Storage and skips

The new and improved hall cupboards are almost finished, the plain matt white doors are due in about 10 days but for now I've been able to return everything and still have room to spare.  We have ordered a pull out hanging rail for the new cupboard then coats will go into that side too. 

Last night we took a walk out before dinner as I wanted to check on the modern house that is being built round the corner, its been interesting watching it take shape.  There was a skip outside and on top was this picnic basket, needless to say it came home with me. 

The basket was filthy, I did have to think twice about taking it but i decided even if it it didn't scrub up that well it would be nice filled with plants on the balcony.  It had been splattered with cement which actually pinged off quite easily with a skewer when I had an initial clean this morning. 

It even has the two original plates inside.   

I know that taking things from skips on private property is theft, but I took the risk.  I love a skip search, when we built our house in Scotland our cloakroom washbasin came out of a skip.  I had to stop the builder smashing it to pieces as he had done other sanitary ware and I was able to ask permission to take it plus a stainless steel sink earmarked for our greenhouse.  This time there was no one to ask. 

If you see the newspaper headline 'basket case woman sentenced after claiming to save item from landfill' pretend you don't know me.

Still learning

A while back I told you what lock down had taught me, the learning goes on.
I realised when watching a YouTube video about cleaning short cuts that I was watching too many YouTube videos full stop.  When the lady presenter demonstrated that you could use your dishwasher, without detergent, to clean potatoes, carrots etc, carefully lining up a selection of veg on the top shelf,  I knew I had gone too far and I have stopped.
My continued drawer tidying has revealed that I shall never ever have to buy another pair of pants (knickers if you prefer) for the rest of my life.  I managed to bin a few unsightly pairs but kept the ones that might fit me one day if I ever desert my beloved big pants and want something a bit skimpier and less comfortable, which truthfully I doubt will happen at 71.  
I am never going to break my habit of buying too many toiletries.  I went for several months not restocking and now I have weakened.  I tell myself that since I am using items destined for Italy I need to replace them in case we suddenly take off and that there are some great offers out there especially if you spend enough to save delivery costs.  None of us believe any of that.  
I have learned that I won't be going back to the shops when they open next week.  Even one of the charity shops here plans to re-open, I fully understand their need for income but I will not be tempted.  Neither will I be tempted to take them the pile of books etc I have ready to donate, it feels far too early.
So I think lock down will more or less continue as it is here in the penthouse.  It's been harder this last week or so with the upheaval of Mr FF making new hall cupboards and the horrible weather but it's no great hardship.   Just don't let me fill this extra space with more stock of body lotions.

Ilkley is the new Italy

Since we bought our house in Lazio almost 20 years ago we have never missed at least one annual visit and after Mr FF joined me in retirement in 2011 we’ve spent the majority of our summers there.  This year the pandemic has put paid to that which is very sad.  I am really missing the cats and our lovely garden however I’m not complaining, if we have to be in lock down our comfy penthouse with communal gardens and our own outside space is the perfect place to be.

Once we accepted we’d definitely be in Yorkshire for summer I decided I needed pots on the balcony, which obviously wasn’t going to be easy to achieve in these strange times.  I know the garden centres are opening up but if I must queue and dodge other shoppers that will only be when I buy food.  So instead of being my usual Vita Sackville West about bedding plants, I’ve been grabbing what I can during my weekly supermarket shops.  I have collected Pansies, Busy Lizzie. Lobelia, Begonias,  all quite garish and blowsy but do I care.

Fortunately I’d bought the galvanised tubs to take to Italy and received at Christmas some lovely solar spirals,  they were all unpacked and put into use. 

Mr FF kindly walked down to Tesco and carried a 40 litre bag of compost plus a plastic trough back up the hill, with a few stops for breath.  If we were here permanently and there was no pandemic I’d have made a better effort, as it is I enjoyed creating what I could.  Its a crazy mis match of plants and pots, too many plastic ones, but I am very grateful to have achieved this display whilst staying alert as Boris asks. Now we need lots of sunshine for sitting out days, we are ready.

Mad hair days

My hair was ready for a cut when we went into lock down and in some ways since we’d all be in the same boat I looked forward to growing it. I felt quite smug because I don’t colour my hair so no problem with roots, I googled average growth per month and visualised a pony tail by now. Normally my style is a very short pixie cut, about 3 cm all over, layered and sometimes razor cut.   In summer my hairdresser shaves it really short round my ears and the back of my neck so it was never going to grow out nice and even.   At present it’s truly awful and I don’t imagine its going to improve. The other day out for a walk with my hair blowing into my eyes, which hasn’t happened for maybe 20 years, Mr FF said I looked like our friends’ dog Yogi who is this breed.

