I've noticed a lot of people recently, walking around like zombies; looking gloomy. Whether this is to do with the season, or the effects of Covid restrictions, I don't know. I expect it's probably a combination of both.
'Routine' has taken over our lives. We seem to live by the clock. We have become automatons.
But there is some light. We have discovered the pleasures of afternoon TV, where a daily programme about Farmers Markets has almost become essential viewing (when it's raining). We have also been delving into the depths of the freezer and cupboards to look for hidden delights; and we've found several. And we now have 'regular' Skype chats with family, to keep au fait with what's happening in the outside world.
'Cosiness' has become a serious aim. Without 'cosy', life is hardly worth living, and my regular afternoon fire-lighting is akin to a religious ceremony.
Books are being consumed by the dozen, music is played every evening (favourites at present are Ink Spots, Earth Wind and Fire, and the Hot Club de Paris), and very occasionally we dance (badly) or sing (badly).
Billy is, of course, our saviour. He demands to play, to be taken on walks, and go visit his friends. Without him our lives would be very dull. We have no cat since our Freddie died, and I miss having one around.
When it's dark, damp, and miserable, we also eat cake, or do some Hoovering, or (after 5pm) drink a glass of red wine; the latter is always preferable.
That's how programmed our life is in late January 2021, but we're not complaining.
40 comments:
It sounds idyllic. I can't imagine not having lots of jobs that need doing in both the garden and house. Of course Lady M would still have her baking to do.
My main work of the day is log sawing and fire lighting; other, of course, than cooking .
We developed very strong routines during our isolation and it was hard to break some of them, and maybe we haven't broken all of the them.
The lives of all of us have become similar, everywhere the routine seems to keep us going.
I don't really mind 'routine'; I was brought-up that way. It's not being able to suddenly say "let's go and have a coffee chez X" which is slightly frustrating.
I even keep hearing of people watching the same TV programmes as me, which they would probably never have watched otherwise.
You're not automatons, you and Lady M are practising Hygge.
Sounds OK and no point complaining anyway.
I've never totally understood the meaning of 'Hygge', I must delve further.
"Mustn't grumble".
I think that sounds just about perfect.
We had our last fire of the season last night. Only because we are having a massive "clean and tidy up" of the house ready for the agents to take photos, market it and show potential buyers round. The fire makes so much mess that I would be exhausted keeping everything pristine all the time.
I'm sure you are going to miss the fire unless it is much warmer with you than it is here. My central haating is efficient but the fire just adds that something extra.
Well now that we are in Tier 4 like the rest of Scotland, I should be getting into a routine. However I didn't have much routine during the 6 months of total lockdown last year and I don't suppose I'll be any different now. So much depends on weather, The List, letter writing, blogging, walking and my mood - sometimes I'm manically energetic and sometimes I can't get my but off the bar stool I sit on to do things like write this comment..
If it wasn't for Rick I doubt we would venture outside at all right now. I do enjoy cosy afternoons watching television when the weather is damp and dismal.
Routine is good, for me. Jobs done in the morning, fire lit at 4 and an evening to relax, read and knit and watch my fav quiz programme. Some hate those long evenings though and complaining also becomes a routine.
I have to clean it out thoroughly every day, but I don't really mind as it lights better when clean.
We are having a fire every night these days, even if we need it or not. It just makes the house cosier.
The weather is all important. I hate being confined to the house, even if I wanted to stay indoors anyway.
I got soaked this morning on our walk; now it's sunny and warm. Almost as if Spring was on the way.
The only break with our usual routine today, is to a friend's birthday party in her Gypsy Caravan. Fun or what?
Have you got shares in the Hoover company or did they sponsor that reference in order to boost sales? Funny how nobody talks about Panasonicing or Dysoning when vacuuming their floors.
There are not too many activities where one uses a trade name; but Hoovering must be the most common.
You are only confined by fear. Get out and enjoy your remaining years as I do. I know it's hard but the choice is yours.
We're just back from a birthday party; in a gypsy caravan!
Your day sounds lovely if even strange for you both. We make our happiness with what have.
cheers
We have also been watching the programme about farmers and the farmers market ..... what a delightful programme ..... such lovely people who work very hard and are trying to make a living. We thoroughly enjoy it. I will now think of you and Lady M having a dance and a sing song !!! XXXX
I’m worried that I am starting to enjoy inactivity.
Cosines , friendships , zoom and phones
So important
For me, having my pets to care for and love has helped me enormously in getting thru this time.
Your life sounds simply wonderful to me, Cro, and it always has. I aspire to that kind of life.
I'm all about coziness these days too. We are still working so we get out but we are too fighting the same gloominess and "done with it all" feelings. We had a big snow this past week and I made sure I went out and scooped walks and walked in the cold, crisp air. It's too easy to just come home and stay in the house, feeling gloomy.
Stay well.
No point being miserable, is there? We still have plenty of fun.
I think I've always been a frustrated farmer. I have attempted to grow Wheat and Maize on my land, but not too successfully. Otherwise my aims have been more towards veg' growing. I would have liked to have done it in a bigger, more commercial way. Made Cider even.
Nothing wrong with that Doc. When the weather's foul, there's nothing nicer than sitting by the fire reading or chatting.
When the Spanish Flu was causing so much devastation, they didn't have the advantages of our modern technology; it must have been a nightmare. At least we can communicate easily whilst staying home.
I agree, it would have been a totally different experience without Billy here with us.
We're also very lucky that we are in an area that hasn't much virus. I do hope it stays that way.
No snow here. We did have a slight dusting recently, but it was soon gone. We haven't had proper snow for years (thank goodness).
I was reading a book today and found myself wondering for the first time, when this is over and when we are out and about again, and talking and meeting with our friends, when life is once again busy, do you suppose there will come the day when we find ourselves thinking wistfully of the quiet days when we sat reading our books in our cozy houses with the flickering fire?
We live in an isolated area so rarely see anyone unless we drive out. We stay busy enough but do miss our friends and family, and live music. Still, a fire, books, CDs and a DVD player make the evenings very pleasant. Come March, we'll be outside and busy all hours, so I remind myself to savor these quieter days.
Post a Comment