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Is it just me?

(162 Posts)
Parky Tue 14-Apr-20 08:42:36

Am I the only one who, apart from concern for others, is enjoying the lockdown? We live in a town which is usually always noisy with traffic and chatter, but now on my daily exercise walk I can hear all the birds singing and find peace and quiet.

I'm a bit deaf and have trouble hearing usually, and certainly never hear bird song in our noisy society.

optimist Tue 14-Apr-20 10:58:44

I agree. Loving it (apart from knowing how hard it is for some people of course). A slower pace of life. Reflecting and learning.........about myself actually. I am 76 and live alone, but didnt retire from teaching until I was 72 and this is really the first time I have slowed down.

Acer Tue 14-Apr-20 10:58:03

Hey sillyNanny321. Go onto your local council site sure there will be many route for help. On line Pilates class, singing class, that would be a hoot in my case but who cares, sing your heart out ! Arrange times with friends to call, amazing how many jobs you end up doing before the allotted time.
Hate the thought of anyone being unhappy, wonder if you know of anyone worse than you. I had 5 years locked in after road accident, living alone and no way of getting out day after my 50 birthday, an old man fell asleep at wheel of his car and crashed into me. In my sedated state, I felt so sorry for him ....

whywhywhy Tue 14-Apr-20 10:55:04

NO I hate it, every single minute.

inishowen Tue 14-Apr-20 10:54:19

I heard a lady on Irish radio describing how she's changing things for her kids. Instead of their usual ham sandwich she is baking the bread with the children, then boiling a ham. This is helping them learn about cooking, maths etc., it's all about making the best of things.

BloodyMary Tue 14-Apr-20 10:53:21

No, but it’s bad form to say so, especially when many are suffering, losing loved ones. Just be careful who you share with.

Gma29 Tue 14-Apr-20 10:52:26

I hate it. I’m not bored, but I do feel restless and cooped up. I miss my family and the freedom to go out. I live alone and really miss the few social outings I had. I’m also really stressed about our small business and worry if things carry on there will be nothing left.

Rosalyn69 Tue 14-Apr-20 10:52:02

This started off as such a lovely thread. All the positive vibes.
I agree it helps if you have a big house and garden and fields. I feel for people with children in a small flat without even a balcony. That must be very hard.
It does help if you are a loner - as I am. I find the days pass peacefully doing things I enjoy.
I’m keeping a positive outlook and taking each day as it comes. I’m on week 5 of 12.
Let’s count our blessings and bugger on.

Acer Tue 14-Apr-20 10:50:28

Have to admit I’m loving the challenge of having to think of cooking, made hot cross buns of Friday with next to nothing I thought but ole fashion basic foods. I was brought up in a fairly rural location so shops where never near. So many jobs to be done, sort ‘photos being one of many.
Have arranged a ‘virtual’ catch up for morning coffee or a’noon T with family and friends. Great just nice top & lippy!
I have never walked around my house and said quite genuinely on a daily basis, I’m so lucky thank you lord.

cossybabe Tue 14-Apr-20 10:49:55

We are loving it - we are supposed to be in Majorca on holiday so I am cooking restaurant meals, and really piling in the weight - catching up on those boring chores, etc. We are lucky to have a garden to potter in. By not going out we are saving money as well.

pat9 Tue 14-Apr-20 10:49:09

Yes, I am enjoying the time to sort out house and garden. I have a freezer full of food and loads of tins and pasta which really need to be eaten up. Don't the stars shine in the clear air!

SillyNanny321 Tue 14-Apr-20 10:48:41

Hate having to stay in. Hate not seeing my family & friends. Hate all the texts telling me due to my condition I must not go outside my door etc etc. What flipping condition. Ok I am over 70, have arthritis which gets worse with inactivity. Hate not being fit enough to do any gardening or physical exercise. Walking helps but not supposed to go out. Hate the fact that I am climbing the walls & good friends with the ceiling now. Most of all hate the Virus! So no not really enjoying any of this. Know I sound miserable, never was. Hate being so alone!

Nannapat1 Tue 14-Apr-20 10:45:46

No, I'm not. Can't see my family, husband and one daughter can't go to work, daughter furloughed and facing financial difficulty. I'm afraid to go too far for a walk, in case I'm stopped and questioned, while key workers continue to go to work, many in conditions where social distancing is impossible. I could go on. Not much to celebrate.

JaneRn Tue 14-Apr-20 10:44:49

I agree with everyone who has pointed out the joys of being at home alone, although not happy about people who do not have a garden to escape to.
Perhaps the thought we should all remember is "Count your blessings" and be grateful for what you have got, not pine for something which is not possible at present.