I mentioned this in an email to his owners who live in Scotland and asked if they had any tips based on their dog care experience.  They sent back a photo showing Yogi on a bad hair day wearing his head scarf, made me laugh.

Other residents in our building don’t look as wild as me.  Several have grey roots coming through but generally they look tidy.  On tv news presenters and most MPs look much the same as they did before the salons closed,  I don't understand.
My hair has now doubled in length, I can shove it behind my ears but it just springs out again or my glasses mess it up.  I ordered some colourful stretchy bands to keep it off my face but it’s still too short to do anything but stick up beyond the band, making me look like a coconut.  I have grips to hold the sides back but that doesn’t really work either.
I know hairdressers may be opening in a couple of months but I’m not sure how confident I feel about returning, social distancing will be impossible, cutting round my ears could sever the strings of my face mask, or maybe the over 70s just won’t be let back in.  I read that hairdressing normality may not return for 18 months to 2 years, for goodness sake I shall be resorting to Mr FF's hair clippers well before then or asking Yogi for his head scarf.

Learning from the lock down

I read a brutally honest and very sad post recently, it wasn't comfortable reading but basically the writer felt that since lock down she had discovered she didn't like herself very much. 
She had realised how much money she had squandered each week, I got the impression she didn't have a lot but still went out regularly for coffee and bought things she didn't need.  Now her income is reduced yet her spending is restricted so she is no worse off but surrounded by the 'stuff' she bought and doesn’t want that visibly demonstrates her waste.
She had also recognised how lazy she is, that this is the reason her house is never clean or tidy and that she really needs to start making a big effort to get up and do more.   
I think lock down has accentuated our bad habits and we are fearful they may get out of hand, that we will end up never getting dressed, snacking all day long, making no effort.  I hope this person will make improvements for her own sake, there is no reason not to and she will be a more content person.  If you are happy with your ways, slovenly as they may be, that's fine but if you don't love yourselves you probably imagine no one else can. 
It made me think about my own lock down experience which I am pleased has been OK so far with no meltdown or howling.  
At one time I could have identify with the wasteful spending.  In my latter years at work when the mortgage was paid and we were financially comfortable I used to tell myself I deserved little rewards, a magazine, extra toiletries, a treat with my household shopping.  I soon got rid of that way of thinking and since retirement I have seriously downsized and bought very little.  I'd be even happier if I could wear out some of my clothes and get to the capsule wardrobe stage.
I don't think I am that lazy though I am no ball of fire.   The penthouse is always clean, I like cleaning,  and fairly tidy, but I have learnt about time and that actually I do have plenty of it.  I do have time to put things away and to keep cupboards and wardrobes sorted.  I have time to complete a daily online language course, Italian naturally, and to dispose of a lot of unnecessary paperwork.  I have time to write at length to friends and family, by email or post.  Since I wasn't working before lock down I already had this time and I could have done more of these things long ago and regularly, I know that now.
I have surprised myself how well I have coped with lock down.  It helps that I am not that sociable, I really enjoy my own company and am happy to send Mr FF off on lone holidays now and then so I can have a week or two alone.    I welcome anyone into my home, I enjoy visiting people and trips out but I am not a great one for going to restaurants, cafes and bars, at least not in the UK, so I haven't missed any of that.  I much prefer small gatherings and hate large noisy events so I don't long for a night in the pub or a post pandemic party.
Mr FF on the other hand is my opposite, he will strike up a conversation with anyone and he has become very restless.  He misses having a couple of beers and a chat at the bowling club every week and his explorations on the local trains and buses.  He wants to be out and is not happy covering the same ground on his daily walks, although he has the expanse of the moors available from our doorstep he wants to discover new areas.  I don't share that ambition, I feel quite content within my confined little world, seeing how the landscape changes on my regular routes and I am patiently waiting until we can go back to Italy, which I accept may not be this year.   
I’ve felt no great despair about the pandemic, despite not being a particularly positive person it seems I am an accepting one.  I have obeyed the lock down rules, I am not desperate to know what happens next or when shops and services will return.  I am of course sad and worried by this awful event but it doesn’t ever overwhelm me.
I am sleeping really well, better than I have for years, which may be because of my regular exercise.  I decided to start walking again before the virus struck, mainly because things beyond my control were driving me mad and it was the best way to disperse my rage.  I fished out some old running gear and took off. I move my limbs vigorously, raise my heartbeat and get sweaty. I love it.  A neighbour who spotted me out said I looked very professional and I often get positive comments from people I pass, probably surprised to see a woman of 71 powering down the street in such a lather.  
I haven’t started over eating or taken to drink.  I put on weight easily and know how hard it is to get off again.   I have a glass of wine several nights each week but also have several nights without, no snacking and the emergency chocolate is still untouched.   I am even managing a bit of yoga. If we love the NHS as much as we say perhaps we have a duty to help out by keeping our bodies in good condition not just during lock down but always.
Let’s balance this out with a few less positive things, I am no a saint
I often find it difficult to concentrate and after the morning housework is done rarely settle down to anything.  I cannot seem to get into a good book but instead am reading simply to clear the shelves of books that have been there far too long, at least its a decent pile to recycle when I can.

