So week one went off pretty well really. Felt a bit like just being rather lazy and not heading out or doing much. And staying in touch on our new friends Zoom and HouseParty made it a whole lot easier.
But then came week 2 and it was already starting to feel a bit different. I've cleaned out and sorted almost every cupboard already – am now actually trying to limit myself to 1-2 a day, so I have a few more to go, to keep me entertained this week.
We've done a few 'never quite get round to' jobs – rifling through the big storage tubs in the garage and chucking away stuff that was probably never needed in the first place, sorting out the garden shed, de-spidering and de-mudding it, who knew we had 5 pairs of secateurs? Only shame is that obviously we cannot go to the dump to get rid of the not-needed bits, that'll have to wait. The loo seat that didn't fit, is particularly annoying for some reason…
Tasks have also included the not very joyous one of finalising funeral details, finance handovers, reviewing wills, sharing passwords for the important stuff and basically capturing in one place how to close off a life. Still very much hoping it won't happen with this current crisis, it was just a job that really needed doing so the file could be put in the cupboard and it be taken off the list. And actually it feels quite a relief that it is done and dusted. Though I still need to get H to do the same for his stuff..
We've had a couple of virtual dinners and drinks – more please! And have done some online exercise things – lead by David up in Harrogate doing the honours. My back survived the first one but has been sore since the second session yesterday. And Scrumpy is very confused – she keeps licking our faces in consternation when we are on the floor mats as she thinks we need doggie rescue.
We've been out in the garden – thank goodness we have the outside space too – and I've made my back even worse by having a bash at the weeding and concertedly picking up hundreds of small – and bigger – stones from the borders. I must be bored…
And our neighbours have been great so far – not least with the fantastic NHS clap the other night, which really did make the world seem a brighter place for a while. Thor next door has been over to borrow Scrumpy for a dog walk as he is stir crazy already. H has been out with Henry over the road as well – walking his dog Saffy with the distance between them as needed.
And now here we are at the end of week 2, with our week 3 starting tomorrow. I've been out for 1 walk in this last week, on H's birthday, and already I felt less fit, for not having walked Scrumpy every day as I normally do. Today was a mini treat – I walked to the post box in our road, as birthday cards still need to go, and the cold fresh air really felt good.
But I can already feel that I'm going to run out of stuff to do. Never before have I wished I had some work to do! I've offered to make phone calls to the older folks who go to the Wimbledon Guild, where I volunteer, but not yet been allocated anyone to speak with. And there are only so many cupboards in a house – I'm now having to limit myself to one a day, as I peaked a bit too much this morning and nailed more than the fair share for one day.
Afternoon naps are mostly happening but don't feel as uplifting as when you actually need a quick doze.
So, the question is what to do next to fill the time? I've ordered a few books on Amazon, but it feels weird as normally I keep actual paperbacks for the luxurious moment of being on a sunbed on holiday. It kind of rubs salt in the wound to be cancelling every holiday and yet reading the books that normally go with me when away. Bit of mindset shift needed.
And then of course there is the vascillating worry about the sodding virus. Some days, it feels like we have locked it out of the house and that we are doing the right things to be safe. And other days it scarily feels that somehow the damn thing will creep in here, on a tin, an Amazon parcel, a returned dog lead, an outside bin lid or the wind over the garden fence, and that we are just postponing the inevitable. Oh, to know whether we would just be ill or totally buggered by it – that rather crucial bit of info would make these times feel oh so different. But everyone would like to know that, not just us, and it doesn't soften the blow for all the poor people who do get the very shitty stick with COVID.
It's also wondering just how long life will be like this – the 12 weeks of being home is a daunting enough prospect, but you also kind of know that when that time finally looms closer, the goalposts will move back again. There was chat on the TV just now about a 6 month timeline, who knows exactly for what, but it's a bit of a depressing prospect whatever it may turn out to be.
Yes, there are boxsets to watch. And yes, clearly we have it incredibly easy compared to the millions of people in poverty, those with financial worries and beyond. And yes, I could perk up my Spanish online or similar. Not sure I'll be taking up art, or crafting, or even that much baking (not judging by the 1 inch high carrot cake I made for H's birthday – oh dear). But we are definitely spending more time looking in the cupboards, working out what we can cook and finish off each lunch & dinner, now that there are 14 main meals a week being eaten chez Dora.
The bike roller is set up, upstairs, and I will try and force myself onto it a few times a week. Online pilates starts next Saturday. The fitness classes with David will continue, and I will adjust as I learn what I can do and what's beyond me – it's amazing how the brain & body still think they can have a go at what used to be done 10-20 years ago, and get the same outcome! Ouch, ouch, ouch.
So, I need to put my mind this week to what else can fill the time enjoyably, over the coming months. Obviously social contact online will help hugely – even if all our conversations are a little less vibrant due to changed daily stimulus.
One thing is to have a go at competitions again – I used to enter quite a few when I was waiting & hoping to be made redundant from United Distillers in my twenties. Never won a lot beyond Madness tickets, a bottle of vodka and a few other bits – but it fills an hour or two and I guess someone has to win these things! A bit of a shame that lots of current ones are travel prizes – not sure how they will manage those…
Lots of dog and cat cuddles – and husband – also helping. Let's see what I, we and the world comes up with to get us through these times.
Look after yourselves guys – it's never been as important as now x x x