In normal times that would have been a nice, but quite, ordinary thing to do. After more than ten weeks of going no further than I can walk the dog, it was very exciting indeed!
Yesterday, for the first time in months, I was faced with the question of what to wear, having decided that smelly old dog-walking jeans and raggedy top were not ideal.
I chose a pair of very old, wide-legged linen trousers, added a white linen top, an outlandish necklace and bracelet, slathered on some factor 50, grabbed a wide brimmed hat, for this was to be an outdoor, social-distancing gathering and the sun was fierce and wonderful.
All set!
Image borrowed from centreforlit.com
Just getting into the car felt weird, never mind about driving out through the front gates and onto the lane. There was no traffic at all for the first couple of miles, which was just as well because we both found it such a strange experience to be out and about. I kept reassuring myself that we were actually allowed to be out - mentioned it to husband and he admitted that he felt the same.
The short drive, less than ten minutes, was wonderful. It was a pleasure to see the slightly wider countryside, familiar farms and fields, old cottages, and the windmill at Alford.
Our son had prepared for our arrival, leaving the garden gate wide open, so that we wouldn't have to struggle with/touch the latches, and MingMing, our lovely daughter-in-law, had prepared the outdoor seating area so that we could all chat comfortably, in a socially distant way.
I wanted to hug them but, of course, I didn't. It was a joy to simply sit there in the sunshine with them, catch up and chat, then wander around the garden and marvel at all the changes they have made over the last couple of months.
We only stayed for an hour or so, then drove home. Once again, the roads were very quiet, but it all felt much less strange.
Talk about a big day out!
Has anyone else found it strange having that little bit more freedom?
I did feel odd going out to a garden centre for the first time and it still feels strange going out. My wife has not gone anywhere till she had to go help her mother the other day and she felt guilty about that. Surprised you did not give the children a hug if they had been doing the same as you.
ReplyDeleteI think there have been a few neighbours flouting the rules over the last few weeks
My son is a science teacher and has continued to go in to work throughout, he comes into contact with quite a number of people, so no hugs. We also have the same situation with our daughter, her husband and the grandchildren who live just across the garden from us. They go in to teach and come into contact with other people, so we have to maintain social distancing. We have all had to learn new ways.
DeleteI hope your MiL was okay.
We had our daughter who doesn't live with us deliver groceries and medication yesterday - sat in the garden well apart, she touched nothing apart from food shaken onto a disposable plate (and she took that home with her). She is back to work next week so I don't know when we will be able to see her again, or our son. It was wonderful to see her and chat, but such a worry not knowing what lies ahead. We are even thinking Christmas may not be on the books unless there is a huge change.
ReplyDeleteIf someone had told us last year, about the way we would be living today, the safety precautions, etc we would have laughed and thought they were mad. I hope we all get to see and hug our dear ones soon but, like you, I have my doubts. At least we have the advantage of modern technology to help us keep in touch.
DeleteWe have ventured out more and more but for shopping, walking other terrains, gas, carryout. We will have our first picnic with friends on Friday outside and we each bring our own food to eat. In two weeks we will travel to Buffalo to see daughter son in law and granddaughter. Not quite certain how the social distancing will work but before we move to NH we have plants and furniture to take to them. It must be done. They have been isolating, we have been isolating so we are hopeful neither of us will spread anything to the other.
ReplyDeleteIt is wonderful regaining a little freedom! I hope you have a wonderful visit with your family - and I am sure you will work it out on both sides and still stay safe. Enjoy that picnic!
DeleteI'm so glad you were able to visit. So glad. My sister and I visit often. The first time she came over she announced she was masked and on the porch. I told her to get in her and take off the damn mask.
ReplyDeleteIt was so good to see them again, Joanne! Enjoy those visits!
DeleteSo pleased you were able to get out and visit family. Things have been relaxed here in New Zealand but it still feels odd going out. We are told we will soon go to Level 1 which is almost back to the old normal although restrictions on people entering the country. I don't think I am ready for that. We will still get our groceries delivered. Yesterday I went to the butcher but felt quite uncomfortable even though only two people allowed in the shop at one time. Keep safe.
