Lockdown

We've been more or less isolating ourselves since March so this current situation doesn't make much difference to us.
Although my daughter (single parent) is allowed to visit us we have all been ultra careful to keep our distance and not touch things that others have touched.
It must be hard for people who live alone but normally see their families regularly, though they have obviously previously been able to meet outside. I don't really see why we are only allowed to see one person outside if they are masked?

Granny23 the patio heater sounds wonderful. Thank you for sharing.

It's just too cold to enjoy the garden. Still, I've planted seeds in trays (in the spare bathroom) set up terrariums, gained yet more house plants to look after.

There's loads of films on Netflix and catch-up, plenty of decorating to do, knitting, crafting etc.

I've brought my basic workmate and tools inside (from the chilly garage to the conservatory) to continue my bird box making.

Then, there's cooking (scotch pancakes this morning) baking bread, biscuits and cakes (where did my waist go?) and exploring new walks with the dog.

So - plenty to do!

Hetty58
I too like living alone, and joke about how much worse this pandemic would be if in lockdown with my ex lol.
I am a social person though hence having my bubble, however I am extremely careful when they visit, and the visits are few. With no interaction with other human beings I would be even more nuts than I already am lol.
We all make our choices as to our limits and needs I suppose.

Theoddbird I love your post. Thank you ?

I am trying to hold on to the fact that a vaccination is coming but I have to confess, I feel more negative about it all this time. I don't think it helps that it is cold and dark much of the time whereas the first lockdown was in glorious weather. Still, it is what it is, and we could be being bombed for years at a time. We are pretty lucky, all things considered.

Franbern - have you tried a 'daylight lamp' for your SAD? Two family members swear by them.

Franbern I haven't tried them, but I have heard of them. I'll perhaps look at these

Things won't change much for us either, to be honest. The only change we have made is to arrange to click and collect grocery and dog food order rather than going in person. I admit it would be easier if the weather was better and hours could be spent outside in the garden, but we are warm, safe, well fed with good health, plenty of books and a Netflix subscription!

I thought that being on your own would be harder but on the other hand you only have yourself to please. I’m grateful I still have my DH but unfortunately he’s suffering because of lockdown while I don’t and I’m not even very sympathetic!

I think lockdown can be difficult, but not so bad when you know that there's a light at the end of the tunnel. The worst thing is not being able to see my little granddaughters, though with Facetime, WhatsApp and Zoom I can still see and speak to them and to the extended family and friends. Technology has been a Godsend. I can still walk the dogs, my fitness instructor puts classes online and sometimes uses Zoom for a live session, I can get around to jobs I normally ignore and can curl up with a good book or binge watch on Netflix. However, like everyone, I miss spontaneity of saying to hubby, 'lets pop out for lunch', I miss hugging my family and friends and, of course, not having my hair cut. Last time I looked like I'd been dragged through a hedge, forwards and backwards!!

Myself and my husband have a support bubble with a single elderly friend who lives nearby - we have it for his sake, not for ours and it is really important as he was getting really depressed being on his own. My husband and our friend are both clinically vulnerable - we all take precautions to be careful with any contact outside our homes to keep us all safe. Support bubbles were introduced because of the serious mental health issues and loneliness experienced by single person households during first lockdown - its been a lifeline for our friend and we are happy to provide that. I do have an issue with those who think they can have multiple support bubbles - this is not allowed under the rules, current or from last year. The new rules specify that only those who are legally allowed support bubbles (single person households or those who are on their own and have a young child) are allowed to continue with this.

Yes I will find it harder, we have a classic motorhome.The day the kids go back to school is time for planning, by the end of January I normally have 8-10 weeks booked starting 1st May and spreading till end of September, plus always on lookout for extra offers. This year can't get going.

Ha ha ....never knew about the new 5 0clock conference......have to remember to watch it ! personally I HATE this ...living alone, in a flat with no garden I do not intend to stay in .....I will shop for food, once a day ...cos it makes a trip out ....and once a day for exercise along the seafront where I live .........no family, so no bother about not seeing them, and I see my friends usually once a week ...one is my support bubble, so that should be ok .........but I really don't think all of this is getting us anywhere......you cannot keep people incarcerated for much longer ....the virus will still be there long after people are 'trusted' to use their common sense and for the government to restore our civil liberties ....taking all this away is nothing short of criminal .....I won't be here then, but I would love to see what history makes of this ,.....after all we still talk about King Canute trying to hold back the tide .....sound familiar ? ....and of Nero fiddling whilst Rome burned ....someone pass Boris a violin ..........so angry

How lovely to read so many positive and cheerful comments today!

I do not look at Gransnet every day because of the sad problems some of which seem insoluble. Perhaps counting your blessings might be a good thing to do - even on the darkest days we all have some.

Having said that we are coping ok, I do feel sorry for those who have lost their jobs or business, are trying to juggle working from home with home educating and entertaining their children, or are simply missing their grandchildren. I acknowledge that we are, so far, quite fortunate in the grand scheme of it all. Our only loss is our plans for travelling and I do miss my wet January days which were usually spent planning and discussing holidays for the year to come!

Definitely harder. I’ve fully shielded for 10months-only going out for medical appointments and a daily totter round the block. Last time, with the lovely weather, I spent a lot of time in my garden with neighbours stopping for a chat. The other thing that seems to have changed is the community spirit/offers of help which seems to have diminished

Like many, I envisaged another lockdown as pandemics spread rapidly and can last for 2+ years. Looking on the downside, by the time that this fizzles out we'll be looking at this Autumn and heading into another Winter when everyone's immune systems drop to rock bottom again.

As statistics stand, we sadly lose many during each winter anyway and the figures have increased because of an ageing society but when a full pandemic strikes it hits the under 50's too.

Because I live alone it's been easier to stick to rules and regulations and I've only visited a supermarket 3 times in nearly a year but admit to not feeling safe in them and end up feeling ill with anxiety. Fortunately I have local shops nearby.

Of all the times that my family needed me it was last year and there wasn't a thing I could do about it without putting my own health in jeopardy, which left me frustrated and still does because I can't visit a " mixed " household.

I still think you’ve played an important part in supporting your family EV, a sense of humour and a positive attitude even from a distance helps others. You certainly cheer others on Mick’s good morning thread.
Lots of you with good spirit here and thank goodness for those who help the ones having a wobble.
Not finding this one any harder than the last as nothing much has changed. Shopping delivered, walking when weather permits, Netflix and scrabble.
I am one of the lucky ones as I have a good husband with a good sense of humour.

Alanav, totally agree with you.

Have kept to the rules meeting family when permitted outside. Now if course it is far too cold or wet and as nearest lives a couple of hours drive away just a trip too far. I feel this lockdown is easier. There is an end (hopefully if no new resistant variant pops up) in sight now whereas the first time everyone was scrambling about trying to figure out what the horrible thing was.

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Jillybird I'm sorry you are struggling, but we have Spring to look forward to and the vaccines will help. Onwards and upwards, but eh go on stamp your feet it will make you feel better...might try it myself ?

Hetty58

Granny23, isn't that breaking the rules? (and encouraging others to?).

I thought that we were not allowed to invite others into gardens.

Current guidelines in Scotland have reduced the number allowed to meet outdoors from 6 persons to 2 from two households. Hence why my DGS comes alone to visit me outdoors and occasionally one or other (but not both together) DDs can legally visit me in the Garden.

It’s never easy. Just depressingly familiar. So much worse because of the cold weather.