I’m not sure how this happened – I thought I hit the publish button on this two days ago. But clearly I didn’t. So I’ve updated it, and it really was Day 5 today (not day 3, 2h3n I first wrote it).
When you’re in a comfortable position as we are, and there are two of you, this self-isolation thing is really not too tough.
I was certainly right when I wrote last week that you never know what’s coming round the corner though. For one thing, we hadn’t quite got round to stocking up on some essentials that were running low, which meant a very quick dash to the shops before the start of our 14 days. And there are still a few things I was unable to get (the redbush tea I depend on for one), which maybe I can eke out, or maybe I’ll order online.
We’re fortunate to live in a neighbourly community, where our immediate friends and neighbours have offered to fetch anything we need and if they can’t there’s a local covid community group set up which will provide us with a willing volunteer. Sometimes we’re the givers, sometimes we’re the takers; that’s how life goes.
Despite the rain earlier this week, I’ve been able to potter around doing things on the allotment. I’ve strung up more old CDs as pigeon scarers; tied up the aubergine plants as they grow taller; removed some of the lower leaves from the tomato plants; watered the greenhouse plants daily; and generally adjusted this and that while making plans for changes and developments to come.
We’ve hatched a cunning plan to enlist youngest son’s help with several fencing, guttering and making projects (he’s a very practical man and enjoys doing these things), while giving him and his wife some time out from child care as Malcolm looks after her. It feels like one of those ‘everyone’s a winner’ ideas. Once our self-isolation period is done with and I’ve had a bit of recovery time. They think it’s a good idea too, so we just need to fix a date. Something tells me none of us have much else in our diaries right now…..
I’ve been out for a walk most days exploring our neighbourhood, concentrating as much as possible on streets I’ve never been to before. Also looking out for front garden inspiration. It feels like people have developed a new appreciation of all outdoor space, and that includes front gardens.
So, by this 5th day of self-isolation, we seem to have found a pleasant rhythm of a daily walk (locally for me) – looking especially for inspiration for the next phase of my front garden renewal; some admin (more catching up with farm stuff, emails, and household admin); and doing things in the garden and allotment. In between times there’s always cooking, knitting, reading, podcasts, and a little bit of writing. And counting our blessings. Always.
I hope you have some blessings to count, and that I’ll see you again tomorrow xx
the magic jug 