Friday evenings is rehearsal night for the flute orchestra that I play in, and tonight we tried Zoom.... it was great for keeping in touch with the 18 or so who managed to get connected, but conferencing tools like this are designed for one person to speak at a time, not 17 flautists to be playing simultaneously- what a racket! We have a performance on 21st June (a bandstand) then a proper concert in mid July, and the time will fly between now and then. It’s the first time I’ve needed chocolate therapy for a while.
Our HfD priest has finally had a meeting with the churchwardens ... only to declare that since he is self-isolating he will not be saying offices in the church, nor celebrating communion. He is going to bring forward his post Easter break and go to his retirement house for the next three weeks at least.
Ah well, you can rely on a crisis to show people in their true colours.
It's ridiculous. Mind you, I saw the toilet rolls disappearing, realised I was running low and grabbed the last pack of 9 rolls on the shelf early on (I normally buy a pack of 9 rolls every few months as that's what I have space to store). So I've got a few weeks worth, long enough to last this 14 days of self-isolation, and we also put in for an online order when my daughter started coughing on Wednesday - it's not due until the 7th April, but it includes toilet roll, washing liquid, washing up liquid and toothpaste - not hoarding, but what we'll need by then. We'll be out of toothpaste and washing liquid. And I'm hoping those orders will be priority rather than the hoarding hordes in store.
We have had a weekly organic veg box since last year when I couldn't leave the flat for a few days because my daughter was too ill to leave. Because we are regulars our order is being honoured. New panic buyers, not so much.
The big issue is non-dairy milk. The local dairy is offering packages, including eggs, bread and and butter, plus optional fruit and veg, and I'm going to buy into that.
Fourth day of self-isolation here, but I have been out for a walk most days, it's allowed, honest, so long as 2m distances are observed, and taking part in sewing challenges on Instagram. My daughter will be playing (RPG) games online with her fellow lock ins.
Students are out of the building, and so am I, by order of my line managers, colleagues and anyone else who's been yelling at me for days to stay home! My main student, however, finally realised the risk to those of us with underlying health conditions and had a pretty major meltdown yesterday and was then allowed to sleep it off whilst everyone else was distracted with a film. No use trying to make them work yesterday, we'd worked those who'd come in as hard as we could to distract them, get as far ahead as we could and also to allow tutors to get home learning packs sorted.
So, once the last two chores are done at safe social distancing levels - and I am threatening to shave my head if the hairdresser I usually go to as a walk-in has shut up shop (but, I'm hoping not as I'd love to hand over some income to her), other than occupying my organ stool at a safe distance from private pray-ers who like gentle background music, and solitary walks/essential shopping I am home for the duration now.
I’m currently too fatigued to consider going for a self isolating walk but my sore throat has improved. I might sit in the garden with a blanket later.
Why it’s taken me so long I have no idea, but I had a light-bulb moment: online shopping!
So I’ve done a Boots order to replace all the off-the-shelf medication that I left in Gambia (none urgent, but useful to have just in case), except for the out-of-stock ibuprofen and paracetamol (which I have a little of at home, but not enough if I get the lurgy). Enough to get free delivery.
I’ve also ordered the veggie seeds that I’ll have plenty of time to tend over the next few months.
But I’m not doing online egg-buying - I’ll soon be wandering around to a local hen keeper, keeping distance of course.
This afternoon I think I’ll get back to the spindle and fleece that I have neglected for almost a year.
How very mediaeval (the veg planting, the hen-keeper, the spindle, and fleece, I mean)!
I wonder if there'll be a run on the purchase of Goats? Very useful for milk, cheese, and keeping just about everything in the garden cut down to size...
S. has just suggested we get a takeaway from the Balerno Inn, our local eaterie - whose menu looks fabulous - and who are offering special rates for deliveries while they're shut.
Roasted mushroom casserole and (HURRAH!) lamb shanks for me!
The restaurant next door to us - only just reopened with new owners - is trying to stay afloat by cooking take away pizza. The chef meets you at the door, pay by contactless, and food handed over. Delicious pizza too. In order to support local businesses we're having pizza twice a week!!
That sounds good @piglet, not that I'd have the lamb shanks, but I like the idea of a nice takeaway that is a bit different. Several places near us have sent emails about doing similar. One will even include a free loo roll with your order. I've been there a few times, and can assure you their food doesn't usually have the effect of requiring extra visits to the loo. They are also a gin specialist place. I wonder if I could order a cocktail or two.
