Lock Down for Over-80s

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It is much easier for we oldies than for our younger friends because we don't do much at the best of times. Whilst is is frustrating to miss pre-booked summer holidays it is far more significant to be unable to meet family members. 

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Everyone grumbles about being unable to hug grandchildren, but for me the missing link is my children. The grandchildren probably only WhatsApp us under duress and can manage their lives easily enough without us, but the lack of sitting with our closer generation to share a glass of wine or relish an exotic meal is a far greater loss.

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As we all know, the lock-down has encouraged neighbourliness and we clapped with the whole street every week - this included those who would not usually raise their eyebrows when we passed previously. I was greatly impressed by two professional violinists opposite who played a delightful duo each Thursday of “We'll Meet Again” and similar themes. No less than six of our immediate neighbours have regularly asked if we want any shopping but Kath has been quicker for deliveries of medicines and other essentials! 

Meanwhile, our garden is smarter than ever, mainly thanks to the extraordinarily warm weather for April and my constant desire to be in the greenhouse cleaning shoes, sorting rubbish or simply gazing into the distance.

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So for us it has been tolerable and not too restrictive. But living off our pension savings means we can claim no furlough payments or other government subsidies. The great blessing is that there are the two of us in this household and I'm married to the best chef in the neighbourhood. We eat well and we have warmth and food aplenty. So it's not bad at all.