Tiggersuki Tue 14-Apr-20 10:41:22

Despite living in a seaside holiday area there is less traffic , apart from last Thursday when I think regardless of advice many second home owners arrived, BUT I HATE IT.
I cannot go for a drive to the beach, cannot go in the sea for a surf or swim, all my Pilates ans Yoga is online, I do not see bookclubbers or my knitting group.
I haven't seen my grandson who should have been on holiday here over Easter and my son struggles working from home with a bored 5 year old who doesn't understand what is going on.
I want to SEE PEOPLE AND HUG THEM!!!!!

NannaDandy Tue 14-Apr-20 10:37:48

It’s a terrible thing that everyone’s going through especially those who have lost loved ones, but yes I’m enjoying being isolated & because I’m high risk I’m on week 5 of 12. We moved last August from a large town where we only had a back yard but now live in the country & 3 miles from the sea. For the 1st time in 28 years we have a garden, palm trees, wonderful neighbours & beautiful surroundings. Ive not had chance to appreciate our new home as I’m always dashing around either working or picking up grandchildren (1hr round trip drive) and its lovely to actually sit back & take it all in. So yes, after all this, I’m definitely going to reassess my day to day activities & pull back a bit x

kwest Tue 14-Apr-20 10:36:57

More relaxed than we have felt in years. Feel a bit guilty really but, virus excluded obviously, it feels a bit like a precious gift to have time to spend with my husband.

oscaro11 Tue 14-Apr-20 10:36:29

I count my blessings. I have a lovely large garden to enjoy every day, potter about doing jobs we all put off like sorting out wardrobes, repotting houseplants etc. Worry for my two daughters both of whom are working from their homes and living in small flats. They do go out for a short walk every day for their own mental health. For my husband and myself, both retired, we are enjoying the sound of the birds every day, the lack of noisy traffic in the suburb where we live and thanking heaven we remain healthy. We know we are lucky.

luluaugust Tue 14-Apr-20 10:33:17

I can't say I'm loving it but certainly enjoying getting things done around the house, sitting in the garden, actually cooking from scratch and so on. I miss seeing the family and friends but plenty of FaceTime etc. and looking forward to lots of hugs one day. I see the Government is now beginning to worry that we have complied too well and I do think a lot of people are going to have trouble getting going again specially if they have always had long journeys to work. I don't envy some mums having to get children back to school or teachers trying to deal with children used to doing their own thing.

undecided Tue 14-Apr-20 10:30:34

Yes, I am mostly enjoying the lockdown - only thing is how will I adjust when it gets back to normal??? I never noticed the traffic or noise till now when there is non and it is so peaceful. Except when I turn on the news and that really is so depressing and no let up even now - that brings me back to earth. All those poor innocent people, it does make me wonder what the chances of me getting it eventually even with self isolating.

Teacheranne Tue 14-Apr-20 10:29:50

Well, I hate this lockdown! Living on my own I miss all my friends and the social events I used to go to. I don't like housework, gardening is a struggle for me physically and there is only so much crochet or crafting I can do!

I'm frustrated at the continuing food shortages, where is all the flour? I can't even pass my time baking.

So, I'm bored and longing for it to be over.

Frannytoo Tue 14-Apr-20 10:28:30

We are also lucky and have a compact comfortable house with small south facing garden. The weather in London has been fantastic so lunch outside has been possible.
It is so quiet and I have been writing a daily diary which encourages me to view many things in a different way.

Happiyogi Tue 14-Apr-20 10:27:13

polnan, I'm so sorry to read about your recent bereavement. That must be particularly difficult to adjust to, in the current circumstances. I hope you will find company and support online for now. Sending you flowers flowers

Txquiltz Tue 14-Apr-20 10:27:12

I do miss seeing my GC almost daily when they got out of school. However, I do enjoy so few demands on time. Originally, I feared all I would do would be watch tv, but that did not last. I enjoy communicating with friends that live far away by Facebook (I finally learned how to use it). When this ends, I hope I will have learned from the experiences.

threexnanny Tue 14-Apr-20 10:26:30

I agree there are plus points in the situation, and I am not bored as I enjoy gardening, craft work , reading etc. but the negatives are so heavy that I find it difficult to appreciate the positives.

Theoddbird Tue 14-Apr-20 10:26:12

This is really no different to my normal life. I live on a narrow boat...so peaceful...just bobbing about with visiting ducks and geese. I only see people when I shop. I miss my grandchildren though. Can't wait to give them all a big hug. Bird song is amazing....the birds are definitely singing more.