Lockdown positives and lifestyle changes

Not getting up at 06.30, especially after a restless night. If I’ve slept through and my internal alarm does go off, how lovely to drink tea and read.
Reading more-my Kindle is a blessing and I’ve also reread lots of the books from the shelves.
Cooking more of the recipes from Pinch of Nom. More time to prepare when you’re not rushing home to cook.
Although we’re walking more, I’m desperate for the gym to reopen. I like your treadmill idea Kate1949 but I want to swim.

It's useful Molly and I can't swim!

I’ve only had one visit to the blood test clinic in the past 10 months. Before that I was beginning to feel like a human pin cushion.

Apart from being spared all the hugging and kissing every time you meet someone, I can’t think of any positives. Desperate for the vaccine and escape from prison camp.

Being very actively retired before lockdown we were exhausted fitting all our activities in. Lockdown has given both my husband and I a good rest, time for each other rather than being ships that pass in the night as we pursued our own interests. Hopefully we come out unscathed from Covid but we will structure our lives better after this.

I think having the lockdowns has focussed me into thinking that some groups and meetings I just attended out of habit. Now the break has been made, some things I will not return to and I think that’s a good thing.

Kate 1949
I too have a treadmill, and found on Y-tube various VR treadmill walks.
There are some lovely ones, through woods, by a canal and a winter walk through snow.
They have been very helpful recently when the weather has been so bad I couldn’t get out.

Oh thank you Flopsey. That's very helpful. I'll take a look. Using the treadmill is great but can be rather boring. I listen to music but what you suggest would be great.

I agree with what others have said, not worrying about the house being tidy for unexpected visitors, only cooking for DH and me (no GC’s after school, or all the family for Sunday lunch). Shopping only when necessary, not having to ‘go’ to things that you don’t really want to go to, not having to hug virtual strangers .....

Having said all that, if I were on my own, I know I would miss the family much more, but have enjoyed a rather quiet time with just DH. Many not so fortunate I know.

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

My house has never been so clean. My garden has never been so weed free. I would love people visiting me. Fat chance.

Also DH and I have saved so much money by not doing things we will be able to afford a really expensive holiday when all this is over.

Oh yes, so many similar experiences here too - more cash has been a boon. Not spending on fuel for trips out with obligatory tea and cakes, buying thank you gifts and entertaining friends with the bottles of wine that involves too has left a small amount accumulating in the bank account. We have managed to buy a freezer for the garage (our Covid/Brexit bunker store), change the car and donate the old one to our son who needs it for getting other work, get the alarm fixed and the boiler serviced. All very necessary costs which would have caused a lot of stress had there not been a few pounds spare

JaneJudge

Marydoll, have you had any video appointments with the hospital? We had one Monday and I really hope they keep them in place. I realise sometimes we need to be seen in person but this was a neurology medication review, an appointment that would have taken most of the day, driving there, finding somewhere to park, getting into the hospital, finding the clinic, waiting, seeing the nurse, waiting, seeing the Dr, having to get lunch, having to get back to car, having to get back to wherever. We just logged on and the whole thing took about half an hour! It was so much easier

Theyre great. My son has had a couple - and while we havent saved as much time as you have it has been so much better. The consultant even seems to be able to stay on time as well, unlike his in person clinics!!

I have always enjoyed my own company so don't mind lockdown, I do miss socialising with my friends but have been lucky that I am in a "bubble" with my DD & DGSs.

I am looking forward to being able to get in my car & go out exploring, visiting NT Properties & lots of interesting places.

My life hasn't changed too much with lockdown, I don't often have visitors, I cook but have done more baking during lockdown. I intend to do more of the things I want to do once we can get around freely again

Not having to get up early for appointments.
Nobody just "popping in " and staying for ever.
Enjoy phoning people, writing e mails.
Love my computer more and more,especially when GN arrives in the morning.
Enjoying a gentler pace of life.

Janejudge, I have had telephone consultations with my rheumatologist and one video one with the cardiologist, who couldn't get the hang of the video, proceeded to hang up and phoned me!

I had my first physical hospital appointment today since I started shielding, it was totally surreal. I was the only patient in the clinic!

Bazza

In desperation of finding how to start a new thread on gransnet, I’m going to do it here as it’s the most suitable one I can find, so here goes. My husband and I are lucky enough to have had our first vaccination, and I was wondering whether there is an organisation who could collect a small voluntary donation, say a tenner, from people who have been ‘done’ to help poor countries pay for their vaccine. I would happily do this if I knew it was going to the right place! Any thoughts?

I don't know about providing vaccines but yesterday I had a leaflet from the Disasters Emergency Committee who work in countries where there is severe poverty, at present made worse by covid19. They supply soap and hygiene packs and PPE to countries that are struggling to fight the pandemic.

Personally I'm still trying to support the charities close to my heart as all charities are struggling at present as many people are feeling the pinch due to furlough or job loss. I've also started volunteering at our local food bank.

I don't know if maybe the Red Cross might have a role as they work internationally too.

Thanks for your reply Jocork. I have emailed a lady at Oxfam, no reply as yet. I was thinking more of a television appeal, telling everyone how they could show their gratitude, perhaps with a text number to make it really easy to donate. Maybe I’m being too idealistic, which my husband tells me is a failing of mine!

Bazza

Thanks for your reply Jocork. I have emailed a lady at Oxfam, no reply as yet. I was thinking more of a television appeal, telling everyone how they could show their gratitude, perhaps with a text number to make it really easy to donate. Maybe I’m being too idealistic, which my husband tells me is a failing of mine!

Perhaps a bit idealistic but better optimism than pessimism in these times. I'm kept going by looking for the silver lining in every cloud!

I love the no pressure and it was all great for a while but to be honest I've had enough of this way of living. Only having my husband for company is wearing me down. My husband is a quiet solitary person who doesn't chat much.. All he misses is his guitar group. And that is starting to fade. But I so miss the company of friends and family. I'm actually a bit depressed. I just try to remember that Spring is coming.

I have walked and discovered a whole new are!

I like your idea Bazza, although hubby and I have not yet been called for our vaccinations. In our area, over 75's are still being contacted (we are 73 and 71).

As we are moving to Scotland next week, and will need to register with a new GP Practice, our vaccinations might be slightly delayed.

If any Charities are willing to take your idea further, I would certainly be prepared to donate.

I have not really minded lockdown. I miss my family and friends but feel grateful for my warm home, enough food in the cupboards and my cosy bed.
I am on my own but find the days go by quickly. It is good not to have anywhere I have to go and I can please myself what I do each day.

Believe it or not I've been having Physiotherapy appointments via the telephone and they've worked a treat. I too have saved loads of time, petrol, parking fees etc.

I've walked a lot more, read a lot more and saved money due to no shopping and no holidays, or come to think of it, petrol. Pre lockdown, I felt as though it was all getting too much of a merry go round. Lockdown has given me breathing space as well as more time with DH.

So many plusses. I'm not at all sure I want my old life back with all those commitments.