New days, new ways

Hospitals have boxes of hats - will they take clothes for newborns?

Sorry to sound a slightly negative note but we contacted six local rescue organisations trying to adopt or foster a cat over the past month and none of them could help. The three that got back to me said they have been completely inundated with enquiries. They are not taking on volunteer dog walkers either. In the end we bought a kitten via pets4homes (this is not an endorsement although we had a positive experience with them) We chose a local advert so that we could go and check out it was genuine. The kitten is fabulous, but its quite a task looking after her and we cant have visitors to get her socialised (probably even worse issue with a dog). On a more positive note has anyone tried Future Learn? They have loads of free on line courses to study at your own time. EdX are the US equivalent.

A balance between mental and physical exercise is the key!

Too little mental stimulation is going to leave you bored and depressed.

Try Pinterest for ideas there are so many brilliant talented people and so many ideas from cooking to painting. Also Flickr.
I’m experimenting with making prints using funky foam, the cards are being sold to fundraise for Stop HS2.

I download from the library too. But best of all is getting access to all the magazines that I would never buy but have some interesting articles from time to time.

Weirdly I've suddenly started receiving an online copy of Good Homes magazine, but absolutely no idea why.

shops are doing amazing, queues everywhere, probably because of the closures on wednesday or thursday, and the possibility of longer lock downs and the fact that people want to buy christmas presents etc, i know we do internet shopping but i so love actual physical shopping

BelindaB

I'm also not a going out person but thankfully, I've got my allotment to occupy me. I've wanted to spend more time there for absolutely ages, so that I can re-arrange things and I'm going to do that this autumn. Which is also the only time plants can be moved.

I am heartily fed up, however, with this inssessant rain. I've been trying to go up to the allotment and/or redecorate the front ofmy house but the rain has made it almost impossible to do either!

Walking my dogs is also a good way to pass the time but I do miss going to the library. I am an avid reader and cannot afford to buy as many books as I'd like. I'd much rather read than do almost anything else.

If I didn't have dogs of my own, I'd happily volunteer at the local shelter to walk dogs for them. Anyone can do that.

Can’t you access your library on line?

I do and there are loads of e-book choice which is being added to all the time

I'm also not a going out person but thankfully, I've got my allotment to occupy me. I've wanted to spend more time there for absolutely ages, so that I can re-arrange things and I'm going to do that this autumn. Which is also the only time plants can be moved.

I am heartily fed up, however, with this inssessant rain. I've been trying to go up to the allotment and/or redecorate the front ofmy house but the rain has made it almost impossible to do either!

Walking my dogs is also a good way to pass the time but I do miss going to the library. I am an avid reader and cannot afford to buy as many books as I'd like. I'd much rather read than do almost anything else.

If I didn't have dogs of my own, I'd happily volunteer at the local shelter to walk dogs for them. Anyone can do that.

billericaylady

For me its sewing and Ancestory

Oh yes Ancestry!

I am a big fan and have dipped in and out for quite a few years now.

I recently renewed my subscription, as I am continually trying to trace my grandfather who went awol from the navy in I think Bermuda. I did think that I found him in Canada but now I’m not sure that it is correct.

Thank you for your kind comments Whitewavemark2. Yes we’re all different but can still try to help and understand each other.

Thanks for the link Riverwalk that sounds right up my street, if ever I get back to UK I will definitely pay the museum a visit.

We have been catching up with all the jobs around the house that we put off for various reasons. Really miss my volunteer role and lunches out with friends but keeping hopeful things will improve.
Thank goodness for Amazon and a regular book supply.

For me its sewing and Ancestory

Technology is something to be considered (in its many forms).

ZOOM opened me up to more exercise and chats
HOUSEPARTY is fun!
YouTube helped me with my new hobby - woodturning

Stage shows, musicals and opera can be watch online now for free. Some have small subscriptions. I watched all the National Theatre performances they put on through YouTube. I really wouldn't mind paying a subscription to them for more plays etc. I was paying to go to the cinema when they put on the live performances.

Yes this is a lovely thread and so many positives on here. I will:

keep in touch with family and friends
continue practicing my Tai Chi (as best I can)
zoom into my church services
cook and batch bake
cook some treats for Christmas
write my Christmas cards
put up the Christmas tree and decorations
attempt to buy a turkey crown - if not happy with chicken or anything else we have in the freezer for Christmas Dinner
We all have to try our best to find different things to enjoy and to keep us occupied.

aonk

It’s been really interesting to read the comments. I’m doing my best to count my blessings (which are many) and keep busy and positive. I’m a little envious of some of the posters here though. I’ve been retired for some years but still really miss my job and being part of a team. Since then I’ve mainly been doing childcare or voluntary activities. Apart from 1 day of childcare all that has finished due to the GC starting school and their parents working at home. I’m at my happiest when out of the house and among other people. I wish I shared some of the interests mentioned here but I’ve no interest in crafts or hobbies or online activities. For me this is too solitary. Sorry if this might upset anyone but I really don’t want a pet. I do go on walks on my own or with my husband just to keep active. I like to read and watch tv but keep that for the evenings as I don’t like to sit down during the day. Sorry if this sounds very negative but I feel so lost without my life as it was before and miss my family so much.

