Quick daily posts

[wendywombat]

Your cynicism Richard! Keep it up!

[richardandtracy]

Not sure cynical is right. Maybe 'Saddened' is closer to being right.

We seem to have a yawning divide between people in the arts (one of whom is Julian Fellows, the writer) and technologists. Both are needed, but there seems little acknowledgement by one side of the other. The run-up to WW1 was a time of both technical and social change. The top strata (shown in Downton) didn't accept the social changes rather like melting ice on a frozen river, and there was a sudden break at the end of WW1. That was partially shown in Downton. But the first adopters for the new tech, like steam cars, then electric cars, then petrol cars, radio, electric light, recording cylinders then gramophone records, indoor plumbing, telephones, coal to gas kitchen ranges, aluminium plates, etc etc were the ultra rich. And that simply didn't appear in Downton despite supposedly showing the ultra rich. The technological progression simply isn't there at all. Would have been better had it been in the background.

Must admit though, when it came down to it, had I found the story engaging, there rest could have been glossed over or ignored. I just never cared for any of the characters and that killed it for me.

Regards

Richard

[Podolyanka]

Finished the work for today (since 7 till 3.30 was working not stop) and now am stitching. Soon will start cooking dinner. It will be chicken and rice. Chicken of course, does not remind of a Soviet chicken, but made me smile as I thought about its nickname at those times. The chickens in shops were real, not broilers, but for some reason just bones and skin and for their bluish thinness, they were nicknamed "birds of happiness". Perhaps because it was when we all were watching and rewatching "The Blue Bird" film after M. Maeterlinck. Now it sounds funny, but I remember queueing for a couple of those "birds" for 2 hours and poor things ending just before me. Since then- no queueing for me.

Working from home is OK with me, but not seeing Daughter and GD is a trial. (Son-in-law brings water and bread regularly, so I see him nearly every other day). And yes, I am missing walking the dog in the mornings. Their Yorkie also misses me, because whenever he hears me talking on the phone with mine(loud speaker on), he barks which means"Granny, where are you? Why arent you coming every morning to walk the dog? I thought you are a responsible person. Come on, come here. I am missing you".
Have a nice day everybody!

[rcperryls]

[

@ Mabel. for today. You can still 'talk' to her in your head and heart.

More from me too. I agree completely with Wendy. It's been almost 10 years since I lost him, but I still "talk" with my DH. And I have to admit, I hear him talk back in my head.

Carole

[RosemaryD]

I like this thread. As we're still allowed out to exercise I went for an early morning run and appreciated how much the ground is drying up - didn't need to hose myself down afterwards for the first time since October! Only saw one other person out. Lots of stitching happening, trying to distract myself from worrying about what's going on in my company.

Thinking of you Mabel.

[Mabel Figworthy]

We had lunch in our sunny garden today, birdsong, butterflies, Lexi twirling aorund our legs or sunbathing, and much less traffic noise than usual - quite blissful!
Thank you for your good thoughts. Will ring my aunt later today (the one who turned 80) - she and Mum were very close and she looked after Mum in the last months of her life; I popped over when I could, but it mostly came down on her. We like to have a chat on this day, especially as it comes between her and my birthday.

[richardandtracy]

Spent the day at work, for the last time for at least 2 weeks. We are hoping that the IT people can set us up for home working, but that wasn't possible today. May have to return to work in a few days to pick up the work PC's, then will be able to work as normal at home.

Otherwise, I have an outpatient procedure tomorrow, one of the last ones scheduled at our local hospital. Not wildly keen on going there - there are unwell people there!

Keep safe,

Richard.

[poppy]

I have an outpatient procedure tomorrow, one of the last ones scheduled at our local hospital. Not wildly keen on going there - there are unwell people there!

Is it absolutely necessary, Richard? Could it be delayed for a couple of months?

Well done for your run, Rosemary
Looking forward to seeing your stitching updates....

[richardandtracy]

Helene,
I have talked to the hospital several times about this, but at the moment they are suggesting that it would be best to do it now, especially as the hospital doesn't have any capacity issues at the moment, and I'll be out by lunchtime (probably).

Regards,

Richard.

[Squirrel]

Good luck with the hospital appointment Richard - hope all goes well.

I did make some stitching progress yesterday and hope to get a pile of it done today. DD and I will do the grocery shopping together today 1 in Woolworths and me in Coles and hopefully we will be able to get some needed things for the freezer - just in case restrictions get tighter - or unavailable. Frozen vegetables are limited to 1 packet per person so I will get the mixed vegies and Jenny whatever else needs boosting a bit.
Thankfully her work in the office of a local yacht club will continue.
Crazy times.

[poppy]

We will be thinking of you and sending good vibes your way today, Richard.

I am glad that you managed well with your shopping today, Sally.

