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General => The Stay Safe Board => Topic started by: Roobarb on Wednesday 23 December 20 16:52 GMT (UK)
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I'm starting very early, so much bad news today I thought I'd try and lighten things by showing you the painting I did for my Christmas card. Most of the painting was done with an acrylic pouring technique, I hope you like it. Best to open up the attachment to get a full view.
*Edit - I've managed to shrink it a bit now!
(You will see I have copyright marked it as I'm posting it on the internet).
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As if things not bad enough already (personally speaking) just been announced that we in Suffolk are going from Tier 2 to Tier 4 on Boxing Day.
As one of the 'vulnerable' I've followed every instruction - not even setting foot from my home from 1st lockdown until July (and then only in gardens and socially distanced). Thanks to those that flout the instructions and thereby spread this awful virus I, and others like me, are penalised yet again through no action of ours.
In 3 months it will be a year we've lived with this and thanks to a selfish minority it keeps on spreading. When you live with a partner or family you are not alone - when you live alone like me you are. That's the worst bit for me. Yes you can talk to friends and family via the various technologies but it really doesn't compensate as only 'minutes' in the course of a day.
As you can tell, this has really got to me today. In 'normal' times I can get up and go wherever I want, see whoever I want, have visitors when I want and I literally feel like I'm 'chained' to my home.
Sorry to vent on here but got to vent somewhere with others who will understand!
Annette
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I know it’s tough, worse for some people than others, but try and avoid the news which only makes one more depressed. Remember you are not alone in that situation and it won’t go on for ever, there will be better times ahead.
I also have been housebound, on my own, since a few days before the first lockdown, in fact the last time I went out was on the 22rd. December last year, if you discount three months in hospital from the 23rd. December.
The best thing is to try and keep occupied. I do crosswords, read a lot thanks to the availability of books from the CloudLibrary, and keep in touch by telephone and Zoom. In fact some days I feel guilty because wish the phone would stay quiet. Then there is Family History to tax the Brain, I don’t have to feel guilty about the time spent doing those things, as I would have done under normal circumstances ;D ;D
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Wow Roobarb that’s amazing, I just love it. I have read with interest you talking about the acrylic pour technique and couldn’t imagine how it would look. I kept meaning to look it up online but I’m glad I didn’t as seeing yours first is inspiring. It’s very atmospheric.
It’s really cheered me up and inspired me to have a go, I’m sure I have all I need . Something to look forward to in the next lockdown.
Happy Christmas
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As if things not bad enough already (personally speaking) just been announced that we in Suffolk are going from Tier 2 to Tier 4 on Boxing Day.
As one of the 'vulnerable' I've followed every instruction - not even setting foot from my home from 1st lockdown until July (and then only in gardens and socially distanced). Thanks to those that flout the instructions and thereby spread this awful virus I, and others like me, are penalised yet again through no action of ours.
In 3 months it will be a year we've lived with this and thanks to a selfish minority it keeps on spreading. When you live with a partner or family you are not alone - when you live alone like me you are. That's the worst bit for me. Yes you can talk to friends and family via the various technologies but it really doesn't compensate as only 'minutes' in the course of a day.
As you can tell, this has really got to me today. In 'normal' times I can get up and go wherever I want, see whoever I want, have visitors when I want and I literally feel like I'm 'chained' to my home.
Sorry to vent on here but got to vent somewhere with others who will understand!
Annette
I don't think this strain is simply all about those flouting instructions (as much as it really annoys me that they do) as much as it seems to be very easily transmissable in the under 16 age group and they have all been encouraged to attend school since September. They are asymptomatic with it but transmit it when they get home.
Pheno
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Thank you for your kind words OFG, I'm very pleased that you like it so much. :) I hope you enjoy having a go at acrylic pour, it's very therapeutic, also very messy so make sure you cover up anything that might get splashed!
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Oh dear it's happened again! I checked the board before starting a new topic for 23rd.December - whilst I was typing it Roobarb started topic and posted at 16.52 - my own posted 18 minutes later at 17.10.
Have asked moderator to merge mine with this thread.
Annette
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Well done with your painting Roobarb .
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It’s a stunning painting Roobarb and I absolutely love it... you’re very clever and I’m sure all those who’ve received this as a Christmas card will be delighted...if it were me I’d frame it...
It looks a real fun way of painting and everyone should have a go.. well done..
Caroline
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Thank you Candleflame and Caroline. It's actually hnging on the wall now. :)
Annette, it would have been okay to have another thread for a diary, didn't want to take over with my painting. It didn't occur to me that I would cross with anyone so early in the day!
