odd cycle ride along the canal although William won’t be able to join in what with his poorly knee but the garden needs tidying ready for the summer when we can hopefully enjoy some lovely sunshine and bbq’s!! So he’ll be burning wood and looking after the pond!!

I will also spend some time along the canal running along to the tweeting of the birds xxx

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Mummycav]

Wish I was running there with you... we begin our three month holiday tomorrow! ( My joke I posted on Marathon Forum!

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

You know I always take you with me Floss. I read your ‘holiday’ post!! Bless you my friend, these are tough times that we have to make the most of as best we can...one day, maybe one day we will get that run together xxxx

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Mummycav]

We will I shall make sure of it! It was hard today as Mam and small one had to be here for a while this afternoon so I had to say goodbye all over again... at a distance!!! But.. we are all awesome and we will get though this...I hope William's knee is improving too xx

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Bless you floss...William’s knee is much better thank you xxxxxxxx

[Oldgirlruns Graduate]

Thank you so much for that Oldfloss! I’m sorry about your granddaughter, you’ll miss her and she’ll miss you too! My sister and b-I-l are in the same boat as they usually look after 2 grandchildren twice a week and now can’t for an indeterminate time. A heartbreaking time for all concerned. But hopefully we’ll get through unscathed and, if we use the links in your post, we’ll all be fitter than when we started - all without leaving the house! Good luck to you and yours and happy running when you can!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Oldgirlruns]

Oh gosh, double sadness for them.. it is the getting used to it is the tricky bit!

Do check out some links...I think we will all find something there to add a bit f spice to our running exercise regimes

Thank you so much and do keep safe too xxx

[Duddles Graduate]

I am self isolating as well, partly because I am over 70. And we look after our three year old grand-daughter a couple of days a week, and have done since she was a baby. Seeing her for the last time this week, for perhaps months was very, very hard. I know exactly how you are feeling Oldfloss. It is a real hurt. My daughter is also pregnant with what will be her second child so we can't see her either and may not be able to visit her new baby in a couple of months. It will be a huge gap in our lives and I hope I can soon be as optimistic as you. But there are people in worse situations so lets keep running until this passes.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Duddles]

A huge hug for you... exactly the same feeling... and a small one expected too.. oh goodness..it is going to be very, very tricky until, we get used to it... but we will come through this and if you ever want to chat please PM me, we can support each other xxx

Let us as you say, keep running, and for us seasoned folk, keep exercising and keep moving...there are loads of ideas on the forums and well worth checking them out. Take care and stay well and safe xx

[SuzyKK Graduate]

Wow this is an amazing post full of so much info! I'm going to save it & refer back... Thank you xxx

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to SuzyKK]

I hop you find it useful and do please save it and keep dipping in. Many , of us have our daily routines, but we all need extra help to shake things up and keep it fresh,

We are in for a long haul, so let us run whilst we are able and do what we can to keep moving, keep well and keep happy!

Stay safe!

[Joanney69 Graduate]

Thanks for posting, Oldfloss ☺ especially when there is so much going on. All that time without seeing your granddaughter in person will be tough, but it seems like the best advice as far as we can tell. With modern technology, at least you will be able to still see her, which will be good for all of you 😊 ❤️

I was thinking about it, and it's just 12 short weeks since I wasn't a runner 🏃, and that seems to have gone in no time, so in a way I'm hoping the next 12 weeks do the same - not to wish time away, but it seems unimaginable what is going to happen in that time - very surreal.

Thank you for the links, I will have a look over the weekend hopefully. I'm still working, doing a vital job in retail, trying to make the shelves look full 😲 pretty futile on the toilet roll and paracetamol front, but we're doing what we can. As I keep telling customers, if everyone does their bit, nobody will be going without - not sure it's sinking in, but I'll keep trying 😁

Keep safe, look after each other and happy running 🏃 where possible

Sending virtual hugs 🤗 to you all and positive vibes 💜🏃❤️

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Joanney69]

We will get through this...it will be hard to get through the first bit.. I am lucky having the technology to actually see what she is up to

You are right..it will fly.. ! My holiday home closes for 6 weeks over the winter and it seems like an age, but time does fly !

You know this as you say, through your running! Your running will evolve in the nest 12 weeks and you will be amazed...

I do not envy you at all in your work...WOW.. go you!! People need to realise that by acting normally re shopping, things will settle... thank you for working so hard to support folk! xxx

Please do stay safe... you are on the front line too...

Happy running and exercising when you get the chance

[Joanney69 Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Thanks Oldfloss ☺

Been for a run this morning - it felt good. I don't know what I would do if I hadn't found running 🏃

Thank you for the appreciation - we had 1 customer who thanked us for what we're doing! We are taking as much care as we can - sanitiser and anti bac over all the surfaces - although it's the customers who need wiping down in some cases 😂 🤣

Exactly - if everyone just buys what they need, there will be enough for everyone 😊

Take care 😊

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Joanney69]

That sounds great... it is a glorious morning here, but I am waiting on a greenhouse delivery..hopefully!

Do keep up the good work and please really stay safe... many folk still, unbelievably, are not taking this seriously! xx

A great start to your day...please do keep posting!

[Joanney69 Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

I know - I don't think reality has hit yet - it's almost like it's happening somewhere else & won't affect us - when in reality we are all at risk.

Now the worry is people will come to Cornwall to 'get away from it' which will put us under even more pressure. Let's hope they use their noodle 😲

Enjoy the greenhouse ☺

[Irish-John Graduate]

Gentlemanly hug winging your way Floss, you are a Trooper! ❤️

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Irish-John]

And to you my friend... stay safe xxx

[Irishprincess Graduate]

Big hug for you Floss xxx

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Irishprincess]

Thank you Maj ! I hope you are recovering and refreshing nicely and the minions and flunkies are making sure you are kept safe and well xxxx

[Irishprincess Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Mr IP’s symptoms have turned into a cold but we’re not taking any chances. I’m having to isolate for 14 days ☹️ But the weather is supposed to be fab this weekend so that’s great news xxx

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Irishprincess]

Every cloud eh?

Well.. there are so many colds flying around anyway! I hope it all settles.. and isolating for 14 days... a perfect excuse for some quality time in the garden and some together time too... maybe he would like to check out some exercises

[Irishprincess Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

In a weird way I’m actually looking forward to just focusing on things that need done. I have so much to paint in the garden so I can get on with that xxx

[Granspeed Graduate]

This is a treasure-trove of ideas and links, Oldfloss. Thank you so much. And a big virtual hug winging your way for all the reasons. 💕 We are sequestered too, as I am officially an Oldie and OH is 90, so all life has changed. We are lucky, with enough space and a garden, lovely neighbours, a well-stocked larder (habitual from years of living far from shops.) Our meals will get funnier and funnier, but no starving for a long time! And I grew up in a big family in the shadow of WW2, so I think I am close to a generation that was used to coping. My thoughts are much with you and Mr OF, as isolation is especially hard with the uncertainties of dementia hovering. You do wonderfully well to spread such calm optimism when your own situation must be far from easy. 💕

[Sybilw Graduate]

I feel your pain as I’ve looked after my grandchildren on and off (mainly on) for the last 10 years. As it stands that will continue next week as we’ve no health issues - yet!! However things change daily. Just lucky that we’ve got FaceTime and Skype to try to fill the gap. Wishing us all a swift 3?? 🤷‍♀️ months.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Sybilw]

Oh goodness..this will be very hard for you I know...

Technology will be incredibly useful!!!

Staying fit, staying strong, running when and where ware able and keeping up with our indoor work will be so important... we shall encourage each other and keep each other going Huge hug... winging its way to you !! x