My friend in Australia says that lots of people are buying hens.
Just been for a lovely walk in the spring sunshine down the little footpath nearby that leads to the nature reserve. Usually, might meet 2 or 3 people, today it was like Piccadilly Circus* - but I don’t suppose there's much else anyone can do except go for a walk/bicycle ride.
MMM
*Not Piccadilly Circus as it is at the moment, of course.
Macarius has just seen a post on his Facebook feed asking for people to go outside and applaud the NHS on Thursday evening. A nice initiative but the website is called - and I am not at all joking - ‘Clap for Carers’. I’m having problems believing that anyone would call it this, or has slang changed so much over the last few years?
I appear to have broken Mr Sainsbury’s website. Well, I can’t take all the credit because I was helped by all the shoppers waiting with me for more delivery or click & collect slots to be made available. I hope they don’t lose my shopping list!
Today I started a Ta Da! list because I realise that I could easily get to the end of the day and wonder what I’ve done with it. I am someone who needs to know they’ve accomplished something. I’m not sure breaking Mr S’s website should go on it though.
Is anyone else finding all the country walks near them are narrow paths, so keeping even one metre from people you pass is impossible - in some places you're almost touching. But where I am, the country walks are woodlands, and on steep slopes often, so you can't just step aside into the woods. There are open spaces, but you have to go through the woods to get to them.
I have stopped going to Asda for a while, because of the crowds, and lots of people panic buying. I was reading about the police having to come to some local supermarkets because of people getting aggressive. I found it very strange last week when I went to Asda. So many empty aisles - people were getting frustrated and upset because they couldn't get what they wanted - and I imagine it's even emptier now, since the isolation is tightening up, and schools are closed.
I'm lucky that stocking up is simply something I always do, gradually, because of not having a car, and having unpredictable health and income, and being too disorganised to keep track of all the things I'm running out of. So I have enough loo roll and soap and food for a while, and haven't needed to stock up on the things that are out of stock. I will run out of fresh veg at some point, and I hope there will be a time when Asda is quiet and I can go in and get more. Last week all the meat aisles in Asda were empty - everyone had taken meat. But there were quite a few lamb legs in the reduced aisle, and no one was taking them. I don't understand people's reasoning sometimes. I got a half price lamb leg and put it in my freezer.
I noticed the chocolate aisle was full - people don't seem to be stocking up on chocolate. So I thought I'd get myself a couple of big Cadbury Marvellous Creations bars. Also no one seems to be stocking up on popcorn, so I got myself two bags of popcorn kernels (I always stock up on popcorn anyway - I love putting a few kernels in a saucepan with some oil, and they whole saucepan becomes full as they pop and expand). It is interesting to observe the things people aren't stocking up on as well as the things they are.
Change of plan - the Balerno Inn was booked out - so we're getting a takeaway from the Riccarton Inn instead.
Different food (no lamb shanks ) - we're both having Cullen Skink to start, then I'm having smoked haddock and leek risotto and she's having scampi and chips.
Is anyone else finding all the country walks near them are narrow paths, so keeping even one metre from people you pass is impossible ...
Yes. And not just in the country: tarmacked paths are narrow and (as we found out today) no-one wants to walk on the grass because it's so squidgy. I tried to hold my breath whenever I passed folk!
I have stopped going to Asda for a while, because of the crowds.
I am finding shopping quite unnerving, especially the checkout line, as people just don't stand back in spite of being asked. And I really fear for the staff.
I have stopped going to Asda for a while, because of the crowds.
I am finding shopping quite unnerving, especially the checkout line, as people just don't stand back in spite of being asked. And I really fear for the staff.
I'm glad that I have lots of little local convenience stores at the end of my street, plus a Tesco Metro. No need to stray more than five minutes' walk away. But they are quite crammed little places, which means that it's easy to get boxed into a corner by other customers. I will have to find out when the least busy times are.
I've been away from the office since Tuesday, and will be working from home. I've always thought that, although nearly all of my job could be done from home, I much prefer going into the office, because I want company and would lose motivation if I were at home. Now I suppose I am going to find out. At least my colleagues are doing the same, so we can email/text chat throughout the day.
I am hoping that, at some point in the not too distant future, all the manic buyers will have run out of storage space and will start using up their hoard, leaving the shops a bit clearer for those of us who just want to pop in for a loaf, a bottle of milk and a cabbage.
