Thinking of everyone

Staying safe.

Not the easiest day with it being the day of both Natasha's and Robin's birthdays. However, it has been one in which we have done a great deal with trip to the allotment to get some veg seeds in to go with the potatoes planted on Monday, a bit more painting and a ride to the cemetery via Edmondsham in the sunshine.

I've had plenty of exercise with the 11 mile ride, a 5km run and Joe Wicks' workout plus dog walk. Starting to feel it now!

1950s Sunday

It is getting more and more like the old days such is the slowing pace of life. It is a Sunday like I remember from the 1970s actually when there were very few opportunities to find a shop open e.g. newsagent or to find anything worthwhile doing because no sport was played either. It seemed to drag into the new week, although for those who were working it must have been a welcome rest. Can you imagine - not even a garden centre open?

I had a lovely run in the morning sunshine and a ride on my bike later.

In between we had a walk with Maria on her bike.

There wasn't a lot else going on other than being in the house and garden.

Saturday and the sun is shining

Plenty of time to enjoy the sunshine with the current lockdown.

I have been for a long bike ride - 15 miles - yesterday and really enjoyed it. Horton - Chalbury Common - Witchampton, Gussage St Andrew - Knowlton Church - Home. Some nice hills to enjoyand apparently over 42 mph at one point.

Today I have been for a walk with Maisy and then run to Verwood and back to plant Joy's potatoes, a distance of 5.8 miles. We have finished decorating the girls' bedroom including putting up the bunkbeds which means the rest of the day will be spent in the garden.

Here's the thing. Despite what is going on, we are enjoying our days with no distractions, there is no option but to stay in isolation and that means there are no deadlines we are working to. That does not mean everything is fine because we are missing the family and there are going to be lots of great things we are going to have to forego such as camping at the end of May, Maria's dance and getting out in the motorhome.

On the other hand, I have been getting out for runs and rides, been kept busy with the work needing to be done indoors and in the garden.

And then it all comes back and you remember that all the time I've been happily distracted, people are struggling to survive, desperate for breath, denied the comfort of family contact, workers in jobs across society and in the health service are putting themselves at risk every day. It feels unfair that whilst that is happening, we are getting on with our day to day lives. However, it would take just one thing to change all of that and we need to avoid getting into that position, hence the lockdown and just getting on at home. We have a lot to be grateful for.

Cold and frosty morning

After several weeks, there is growing anger about the lack of testing going on for Covid 19 and at the lack of personal protective clothing. The various spokespeople give a daily account of what they are hoping to do, what is planned and where they aim to be, aspirations which are beginning to grate as the lack of foresight becomes increasingly clear. As I have mentioned elsewhere, there will be a reckoning for this once we have battled through.

The other I am finding annoying is the constant push of 'good' news stories. I am all for keeping things positive and focusing on what is going well, examples of selflessness, communities coming together, progress being made, green shoots and so on. However, there is a growing disconnect between this and the reality of spiralling deaths, infections and pressure on the hospitals and their staff. I think there needs to be a better balance between the hard realities and avoidance of panic and gloom. It might be best summed up by asking to be treated as adults.

On a personal level, we are all fine still and keeping very busy. Maria has been continuing with her school work and dance and Alison has been down to visit her mother again, spending sometime in th egarden so they can keep their distance.

I walked Maisy, ran 5km and worked with Maria whilst cooking up a chickpea and butternut squash curry, some hummus and some butternut squash soup. It was then time for painting and decorating, this time Evie and Amelia's room, followed by a couple of hours at the allotment.

It was a productive and nicely tiring day.

One piece of news which is concerning was the confirmation that two cases of coronavirus have been reported on the Isle of Lewis. Obviously we all worry about mum but know the arrangements at the care home do provide her with the best environment for now.

Back to today's school work now after a lovely run through Plough Lane having found a new path to run round.