Your life today

[Slamdoor]

Are you coping? What’s changed for you in your routine?
I’m trying to be so careful as is the mrs. Hate going to the supermarket. Waitrose wasn’t rammed but still not a healthy atmosphere I’m sure. Mrs Slamdoor washes the food and packaging when we get home. I wash my mits so often I loose count.
Went for a walk to the local park which was as busy as ever. Social distancing not in evidence at all. When will people wake up?
Both retired but won’t be catching local transport anywhere for ages despite some tosser stealing the catalytic converter from the car last week. Despite all the hassles facing people you can rely on some scumbags to take any advantage they can.
How was your day?

[higham5]

Worked in the garage until 3 pm, went for a walk ( appx 90 mins). Social distancing really noticeable. People stopping in drives or moving into the road. Runners running on the road when passing pedestrians. Felt really strange.

Buses still out , saw two both double deckers, one had two passengers, the other one. Both coming back from Chester, which at 4 pm on a Sunday would have normally be busier.

[th6252]

Worked in the garage until 3 pm, went for a walk ( appx 90 mins). Social distancing really noticeable. People stopping in drives or moving into the road. Runners running on the road when passing pedestrians. Felt really strange.

Buses still out , saw two both double deckers, one had two passengers, the other one. Both coming back from Chester, which at 4 pm on a Sunday would have normally be busier.

Stranger world today

[Xantiagib]

glad I had a vasectomy four years go.... though dont see condoms flying off the shelves which they should be

Bought some hair clippers today - plenty of bowls at home too

[Onelasttime]

Our usual walks have become ridiculously busy. By the end of the week we'll be legally obliged to stay indoors, not just asked politely.

For the time being it was welcome respite from the fear of uncertainty …



I'm now working from home and when I venture out, every single thing I touch makes me think about the virus. We're all in a state of fear and disbelief that this is happening. None of my immediate family are in the high risk group but the fact that plenty we know are gives serious pause for thought.

It's a roller coaster of emotions, where one minute I'm positive, knowing it will all work out (China seems to have weathered the storm for now), and then just utterly dejected that our way of life has been torn apart by pandemic.

Washing hands, nervous in shops, keeping away from people. This will last for months …

[seabiscuit]

How was my day? No mass today or for the foreseeable future. That’s going to be hard to adjust to, especially throughout Lent. Had a long walk along the Union Canal with my Whippet. Not many dog walkers out, but too many cyclists for our liking. Bought some odds and ends at my local Tesco. It really wasn’t too busy. Managed to score some loo rolls. No dry dog food on the shelves though. Fortunately for Eli (my hound) I’ve got a considerable amount of his favourite dry food set aside.

I’m going to miss the company of my colleagues, several of whom are also close friends. The majority of them are now working from home. There’s no-one else at home so I’ve volunteered to remain in the office. No possibility of it being closed as it has just been rebranded as a critical response building for the duration of this crisis. Until last Friday it was just a Council housing office.

In my free time, I’m looking forward to catching up on my reading. The lack of interaction with people during my time outside of work will take some adjusting to. I’m 55 and in good health. I’m not worried for myself, but worried for those I love and care for.

[Peck]

Spent the day mowing, weeding and then, eventually, enjoying a beer in the early spring sun with the Mrs.

Stay positive everyone. It’s going to be a crappy few weeks / months undoubtedly but most will come out the other side. Best wishes to everyone.

[mitch1956]

I have worked from home for 14 years so no change there ,and same as I do every Saturday & Sunday from October till end of April beginning May, in my garage working on my cars , just made some exhaust bkts today from ally, self isolation on a weekend is normal for me with the only visitor being the wife with hot brews , of course it will be devastating come june when the car show season would be in full swing and no where to go, but it may give me time to do the little jobs that always get put off , like decorating LOL.

[Lee A Kada]

Had a game of golf in the beautiful early Spring sunshine. Didn’t shake hands with playing partners at the end!

[monogroover]

Went for a ride out to Lincolnshire and back on a bike, 76 miles in total. Normally on a ride of that distance I'd visit a cafe, a pub or at least a shop, but not today. Took enough stuff to keep myself adequately fuelled over the whole ride.

Lots of people parked at Belvoir Castle. I wondered if the people sitting round tables there, or walking together were from the same household.