ReplyDeleteIt is tricky, isn't it Susan. Little bits of freedom are wonderful, but all those weeks of extreme caution have become ingrained and made us feel vulnerable as we take our first tentative steps back to 'normal' things.
DeleteLinen, my fabric of choice, it suits my crumpled style, yours too Elaine?
ReplyDeleteAre MingMing’s family safe?
Sounds like you had a lovely time... quite a memorable garden party.
LX
I do wear a lot of linen, when I am not being a total slob in dog-waking gear and Wellies.
DeleteMM's family are fine, Lettice. Thank goodness that she can keep in touch with them in various and assorted ways thanks to modern technology.
Their garden is immaculate, beautiful lawns, interesting features, veggie plot and lovely country borders, all the things I aspire to. It will never happen, I need to learn to love my buttercup and daisy lumpy bumpy lawns, weed filled veggie patch, straggly hedges and wonky fences because I am too lazy to put in all that effort.
Sadly we haven't yet ventured out. Scotland is a little behind England so we are still in lockdown as we are high risk. How wonderful to be able to see your family.
ReplyDeleteI hope you get a little more freedom soon. I miss my three little London-based grandsons and their parents, but at least we see them and chat with them. Technology is great, when it works!!
DeleteScotland is being sensible...I prefer caution! You are so fortunate having family that near. It will be a while before we venture to see ours who are between 300 and 500 miles away.
ReplyDeleteI hope it won't be too long before you are able to see them!
DeleteSounds like the perfect way to meet again. An English 'picnic' on the lawn. Your outfit must have been ideal . Cool linen and a wide brimmed hat. Sounds so civilised. I'm so envious!!!
ReplyDeleteHope you have lots more of the same now!!
Over the years those old trousers have been in and out of the charity bag so many times, Linda! Now I'm glad I held on to them. We are taking baby steps back to some form of normality, it does feel nice.
DeleteI am remaining at home unless I need to go out, my only need is for food shopping. I am happy at home, going for walks locally. I don't need to isolate, I am not vulnerable but I am not ready to do anymore at the moment. I am enjoying the peace and quiet of my life right now, it is good to have the choice though isn't it, should we want it.
ReplyDeleteYou would have been a little cold if you had worn that outfit here this week our temperatures have dropped to single figures.
We don't even go out to shop for food - that will be a whole new and different experience, when the time comes. The weather is certainly reverting to type - three seasons in one day at the moment. Enjoy your peace and quiet sustainablemum.
DeleteI felt very strange the first time I went out (other than my weekly trip to a farm shop) to go and sit on a beach, on my own, with my book. There were a few other people about, all being very sensible. It was strange, but lovely.
ReplyDeleteIt has certainly been a most 'interesting' year. I suppose we have had time to sit and reflect, slow down and find out what bits of life are truly important. I'm glad your strange experience was also lovely, may you enjoy many more.
DeleteIsn't that so exciting and joyful to do such a thing as a simple visit with loved ones? We are now looking with appreciation at what we took for granted. I like the little painting too.
ReplyDeleteHello Terra, Truly joyful! This time spent in lockdown and relative isolation has been extremely interesting on many levels. Lovely to hear from you.
DeleteAnd all of you, being so careful...
ReplyDeleteHow do you feel about the huge, world wide protests?
Yesterday, in my State, the Governor *allowed* Places of Worship to open, with 25% capacity.
At the same time, thousands were *allowed* to march and protest, throughout the State.
My mind hurts, at the Irony.
Gentle hugs...
Hello wisps, Lovely to hear from you. These are funny old times but, if nothing else, we have all learned how to wash our hands thoroughly and how to make face coverings.
DeleteI won't comment on the protests because this blog is, as you know, the one space in my life which is free from politics.
Hope you and the family are all well.
That sounds like a lovely day! We've been out and about more and more. Mostly we see people here at the fishing lodge where we hang out outside. Still no one is allowed inside the house but it's been nice seeing all the customers and friends while chatting in the parking lot. Things are slowly returning to a somewhat 'normal' although I'm not sure this is really a normal. Anyway, I'm glad you were able to visit with family!
ReplyDeleteHello Kristin, Nice to hear that your 'normal' is returning, albeit slowly. It all sounds very sociable and cheery! Lovely to hear from you, thanks for visiting.
Delete