Gransnetters share what lockdown has made them feel grateful for with McCarthy & Stone

So, grateful to all gardeners who encourage newbies! (I understand if I’ve disqualified myself here by writing 2 messages - my mistake).

I did a little of gardening because I was unfortunately suffering from a nerve trap in my leg for nearly two months. Read books, cook and bake scones. I was self isolating too for which I was home all the time and I did some exercise(no fun) oh I saw some face masks. I miss tv soaps which has been scarce. Speak to the my son and daughter and grandsons. Being key worker the kids were going to school for two days when mum and dad were walking.

I am grateful that I managed to have a hip replacement just two weeks before the lockdown, so that I was pain free and able to exercise outside for my hour a day.

Early in lockdown I planted bits from a sprouting potato. I’ve now got some amazing new potatoes. Now I’m inspired to grow veg in my little garden next year. Planning now!

Friends and sunshine.

I was very grateful during lockdown to have a group of local people we found on facebook that would go and collect our prescriptions for us as my husband had had a pacemaker operation and he was 70 so would have had to stay indoors in any case but i didnt want to go out, plus we were able to get a weekly grocery shop done which was another bonus, and have a paramedic next door but one to us so i bought her a few handcreams as she said her hands were getting so raw with all the washing and using the handgels.

I am grateful for being born before television came along, into an era in which we had to entertain yourselves. I developed hobbies then, that have kept me busy and I don’t get bored easily. I think this has helped me to get through being ‘shielded.’

Grateful that my family has kept well. Fully appreciated my husband and all that he does for me. Having a lovely garden and view has kept us both sane.

Technology to keep in touch is very high on the list too.

Looking forward to being able to hug my family and friends

I am so grateful that all my family are all well despite my eldest son having the virus, he is now well. I am grateful that all my adult children have looked at their “treadmill” lives with high flying careers, and have so loved spending so much time with their own children and partners .... so are all now looking at redressing their work/life balances.

Quite simply my family.
No matter what any of us have from bricks and mortar to gardens and cars and pets. The very fact I have my husband and children makes me feel eternally blessed.
This also makes me realize how much I want them all to get on with raising children of their own.

I am grateful to my cat for the daily companionship she gives me, having a lovely house and garden to care for and sit in with reasonably quiet, friendly neighbours in a nice part of the country, family who have kept in touch regularly by email and skype and phone calls and friends who have sent lots of jokes and news items to discuss by email too.

I haven't been bored at all during lockdown even though I live by myself. I also helped out with home schooling my granddaughter via skype.

I am very grateful to my lovely husband and family who looked after me and kept me safe and sane(ish) during this very frightening time,also my dear friends who have raised my spirits with chatty phone calls.l am really grateful to all the NHS staff and care workers,and so very pleased that we were lucky enough to not need their help.

I am very grateful for my wonderful dog and cat, our garden, but most of all to have such an amazing husband who is also my very best friend, he is really struggling with ill health and unable to have treatment at this time due to the virus, but he is so brave,and battles on in pain, i'm so proud to be his wife, 33 years now, hopefully many more to come.

I have lived on the island of Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands for 15 years and when C19 arrived, the 'quarantine' ( as it is called) was very strict. We had to stay in for a whole month except to go to the nearest shop,doctor or hospital if needed.
When shopping, we still have to wear masks and gloves and at one point, we had our temperature taken before we were allowed in a shop.

I have been grateful to the local police, the 'Guardia Civile' and the health care staff who have kept things under control and to the village people around me who have followed the rules.

My best friend is my husband with whom I had many a discussion on the state of things both in the UK and around the world.

My second best friend is the internet which gave me a window on the outside world so that I could keep up with the news re the virus and it enabled me to have contact with friends and family in the UK. Without it, I would have felt very isolated.

My partner for being there, my kindle & computer, a lifeline during these past weeks and most of all my garden, a distraction, a hobby, a work place and an oasis of peace when needed. I am of course so grateful and would like to thank all those in the NHS and other industries that worked tirelessly throughout this terrible time to help so many.

I am grateful for my continuing good health despite a few aches and pains which are trivial compared to many.

I am pleased to be able to spend my time enjoying hobbies such as gardening which is good for the soul, reading which hopefully enhances the brain cells and my sewing which has always been a source of pleasure. This came into play when I was able to help make facemasks and headbands for carers and nurses although the quantity wasn't huge compared to others' efforts. It is good to feel of use to others.

The slower pace of life is good for we retirees but I'm aware that for those in the front line it has been a terrible, tiring, and very worrying time. I take my hat off to them.

Married 47 yrs with complete different interests but lockdown has shown us how together we really are, without being joined at the hip.How truely grateful we all should be to have our NHS.our friendly postman,supermarket delivery people and a sister who spoke daily keeping me in touch with the outer life beyond the garden gate.Flushed smiling faces of GCs cycling quite a distance for little legs,to see us from the garden.Healthy family and as yet still employed.

Friends, neighbours and my lovely daughter who has been Shopping for me and my son who keeps in touch. For my garden and my hens, they have been a lifesaver and my daughters dogs. And the community for offering help

Having a lovely garden, my dear dog and the many miles of beautiful Epping Forest just ten minutes' walk away.

I am grateful for my lovely cat, and my daughter. Both keep me sane in these unusual times.

Grateful to be in a happy marriage. We have only have the odd spat over something trivial , so that's a relief. We haven't had much of a break from each other but no problem. Fingers crossed.

I am grateful for my family and the internet to connect us and the garden which made the beautiful May weather a pleasure in spite of lockdown.

There are so many people that I am grateful to for the support I have had over this difficult period as I have been dealing with bereavement as well as the isolation during lockdown.
I have always had a person on the end of the phone or messaging to check if I am OK they have all been wonderful to say the least.
I need to say thank you to my preferred Supermarket who has always managed to fit me in for a delivery slot and to the cheerful delivery driver who even asks if I have forgotten something and he will try and drop it off later so so kind.
I have started paying all my bills on line something I have not attempted to do before and will continue to do so when this is all over.
My PC is my best friend at the minute finding friends I knew as long ago as 30yrs we have stayed in touch weekly and will meet up in Liverpool in a couple of months for a stay over and mega catch up.
My ACs have been my most special go too people even though they have full time jobs and their own families they stay in contact sometimes 3/4 times a day.

I am grateful that I have a garden. Also that my family live close by, so even though we couldn't get together, I was able to see them through the window.

I am so grateful to have so far survived the pandemic. But more than that, I an so grateful to my two daughters, my granddaughter and my lovely friends for keeping in constant contact and being so supportive, kind and loving. I am also grateful how our community has really come together to help each other. I really hope that that community spirit remains. Lastly, I'm grateful to Gransnet for allowing a platform where I get "let off steam".