All the exciting paperbacks I collected to take to Italy are untouched.  
I spend too long flitting around on the computer, sometimes putting items I won’t ever be buying in my shopping bag or watching annoying people on you tube.   I could use this time writing better posts and taking nicer photographs for you.   I follow the news too much but try not to get obsessive about it.
I am knitting the most stupid jumper that I will never wear.  

I’ve had the yarn for years, I think it was a gift, its a dreadful shade of apricot and turning out far too big, massive in fact, but I keep going.  I could be knitting socks or something that gives me pleasure and what the hell will I do with this jumper when it’s finished.
I am not dressing for dinner, or setting a beautiful table, wearing make up or any of that stuff, but I do get dressed every morning and light a candle every evening.  I’m not cooking new exciting recipes, the weekly shop is hard enough without sourcing special ingredients.
I hope the good things that I’ve learned lately will change me.  Life will be different, it already is, and we oldies could be the last to come out of lock down.  I’m not anxious about that, I’m fed and well, happy and as sane as I ever was.   I’m getting by just fine, I hope all of you too, that you are being kind to yourselves and reading better books and knitting better things than me.  

My favourite lockdown walk

A circular three miles of walking from the penthouse.  

Along the streets past beautiful houses and gardens, 

through the bluebell woods,  

over the river.  

Past the most beautiful house is in town, our grade one listed property designed by Edwin Lutyens for a wealthy Yorkshire wool merchant. Even on a power walk I have to stop to stare and admire, it is fabulous.  .

Speaking to a neighbour recently who only walks round our lake garden she told me how wonderful it was to have time get in touch with nature.  She is older than me, nature has always been here, its always been available and I am seeing the best of it.

Country in the time of corona

Mr FF loves country music.  I like some of it, John Denver, Willie Nelson, Kenny Rogers I can tolerate.  I do love Glen Campbell and I've just finished reading Johnny Cash's autobiography, I'm not averse to the genre but honestly some of the stuff he listens to is bonkers.   
I tell him country songs are all the same, wailing that the truck won't start, the cotton crop has failed and the hogs have all died, you get the drift.  Just the thing to cheer you up during a pandemic.
The other day he was listening to someone singing 'Mothers don't let your babies grow up to be cowboys', the various verses elaborated why this would be a mistake.  Didn't mention that they would end up singing stupid songs while wearing a stetson and fancy boots though.
You're the reason our kids are ugly, that truly is a song, google it, no don't bother.
I am of the opinion that we need to be uplifted by music during lock down, not dragged down to the pits, but good old country boy FF is having none of that.  We listen to country at breakfast and during dinner until I crack and turn it off.  I hope you are locked down to a few better tunes than me and no I don't want one of these thank you very much.

A different Easter

Right on time my second amaryllis opened for Easter,  it is so beautiful and full of blooms.
Another Easter treat arrived at the penthouse too

Mr FF found these two little characters, a yellow chick and a bunny with a white bobtail,  in our letter box.  Each contains a small chocolate egg which Mr FF was keen to eat until I explained they wouldn't work without them.  I know they are from Margaret who lives on the first floor, 84 years young and an avid charity knitter.  I sent her an Easter thank you card and was so touched by her kindness.
It hasn't been the Easter we wanted, no church services, no egg rolling, but its one we won't forget.  Keep on keeping safe.

Reasons to be cheerful

Amaryllis, I cannot resist them though these last few years I have not grown them so much.  However I couldn't resist buying a couple when after Christmas they were 75% off at our local supermarket and I soon had them started.  The red one is in a special vase and growing only with water, the other which will be  cream touched with pink is in compost.   This one is brightening the kitchen.

The second is in the lounge and waiting to burst into flower.

Between them they may see me through lock down and certainly make me happy over Easter.