[bootneck]

Fortunately we have acres of fields behind our house and very few people about so took the dog and kids out for a walk to get some fresh air, came home and jetwashed patios washed cars etc, typical Sunday for us really aside from not going out for a Sunday dinner with my mum who finally seems to be getting the message to isolate.
Back to work for me tomorrow anyway I’ve been on call over the weekend but luckily not called out (electrician nhs buildings and schools which are now hubs ) I admit to feeling really conflicted about going, worried about catching something and passing it to family but at the same time feel I should be doing my bit just try to stay safe. I must admit though getting to and from sites has been unreal with no traffic on the road this past week I can’t help but wonder if this will change the way people work from now on with many commuting and hour or more to move a mouse about on a computer.

[willie_gunn]

@seabiscuit, thanks for posting that.

In our little village the church is not particularly well attended, but for the (largely) older members of the village it is one of the constants that they rely upon and measure their weeks by.

In this day and age it has become fashionable to mock religion (or Christianity at least) but for many it provides not just spiritual but also social support. That is something many - of any and all religions - will now miss with the cancellation of services.

We are fortunate that our village has already instituted a support network, whether for shopping, prescriptions, lifts to appointments or whatever. Sadly this type of community spirit doesn’t attract media attention, but I know of numerous such networks that are being rolled out. In all this chaos and selfishness it is good to see such examples of human kindness.

So far as my day, I’ve been in the garage doing some leatherwork and fitted the automatic opener to the greenhouse window. We have planted a load of seeds that - if they germinate - will form the basis of our allotment this year. We can be almost self-sufficient when it comes to meat and vegetables, and share what we can when we have a surplus. At the moment this is keeping us in wine!


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[R0bertb00th]

Thanks for the feedback fellas its such appreciated, that's not from the school but it is an overview of what individually the kids day would normally look like.

The point I was trying to emphasise is how the hell are you expected to school your kids while carry on your normal duties

I normally work 8-6 and the wife 9:30 after the school run till 6 - now we have to do our normal day plus supervise the kids

Its mental !!!

[Mick P]

Thanks for the feedback fellas its such appreciated, that's not from the school but it is an overview of what individually the kids day would normally look like.

The point I was trying to emphasise is how the hell are you expected to school your kids while carry on your normal duties

I normally work 8-6 and the wife 9:30 after the school run till 6 - now we have to do our normal day plus supervise the kids

Its mental !!!

You have my sympathies, you really do, but can you think of any other way that keeps you and your family safe.

I have been self isolating with my wife for ten days and in the early days it was driving us nuts. Strangely enough we are now slowly adjusting to it and it is becoming the norm.

Hang in there, you will get through it.

[snowman]

Thanks for the feedback fellas its such appreciated, that's not from the school but it is an overview of what individually the kids day would normally look like.

The point I was trying to emphasise is how the hell are you expected to school your kids while carry on your normal duties

I normally work 8-6 and the wife 9:30 after the school run till 6 - now we have to do our normal day plus supervise the kids

Its mental !!!

Day one and you're in meltdown?

What would you do if your child was ill?

Adapt, thought it was only us oldies who were stuck in the mud....

M

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[R0bertb00th]

Meltdown is a bit much and if I gave that impression I apologise, I gave up full time working in London last year where I had an additional 2 hour commute on my day in order to have more time at home and work for myself so trust me I’m all for time at home and sacrificed salary in order to do so especially given the confidants that we’re enforced on my old contract.

I suppose I was trying to emphasise what a great job the school & mother in law (who has them after school normally) do with them and that it’s tough juggling trying to self teach them at a time when business is really struggling

Please don’t get me wrong I totally endorse the reasoning why were all home and urge anyone to take heed of the advice shared even before the current stipulations

Stay safe folks

Day one and you're in meltdown?

What would you do if your child was ill?

Adapt, thought it was only us oldies who were stuck in the mud....

M

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[Bondurant]

Bike ride then a family walk. Good for the soul.

[TheFlyingBanana]

For those who may be working in isolation at home, I strongly recommend Google Hangouts.

It's free, icredibly easy to use, requires no software on your laptop, and works brilliantly.

And then you can just have it running and meet/chat to your colleagues and see them whenever you like. So far I've used it with seven of my Leadership Team simultaneously and no issues whatsoever.

[Alansmithee]

There are so many mentalists out there determined to kill as many people as possible - that I'm on self-imposed lock-down. I've always had a store cupboard for emergencies (so no hoarding for me or need to find supplies) and can work from home - so I do not plan to go any further than my back garden for at least a month.

