Lockdown is hard for us all, but on a positive note......

Sorry everyone, I’ve thought and thought..nope, no positives. I miss our family, having grandchildren to stay, my daughter is single and it used to give her a break. We miss our friends, some of whom are single, a quick hug down the pub and a catch up meant a huge difference, all social contact has gone, the phone or FaceTime/zoom doesn’t cut it. Husband and I have spent loads of time together before as we did three summers abroad, mostly not working, we’re harmonious, but there’s a difference between choosing to do do it and being forced. I lost my p/t job at first lockdown as they couldn’t afford me, losing money. I’ve done click and collect or delivery for 2 years as I loathe shopping.
So apologies for being somewhat negative, but not good for me, however pleased for those of you have gained some pluses ?

Had Covid in March/April and just had a major operation so haven’t had any FOMO - both situations have and do keep me off the streets- so to speak. I think maybe we have learned what is really important in life?
I have learned how to zoom for book club family history quizzes and giving lessons to my grandchildren- it has been lovely when the 4 yr old trots up to her bedroom with a tablet- has got fed up with her brother and sisters, to have a chat - or more like a monologue - with Aggie (that’s me) Her skill with computers is mind- boggling to me! It has been very precious.
I have also learned to organise a home delivery- never bothered before. I too, have got to know more neighbours than ever before - has been great actually!

The lockdowns have been positive for me. For a while I'd felt I needed a break from my everyday routine, that I'd like to step off the world for a while - and it came with the March lockdown and lovely weather for weeks on end. I enjoyed long walks and gardening. There was a bit of a camaraderie queueing at Waitrose and I got to know a few people that I still say hello to. This last lockdown has been a bit different because of the weather but I've had walks most days unless there was ice. I've turned out the spare bedroom, got rid of a lot of stuff, renewed my old sewing and knitting skills and become more organised in my housekeeping. I've had time for reflection and know myself a bit better and somehow I feel more confidant and 'good in my skin' and ready for 'normal' life again whatever normal turns out to be (but I'm not in any rush).

I’ve got rid of so much clutter that I didn’t even realise I had until I started putting like things together. I’ve started a marathon decorating task upstairs, my son’s bedroom is under the cosh at the moment as at 24 he really has outgrown the teenage football fan look. The men at the recycling centre have become my best lockdown friends as I’m there so often.
Next priority will be the garden, which is far more fun.

I’d like to know about smoothing wrinkles too. Currently I put my iPad on the music stand and sit well back!

I’ve grown my hair without everyone seeing that horrible stage where it doesn’t lay right. I’ve cooked a new untried recipe every week. I’ve met many neighbours through our streets mutual aid group and discovered their kindness in helping others on the street. And of course I’ve inevitably embraced zoom to continue my U3A groups.

Husband finally has found the time to decorate our utility room, which I have been waiting years for him to do.

Started a very ambitious house improvement/renovation system about 20 months ago. Lockdown has enabled me to complete this (apart from purchase of one recliner chair) in a much shorter time than envisaged. Of course, I would much have preferred to be indulging in lovely lunches and holidays but that is not an option so this alternative result is a real bonus. I'm now going to challenge (crucify!) myself with some clothing alterations. They're comparatively minor compared to all you amazing seamstresses out there but I'm so averse to handicrafts, for reasons unknown, that I must give it a go. Onwards......

Sarahcyn please tell us how to adjust our image on zoom. I’d love to smooth out the wrinkles ?

I have slowed down my frenetic pace of life, and learned patience - and that has been such a gift. I've never had it, and now realise what a waste of time it is fretting and charging about using up energy in trying to get everything done in half the time - and to what purpose? I now 'stop and stare', and can also deal calmly with events that would have had me raving a year ago. That old adage 'Nothing matters very much, and most things don't matter at all' is so true. Lockdown has calmed my life , and calmed me.

It’s made me realize just how much stuff I used to buy and really didn’t need. When this is all over I’m going to try and stick to buying less.

My house is NOT spotless.... feel as if some spiders are out to get me with their dangling webs after spending years trying to stabilise the vision in one eye with the aid of my consultant,.
I found that during the first lockdown, their aid seemed not available in any of the departments which had been helping me. Switchboard suggested I dial 111 when the vision in my bad eye deteriorated. I have nothing but praise for the ambulance service who arrived within a few minutes of the call and the crew knew what they were doing. Unfortunately I had been directed by the doctor( who did not know what he was about) to whom I had spoken to a hospital mostly designated for COVID patients and which I knew had no eye department There was an exciting chase along a corridor being pushed at full speed by the ambulance men ( my great problem is with one eye, not my legs ) with hospital guardians shouting COVID or NON-covID? My ambulance men were waving the bit of coloured card to say I was 'clean'
Saw a doctor very quickly who said I should have gone to a different hospital as both I and my ambulance men knew/
I asked that the ambulance be recalled to take me to a more relevant hospital. I was told to go home and redial the ambulance service if my eye became worse. At that, I was deposited at the entrance and told to call a taxi. I was 20 miles from home, do not use a mobile phone ( Yes, one of those awkward aged people) I was so annoyed at the lack of listening by the original doctor and the waste of my time and nHS resources
So Yes, my vision DID go in tht eye. I was offered a phone appointment by a very stressed consultant. This is not much use if one is suffering from a deteriorated eye condition. She was working under impossible circumstances

Good things..... We had not downsized so I know my house pretty well and have been practicing negotiating the place blindfold as i was also informed that the vision in my 'good' eye would deteriorate too but, as with the reopening of schools, there can be no time frame

My family ( mostly far away and abroad,) are very supportive and all Skype me regularly They have been stalwart in their support as I am also caring for an elderly frail husband
The neighbours in a spread out hamlet have been most thoughtful and helpful but as they have small children to home school, and working from home I do not like to impose further shopping requirements on them.