I go shopping using my nordic walking poles. I find that if I hold them at arms length from my body when queueing people stay out of range.
As for my daily constitutional, I try to do that as early as possible, when there are fewer people about. The local park/sports field is circumnavigated by a wide path, something like 2metres. So far that has been sufficient unless it's someone pushing a buggy, in which case I step onto the grass and wait for them to pass (and yes, hold my breath!)
Yes, another one standing aside and holding my breath when I meet anyone out. But also trying to avoid other people.
Also dancing because the local dairy is delivering weekly eggs, bread, milk and butter from Monday. So I used the last egg making tuna and sweetcorn fritters for lunch, plus veggie box lettuce and tomatoes.
This lunchtime was a celebration of having eggs again. When I arrived to collect them there were only 11 in the box, then a loud clucking announced the arrival of the 12th, and of course that one just had to be lunch. I don’t think I’ve ever had such a fresh egg before! I hope I never take eggs for granted again.
My social life is actually being improved by all social events moving online - going bellringing and generally going to the pub of an evening being somewhat difficult with the Dragonlets. We have some takeaway beer from a local brewery so we're going to a virtual pub session with some old friends tomorrow - most of us haven't been in the same place at the same time for several years due to children.
Report on the Riccarton Inn's takeaway: v. good. I suppose it was a bit OTT to have Cullen Skink followed by smoked haddock risotto, but they were both delicious (although I've got the Devil's thirst after all that smoked fish).
The sticky toffee pudding was very nice, but absolutely YUGE.
We're changing our plans for today and heading out for an early walk to avoid the crowds. Apparently outside places were too crowded yesterday and the National Trust have closed their gardens.
My NF church has sent out recordings of today’s worship, prayers and sermon which I will listen to later.
Husband will be phoning his mother later and I assume will be making me a cake. Only older son is awake at present and wished me happy mother’s day.
My cough feels slightly more chesty today (up til now it has been a vague occasional cough) but I still don’t have a fever so I’m not concerned. It feels similar to when you have had a chest infection and are beginning to feel better but still coughing.
Harrumph. Having finally got a Click&Collect slot from Mr Sainsbury’s (delivery wasn’t available) I have an email saying the very things I really need (well, the cat needs) are not available. So I have a 10 mile drive each way to collect what is left, and some hunting for her food (she’s on an “elderly cat” diet). If only she would hunt! Oh and I had another email from Mr S letting me know that I am now (probably implemented overnight) a priority customer for delivery *roll eyes*.
We're changing our plans for today and heading out for an early walk to avoid the crowds. Apparently outside places were too crowded yesterday and the National Trust have closed their gardens.
I'd be interested to hear how much quieter it was in the early morning. I'm thinking of going for early morning walks too, and was imagining 6am might be a good time, but also not sure if others will have the same idea. But so far I'm not sleeping that well, and am far too tired at 6am!
We're changing our plans for today and heading out for an early walk to avoid the crowds. Apparently outside places were too crowded yesterday and the National Trust have closed their gardens.
I did just the same. It was nice and quiet, just me and the dogs. 🐕
I'd be interested to hear how much quieter it was in the early morning. I'm thinking of going for early morning walks too, and was imagining 6am might be a good time, but also not sure if others will have the same idea. But so far I'm not sleeping that well, and am far too tired at 6am!
The local river path was fairly quiet yesterday morning around 08:30 , but reasonably busy at 08:45 this morning. Lots of couples going for walks (and in cases snuggling up together on the benches), joggers, dog walkers, parent(s) & child in pushchair.
It's a sunny day in the west end of Glasgow, which is high density housing in predominantly flats with no gardens. I'm swithering between "Where else are people going to go to get out of the house?" and "Don't you understand the concept of social distancing" whilst being aware I was out of the flat, walking (alone) because I need some fresh air too (and I called in at the greengrocer as it opened so I have some fruit & veg for the week). Probably hypocritical, I know...
I've come to the conclusion I should walk to work although I start rather early, in order to at least ensure some air & exercise. Let's face it, the usual things I do of an evening aren't happening any longer, so there's no reason to stay up. Though I suspect there may be fewer folk about at 05:30-06:30! (Should add, NHS worker, who can't work from home)
I think ‘functional exercise’ is going to be a good idea. Since the government has recommended avoiding public transport, I got a bike yesterday. I can work from home in my solitary bubble, but the nearest full-range supermarket is a 20km round-trip from my village, which seemed a bit far to walk...
