Covid-19 Lockdown

Quote for the day:

“The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails.”

by William Arthur Ward

Thank you for your posts and taking the time to share something of your world and how different they can be.  What has been happening your world today?

Today a family in Greymouth will be morning the death of an elderly member, who died with corona-virus (she also had pre-existing conditions), my thoughts are with them at this sad time.   I also heard today that Assissi Rest Home (just down the road) has 11 confirmed cases of corona-virus. That is getting very close to home, so it’s important we remain vigilant in our self-isolation.

Today seemed like any other Sunday, except when I cycled to the supermarket I had to wait outside in a cue, everyone keeping their distance.  Thankfully it was a bright and sunny autumn day and people seemed very relaxed and happy to wait their turn.  What was most enjoyable and rewarding was delivering the groceries to my various neighbours afterwards; catching up with them face-to-face (keeping our distance apart) and just chatting. I felt like an old fashioned delivery girl delivering groceries like they used to years ago.  I think I could do that for a job should there be a need.

This afternoon I finally got the chain saw out to do a little pruning and tidying up of the orange tree.  Even though I haven’t used my chainsaw for months it wasn’t a problem starting it.  Oh how I love a tool that starts more or less straight away. Of course I put on all my safely gear, love wearing those ‘chaps’ (leg cover protection) as I feel like a cowboy wearing them.  Can’t say they’re attractive but at least I know my legs are protected should anything unexpected happen!

How many of you watch Country Calendar?  That is my favourite TV programme, always inspiring, informative and enjoyable.  Tonight’s program was no different.

Well that is it for today.  I realise I’ve made a ‘rod for my own back’ by taking on this task of writing and reflecting everyday while we are in lock-down, but it’s something I’ve wanted to do for a sometime.  Not posting a blog everyday but getting into the habit of writing everyday.  I’ve tried writing up journals before, and that lasts a few days, having said that it is only day 4!!

Wonder what will happen tomorrow?  Isn’t that an exciting thought – not knowing what is going to happen tomorrow??  So until tomorrow night, take care, and stay in your bubble – GoldCard Gal 🙂

 

Today’s quote :

“Every situation is life is temporary. So, when life is good, make sure you enjoy and receive it fully. And when life is not so good, remember that it will not last forever and that better days are ahead.”

Thank you for your posts, always interesting reading.

Disappointing day for me

Usually on a Saturday morning I cycle with a group of riders that meet at Rototuna shops, but of course being in lock-down that is not happening.  Instead I cycled the back roads of Tauwhare and Cambridge by myself.  The morning was clear with chilly south-west wind.  I decided to count the number of trucks, cars and anything else to help keep me focused, instead of the usual mind drifting.  Well guess what, the number of cyclists far out-numbered both cars and trucks. Lost count of the number of people walking/running.  The way people are going we are going to be the fittest and healthiest nation ever – imagine what that could do for our health system?

I had a surprise and welcome meeting on the road with one of my Tuesday cycling buddies (both keeping our distance); so very good to catch up with your Claire.

As usual my bike rides always involve a coffee stop – but today there was none, 🙁  I tried both the BP & Shell service stations only to be turned away – it was such a let down.  I felt quite dispirited.  “Oh to have that first world problem” I thought to myself and then  “oh get a grip of yourself Heather” was my mental response!  Perhaps it is time I invested in a good coffee machine, I know that would make one of my cycling buddies happy – eh Grant!

I’ve had technical issues with my blog???   Hence the slightly different view.  Not a good day!!  🙁

My reflections so far:

As it’s day three, thought it time to do some self-reflecting, here are my reflections:

• feeling more relaxed, slowed down
• enjoying the peacefulness of our roads when out cycling
• cherishing reduced noise pollution
• appreciating the quiet mornings and evenings (no traffic)
• appreciating the options I have to do whatever, whenever
• missing the human contact
• appreciating the phone calls and text messages received
• perhaps I need to invest in a good coffee machine??

What are your reflections?

I came across this list the other day, thought you may find the ideas beneficial.

The 10 benefits of spending time along

(from BoomSumo.com.)   Let me know if you have found this list useful.

1. Clears your mind.
2. Improves our creativity.
3. Allows you to explore possibilities for your life.
4. Resets your priorities.
5. Improves your relationships.
6. Lets you slow down.
7. You become more focused.
8. You become yourself.
9. You gain self-confidence
10. You become more independent.

I’m off out into my garage to be creative, no idea yet what I’ll do, but sure something will pop into my mind.

Take care, stay in your bubble, till tomorrow GoldCard Gal  🙂

Quote for the day:  “Challenges are what makes life interesting, and overcoming them is what makes life meaningful.”  by Joshua J Marine.

What did you do on day two?  Any interesting events, thoughts, reflections, or experiences you want to share?  (Remember to post them.)

Thank you for your posts, and thank you for taking the time to contribute – makes for interesting reading.

I’ve decided to include a quote each day and an image from my garden.  This morning I’ve listened to a webinar on “How to manage your product / team with a Style Guide” by Emily Cotlier from Write.  It was quite informative.  Then washed my back porch, finished stacking the fire wood and mowed my lawns – pretty pleased with the completed jobs.  Here is my new woodshed.  Thank you Brian for encouraging me get it rebuilt, it’s just what every girl needs- right!  And from what the chimney sweep man told me, you need plenty of air circulating around your stacked wood.