Mabel, I can imagine you, DH and Lexi relaxing in the quietness of the garden. Like Carole and you, I always feel that our loved ones, who have departed, are near us. After church each Sunday, we have an aperitif ( a French Vermouth called Ambassadeur) with a few cheddar biscuits. I can "feel" my grandma smiling at us

We have put a paper rainbow in our window.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-englan ... eer-people

[poppy]

We will be thinking of you and sending good vibes your way today, Richard.

I am glad that you managed well with your shopping today, Sally.

Mabel, I can imagine you, DH and Lexi relaxing in the quietness of the garden. Like Carole and you, I always feel that our loved ones, who have departed, are near us. After church each Sunday, we have an aperitif ( a French Vermouth called Ambassadeur) with a few cheddar biscuits. I can "feel" my grandma smiling at us

We have put a paper rainbow in our window.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-englan ... eer-people

[Serinde]

@ Richard: get it out of the way now. (Just try not to breath too much, yeah?)

I've started a companion thread so that we can make a note of the unexpected good things that are happening in our increasingly restricted worlds. All manner of things have been popping up in windows here in the village.

[Angel]

my dad had an outpatient treatment the other day, try not to worry about it. You're generally in a different area to those who are contagious and hospitals have much better infection control than the supermarket where people are sick and just don't know it. My dads a vulnerable person and needs a breathing mask for every day life, they wouldn't have allowed him in if they thought it was dangerous.

I'm stressed to high heaven. All the closures have actually put folks out of their homes. My parents need to find a new place to live for the duration because their place is closing. I've told them I can give up my bedroom for them so they'll be ok. Hopefully they will find a better option. I already have a guest in a tent in my backgarden.

People being allowed out to exercise needs to change though It's all well and good saying once a day if there's no time limit and that once is all day.... I live near our local big park and it is SO busy. The allotments are full and they're hanging around in groups and dispersing when someone comes. The road is full of parked cars as everyone unloads for the parks. It's actually busier than a bank holiday still! The dog walkers are out in force walking in small groups... My sewing room overlooks the road and my desk is in front of the window. I see all the things!

[wendywombat]

Yesterday I took out my vengeance on some Bamboo Roots!
Why on earth we planted the wretched stuff I Cannot Understand
It took over and grew 10ft tall! then invaded the nice hedging where the birds nest. it's a nice thick hedge so the birds feel safe. Consequently the bamboo is even more difficult to eradicate.
on my arms and legs!

Today I shall take out my stitching and enjoy the Sunshine.

[Serinde]

@Angel: Hope your dad remains ok. It's thoughtful of you to provide space in your home -- and what else could you do with parents? -- but it might not be the best place for them, if you are at risk and there's a child in the house. But you'll undoubtedly do what's best for you all. As for all the people outside! Hope they don't come to regret it... I live in a very rural spot, surrounded by fields and off the main arterial road (or what passes for one), so the guidance about gardens and allotments is actually to plant up the spaces (to alleviate shortages later), as long as you can social distance properly. (No in the communal shed!!)

[Angel]

You'll laugh, but excluding my kid I'm the fittest and healthiest of the family (ok, my sister has me beat on hills but that's a different muscle set). I've never really considered myself vulnerable, like... I have to wear a mask for about 1/4 of the year to not end up in hospital but otherwise I'm fine. My dad on the other hand has a broken back and can't lay down without loosing the ability to breathe Fortunately their friend has gotten back to them in the last few minutes. She has a granny flat for guests and she has no one else there atm so they're spending the duration there. Kind of relieved to tell you the truth. My house is getting busy lol Kid on the other hand could probably wide out the deadliest virus unphased. Pretty sure we could tap her immune system for the cure to literally anything

I'm near enough town center and people just aren't getting it! But then when I lived out in the open people were already socially distant. Nice large personal space boundaries, and enough space around you that if everyone went out at the same time you could still maintain that 6ft or whatever it is now boundary with ease. It's the people that are so used to being crowded who are struggling with it. When the idea of a small group of friends having tea together becomes social distancing rather than socialising and unfortunately it's going to take some heavy restrictions to get them to stop which will penalize folk who are staying distant. If it's not done there's so many of them they can swamp the entire countries hospitals not just their own. It's going to get worse I'm afraid. One way or another.

[Mabel Figworthy]

I was going to go for a socially distanced walk with a friend in a small wood near us (so small it doesn't really deserve the name Wood but big enough to be able to distance) but after the latest guidelines we decided that it wouldn't set a good example even if for the entire walk we kept 2 metres apart, as they are now desperately trying to keep household groups from mingling with other household groups. I did feel bad about it because she lives on her own but we and another friend who usually meet up for lunch before the weekly shop will have a Zoom meeting tomorrow (if we can get it to work...)

[richardandtracy]

Back home now. Feel uncomfortable, but OK. The outpatient ward was in chaos, due to one patient needing Police and Prison Warder escort (even into theatre) and he was chained to both. To make things more interesting he spoke no English, and a needed an interpreter on the phone.

Regards,

Richard.

[Mabel Figworthy]

What interesting times we live in! Glad to hear you're back safe and not too uncomfortable. Tea, biscuit and a bit of stitching to take your mind off it?