Feest Isolation Days – 31 July
It makes such a difference to life when there is a little sunshine and blue sky. Even if it doesn’t last all day, a bit in the morning and life is generally sunnier for the rest of the day. I understand wanting to head to the sun! For the past nine years we have left the cold and wet and dark winters behind to find summer in another part of the world. I do understand. What I find more difficult to understand is how in these covid times, people are still booking holidays abroad and then annoyed when they are not going to plan! I understand I really do. People want things to be as they once were. Who doesn’t? But they just aren’t I’m sorry to say. Not yet. Not for awhile.
Our garden was filled with babies awhile back…of the green variety. We weren’t sure back in March and April if we would manage to get any plants at all as the garden centres were closed. In fact, we have some of the best plants we ever had. The on line suppliers that we found only had the smallest plants and tubers available. The little babies are now either teenagers or fully fledged adult plants throwing up the most splendid flowers. Begonias, cosmos, sweet peas, fuscias. Our dear friend in New Zealand, Bernie sent us a lovely reminder from Ralph Waldo Emmerson. “The earth laughs in flowers”. Well I have to say in that case our garden has tears running down its green face from laughter! Here are a few current photos. Our “babies” have grown haven’t they? Lessons learned from covid…start with babies and bring them on.
We had a “matinee” this week. We never watch television during the day. Unless of course it’s a rugby match! Or Terry might possibly watch some cricket…but because we were Zooming with friends in New Zealand in the evening we decided to watch the last of a series we’ve been watching. It seemed appropriate. If we were in pre Covid times, we would most likely have been at the Theatre for a matinee. Going to the Theatre Royal in Bath always started by getting on a train (don’t do that now) having some lunch out (don’t do that now) sitting in the theatre (don’t do that now) and then heading home on the train (still don’t do that now!) Our matinee experience was repeated at least a couple of times a month most months. Our living room had to make do for this matinee day. At least we managed to have our lunch outside as the weather has held up. (and breakfast and dinner – life isn’t so bad!)
We went for a walk not far from home yesterday and were surprised by the number of young people that were out and about. We didn’t see anyone over about twenty five! The students apparently are back. What they normally do is come in July, dump their stuff and then return at the end of September for University. This year, they seem to be staying. They have nowhere to go! Europe is not offering the usual diversions, and all of the large music gatherings and festivals that they head to this time of the year have been cancelled. Bored with being at home with their parents, they have stayed in their student digs. When they head out in threes and fours on our sidewalks, they don’t move to socially distance. They hardly notice anyone else exists. They are in their own bubble. Trying to grow into the next stage of your life with coronavirus around can’t be easy. They mostly haven’t lived outside of either their parents or a dorm. There aren’t any seasonal jobs around for them either. Good luck to them. And us.
Seeing all these young people around reminded me of one of the songs we listened to in our youth. See if it is one you remember! Bet you do….
Be safe. Have a great weekend and enjoy whatever it is you get up to. Life moseys along in its own sweet way. Coronavirus changes things for sure, but while you can, make the most of what you have. The virus needn’t change us. The UK isn’t a bad place to be. (and for those of you in New Zealand…you really are in paradise!) Click those heels together like Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz told us all to do all those years ago. There really is no place like home. Unless you’re a student or just starting out or are poor. Think about them and do make the most of it!
With love
Kathy x