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Annette, I completely understand, I felt very much the same some time ago when we went into tier 3. As I live alone and all of my friends were in bubbles with other people, the only way I've been able to meet anyone is outdoors. No-one has been in my house since early this year, before any sign of the pandemic was known to us. Other people were meeting outdoors in groups in the summer but I felt too nervous to do that, it was only in September that I went out for lunch a couple of times but come October that was the end of that. I felt very much the same as you - angry and upset, but I realised that as there was nothing I could do about it I just had to get on with it. You will get used to it, and bear in mind that the people are now receiving the vaccine which will undoubtedly improve things. Things will get better, stay strong, you can do it.
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Wow :o Fantastic. Thank you Roobarb, Love it.
It's great to see what you have been telling us about.
Carol
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As for daily diary:
It rained all day today, one of less than five when I didn't go out for my daily walk. Kept looking out to see if it had stopped or even almost stopped but no. Instead I did a very thorough clean of the bathroom, put some washing in and hung it to dry indoors, spent most of the afternoon talking to two friends on the phone and to another one in the evening.
Seems there's no good news for anyone today, more areas going up a tier, another strain of the virus. Nothing we can do except continue to be careful and hang on in there, it will pass.
Would love to hear some good news. Any more porpoises MH?
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Annette- I can empathise with you entirely... it’s soul destroying and probably coming at this time of year, non sunny warm days it makes it feel that much more stressful...
but hang in there as Roobarb says we can’t do anything about it we just have to try and make the best of it... and think about spring time and being able to see you delightful gt nieces and what pleasure they’ll bring to all your family.
Take care of yourself and try and enjoy Christmas Day with whichever of your family you’ll be with.
Caroline
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Thank you Carol so pleased you like it. Something to cool you down in all that lovely sunshine. :) Hope all is well with you
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Well Roobarb I don’t think I’m going to be the bearer of good new I’m afraid!
My day started listening and watching the rain.... as you say on and off all day mostly on... not cold though... although the only time I saw the outside was when I opened the front door to give the postman the parcel! OH watched as the rain seem to creep further up the patio after each deluge and then recede when it died down a little...
Electric lights on all day...
Sent an e-card to a friend who I’d heard yesterday had fallen and damaged her shoulder... had a reply back to say she’s got to have more X-rays in two weeks... no operation as yet but she’s in more pain with it than when she fell over the dog onto a protruding tree root while out walking and broke her pelvis.,she’d also forgotten to take her mobile phone with her so she let the dig loose and it arrives back home and then took her hubbie to where she was... smart dog!
Did the ironing in the morning and listened to the radio and felt relieved and reassured to hear that actually supermarkets were not suffering from panic buying, as the BBC Would have you believe and prices were cheaper this year than last as they’re all competing for our money!
After lunch I thought I’d do some cooking... I’m usually doing that at this time of year so not wanting to break with tradition I did... not quite the same just doing it for the two of us but never mind...
I made some sausage rolls one lot with short pastry and one with puff... OH tasted one and decided they were still up to my usual standard... well thanks very much!
Next I’d found a recipe from Lakeland for Christmas Stollen squares... using a rectangular tin...make a biscuit base cook for 15 mins, cool add grated marzipan then make a cake mixture add almond essence and rum soaked raisins and cherries ( I bought brandy soaked fruit from Lidl’s just as good) put on top of biscuit and marzipan bake for 35 mins... once cool drizzle over with icing... cut into squares .... and of course taste to check it’s ok! Next time I’ll add more fruit I think but otherwise very nice!
I cut some plums added star anise, cinnamon stick and nutmeg, water just bring to the boil and ready to have on cereal..
It was so dull, wet and dark that I actually drew all the curtains at 3.15... couldn’t bear to look at it anymore... had tree lights on also little fibre optic one that’s in the hall... was my mums and she loved it... always commented in January when it was put away... couldn’t it stay out for a bit longer... reminds me of her everytime I switch it on...put all the little strings of led battery lights on too, wound up the stairs, over the mantelpiece... on glass shelf in the kitchen... just brightened the place up...
Heard on the radio we’ll be in tier3 from Boxing Day.... others in tier 4... new strain from SA... all those lorries in Kent ... thanks Monsuir Macron. Mind you we’ve been a bit slow providing the necessities for them... what a debacle the whole thing is...
At least it looks like we might have a trade deal though.... have they sold the fisheries down the swanny... all will be revealed...