[Slamdoor]

How encouraging to see posts emphasising the community spirit that villages engender contrasting the ‘me me and sod everyone else’ that some city folk seem to adopt whilst queuing outside Tesco’s.

[Coronet king]

Wife is working as she falls under key working, I’ve given up work for home schooling a 6yr old. Day 1 was ok apart from Joe Wicks. Did realise I was that unfit.
School has set up work to do online everyday
English in the morning then Mathletics and spellodrome and a fun project after lunch.

How I’m going to include going to work god knows.

Testing times

[Beanie]

Sorry but you can't just assume a position like that. It's not just about you catching it, it's about you passing it on and the 15-20 people you meet passing it on and them passing it on....and on....and on....

It cannot be life as usual. If it is for you then you're not taking the appropriate measures and will make this scenario last far longer than it could.

OK, an unfortunate turn of phrase for which I apologise.
I have a part time job because I like getting out and meeting people, and am really too young to do nothing. I am by no means rich but having retired from a high stress job at 49 with a decent pension, I have no debts and live comfortably. I could easily just throw my hands in the air and stay safe at home and then someone else will have to do what has now been elevated to an key role. It is my experience that each and every one of those persons are extremely pleased to see me. I consider gloves, hand wipes, keeping a safe distance etc, just the new "cost of doing business", a minor inconvenience. I very rarely go out to pubs or wander aimlessly round shops and can take the dogs for some free running in our field, so will be quite happy practising social distancing.
I didn't mean to appear blase, and certainly don't consider myself at all special.
What I was trying to say is that personally, I will not let it change the way I view life and keep on living in a fatalistic way. Quite probably in a very similar spirit of acceptance to many.

[Kidsteruk]

Took the kids for a bike ride to Hertford this aftermoon. Really clear to them to keep their distance and from others.

However, saw loads of people out walking in groups together or sat at benches. Utterly dispairing of their decision making.

I also had to go to town yesterday to return some purchases before shops closed. I gave everyone a wide birth, unlike others I saw.

I just dont understand why people are not listening.

[Andyg]

Garden work today, followed by doing the ironing and delivering the Parish Magazine in the village, whilst SWMBO planted her Chili, tomato, spring onion, pepper, and cucumber seeds before starting dinner.

Golf tomorrow, Tuesday I will chopping out all the old mortar from the patio (what’s left of it), Wednesday Golf, Thursday will be re-pointing the patio (hopefully), Friday Golf, Saturday will planning the replacement of the side Garden Gate (which includes replacing the Gate posts) - dreading it, but it needs to be done. Then building a fence and gate - using gravel boards (it needs to last 30 years).

[Beanie]

I will meet 15-20 different people each working day (albeit I only do 2 days a week) and am quite fatalistic that either I, or Mrs Beanie who is a receptionist at a veterinary practice (which she loves) will be exposed to CV19. Both of us are around 60 but are quite robust, so I accept that we will probably get it. We both just get on with it and whilst trying to minimise the risk, aren't going to let it dominate our lives.
So, life as usual really.

[Omegary]

Went on my mountain bike along the ridgeway today, on my own obviously. Usually I see a handful of people maybe 10 max, today I've never seen it so busy. Probably near a hundred people, in family groups, grandparents with grandkids, people having picnics etc. So much for social isolation! It was so busy I decided to take the road back, rather than retrace my steps, as it was quieter.

Yes it's been a lovely day here weather wise but it seems a lot of people just aren't taking this pandemic seriously at all.

Stay safe out there,
Gary

[hafle]

Had a walk around town, went for a drive, life continues as normal.

[seabiscuit]

@willie-gunn: And thank you for your post.

I hear people talking about confining themselves to their homes for a month or more to avoid this. I’d struggle with that. I love walking, with or without my hound. Fortunately for me I’m a very short distance from the Union Canal and I can access it early morning and evening. From there I can also access the grounds of Heriot-Watt University and its woodland trails. Walking eases the stresses of the working day. It’s possible to be out for a couple of hours and only spot another person from a distance.

[Velorum]

Had to go to Aldi - which would be awful at the best of times but much worse in the current climate. Shelves were reasonably well stocked - they even had toilet paper.

Rest of the day spent in the garden - lots of work to do there and its nice to be physically tired from doing things in a relatively safe environment.

The sunshine was wonderful.

[hafle]

Had to go to Aldi - which would be awful at the best of times but much worse in the current climate. Shelves were reasonably well stocked - they even had toilet paper.

