The World Has Been Turned Upside down...

Hallo everyone. I think we would all agree that these are strange and worrying times that we are living in. At the moment, here in the U.K., restrictions were slowly lifted yesterday, so that we can see our grandchildren or a couple of friends in our own garden. That was a lovely moment for a lot of grandparents, and I am thankful that at least two of mine live close by, so I was able to spend a few hours with them.  I know that, for many, it's still going to be a while before families are able to see each other again, as opposed to on a screen! 

My eldest granddaughter is also allowed out for certain periods over in Madrid, and I'm happy for her.

I was going to say that things are very slowly getting back to normal, but that would be wrong. I think we are going to have to get used to a different kind of normal for quite a while to come. I'm certainly in no rush to go out to the shops. Many shops are now open and more will open in a couple of weeks, but, because of the social distancing rule, there are long queues.  

Everyone's top priority should be to keep themselves, their loved ones, and the wider community safe, but I'm sure that many people are feeling anxious or frustrated. To be honest, much of the media coverage doesn't help. They seem to only focus on the negative stories and frightening headlines. Whereas we all know how people are pulling together in our own Communities and doing a fantastic job. These are just ordinary people who are trying to show the very best side of humanity. 

Someone mentioned that we are actually living through History - many years ahead people will look back at what is happening now, and be amazed at how much the world had to change. 

I wish I had written those beautiful words! I think not  being able to hug our family and friends during this time is very hard .... oh, and not being able to visit a Hairdresser!  Over here, we still have many weeks to go. At least I have Benji booked in at the Groomers in the 18th June. He's starting to look like a little teddy bear 🙈.

We have had amazing weather here in heavenly Devon during lockdown, over the months of March, April and May, with almost 700 hours of sunshine. The most since records began and absolutely unheard of. Even though a lot of people have just been working on their gardens, they look as if they've been on Mediterranean holidays! ☀️☀️

I really can't end this Post without mentioning the tragic events that are happening in America at the moment, as the world watches on in horror. Black lives really DO matter - it's time to end this terrible injustice. The worst thing is - how many years have we been saying that, and still it goes on. My prayers are for all Americans, that you may all come together.

 I hope this Post hasn't been too depressing a read for you today, as I usually like to be positive on here - not spreading doom and gloom. Anyway, please take care and look after yourselves. ❤️

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 ❤️