In other news, although I have very mixed feelings about the octopus that is A***on, I could have cried with delight when I realised I can get some plants & supplies for my garden delivered by them...
One of the tricks I sometimes do with the engulfing river company is to look up the company actually supplying their goods and order direct from that source company.
One of the tricks I sometimes do with the engulfing river company is to look up the company actually supplying their goods and order direct from that source company.
Oh, yes, I should have thought of that - thank you.
I have now been shopping at Sanebunnies on 2 consecutive days! Yesterday was for the parental Knotweeds, who've been social-distancing for about a fortnight (both mid-70s, and the maternal Knotweed is asthmatic), and had run out of a few things including KitKats! Today was a basketful of bits for us - Rennies, mint tea, camomile tea, milk.
Interestingly enough, the Sainsbury's veg aisle yesterday was no worse than it usually is by Saturday lunchtime. The shelf-stackers have a good system going - they block off one aisle at a time with the cages and work their way along the store.
S. had a phone call this morning from the Balerno Inn asking if we were still interested in supper this evening, as they could bring forward yesterday's order, so lamb shanks for me!
We're currently investigating online groceries, as she really doesn't want either of us to have contact with shops.
How bad a combination is "don't leave your house" orders from on high and the nicest, sunniest weather there's been since I moved here?
Comments
Ah well, you can rely on a crisis to show people in their true colours.
Does anybody else hear this word and automatically think of Dragons?
with a toilet paper hoard, of course.
We have had a weekly organic veg box since last year when I couldn't leave the flat for a few days because my daughter was too ill to leave. Because we are regulars our order is being honoured. New panic buyers, not so much.
The big issue is non-dairy milk. The local dairy is offering packages, including eggs, bread and and butter, plus optional fruit and veg, and I'm going to buy into that.
Fourth day of self-isolation here, but I have been out for a walk most days, it's allowed, honest, so long as 2m distances are observed, and taking part in sewing challenges on Instagram. My daughter will be playing (RPG) games online with her fellow lock ins.
So, once the last two chores are done at safe social distancing levels - and I am threatening to shave my head if the hairdresser I usually go to as a walk-in has shut up shop (but, I'm hoping not as I'd love to hand over some income to her), other than occupying my organ stool at a safe distance from private pray-ers who like gentle background music, and solitary walks/essential shopping I am home for the duration now.
I did indeed have Smaug in mind...
In other news, the latest edition of Private Eye, which I've just received, says on the cover:
So I’ve done a Boots order to replace all the off-the-shelf medication that I left in Gambia (none urgent, but useful to have just in case), except for the out-of-stock ibuprofen and paracetamol (which I have a little of at home, but not enough if I get the lurgy). Enough to get free delivery.
I’ve also ordered the veggie seeds that I’ll have plenty of time to tend over the next few months.
But I’m not doing online egg-buying - I’ll soon be wandering around to a local hen keeper, keeping distance of course.
This afternoon I think I’ll get back to the spindle and fleece that I have neglected for almost a year.
I wonder if there'll be a run on the purchase of Goats? Very useful for milk, cheese, and keeping just about everything in the garden cut down to size...
Roasted mushroom casserole and (HURRAH!) lamb shanks for me!
Will report back later.
Links fixed - Piglet, AS host
My friend in Australia says that lots of people are buying hens.
MMM
*Not Piccadilly Circus as it is at the moment, of course.
I think that's the joke they are making.
MMM
But I think they could guess.
I can't get either of those links to open.
Piglet, AS host
Today I started a Ta Da! list because I realise that I could easily get to the end of the day and wonder what I’ve done with it. I am someone who needs to know they’ve accomplished something. I’m not sure breaking Mr S’s website should go on it though.
(Clap for carers? Ooooh, matron!)
I have stopped going to Asda for a while, because of the crowds, and lots of people panic buying. I was reading about the police having to come to some local supermarkets because of people getting aggressive. I found it very strange last week when I went to Asda. So many empty aisles - people were getting frustrated and upset because they couldn't get what they wanted - and I imagine it's even emptier now, since the isolation is tightening up, and schools are closed.
