Seriously, I do think it would be a good time to learn something new. I was aware whilst sitting in the garden earlier that my world sounded like this when I was a very small child. Literally no traffic, just the sound of birds and very busy insects. We do have the odd aircraft flying over, now they really were few and far between back then.
The memory took me right back to the spot in the garden (must have been the edge of the vegetable plot) where I sat making an even smaller world out of soil, moss, stones and water.
Apart from sweeping (and mopping)....what skill do you want to learn now you have all the time in the world?
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IdasMum
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I have had similar thoughts about childhood in the peace and quiet, in spite of living near a usually busy road, I am only hearing birdsong. I also find “ paced” cleaning is giving me an illusion of control. I’d love to share a joke, however the ones I am being sent, by my kids, are totally unsuitable, darkly funny computer gifs ( is that the term)? They are valiantly trying to keep my spirits up. It’s strange being separated from your loved ones for the foreseeable. 🌼
No skill identified yet but could hear baby birds this morning. I thought too early but s bird friend says no...they will be about...or at least in a nest.
Well I had never heard of them but I think I will see what wool I have. I will try one for me. And one for my friend, who doesn't have dementia but at 85 likes to fiddle with the door in my car. It might stop us crashing due to me looking and listening to see what's tapping in the engine. And I am serious. A really good thing and I actually like the colours mixed up.
They’re good to use up oddments of wool, easy and quick to make and it doesn’t matter if people aren’t perfect knitters...and they seem to be really helpful to dementia sufferers. I’ve often wondered who had the idea first. Whoever it was, it was a good one!
Er - NO! I had a cleaner ready to start but I can't for now
But the silence is great - this morning there has been the gentle hum of the guy sorting out the tennis courts and football pitch. The biggest difference, believe it or not, is the lack of helicopters overhead at least 3 times a day on their way to the hospital!
I suppose I am already used to not seeing family a lot because of living here. But it seems to have woken up my older daughter (who has ADHD and flits from thought to thought and it rarely flits to me) and brother with whom I communicated once a year!
My lockdown doesn't include my cleaner. (Don't scold everyone)! She wears a mask, rubber gloves,and cleans with disinfectants all over the place - far more thorough than I could. I stay in the bedroom with the door shut. At my age, and with rather a large flat, I just couldn't cope alone.
Talking of cleaners, this has given me an excuse to postpone her.
She really has no idea. We've been officially advised we may not leave home without good cause. Many independents here have found their wings clipped. Read story of a man going to do some handiwork on an empty house for clients being visited by gendarmes and sent home.
She said, to my daughter who has just moved home and needs to go back to complete jobs before her tenants move in (and hand over keys),
"How will you go over??? You have to have a good reason for leaving the house!!
At least I can have my piece of paper and can say I am cleaning for a vulnerable person.
Don't think they will follow me somehow. You are taking a huge risk!!!"
We can go to go to work - but building sites with more than 5 have been closed down because of the distance regs. Gardeners were here yesterday to remodel the beds out the front - al standing there 2m apart, and a guy was doing the beds on the roundabout at the end of the road on his own.
I'm dusting off the 'teach yourself German' books, catching up putting old photos in albums, sorting out cupboards and discovering Radio 4. And reading more than ever. I should dust off the exercise bike too but there's 12 weeks left to go for that ....LOL. I think a lot of my friends will want to take early retirement once they discover the delights of not having to go to work for weeks.
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A learning curve
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Thanks to Pepperdoggies post. A tip on a PMR/GCA friendly ,Pain Free, Family Activity. Wildlife Spotting! From window, garden or bench.
12 months on. A gratitude post