Rest of the day spent in the garden - lots of work to do there and its nice to be physically tired from doing things in a relatively safe environment.

The sunshine was wonderful.

Why is visiting Aldi awful?

[Griswold]

Lynn and I started doing Tai Chi at home today. Gyms are closed for the foreseeable future so we see this as the next best thing to help stay reasonably fit whilst de-risking ourselves as best we can. It also seems to be quite relaxing too. Lots of free 'classes' on the internet.

Not comfortable with going out, other than in the back garden as not sure that people are taking social distancing very seriously.

Have also been sorting through my very many photographs - hence the post about my fly reel restoration in G&D - which has also prompted me to plan sorting out my fishing tackle so it's ready for when this is all over.

Certain foodstuffs may become a problem for us, mainly milk flour and yeast which seem to be in short supply, other than that we've managed to get a delivery scheduled with ASDA for a weeks basics - though what will actually turn up we can only wait and see.

Strange times, stay safe everyone.

[TaketheCannoli]

Sorry but you can't just assume a position like that. It's not just about you catching it, it's about you passing it on and the 15-20 people you meet passing it on and them passing it on....and on....and on....

It cannot be life as usual. If it is for you then you're not taking the appropriate measures and will make this scenario last far longer than it could.

I will meet 15-20 different people each working day (albeit I only do 2 days a week) and am quite fatalistic that either I, or Mrs Beanie who is a receptionist at a veterinary practice (which she loves) will be exposed to CV19. Both of us are around 60 but are quite robust, so I accept that we will probably get it. We both just get on with it and whilst trying to minimise the risk, aren't going to let it dominate our lives.
So, life as usual really.

[redmonaco]

I will meet 15-20 different people each working day (albeit I only do 2 days a week) and am quite fatalistic that either I, or Mrs Beanie who is a receptionist at a veterinary practice (which she loves) will be exposed to CV19. Both of us are around 60 but are quite robust, so I accept that we will probably get it. We both just get on with it and whilst trying to minimise the risk, aren't going to let it dominate our lives.
So, life as usual really.

Its not just if You catch it though. its more that if you do catch it You may pass it on to others...

[snowman]

Can't say I'm feeling good about things today.

Obviously couldn't visit my mum and won't be able to for some while.

My daughter's June wedding is off, my holiday next week is off, work is going down the drain, son's birthday present and meal out are cancelled.

Hard to see much positivity right now.

The day? Did some chores around the garden, had a walk down the canal, few people around, all giving each other a wide berth, most refusing even to acknowledge each other.

Went to B&Q to get some guttering, but there were two 40 people long queues to get in, I guess they were restricting numbers inside, so I just kept on driving.

Couldn't go diving, couldn't go to the gym, couldn't visit friends...

M

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[mondie]

The day? Did some chores around the garden, had a walk down the canal, few people around, all giving each other a wide berth, most refusing even to acknowledge each other.

I have noticed that too, what's that all about. I would expect the opposite at a time like this.

[eoghan101]

Spent the day with my son walking then in the garden. Tomorrow I'm back in work unsure about what to do with my son but sending him to nursery seems a bad option.

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[JP28]

I, along with family, got woken up around 6.20am with a 5.3 earthquake rattling the house and city (Zagreb) followed by various tremors all day !!!! Should note that my son slept through the first big quake though he did wake up for the second big quake that went through. We are only 5-10 miles from the epicentre as we live north of the city so it was an interesting morning.

After that everything sort of went back to normal in the afternoon, time with the kids, worked out in the basement etc etc

Slightly surreal looking back on it as it even snowed in the morning before getting back to sunshine this afternoon.

Never mind the virtual lock down etc.

Mad, mad world at present.

[jonasy]

Gardening, spent som extra time cooking, watching Netflix.

Anyone else foreseeing a baby boom around December/January?

[snowman]

Gardening, spent som extra time cooking, watching Netflix.

Anyone else foreseeing a baby boom around December/January?

Funnily enough the thought about a baby boom went through my mind on my walk.

Spring is here, people are all at home all day, nothing else to do!

M

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[mowflow]

Funnily enough the thought about a baby boom went through my mind on my walk.

Spring is here, people are all at home all day, nothing else to do!

M

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Just the matter of what to do with the other 23hrs 59min and 30 seconds of the day?

[mowflow]

Today has been stressful.

I often work from home but I'm not used to having my wife try to run a school for our two kids (7 & 9) in the next room. Lots of shouting, wife and daughter have both been in tears several times.

