I would like to say that my life is not boring, and neither does anyone else's have to be! I may live alone, but I am able to talk, listen, sing, paint, write and be happy with what I own! Who do I own? Myself and my inbuild survival paraphernalia.
I look forward to frequent zoom meetings with the AGNSW, Paddington Society and St Mark’s Church, where I am a volunteer. I am fortunate to remain connected with my beloved school, Abbotsleigh; I have an ongoing interest in their activities and events, especially in the arts. These are some of my sources of mental stimulation.
I am my own provider of other amusements, and this can be fun. I walk each day within the new Gladdie rules. That means, no travelling outside my LGA or the 5 km limit. I happily meet each day with a friend within my zone. We talk, and have a coffee or juice on the run. This is what we are supposed to do. I adore these times!
I recently had call from a friend who has not adhered to the new rules, by visiting friends for 2 hours. One person in that group was covid positive. Now they all have it. I asked, "Why did you disobey the new rule?" The reply was, "so what, I needed the company?" I thought, there is no respect here for community or themselves! I really could not comprehend the attitude of my friend. I always thought of her and her husband as responsible human beings. Disappointment was mine. I am waiting for the result from my friend's test. I hope it is not positive! I value my friendships, I treasure them. I take this stupidity to heart but in my mind, I have to do a reset!
In my exquisite home, I have found things to do that I would not normally do. For instance, gardening, cutting back my overgrown pot plants. Having green fingers is a plus. I removed the rust from my favourite outdoor chairs. I sealed them, painted them and then sprayed lacquer on the wicker, to allow the chairs to hold out for another ten years. Again, I say, I love these chairs; they have been in my family for thirty years.
I have also found some time to write. Writing to my American and English friends, this is satisfying. I like reading in the afternoons, and then as a special treat for myself, I go to my photos to remind me of much happier days, days of travel and luxury. Creative days in my art studio in America, my days in Mayfair with friends, and those tranquil days in Switzerland, where I have family. I thought I would have these days for years to come!
During the earlier stage of our lockdown, only five days ago, I travelled to Watsons Bay by ferry. I enjoyed the magnificent walk to the Lighthouse, sat and gazed into space, breathed in the fresh air, smelt the salty wind and imagined smelling the roses! The views of Sydney and its harbour are brilliant from this vantage point. Of course, fish and chips are always on the menu, so, as we do these days, you stand in a queue to order your fish and chips at Doyle’s. There is no sharing, except with the many seagulls; we keep our lawful distance, and respect our surroundings.
Yes, we are blessed, such a simple life compared to my sophisticated, pre-covid one. I genuinely believe I have a better appreciation of my environment, my home, and my family and friends.
I never took my life for granted. I felt gratitude for what I had, a very indulgent and luxurious life-style, but these days, my pleasure comes from the simplicity of my current life-style! Stay-at-home is not for the light hearted, but there are blessings, all you have to do is open your eyes, your mind and be thankful!
Bravo to my friends from the USA and the UK for keeping in touch with me every day, by Facetime and Skype. What a beautiful life-force!
I look forward to finishing my second book. If you have not yet, try reading, my first book, “CHURCH ON A DEATH SHIP” by Dr Greta Archbold. It will keep you glued to your favourite chair until the finishing line!
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