The silver lining... Plusses from the 'panic'

I don't think many secondary school kids use the toilet, far less wash their hands. I know of several young people who will not use the school toilets. All day long.

I wish I could spell Malaga like Gabriella does with accent acute

Dear Artdecogran, You are understandably anxious about your doctor daughter on the front line. May I just say she is young and young people will mostly get a mild flu-like illness or no symptoms at all and be immune thereafter?

Maybe pregnant women have more effective immune systems as well?

Meryl S , shaving off the beard is a practical thing to do I approve.

For years now I have said school blazers are unhygienic as the kids can't easily push the sleeves up for hand washing, and the blazers themselves are not the easiest garments to launder.

Thanks so much Urmstongran ??
It's good to be back in the very motherly bosom of GN. Such a comfy place...er...??
Friday 13th, not known for being a very lucky day however, like you, I'm on a break but not seeing much (if any) ?...unlike certain persons who are wallowing in it?????
I believe I return on Monday to a dearth of loo roll, pasta, hand gel and sundry other necessaries.
Oh well! Bread n milk it is then plus squares of newspaper on string.
Such is life...
I'm sure it's up to each of us as to whether to squeeze every last drop of enjoyment from whatever situation life throws our way or to sink into the slough of despond.
I'm firmly in the former camp.
Best wishes from St Martins ⛅ to Málaga.
??☀️☀️☀️

Sandelf I agree. I'd like to add these social effects happen in a war between nations when a community spirit arises among defenders. We all know who or what the enemy is and minor concerns seem less important.

I suppose maybe, just maybe ,there may be some middle way. It's a terrible thing and we are bombarded by news . I would suggest it might be wise to look after our physical and mental health in such challenging times.

I can't find much to be jolly about. My own bugbear is little children and teachers in the strightjacket of the curriculum not having time to spend on social activities such as using cutlery and washing hands. Perhaps this may change?

Same old (literally and figuratively) GabriellaG54, Marydoll.
Returning on Monday from a virtually unpopulated St Martins (fewer than 100 atm) where I'll have had 3 weeks of idle pursuits.
Sorry to read about your health issues but I'm sure you'll look (and feel) $1m on your DDs wedding day. ?
Take care.

Oh MerylStreep
And your response......?

That made me laugh Meryl - Thank you! (It is exactly the sort of thing that Mr R would say)

There was a man on tv this morning saying how he had shaved his beard off as it's more hygienic.
OH looked at me and said ^ that goes for women, too^ ??

How can it be a bad thing to try and keep positive and cheerful when we are facing this terrible virus? Of course we are all taking it seriously - we would be mad not to - but what good does it do being negative and miserable? I think all those who are going down the "Let's be miserable and criticise those who are trying to keep other's spirits up" route need to have a word with themselves!

Lovely to have you back GabriellaG54 and most unexpected. You’ve been missed lady!

Regards this thread I think any slight positives are good to share. There is a lot of anxiety around at present and sadness regarding missed family gatherings. We have very little control over this virus so it’s good to enjoy life’s pleasures where and while we can in my opinion.

OH just said to ( jokingly) no one has knocked on our door to see how we are
I replied no, and none of our daughters has phoned to see how we are ( jokingly) ah but look on the bright side. They all think we are far too healthy and capable and we'll be the ones helping them ?

Some of my family now cannot visit but others are coming to me because their holiday is cancelled. I am under instruction not to prepare for them coming, they will set up, shop, cook for themselves and me, and go for walks. They have offered to help with some decorating too. A completely unexpected compensation for the others being locked down.
Everyone is friendlier in the shops, I have have more phone calls checking up on me and just communicating ?.
Although I am worried, I am also enjoying the slowdown, quieter buses and turning inwards for a while. A sense of community spirit has increased and that is definitely a positive. If I get to the bottom of my freezer for the first time ever I will be amazed. I might also be amazed at what I find and what age it is ?. I think we all have to do our best to keep calm and carry on.

It's an ill-wind that blows nobody any good...

Yes, I do believe that every cloud has a silver lining even if it's not immediately evident and even if not for all.

Covid-N-N-N-N-N-19:-

Has done more to save the planet in 2 months, than XtinctionRebellion&Greta combined have in - forever.

Has done more for sick pay rights/in work benefits than any party /EU in decades.

Has brought sloppy hygiene sharply into focus.

And to you too

How ironic.

I just dislike negative and disruptive posts SirC ones which go on and on
Like the duracell bunny....

Phew!

Oh there you are lemon - and with a good! too. I’m so pleased you got that in, I know you like to post things like that.

Eglantine I did laugh at your post upthread about the rabbit! Yes, GN is definitely going that way alright.

This thread is all about thinking of silver linings as May7 has just expressed and given some great examples in her post.
?
It has got both strangers in the street talking to each other, and a neighbour rang me this evening to ask if I needed anything.