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 🙂
Lockdown day 2
Wake up – Ahhh! The serenity. No such luck! Today is rubbish collection day.
Normally the trucks start a slow procession shortly after 8:00am.
Today, bam – crash – roar – clatter! All before 7:45am
Shaken out of bed, bleary eyed and half dressed, I realise that they are taking everything. I must be quick and put the bottles and cardboard out. I thought I had read that these were not being collected and had not placed them at the curb last evening.
“Twit” Wrong again!
“Not being recycled” was the actual report.
Here they come, travelling at warp speed! Our heroic sanitation men complete with red day-glow protection suits and “Billy the Kid” scarf masks covering their faces.
Phew! Made it – all gone. That’s one lot of potential germs out of the way.
Soon after, the green waste bin man also arrives, collects and departs.
This is all reassuring and normal. I guess when it is over; all these fellows should be counted as members of “the few,” that we the many will owe so much to.
Inside looking out, I spy a friend and neighbour passing by on his bike as usual at this time. Again reassuring, Paul is a doctor on his way to work at the hospital.
Another newly minted hero!
The procession of couples walking dogs continues. There are going to be some fit citizens and dogs if this continues for the full 28 days.
Later, through the window we recognised dogs trotting along but not with the usual human escorts. An indication perhaps?, of elderly owners receiving support from the more youthful in the community.
Rain squall, so into the garage. Wind trainer to be set up and a decision about what bike to install. Probably should stick with the road bike.
It is done.
First time on the wind trainer for a year or so. Now for how long shall I ride?
Not as boring as I remember. Perhaps because despite a change to good weather outside, there is a strange satisfaction that I am doing what I love, not being a risk to myself or others. Or perhaps it’s because I have set it up opposite our new car and I can sit, pedal and admire, even if not allowed to drive.
1 hour today and 25 kms completed. If I can maintain enthusiasm for a daily routine like this I will be more fit at 28 days than normal. No distractions or stops for coffee etc.
Happily, mad noisy neighbour has been sparing in his machining today.
Crickey! It’s already 5:20pm. Where has the day gone?
What did we achieve today?
We stayed inside. Tick
We stayed healthy. Tick
We stayed alive. Tick
We are still talking to each other. Tick
We are still good friends. Tick
A further 85 cases today. No tick
Soon I shall be called for dinner. The only question remaining is what wine to have.
26 days to go.
Unhurried In Hamilton:
I love it ‘Unhurried in Hamilton’ had plenty of laughs – what an interest day! Wonder what wine you choose?? 🙂
Probably a light red today!
Good morning Heather, yes I am very pleased to report I did meditate for the whole 5 minutes yesterday even if I had to call my mind back to the task more than once. I even sat at the piano and knocked out a couple of tunes very badly, so that skill needs improvement.!!! Raining today so no bike ride and yes it felt quite spooky riding yesterday afternoon especially down Bruntwood Road and no traffic at all passed me. Off to do my meditation. Great to read others posts. Excellent idea Heather. Be safe.
Well done Carly, learning to do anything new takes time. Well done with the meditation, I love this quote “nothing ventured, nothing gained”. Understand about the mind wondering! 🙂
Hi Heather, What a great idea you have had and wonderful that the responses are so uplifting?
This morning I am so grateful that Brian can work from home each day, yet still be in touch with all his staff. We go out for a walk each evening together and I noticed that people seemed to be more willing to exchange greetings in these strange times.
Yesterday I also had a lovely chat (with the fence dividing us) with my elderly and very nice neighbour.
I have been concentrating on getting in touch with people I haven’t seen with for a while, and emailing them to check they are OK. I have also been writing up Brian’s story of growing up on the farm at Ratapiko. So apart from a bit of cupboard tidying most of my time is with the computer.
Thank you Alison, yes the responses were uplifting. It’s interesting how you also noticed people seemed more willing to exchange greetings etc. I’m sure there will be lots of positives from out of this self-isolation. I realise it’s going to be a big commitment and learning curve for me to post regularly and make the posts informative and interesting. Already this morning ideas have cropped up about how I can do this, so here’s hoping. Have a great day! 🙂
Hi Heather, sounds like a great idea.
We are in our little bubble in B Town, Marcus, Sam, Walter, Gus, Violet, Quin, and Fran and I. All of our staff are working from home, and we are very lucky to be operating our vineyards because they are considered essential!
We have heard today that the nursery is also essential!
Have a lot of hurdles to cross, but are very fortunate that we can carry on.
That is great news Ben. Thanks for responding 🙂
Something to share Day 2? That got me…..cycle past drop off chocolate muffins at my gate? Words of wisdom to take us through Day 3? Something shared, a life story? A new project in the shed? You got those chooks back? Your bees sing to you? A Microsoft shortcut? A Walk with backpack 2 metres apart?……… I have to go to bed, can’t wait for tomorrow!!!
Oh you wish! Thank you for those ideas though 🙂