Shielding: Day 119

It’s funny how we fall into believing our own hype, isn’t it? ‘We’re in isolation‘ is how we were, and how I have imaged us for all these weeks; but as long as everyone keeps their distance, we are seeing our family and close friends outdoors, in the garden. We’ve moved on from ‘in isolation’, to simply, ‘we’re shielding’, which is more accurate, I suppose. Certainly, we’re not doing anything risky at all – unless you count going to hospital, of course. With thanks to those of our friends who have encouraged me, in particular, to move my mind-set on, we’ll see what the next steps are shortly.

For sure, if we don’t change something, we will slowly go mad in all probability. So, we were delighted when Paul suggested we might like to help Lily with home-schooling. Up until recently, they have been coping in-house but, as both Paul and Harriet are back into their respective offices, it leaves Lily tackling the daily challenges set by the teachers, on her own, during the day. Oh, yes, please – we’re up for a bit of grey matter grinding.

So, that’s what we did this morning. Had a chat on Zoom to Lily, and frightened ourselves to death with the all the work she’s been set and got to do in a short space of time. Crikey, I’d forgotten what it was like. I mean, what is the difference between a metaphor and a simile? (No, don’t tell me, it’s a rhetorical question….). Next lesson is on Wednesday – we’ll have to make sure we’ve done our homework before then to help Lily, won’t we? Eeek……

Once we’d chatted to Lily, I thought I’d do a bit of experimenting with Zoom as I am still a novice in its use. I hadn’t intended to, but all of a sudden, there I was chatting to George again! He and Sue were round at Dave and Chris’s and were most amused by the unexpected call. Made me giggle, too. It was unfortunate that I had to cut the call short though, as the doorbell rang just then.

After the lovely weekend, both John and I were feeling a bit short on patience though, today – especially as it was rather overcast and mizzling for most of the day – so we steered clear, just in case cross words were shared.

John challenged himself by looking at the electrics in the Lotus this afternoon, and I didn’t envy him the task. All those wires and where do they lead to? And do any of them actually work? A real puzzle, but progress was made, as far as I can tell. He was certainly on the computer later, looking to order instrument panel lights, so he must have some idea of what he is doing!!

I, on the other hand, soothed myself with a little bit of indoor gardening. When we were over at Michael and Danielle’s the other day, Michael presented me with some very sorry-looking, pot-bound plants that he hadn’t had time to deal with. It was a bit of a struggle to get them off the premises, mind you, as William was extremely attached to them and really didn’t want to let them go. Anyway, I had a good look at them and found decent-sized pots for them to fit into, so they are looking a little happier now. A drink of water helped.

I also had a soothing visit to water plants in a friend’s greenhouse today too, as they are away for a few days. Needn’t worry about the outdoor pot plants though, as it’s rained for most of the day and so they are well set up, but I did pick some delicious lettuce leaves before they start bolting away in the warmth and the rain.

Mum felt a bit weary-willy today and refused to get out of bed, citing the fact that she ‘didn’t feel very well’. I wasn’t surprised. She hadn’t had the attention she’d wanted yesterday when the family was round. I think she kept forgetting that the family couldn’t come indoors to chat to her and she felt neglected. Misery-me was going to stay in bed today…… “Come on, Mum,” I cajoled, “honestly, you will feel better for getting up, having a drink and your tablets. Trust me……” I felt like Kaa from Jungle Book, willing her to swing her legs out of bed and make the move downstairs.

Once she was up and had had food, a drink and her tablets, she perked up and wasn’t too bad all day. In fact, she perked up so much that she even offered to make me a cup tea this evening. I nearly fell off my perch with shock. Not quite sure how it would have turned out if I hadn’t gone in to check on her though – might have just been hot water in the milk. But at least she tried.

And another day has passed. I’d like to say we did stunning things, but we haven’t. And I feel like I’ve walked through treacle today, with the washing waiting, vacuuming a necessity but not done, bed-making on order, and still the painting and decorating of the ‘office/gym/snug’ to be started. I expect I shall do some of it tomorrow. Hope so anyway.

I am hopeful that we will be able to ease our lock down shortly and today’s figures suggest it may soon be possible, with eleven deaths reported in all settings and one in a hospital setting by yesterday afternoon, and 530 people were infected. Hope…….

Keep safe everyone, keep your distance and wear your masks…… God bless.