Strange Old Times....

Hallo to you all once again. How are you doing in this unprecedented, global situation that we all find ourselves in?  This time, we really are all in it together!

I'm sure, by now, most of you have been told to STAY AT HOME.  Right now, I feel so thankful that I have a garden to spend time in. It must be awful for those who have no outside space that they can use. I thought I would just share a little photo of Benji, my little Cavapoo, having a good snuffle around outside....

Unfortunately. There are a lot of people who are still not taking this Corona Virus seriously.  That is why so many Countries have had to take the action they have, and we find ourselves in a virtual lockdown situation. 

The Virus does not move - It is people who are moving the Virus. 

It was Mothering Sunday here a couple of days ago. Normally, people would be attending Church and the children would be handed little posies of flowers to give to their mums.  Restaurants would be packed with families, large and small, celebrating this special day. This is my dear mum, who is still thought of each day, even though she passed away some 24 years ago. 

This year, of course, it was completely different, as restaurants were closed and people were urged not to visit their mums, as most of them would be in the vulnerable category of being over 70. My friends and I feel we have aged ten years in the past couple of weeks, as we are so fed up with being labelled 'elderly'!! 🤣.  I had a parcel delivered here a few days ago, and the delivery man asked for my date of birth. It was so funny to see him scrolling down for ages on his little machine until he reached 1947!  We did smile - you have to keep your sense of humour, don't you?!  Talking about sense of humour ....

Thank heavens for modern technology at this particular time!  There are so many ways to keep in touch with family and friends. I particularly like the video chats via WhatsApp, Skype or Facebook Messenger. My daughters told me about Houseparty, and now all the family are on it, including the grandchildren. It really is fun!  You can pop in whenever you want, and we have had the whole family on there together, which is great!  Trouble is, you usually all end up talking at the same time! 

To be honest, I'm having more social interaction some days than before, and I'm thinking ... 'I just want to read my book'!!  It is so important to keep this contact going though , so that you do not feel so isolated from the outside world. 

I hope you are finding things to do during these times.  I'm doing plenty of reading, I'm writing in my Journal, spending time in the garden, I've found a really good jigsaw App, and I've decided to have a go at watercolour painting again. 

We had such a terribly wet Autumn and Winter, but it seems that someone is now looking after us, because ever since we have been told to stay at home, the sun has been shining brightly with clear blue skies. Still a little chilly, but that's not a problem. So!  I am so grateful for that. 

I've just realised that I haven't even touched on  the panic buying in the Supermarkets - for goodness sake!! 🙈🙈.  But let's not go there!! 

So then everyone, please take good care of yourselves and KEEP SAFE.  Sending virtual hugs to you all.

This was me sat in the garden yesterday, reading my book. Notice the blue sky! Bye for now ❤️

 

International Women's Day 2022

Today, on the 8th March, we once again celebrate International Women's Day. It is now the year 2022, and no Country in the world has achieved gender equality. My, but it's a slow process! The theme for 2022 is #BreaktheBias.  The Campaign asks you to cross your arms in solidarity to call out gender bias, discrimination and stereotyping.  Together we can forge women's equality. 

I think it is important to talk about this event each year on my Blog, as we celebrate women everywhere, all over the world, and recognise the progress that has been achieved, and to give thanks for all the courageous women over many, many years, who have fought for women's rights. Rights that promote a position of legal and social equality of women with men. 

 

 Huge strides have been made over the years. Certainly since the 1960's when I was a young woman.  We didn't have a lot of the freedoms or rights that women have these days. Women certainly were not allowed to get credit under their own name. So a mortgage would be out of the question. Women at that time were very much looked on as mothers and homemakers.  Hard to believe, but right up until the late 60's, women were not allowed to wear trousers in the workplace.

 

Of course, if modern mums want to still be stay at home mums and raise their children themselves, there is certainly nothing wrong with that. In fact, in my eyes, that is to be lauded. Many women these days, of course, HAVE to work, purely for financial reasons. 

Personally,  I feel that the #metoo movement has been such a good thing for women, and I applaud women who have had the courage to speak out.  

I suppose my point is, that the younger women now have CHOICE, which was certainly not available before, and that, surely, has to be good for everyone. 

 

 

 

My wish is that my granddaughters will live in a world where they can be anything they want to be.  I also take this opportunity of celebrating all the women that follow my Blog. Remember, you are ALL special and you are ALL important. 

I also honour my two daughters and two granddaughters today.  My eldest granddaughter runs her own Company with her best friend, which tackles sexual harassment  in the workplace. It truly saddens me that, in 2022, this is very much still going on. 

Today I also think of all the poor women in Ukraine, and all that they are suffering at the moment. My prayers go out to each and every one 🙏🏻🇺🇦💙💛🇺🇦

First Day of Spring

Hallo one and all, on this, the first day of Spring,  I always love saying that.... the first day of Spring!  It always fills me with hope, and, like the rest of you just getting through Winter, I'm sure you're thankful for the longer days ahead. 

On my personal Facebook page, along with my Instagram page, I am having a break from social media for the period of Lent, but I felt I had to celebrate the onset of Spring here on my Blog!

Am I missing checking Facebook and Instagram each day. Well, I suppose I am, as there is quite a little Community out there, and the majority of people are very supportive and encouraging. 

However, part of me thinks, are people REALLY interested in what I've been up to or, in the case of Instagram, when I've been out for a delicious meal, and sharing a picture to prove it?!  We live in strange times these days, when everything, it seems, has to be 'out there'.  

 But then, the same could be said of me writing this Blog - are people REALLY interested in whatever I may have to say?  Anyway, as you can see from these photos, the weather here in heavenly Devon has decided to be kind to us on this first day of Spring, albeit in between the showers, but I'll take that.

It's so lovely having daffodils fresh from the garden. They really do bring a splash of sunshine into the home. 

The other big news of the week, of course, is the spread of the Corona Virus, which is quite worrying. My eldest granddaughter, who is studying for her Masters at Madrid University, has already had a trip to Shanghai cancelled, and my eleven year old grandson is due to travel to Normandy in France, with the College, leaving this Friday. I think it will be a case of 'watch this space' on that one. 

Well, I hope you're all keeping well in your little corner of the world. Take care, and I'm sure I will be popping in again fairly soon.