Thank you for these kind words in recent posts. My life doesn't really feel difficult, it just feels like 'normal'. Although, I do regularly feel like no, I do not want to go .. I'm too tired/too cold/it's too early, etc. However, once I get out the front door I gradually pick up more motivation for the day's work ahead. I do feel very lucky though that as a keyworker I still have a job and retain a bit of the 'old normal' through this and know where I stand with a regular income. I really feel for those who have lost their jobs or whose jobs have been put on hold and whose incomes have been slashed. Plus I enjoy my bus journeys, these feel like a small treat to be able to legally 'gad about' albeit just on the route to and from work. I don't have the worry either that I felt at the start of the first lockdown about the bus services either. The services are running well which is giving me much peace of mind. Bravo to the bus companies and the bus drivers!
So I have much to be thankful for.
I greatly admire all of you who have kept busy and motivated at home throughout all this time. The accounts of walks and daily creativity etc are inspiring in showing that life still goes on no matter what happens. I am grateful for the diary thread too. Although we might all have very different lives and circumstances we are there for each other with support and laughter .. even book recommendations and food ideas. What a versatile thread!
Don't feel ashamed Roobarb, of course you will have not so good days when you might feel more lethargic. I think this will be quite normal under the current circumstances. However, I am full of admiration at how busy you have kept throughout and how you just keep going. I think you are invincible really and you are an inspiration. I think it is good that you and Caroline have led this diary thread mainly even when some of us have flagged. It is always great to read your posts and you always have a kind word for everyone. So keep up this good work.
Your plum recipe had me almost drooling the other day, Caroline, it sounded so good. Shame I have no brandy in the house. As a coincidence, I made a plum and ginger crumble the other day .. just basic but it was such nice comfort food and I think I will make it again. Anyway, I have digressed so much .. here is my diary for Saturday:
A bit frosty but no snow on the ground as I set off to work. However, snow still about in Newcastle, although not bad near the bus station as grit has been put down. There was no sign of the new rough sleeper I had seen the day before at the bus station.
A young bus driver made me laugh on my second bus. I had absent mindedly announced the stop I was going to on the second bus as I was about to board. No need really as I have a travel pass which covers the area. The driver said very theatrically "Well, I don't usually go there .. but for you Madam, I will make an exception! Just don't tell anyone!". Of course, there was no 'exception', his bus does go via my stop but I did like his sense of humour.
After work, I found that the pavements were really bad with thick ice as I made my way to the bus stop. The ice was uneven too as the imprint of people's footsteps had hardened in. I was slip sliding about all over the place trying not to fall over and not getting anywhere fast. I didn't want to miss my first bus home so I decided to walk on the road instead. It was alright as there were no cars about and I thought I could quickly step back on the pavement if I did hear a car coming.
When I got to the bus station, I looked for the new rough sleeper. Hurrah! He wasn't there! Perhaps the police were able to persuade him to go to some safe and warm place last night. I hope so. I know some people might give up on themselves for a variety of reasons but I don't think society should.
The bus station was very quiet and quite deserted. Although, two other women appeared at my stop before my second bus came.
I felt too tired to post last night. Too tired to do anything apart from look out of the window and enjoy the journey. Quick cup of tea when I got in then straight to bed. Fell asleep straightaway.