Took a short run out in the car at lunch time to try to get the few bits of weekly shopping I couldn't get in the supermarket yesterday. 6 shops in 2 days and still no sign of a small pack of pasta or 2 chicken breasts. People seem to have moved on to these products now the bog roll fad is dying out.

[Mr Curta]

Tonight I'm going to have fish fingers and the missus is going to get a wet plaice

[alfat33]

Tonight I'm going to have fish fingers and the missus is going to get a wet plaice

Just be careful you don’t get battered.

[Backward point]

Tonight I'm going to have fish fingers and the missus is going to get a wet plaice

I don't think this received the recognition it deserved.

Well played, Sir!

[bambam]

Tonight I'm going to have fish fingers and the missus is going to get a wet plaice

I don't think this received the recognition it deserved.

Well played, Sir!

It was quality.

Indeed! A post of sublime quality - so much so that I shall be using in conversation later today. Deserves much more. Well played indeed!

[snowman]

Queuing for the pharmacy



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[Kingstepper]

Queuing for the pharmacy

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In Tesco those same people will be queuing shoulder to shoulder.

[TaketheCannoli]

I started a new job today and needless to say it’s felt rather weird. I’m working with people I’ve never met located the length and breadth of the UK yet I might not physically meet them for many months.

Also feels strange that we’re all at home. We’ve put a school-day schedule in place for both kids who are very receptive to it.... on day one 😩

We’ll get some exercise tonight and hopefully most nights, in places where there aren’t other humans.

[thieuster]

My oldest has left the house (he lives in his own apartment now) and I'm currently re-decorating his bedroom for my youngest. ( "Finally a big room!"). Dark colours and wall paper have to be converted into a light and airy room. That will keep me busy for a while. Then, there's the garden and a garage filled with cars. The workshop is still open, with one mechanic/day. On one day, one of the mechanics, on the other day, the other person. The gate is closed, so no visitors. Mind you, the workshop can go on for weeks. The only thing is that we might need parts etc. Still, there's an acre or two, three to weld on all sorts of cars. So with plenty of welding wire and gas, we can go on for a while.

Regarding my official job: school vice-principal... well, there's a lot being done by the teachers, using Microsoft Teams etc. And they're doing a great job. Mind you, Dutch education has made a quantum leap last week regarding virtual learning.

My youngest is 'harvesting' these benefits of virtual education (same school as me, but a different location): he's up-and-running at 8 AM, behind his laptop, when his teachers start the day. He's chuffed because there's no distraction during the lesson and he's finished around noon instead of 3 PM. We're lucky that he's very determined to reach a high level and we never have (or had) to 'encourage' him to do his school-chores. I realise that it's pretty unusual.

When ready, he starts his game computer for some serious gaming! Normally, he's out on his mountainbike three mornings or afternoons during the week. But he agreed that staying at home is safer.

My wife has nearly finished a part of her Ph.D thesis. She was supposed to fly over to Boston for a meeting at the uni, but that was rescheduled into two days of video conferencing and she's now busy writing a paper. Originally, she'd planned to do so on the Turks & Caicos Islands, but she realized that getting there was one thing, getting back home a completely different thing... So, she rescheduled her holiday towards June and if that's not a good moment, she will reschedule it again.

We're in semi-lockdown here. 90% of the population is okay with that and follows the rules. However, there are always nut-cases who are unable to listen. So, there's a fair chance that the country will go into full mandatory lockdown later this week.

I've written this before: I was home-schooled by my mum when I was between 6 and 8. We'd moved from a big town to a small fishing village next to the sea. She had a strict regime: starting a 8 AM, up until 10 AM and then off to the beach. After returning and dinner, I had to do reading. When I think back, this was the most wonderful time ever.

[proby24]

I've written this before: I was home-schooled by my mum when I was between 6 and 8. We'd moved from a big town to a small fishing village next to the sea. She had a strict regime: starting a 8 AM, up until 10 AM and then off to the beach. After returning and dinner, I had to do reading. When I think back, this was the most wonderful time ever.

This is a great sentiment, in years gone by, children were taught for an education, not for the exam meat-grinder. Having spent many years in Asia (mostly Singapore), the exam results are spectacular but there is very little understanding of common-sense, leadership or cultural appreciation.

My daughter might only be six months old but like all new parents I spend plenty of time thinking over her coming education. How best to promote happiness, an ingrained intellectual curiousity, multi-faceted learning (and hopefully a few exam results)?