Lockdown positives and lifestyle changes

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.

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

The thing I have noticed most is how much money we have left over at the end of each month! Our income hasn’t changed (all pension) and we don’t have the opportunity to go out for lunch (previously twice a week), for dinner (once every two weeks) or for coffee (most days). Add to that what we have saved in fuel by not using the car, and we have significant monthly savings.

Rather than risk this money getting lost in our general finances, I have made a point of investing £100 in Premium Bonds every month. The money is safe, and who knows, we MIGHT win something!

I’ve enjoyed spending more time with my husband. He’s working 3 days a week at home. I’ve done a bit of decluttering and the cupboards are very tidy. The garden is also looking very good but not down to me! I like to be busy and achieve so much more when I am. Unlike some people on here I enjoy having a full diary and love bustling places. Country walks are losing their appeal.

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?

Lilyflower
That's me to the life.

Not having to drive miles to see people who wear you out after half an hour! In fact, I think we're becoming thoroughly desocialised and will probably forget how to hold a conversation!

I haven’t made the most of the time available. I admit to liking the fact that no one is going to drop in unexpectedly and that I have very few obligations.

The same as you Mamma66 I have always had a lot of meetings, and events here, BBQs, Garden Parties etc.
I now have my 1 bubble friend coming round and she does not mind a bit of dust.
I have also enjoyed doing lots of crafts with DGS and having longer time on chats with my other 2 GC as they are not always rushing off somewhere.

I try to stay in bed longer. As soon I would of wakened, even before 6am I was up. Now because I've nothing to get up for so early, still too dark for dog walk, I lie and read for a while. Might change when the lovely light mornings start to arrive, can't wait.

Reading all the comments it has struck me that maybe as we get a bit older we are meant to take things easier. Modern life is just too frantic, even for oldies. We’re either working past retirement age, looking after grandchildren which is exhausting or keeping up a very busy social life, which whilst enjoyable is sometimes just too much.
I’ve been shielding since March and at times I have felt it’s a blessing and at others a curse. I’m meeting my friends and family via video calls. Last week myself and two daughters were joined by two adult granddaughters on a group WhatsApp chat. Youngest granddaughter said it was better than the telly!
Later today I’ll see three friends for an online quiz and am looking forward to that.
Also having more time for hobbies like painting, sewing, reading and the garden is lovely. However, although I’m making the most if lockdown I am ready now to face the world again and will be glad when we’re allowed out again.

My life was very quiet anyway as I am a solitary and introverted person. I do like other people but I need processing time when I have socialised. I am finding I am getting about as much processing time as I need now whereas I did not before.

Grandchildren 2 which online art sites are you using? I do loads of creative stuff, as once very good at drawing and painting but have lost confidence, despite joining a watercolour class some years ago, did very well and even sold some. I now find any excuse to knuckle down.

Oh how I agree with you Mama66! On the minus side I feel I’m turning into a bit of a slob. When this is over will we be able to gird out loins again and keep a tidy house? It’s also nice not having to rush about to get ready for something you would rather not do. Always a silver lining.

After many years of very hard work I tell myself that I owe myself as much rest and doing nothing as I can muster

I love having a really long bath each morning, and read a book whilst in the bath!! No rush to get up in the morning - a very relaxing start to the day at the moment.
Agree re the gentler pace of life too.