Lockdown pastimes

I can't concentrate on books either, despite being a life-long reader. I binged Netflix in the early days of lockdown, and got a bit sick of TV, although now that they are screening new series again it might pick up a bit.

I enjoy knitting, but I am starting to wonder when I will ever get to wear the numerous jumpers I have made since March . My husband and children aren't interested in knitwear, and my pleasure comes from knitting luxury fibres, which rules out a lot of charity knitting.

I think that motivation is part of the problem. At the start of all this I was determined that I would declutter the whole house, but was put off when the tip and charity shops closed down, so barely made a start. Now that they are open again, I still haven't got very far - I just keep the doors of the most appalling rooms firmly closed!

I've always worked better to deadlines, and I think the fact that this awful situation is open-ended makes it more difficult to get going. There is always tomorrow.

I have a bit of consultancy work that I can do from home, and some of the interest groups I enjoy have moved online so I have two or three Zoom meetings a week, but compared to how busy I was before, life is very quiet.

Jigsaws saw me through the last lockdown. Researching your family tree? Cross stitching? Compiling photo albums from all the old photos? Writing your memoirs? I also took up loom knitting and surprised myself with the results - I’ve never knitted or crocheted anything in my life before ?

I highly recommend the Duolingo app if you fancy learning a language. It has short bursts of activities to keep you interested. Busuu is good too.

Play games on your comp/tablet. Watch old films on Talking Pictures on tv.

I've turned to decorating to keep me occupied. Needs doing anyway, but can't face turning out whole rooms so I am choosing bits within the room to concentrate on.
It's taken me since March to do my hallway and landing . But it's not like we are having lots of visitors or have a deadline. Broke it down into chunks - near the front door, then one wall down the hall, then another wall including any doors.....so I could finish each bit and tidy up before starting the next bit when I was ready. My hands are shakier and my eyes blinder than when I used to decorate, so some things get done twice but it looks so much brighter and fresher I don't feel like I've wasted the time I had to stay home.
I've also learnt to stencil. One of my pale grey walls now has some orangey-brown-ambery autumn leaves tumbling down it into a pile near the skirting. When I get bored with it I can paint over it.

The concentration that reading needs can be difficult, which is why I have found Gransnet so fascinating. Short posts that are quick and easy to read, choosing or leaving, the various topics.

My wife has a bespoke workshop, her sewing cabin, she can lose herself for hours as she makes our clothes. At present she is making baby's clothes for three little fellows and a young lady that have arrived in the last year, how I envied her. She encouraged me to write, something that I have always enjoyed, but writing does require concentration.

Then I had an idea. Like most I have a Christmas card list of friends and family. I wrote to all those on the list that, apart from a Christmas card every year, we had lost touch with. And every single one replied. It was most satisfying.

I'm keeping a "Covid pandemic diary". Something to look back on (I hope) and to help me to remember these strange times.....

Keeping a diary could be something you might do. Along the same lines, how about writing a memoir of your life? It would be something for the grandkids to wonder over.

Sawsage2

Play games on your comp/tablet. Watch old films on Talking Pictures on tv.

I’m keen to find something not on a screen !

Jigsaws, family history, decluttering, craft work and walking keep me busy and almost sane. I agree, it is difficult to get motivated when you feel low.

Doodledog
I hear you! It's the lack of deadlines and motivation.
I need a massive kick up the bum.

Whole load of family photos/negatives, to scan and save digitaly Whole load of cine films and vidios to transfer to digital. Bought the equipment 8 months ago and intended to do during 1st lock down. Never got started. Have discovered audio books on youtube so will be listening to those while sorting the film media!!!!

Our DGc were given diamond art sets.On opening I thought they would quickly be put to one side or the numerous parts scattered about.How wrong was I. The kits are similar to painting by numbers or cross stitch designs but squares are filled with diamonds using a very simple technic,suggested age 6yrs+.The kids have nearly finished theirs and my husband has completed beautiful design to be framed and now has 2 more kits.Amazon sell kits starting at £5 search Diamond art kits they are very relaxing to complete and once framed make a lovely piece of personal art work.

Jigsaws, or craft 'diamond' kits, which use plastic 'diamonds' to make a picture - easy!

https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202009/medium-912362-8296712f-2461-4c34-bb23-7f9e5d0a3d9a.jpeg https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202009/medium-80081-f1e0f867-07ca-4eca-926a-6a23a9e999c4.jpeg https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202009/medium-927864-0f50ebed-d5e2-455a-a39a-ec2d2ffb624c.jpeg

I’ve been doing adult paint by numbers for couple of years, I LOVE it!! So calming,and productive! You can paint everyone’s Christmas gifts! And I’ve sent my own pictures in, they translate it to canvas,and send it with numbered paints,it’s brilliant. I’ll attempt to put a couple on here now....there’s hundreds to choose from. Just for starters look on Amazon, loads of lovely ones.

Lucca, I’ve messaged you, but it’s late in the day , hope you see it....

Janiepops they look far more professional than the ones I remember from my youth!

Janiepops, they look awesome!
Painting by numbers has certainly come on a pace.
Anything that is relaxing and productive like that is great.
That's why I don't get Jigsaws.
I've never done one, but I understand that they are a bit like meditation.

What about painting by numbers? You can get some lovely pictures on Amazon.

DH likes jigsaw, I'm not keen.
He sometimes asks for help finding a "missing" piece.
Sometimes I find them on the floor.
He was going to complain to the firm once about a missing piece - DGD found it under a piece of furniture.

Thanks Callistemon, and FannyCornforth, painting by numbers has, like so many things, moved with the times! The theory is the same, but the canvas,the paint,the pictures are brilliant now, incredibly easy,but very satisfying and addictive! ???

It could keep DH happy if we are to have another lockdown.
Thank you.

Janiepops

Lucca, I’ve messaged you, but it’s late in the day , hope you see it....

Thank you yes!

When I go on a weeks holiday, I can easily read 3 books. But over the lockdown only managed 2 books. How odd, I’m not the only one.
I’m hoping against hope I don’t have to stay in again.
We were lucky last time with the weather. This time we’re heading into winter, so i’m also dreading it.

I got my stamp collection out,it was my Dad’s from the 1920’s
and over the years I have bought more albums and kept collecting.So interesting looking up all the countries that have changed their names etc. I have really enjoyed spending uninterrupted time studying the stamps,definitely a dying hobby.