I’m sure there are many like you aonk we aren’t all the same.

How boring if we were!

It’s been really interesting to read the comments. I’m doing my best to count my blessings (which are many) and keep busy and positive. I’m a little envious of some of the posters here though. I’ve been retired for some years but still really miss my job and being part of a team. Since then I’ve mainly been doing childcare or voluntary activities. Apart from 1 day of childcare all that has finished due to the GC starting school and their parents working at home. I’m at my happiest when out of the house and among other people. I wish I shared some of the interests mentioned here but I’ve no interest in crafts or hobbies or online activities. For me this is too solitary. Sorry if this might upset anyone but I really don’t want a pet. I do go on walks on my own or with my husband just to keep active. I like to read and watch tv but keep that for the evenings as I don’t like to sit down during the day. Sorry if this sounds very negative but I feel so lost without my life as it was before and miss my family so much.

I agree that good things are coming out of it. My brothers and I have never been good about keeping in touch, but now we zoom every other Monday, and are getting to know each other again. We all enjoy and value it. “There’s always an upside.”

I am sure there will be a vaccine that will see an end to this virus so until that day comes then we must do what those who lived through two world wars did .ADAPT.
Count our blessings until that day comes when we can go about our lives without this present threat /enemy amongst us.

I've just ordered an exercise bike...Aquafit classes did start up again locally, but will cease from Thursday and tbh last year my attendance in the winter months was erratic as I found going out in the cold or rain not that appealing.So, I am hoping to get my fitness up this way- well I can but try.

One thing that I have been surprised at are the amount of opportunities that there are for getting hold of free books.

I belong to my local library, and as well as pottering to the library, which I don’t, I do belong to the on line service. I can browse loads of books and read them free on my iPad.

I also can get hold of free books through my iPad kindle app.

The trouble is that I now have about 1/2 a doz books on the go. I must get a grip!!

crafting and more crafting for me and cycling outside when the weather is ok. Living alone so being busy is key for me. I started to do some needle felting the other day, very nice and I bought some kits, fairly expensive but all relative as each takes about two weeks. I think I will get back to wood carving but the garage is getting cold, will don a leather apron and do whittling indoors instead, easily cleaned chips. I ordered a carving book on making christmas tree ornaments. Worth while for me as I am in process of getting rid of the old and in with new

70s music makes me dance while dusting, perhaps I shall do more of that

Rose30
Your not the only one informing yourself A lot of thinking people are.
If you have 2hrs to spare ( yes, I know it's a long listen) but listen to the podcast ( or YouTube) by Dr Mike Yeadon. It gets a bit 'sciency' at times but stick with it. You won't think the same way again about this virus. By the way: he's not a virus denier.

I’m struggling with the thought of this next lockdown.
I do count my blessings,I have a husband at home.A lovely home and no reason to feel this way but I do.
Maybe it’s because it’s winter....

Good ideas there WWM2. I would add listen to music every day, whatever your genre may be and if you feel your days are lacking direction, write a list for the day the night before! ?

Oh how I wish I could walk and kneel at my allotment! I clouted my leg against a table in July and injured my knee and have suffered ever since. Can’t have a steroid jab to help as Doctor is reluctant because of COVID risk! So keep taking the tablets, physio, elevate and ice and put up with the pain! Lockdown looks endless and while I love Christmas the preparations this year are going to be so hard! Will carry on crafting, jigsaws and WI online but so want to be outside!

I absolutely LOVE this thread please lets have more. Let's lift each other's spirits and share ideas to do that.
Like others I'm concentrating on keeping busy and healthy with a few treats here and there. Exercise and healthy food go a long way towards feeling good. Walking costs nothing, and the fresh air and beautiful autumn colours will lift your spirits.
Put on your favourite music, and have a shuffle around the kitchen.
Keep up your standards on hair, makeup and clothing it really will improve your mood. Meditation or any form of relaxation is a must. Balance is essential. Educate yourself on healthy lifestyle, and see this pandemic as a positive to improve your life moving forward.
Let's be there for others. Keep smiling