As if that's not enough on Wednesday we had a letter from our grand nieces, Amelia and Esme.  Drawings, a letter, a card, they have been busy and we were so pleased to hear from them.  I have put the rainbow in our office window facing into the atrium so that everyone in the building can see it.  Its probably against the rules but I don't care, who is going to come in and take it down.
I am coping fine with the lock down and not looking forward to the return of cars and planes and noise and pollution.  
I hope you are finding joy in little things, keep on keeping safe and well, happy Easter. 

Chapeaux

Not another hat Mr FF was heard to cry when I finished the third one.  For some reason I can hardly settle into knitting and what I do is not so enjoyable.  I knitted this child's jumper in Rowan Denim a while back and I couldn't bring myself to stitch it together, I sat looking at it feeling guilty for days before it was finished.   There is really no pattern, I found a shape I liked on line and made it up as I went along.   

                           

I've been rooting in the stash and using up all those bargain buys that I knew would be great for something or other and it transpires to be mostly hats, I've made another since I took the photo.  I think subconsciously I am keeping my sock yarn, and I have a decent amount, in case the lock down becomes really bad.   

Mr FF has selected the hat at the front for himself, it looks small but is very stretchy, the others can go into store because of course there is no where else for them to go.  There is no where for the books I have read to go, no where for any decluttering to go.  
At my weekly supermarket shop I noticed that people have obviously been tidying and taken an awful lot to the car park recycling bins for clothes shoes etc.  The bins must be full so rather than be taken home again bags were piled up beside the bins.  Do people expect their stuff to sit there for months or do they imagine someone will come along and sort their unwanted items.  A horrible case of not in my back yard and ignore the consequences,  this virus situation brings out the best in so many, sadly not everyone.  
We are doing fine, enjoying sitting out on the balcony, getting exercise most days and once a week combining that with a shop.  We ask no more.  

Yorkshire where every things done proper*

I looked out of the window this morning to see these two having a proper social distanced chat, it made me smile.  I was careful not to let them see me taking the snap in case they thought I was going to report them for being out.

* I can make no claims for this slogan, it is used in some brilliant tv adverts for Yorkshire Tea featuring Yorkshire stars.  Do have a search on youtube, use the heading, and enjoy.  My favourite is the Kaiser Chiefs,  Michael Parkinson and Sean Bean are also wonderful.  Feeling proud and smiley.  

Nothing new

This may be a new post but really there is little new to say.  
On Monday we went into a much more extreme lock down, people with health issues are being told to self isolate for 12 weeks.  We are shopping once a week, taking it in turns to do so and other than walking once a day, separately, we are at home.  We feel blessed to have our lovely balcony and so far the weather that has been nice enough to have the doors open.  

Fortunately I have a few house plants, one that survives outside while we are in Italy and a couple of newish ones, they make me happy and I'm looking forward to the amaryllis flowering, I have another in the kitchen. 

A few things make me less happy.  Looking out this week I watched a man come and clean the whole of the square we look down onto, power washing the surfaces, except the dirty wall which could have done with some attention, for hours and hours.  For some reason it made me cross, I know people have to keep working but I thought it was essential work only and buffing up a pavement is hardly vital.  I'd have been much happier if he'd put in a few cheery plants or done something with the tatty box hedges, but he was obviously only the power washing department  and he had to use his special equipment, which I put into the same category of pointless items as leaf blowers.

The car park for the memorial gardens which are just down the road from us was closed, presumably to discourage day trippers who come out from other towns for their exercise.  Some idiot had simply moved the barrier aside and there were half a dozen cars parked, plus quite a lot on the moor side road.  The next time I went that way the barrier was back with just one car in the park.
Over this week I have seen less and less people, now folk do step away and its not always me who walks out into the road to keep a distance, gradually the message gets through.    I've never seen so many clean cars or people working in their gardens.  I have noticed a huge number of black plastic bags stacked at the front of houses, presumably full of garden rubbish that cannot be taken to the recycle centre as its now closed.  I hope eventually people will think about composting.
Over the week I've watched the children in the houses we look onto come out to play in their gardens, to read and in one case to chalk hopscotch and pictures on their drive which I thought was nice.   As the week progressed this has happened less and less until Friday we had the first outdoor temper tantrum when a little girl in her ballet dress screamed her head off until her mother eventually picked her up, by this stage the child was rigid and difficult to handle, and took her indoors.
Yes we all feel like that don't we, a good howl would be nice, but we just keep on doing out best.   One week in I've already cleaned the oven and washed all the windows,  its just so annoying that no one gets to see the clean tidy apartment except me and Mr FF and I think he hardly notices.
Keep safe, keep well and keep saving the NHS by staying home.