I'm lucky that stocking up is simply something I always do, gradually, because of not having a car, and having unpredictable health and income, and being too disorganised to keep track of all the things I'm running out of. So I have enough loo roll and soap and food for a while, and haven't needed to stock up on the things that are out of stock. I will run out of fresh veg at some point, and I hope there will be a time when Asda is quiet and I can go in and get more. Last week all the meat aisles in Asda were empty - everyone had taken meat. But there were quite a few lamb legs in the reduced aisle, and no one was taking them. I don't understand people's reasoning sometimes. I got a half price lamb leg and put it in my freezer.
I noticed the chocolate aisle was full - people don't seem to be stocking up on chocolate. So I thought I'd get myself a couple of big Cadbury Marvellous Creations bars. Also no one seems to be stocking up on popcorn, so I got myself two bags of popcorn kernels (I always stock up on popcorn anyway - I love putting a few kernels in a saucepan with some oil, and they whole saucepan becomes full as they pop and expand). It is interesting to observe the things people aren't stocking up on as well as the things they are.
Different food (no lamb shanks
Also puddings ...
I am finding shopping quite unnerving, especially the checkout line, as people just don't stand back in spite of being asked. And I really fear for the staff.
I'm glad that I have lots of little local convenience stores at the end of my street, plus a Tesco Metro. No need to stray more than five minutes' walk away. But they are quite crammed little places, which means that it's easy to get boxed into a corner by other customers. I will have to find out when the least busy times are.
I've been away from the office since Tuesday, and will be working from home. I've always thought that, although nearly all of my job could be done from home, I much prefer going into the office, because I want company and would lose motivation if I were at home. Now I suppose I am going to find out. At least my colleagues are doing the same, so we can email/text chat throughout the day.
I go shopping using my nordic walking poles. I find that if I hold them at arms length from my body when queueing people stay out of range.
As for my daily constitutional, I try to do that as early as possible, when there are fewer people about. The local park/sports field is circumnavigated by a wide path, something like 2metres. So far that has been sufficient unless it's someone pushing a buggy, in which case I step onto the grass and wait for them to pass (and yes, hold my breath!)
Yes, another one standing aside and holding my breath when I meet anyone out. But also trying to avoid other people.
Also dancing because the local dairy is delivering weekly eggs, bread, milk and butter from Monday. So I used the last egg making tuna and sweetcorn fritters for lunch, plus veggie box lettuce and tomatoes.
The sticky toffee pudding was very nice, but absolutely YUGE.
I think it may be something we'll do again.
Husband will be phoning his mother later and I assume will be making me a cake. Only older son is awake at present and wished me happy mother’s day.
My cough feels slightly more chesty today (up til now it has been a vague occasional cough) but I still don’t have a fever so I’m not concerned. It feels similar to when you have had a chest infection and are beginning to feel better but still coughing.
I'd be interested to hear how much quieter it was in the early morning. I'm thinking of going for early morning walks too, and was imagining 6am might be a good time, but also not sure if others will have the same idea. But so far I'm not sleeping that well, and am far too tired at 6am!
I did just the same. It was nice and quiet, just me and the dogs. 🐕
The local river path was fairly quiet yesterday morning around 08:30 , but reasonably busy at 08:45 this morning. Lots of couples going for walks (and in cases snuggling up together on the benches), joggers, dog walkers, parent(s) & child in pushchair.
It's a sunny day in the west end of Glasgow, which is high density housing in predominantly flats with no gardens. I'm swithering between "Where else are people going to go to get out of the house?" and "Don't you understand the concept of social distancing" whilst being aware I was out of the flat, walking (alone) because I need some fresh air too (and I called in at the greengrocer as it opened so I have some fruit & veg for the week). Probably hypocritical, I know...
I've come to the conclusion I should walk to work although I start rather early, in order to at least ensure some air & exercise. Let's face it, the usual things I do of an evening aren't happening any longer, so there's no reason to stay up. Though I suspect there may be fewer folk about at 05:30-06:30! (Should add, NHS worker, who can't work from home)
In other news, although I have very mixed feelings about the octopus that is A***on, I could have cried with delight when I realised I can get some plants & supplies for my garden delivered by them...
Oh, yes, I should have thought of that - thank you.
Next time....
Interestingly enough, the Sainsbury's veg aisle yesterday was no worse than it usually is by Saturday lunchtime. The shelf-stackers have a good system going - they block off one aisle at a time with the cages and work their way along the store.
We're currently investigating online groceries, as she really doesn't want either of us to have contact with shops.
How bad a combination is "don't leave your house" orders from on high and the nicest, sunniest weather there's been since I moved here?