Dinner was oven cooked lamb chops with new pots, green beans, mushrooms, peppers and onions..
Watched tv... nothing much worth seeing... did watch on Ch 5 about Christmas during the war years... interesting ...
Well early start (again) in the morning to go to the greengrocers before the masses...
I’m sure everyone has felt a little deflated today.... hope tomorrow is better...
Caroline
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So sorry to hear of your increasing rates of infection and deaths.
Last night (23rd) the T.V. news was mostly about the UK and USA and the battle against the new Strain that is 70% easier to transmit.
I just had a look at one of the online Papers here and it is all about travelling over the holiday period. Roads in gridlock and motor accidents happening. People are not able to travel overseas so its time to see New Zealand. We are warned that there will be more traffic on the roads this year.
It is my Son's birthday tomorrow (25th) but I will be staying home. I will ring him instead.
I made a quick trip out to the shops this morning to pick up a few things I needed. Big mistake, roads busy, supermarkets fill and people fighting for car parks. Got what I wanted and headed home.
Boxing Day sales starting tonight not waiting till boxing day.
Please enjoy your Christmas day as best as you can.
WHO has said Santa is immune as children worried Santa will not come.
I am thinking off you all at this trying time.
Be Safe Stay Strong.
Carol
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No Sunshine today where I am. We have Rain ;D I must say the gardens need it. Fine tomorrow though.
Stay Safe Stay Strong
Carol
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Carol - thanks for your care about all us Brits... we would have less of an issue if people did as requested ... travelling previously all over the place and being relied on to self isolate when they got home which apparently only 11% have...
Sounds like you’ve got the right idea staying home away from crowds ... I do wonder what makes people tick sometimes! Everyone just goes manic at this time of year as if it’s Armageddon not Christmas...
You take care of yourself too and we’ll all try to do that here...
Glad Santa’s been given the all clear otherwise my two grandsons would be devastated!
Caroline
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Your vegetables will be thankful Carol. :D Have a good day.
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I don't think it matters where you live someone will always think it won't get me. ::)
It only takes one to muck it up for everyone else.
My Mum was born in Aldershot, My nan Leeds and my Pop New Shildon so I guess I got a bit of English blood in me.
Stay safe. Carol
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Baby potatoes just dug out of garden ready for tomorrow. Strawberries picked. Beans picked. Nothing left to do but relax.
Merry Christmas
Carol
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Just made some sense in the spare bedroom ,where all the presents are waiting to be wrapped, sadly now no rush as Suffolk is now Tier 4 so Flash
Harry won’t be up to see other Nanny ,his Mummy’s mother, and me .
We were going to go for a walk in the cemetery as they would not be coming in .
But never mind ,the more we isolate the quicker this will be beaten.
Drs phoned this morning to say my first vaccination on 29 th ( the vaccine is not getting through ) is cancelled, so also the second one .
Well that iis a worry ,but I must just be patient.
A quick dust and vac and mince pies to make and a bath and bed ,remembering to take out of the oven the last batch!
Forgot one year but was drugged up as had a really sore throat.
A sunny frosty day ,no birds fighting this morning , daughter’s card has come, she was so busy with getting everything right for work and furloughing her staff ,so they were alright over Christmas she had no time to write them.
She does look after the lads.They are like a family .
Flash Harry loves to be with them but is missing all that now.
Well finish my coffee and vac round, it has a new hose,the other was split deep inside so not picking up well ,Dyson Roller ball ,much better thanks to son who repaired it for me with new hose.
It is what you have kids for! ;)
Well a very peaceful and safe Christmas to you all and hopes you can see your families safely in the not too distant future .
Viktoria.
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Well done all, lots of fighting spirit and I am proud of you all.
Sorry to admit yesterday I just sat and cried.... one minor thing on top of another and another, added to the disgusting handling of the lorry stack in Dover, and all the other bad stuff which has been heaping up in the Uk for months, both personal and vicarious.
And now we find the fabled vaccine is not even getting delivered to Uk.
Excellent. :'(
Ah well, squared shoulders and a stiffer upper lip today.
Your art work is wonderful Roobarb, I am glad you have it framed.
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Whilst I didn't cry I sure did feel like it. You soldier on as best you can and then something, albeit trivial maybe, just sends you over the edge.
I usually go to my sisters on Christmas Eve and stay over 2 nights. Told her I don't want to do this this year but she is not taking it well. Lots to talk out yet I fear.