I am quite happy and accept the situation on the whole but HATE the mantra ' Save the NHS' which comes before lives and civilisation in our country. It is like a religion which is now outmoded
so both good an bad has come out of it and I have much closer ties with my family

Discovering Gransnet!

My sister who is in America and I are working with StoryTerrace to write up our female ancestors stories so that they will not be forgotten.

I can honestly say I have never felt bored since lockdown last March.
I dont have to worry about saying no to people I have realized I did a lot of things because I felt I should rather than because I enjoyed them.
I love the fact I can read books without feeling guilt.
We have suspended payment from hubby pension as we don't have anything to spend it on.
I've rediscovered a love of cooking and baking and we are eating much healthier meals.
We have done a Swedish death clean of the house and feel much lighter not surrounded by stuff.

To be honest, I was doing Social Distancing way before it became popular!!
I have found that My relationship with my DH has improved a lot as we work together every day and never really spent much time together other than that, but as he is not doing all his activities we have been doing lots more together in the evenings and at weekends. Despite all of that, I have piled weight on as I always turn to food if I am bored and boy am I bored!! My house is spotless I have taken up new hobbies but they all include sitting down! I have saved a fortune in not meandering around shops every weekend, I could easily spend 3 hours and £200 in TK Maxx!! I don't mind lockdown as I still get to see my DD and DGS as they are in a support bubble with us, I doubt I would feel the same if that were not the case.

The only positive thing is all the money I've saved!

No holidays, no theatre, no eating out and only two visits to the hairdresser and beauty salon. Every cloud ....

During the first lock-down I discovered how lovely my neighbours were. They’re usually all at work, but they were so kind to me (oldest inhabitant) offering to do shopping etc. Actually, I’m more active than many of them are. We had weekly, distanced quiz evenings, a distanced VE Day street party, and all just looked out for each other.
Now the weather isn’t as good, we continue e to message each other, etc.

I seem to have caught up on all the sleep I'd been missing out on over the past 74 years - I'm sleeping hours each night!!
And I'm reading loads, which is no hardship either.
I simply love not having to tidy up the house when I can't be bothered to.................
Downside is not being able to see children or grandchildren, but we talk on the phone virtually every single day.

both our daughters have befriended elderly and frail people in their street and introduced themselves and offered to shop for them. Both regularly make extra food, plate it up and take it to those people whom they know are not eating a 'proper' diet. And make home-made soups and have bought flasks for all of them with their name on and take regularly too. They have got very close to some of them.

Sorry but I'm with Bluebell here. I've tried hard to find positives and the only one I can think of is not having to worry about a hurried clearing up the house in case of unexpected visitors.
In fact, having found out yesterday that the govt has quietly extended its legal powers to keep non-essential businesses closed until 17 July had me in tears for parts of yesterday, in top of an already dark week weather and emotionally. Sorry.

Life for me in Lockdown is pretty much the same as it always was but with a few extra deprivations. I have noticed, though, that out walking people are considerate and friendly, and I have got to know a few people in the village that I did not know before. We all wave and smile and say hello.

I agree with BlueBelle,it's hard to be positive.I wouldn't want to do Zoom either.I do go out for more walks,and found some nice areas near home that I wouldn't have gone to before.Also,my daughter passed her WiiFit on to me when she got a Nintendo Switch.I,ve enjoyed that too,but I wouldn't really call these things positives,I like to be out mixing with people

Apart from not being able to see dds and Gdcs* (except for the very occasional distanced-in-the-garden type of thing, I can’t say it’s affected me too much at all. I was never a fan of shopping and we didn’t often eat out anyway.

And the only group thing I went to was piano/keyboard, but had stopped that anyway because of unavoidably missing so many.

I’ve come to the conclusion that I must be a thoroughly lazy baggage since I do enjoy not having anything particular to do (unless I want to) - and haven’t needed to do a better-than-usual blitz of the house because someone was coming to stay.
(Not that it’s exactly been blitzed much at all lately - the bare minimum, and leaving my glasses off so that I don’t see the dust is always helpful ?)

*Mind you I have told them that once this wretched ‘conavirus’ as Gds calls it, is under control, we’re going to have a million lovely cuddles.

WhatsApp group on my road has been great. I now know people I never did before.
I started a food bank collection once a fortnight. People leave bags at my gate, I put them straight in the car boot, off they go to the food bank the day after. It’s made me feel as if I’m doing something worthwhile and I’ve made good friends with the regular contributors.
Walking - I’ve let it slip a bit lately but I’ve discovered some beautiful places near where I live. Also lost weight! And I’m definitely fitter.
And lastly finding a new way of being with my DH. It’s only recent too. Previously we’d have slumped on the sofa at night. Me doing games on my iPad or reading with one eye on the tv. He’d be choosing tv programmes randomly while having his nose stuck in his phone or iPad. It wasn’t a great atmosphere. I’ve just taken up knitting and he’s started a big jigsaw. iPads and phones have been put down. Suddenly, although we’re still on the sofa with one eye on the tv the atmosphere feels better. We’re both doing bits of the jigsaw and I’m alternating knitting with reading. I’m not sure why it feels better it just does. ???