Working from home

Some of you are working from home, here is a useful link with plenty of suggestions:  Tips on working from home

Something special

As promised yesterday I have something quite special to share.  The following poem was written by Jaz Hinton (14 years old at the time), who has overcome cancer.  Jaz is the son of Floss (niece) and Brad who live in New Plymouth.  To be able to write in such a way I find exceptional.  And to put one’s feelings into words like he does is quite extraordinary.  Can’t wait Jaz to read more of your work – keep it up.

Ambitious

Everything is easy, no worries, no hesitation, no failure.

He strolls through simple days, no knowing what is ahead.

Suddenly he falls, chilling daunting darkness.

He worries, he hesitates.

He is lost.

Darkness takes over, somehow it shows him the way.

Cancer does no harm, it only makes him stronger.

He tells himself “I will work hard, everyday”

Now knowing life’s worth.

Nothing can stop him, from the success in his future.

Working for self improvement, he never gives up.

He wants to be the best.

“I will work hard, everyday”

The darkness recedes.

He now knows the way, better than he ever did before.

No worries, no hesitation.

He is found.

Jaz attends New Plymouth Boys High School and last year won the award for leadership and service, called “Be the Example Award” and 2nd top student academic scholar for year 10.  Congratulations Jaz your are a ‘role model’ and we are all very proud of what you and your family have overcome.

That is it until tomorrow – day three.  Wonder what this new day will bring?  Take care out there and stay in your bubble.  GoldCard Gal 🙂

Firstly a big thank you for your interesting posts, I loved reading them.  I feel quite humbled that you have taken the time to write your memories, happenings and thoughts. Well done!  🙂  Here’s a link to  Yesterday’s readers posts.

How did your day one go?  On a Thursday I normally teach all day at Wintec and must admit it felt strange not to be there today.  Wintec is in lock-down and everyone is working from home.  There were no classes this week, tutors/lecturers are preparing for total online learning and learning how to use Zoom so we can continue teaching next week!

This morning my bubble and I went for an early morning bike ride.  As expected there was very little traffic, but surprised at the number of trucks that passed me – but generally it was quiet and very enjoyable. Oh how I love that.  The paddocks have a green tinge from the recent rain.  Life style blocks that have been for sale for sometime are now sold, and house construction under way. An older house has been moved onto another life style block; look forward to watching the progress there.  I get enjoyment from seeing the changes as I cycle the country roads.

I saw more people than normal out walking and running.  They seemed happy to say “hello” and have a quick chat, more so than normal.  I guess people have time to ‘enjoy the now’, take a deep breath and slow down, and not be rushing off to work or dropping kids off at school etc.  What did you notice when you went for your walk or bike ride?

Now that schools are shut I’m enjoying hearing my neighbour’s son Ethan practising/playing his drums several times during the day.  He’s learning the drums at intermediate school and definitely getting better.

My wood pile is smaller than yesterday!  What jobs can you now cross off your To-do list – any?  Any luck with the meditation Carly?

I have something special to share with you on day two.  In the meantime, take care and stay in your bubble.  GoldCard Gal 🙂

This afternoon as I was chatting to one of my good friends Prudence we were conversing about how we will cope in the coming days of ‘living in a bubble’.  We briefly discussed the idea of writing a journal to reflect on our journey, when Prudence suggested “why not write a blog about it”.  That comment instantly struct a cord with me, my imagination went into overdrive.  I was excited.  Not writing about what I was experiencing but how could I get you my readers to share your experiences and thoughts.  We could create a little “online community” to help/support each other over the coming days – oh the potential, I’m excited.  The next 28 days are days we never imagined would happen, well I certainly didn’t.  How are we going to cope with the lack of social connection and interaction – that is what I see as my biggest challenge.

So, over the next 28 days I intend to record each day’s reflections, thoughts, and incidents, and I also would love to have your input, don’t be shy.  This will certainly be a new experience for me, one I’m excited about!

Preparations

Over the last couple of days I completed my to-do list before lock-down.  Buying paint to paint my garage door.  Incidentally Mitre 10 had sold out of semi-gloss paint on Tuesday, so this morning I went to Resene Paints where I got the last tin of semi-gloss.  They told me they had 300 customers yesterday! Obviously many people have the same idea and as I, the next 28 days will be an opportunity to get some maintenance jobs done.  Filled up the petrol can for lawnmower and hedge cutter and of course got a few extra grocery items; I got the last packet of flour.  It has been an eye opener going to the supermarket and seeing people bulk buy.

I checked on my over 70 yr old friends to ensure they are OK and re-enforced that I’m only a phone call away.  Later this afternoon I got a bonus – a load of dry firewood was delivered; can’t wait to stack that under my new woodshed roof!  At least I’m ready for winter.

What preparations have you done for your lock-down?  What did your to-do list consist of?

The idea of “living within a bubble”

On the radio the other night I listened to microbiologist Siouxsie Wiles, love that red hair of hers.  Her description of living in a bubble and what that actually means made sense to me.  These are her words :

“You are in a bubble …. our own household is our bubble and you need to stay in your bubble and if you go out of your bubble you’re going to pop that bubble and that’s going to put us all at risk.

You can go for a jog with …. your bubble family.  You can go for a drive to the beach with your bubble family.  But you must not enter anybody else’s bubble.”

I’ll miss not cycling and socialising with my Tuesday and Saturday boys and of course miss my walks and catch-ups with my friends.  But hey I’ll save money, hopefully get lots of jobs done and have plenty of time to blog!!  AND the great thing from all this isolation is that we’ll stop this Covid-19 virus because we’ll be living in our bubble and not entering anybody else’s bubble!

Sure looking forward to hearing your preparation activities and your reflections on “living in a bubble”.

So take care, till tomorrow night – Goldcard Gal.  🙂