Annette
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MH, I'm so sorry to hear about your tears yesterday, sometimes it's the little things that tip you over the edge. Throughout all this you've been a great support for us all with your wise words and sometimes little quips that made us laugh. I can't promise any of that and I know that written words are not the same as those spoken but I'm sure I speak for us all when I say we're here any time you want to offload. :-* Thank you for your kind words about my painting, very much appreciated.
Caroline, sorry to hear about your friend but a lovely tale too about her four legged friend! What a lovely thing to have your mum's tree and to enjoy your memories of her when you look at it. I've recorded the programme you mentioned, the second episode is on tonight so must remember that. Your baking sounds fantastic, your OH will be spoilt rotten!
Carol, by the time you read this it will be Christmas day and your son's birthday (or later), so wishing you a very happy Christmas and happy birthday to your son.
I checked your surname interests when you said your Pop was born in New Shildon, as my great grandmother was born in Shildon. No names there that are in my tree though.
Viktoria, sorry to hear that your vaccine date is postponed, hope it's not too long before you can get it. What a shame that you won't be seeing FH and other family, you're very strong minded about it all. Let's hope it's not too long before all these get togethers can take place.
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What we all need is a stiff glass of 🍷🥂🍸🍺🍻🥃🍹🍾 or if not a drinker ☕️ Says cheers to one another.... laugh and breath and feel relaxed ( or as much as we can do)....
Viktoria - I’m so sorry to read they’ve cancelled you vaccination you must be spitting feathers.... as you say good job you’d decided not to go to Suffolk in the first place but 😢 you’re not seeing your little FH and family even for a walk....
But you have that true British grit of move on and get on with it....I admire you greatly..... have the best of time you can and wonderful to hear you have such good neighbours so important at this time...
MH- as Roobarb says you’ve kept us all going too with you wisdom, kindness and little quips....it’s ok to have those times when you sit and cry... feel like screaming or jumping up and down... I think we’ve all had them over these past months... I hope today you’re feeling a little better and can face the world....
It would be sooo nice to think that as we’ve all stuck together through thick and thin over this year that to meet face to face would be such a great thing to be able to do....I know that the logistics of that would be ni on impossible but it does one good to dream sometimes...
At this time of year and with all this further demoralising news were all bound to feel low.... but we are here for one another if not in person then verbally... take heart dear friends....
I wish you all the very best and look forward to a brighter New Year...
Caroline
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MH, sorry you had tears and cried, we are all in this together and must shoulder on best we can, the news is depressing but sadly we can't do much about it other than do what we are supposed to be doing, just think of all the meeting up we will be doing when we get the all clear
take care
Louisa Maud
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For me it is Christmas Eve 16.40, my day so far
well , I took my husband for his vaccination at 10am, dropped him off and asked him to call me when he was ready, I had parked up outside of the hospital, got the call and started the car up, nothing, tried several times and still nothing, I had to ring my husband to ask him to walk to the car, to cut a long story short we had to ring for assistance, 11 am, (not sure if I can advertise her, but the company was fantastic and the man wouldn't even accept a tip,) said they would be with us in 58 minutes when I rang at 11am, 10 minutes later a call, someone will be there in 10, so by 11.35 we were on our way home, flat battery, so we went straight to the garage and bought a battery, we have had problems over the last few weeks and our mechanic said he didn't know what was wrong, that cost us a whopping £255, so we are very happy bunnies, not sure if my husband is as he has got a new battery from Father Christmas, £65, I have cancelled church this evening as I am still worried about the car, don't want to be standed in a village with no help.
Forgotten about the vaccine injection
Louisa Maud
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Oh dear, what a carry on LM! Thank goodness the breakdown service sorted you out so promptly and you got home safely. What a shame about going to church but not worth the risk.
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Roobarb, I really love your painting, I had wondered what an acrylic pour would look like. Beautiful.
And I'd like to wish you all a very Happy Christmas, and a sincere wish for a better year in 2021.
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Thanks for all the messages of support.
Hope everyone can find some peace and solace during the next few days. (At least we can use technology to contact our loved ones.)
Next year should be better..... l hope.
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It will be better MH. :)
Frostyknight, thank you for your compliment, I'm glad you like my painting. :)
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LM - sorry to hear if your car troubles.... certainly an eye watering replacement cost!
Look on the bright side at least you’d dropped your husband off for his vaccination before the problem happened... good news to hear he’s another ✅ for having had the first one...
Shame you missed out on your church visit...
Thanks for your good wished Frostyknight and the same back to you.
Caroline