We've been at home most of the time this past couple of weeks. We're both over 70 and the advice is for us to stay at home if possible. I went to my CWA talk last Sunday and I stocked up on fresh fruit, vegetables and milk on Wednesday, the rest of the time we've luxuriated in the calmness of our own nest. Of course, it's business as usual for us, we usually stay at home enjoying each other's company with occasional visitors popping in to provide interest and support.
A lovely parcel arrived in the post too. It was Pichinku organic cotton, in a delightful shade of pale pink, straight from EcoYarns. Don't forget there is a 15 per cent discount at Ecoyarns for all Down to Earth readers. The following day I started a Miss Marple scarf that should be finished in the next couple of weeks. These scarves are a great way to stay warm over a milder winter, especially if you use cotton instead of wool. I wear mine with my normal clothes, slippers and an added cardigan or two over winter - I'm always the dag.
The rest of the time I worked on my genealogy, making quite a few discoveries and a lot of progress. My month-long access to the World Heritage resources ends on Monday and I still have a list of things to do but I'm satisfied with what I've done so far. I'm beginning to think building a family tree is like painting a portrait. Potentially, you could go on forever, tweaking this and that, but there will come a time when a firm decision to stop will have to be made.
I'm thinking of doing online blogging and writing for publication workshops again. These will probably be the last workshops and if there is interest, would start in late April. Please email me - my name at gmail dot com if you're interested.
I'm thinking of doing online blogging and writing for publication workshops again. These will probably be the last workshops and if there is interest, would start in late April. Please email me - my name at gmail dot com if you're interested.
Are you isolating yourself too? I think it will be a good opportunity for many people to organise, mend, read, bake and rest. Or do you have other plans?
Have a wonderful weekend. Look after yourself, do something you love doing and try not to worry about the Coronavirus. 🧶
Have a wonderful weekend. Look after yourself, do something you love doing and try not to worry about the Coronavirus. 🧶
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Hi Rhonda, That pink cotton yarn is just lovely. I'm wearing the same things you described. Yes, I have been staying home, too. I had a cruise planned in April from Los Angeles to San Francisco, ending in Vancouver. I was supposed to take the train back home, and had reserved a sleeper. I was really excited about it, but it just does not seem safe to go. They gave us a credit. Thank goodness for knitting, stockpiling, chickens, writing, and reading. Like you, I am snug and comfortable at home, in my cottage. Take care of yourself, and enjoy the upcoming workshops...
ReplyDeleteI think you've made the right choice with your travelling, Stephenie. It will happen, just not when you planned. Enjoy your time at home. xx
DeleteThe Cotton Yarn is so pretty Rhonda 🌼
ReplyDeleteEven in our Little Town things are becoming more
real when it comes to the Coronavirus.
Hardly anyone out and about on the streets and
very low stock in the food shops.
Take Care Everyone x
Ohhhh the Craft in America Series....what joy! I watched the Origins episode and can't wait to carve out time to "binge watch" the rest this weekend! Thanks for sharing this series and bringing back your weekend reading. I love seeing what others have found on the internet!
ReplyDeleteHi Rhonda. I always enjoy reading what you share. Thank you! I live in Indiana in the US. My husband and I have a very well-stocked pantry and can live quite well here at home. We are semi-retired and I can work from home if I want. We plan avoid crowds, visit with family, and stay home. We can walk in our woods, watch the birds that we feed, cook, read, care for our herbs and plants, and read blogs such as yours.Blessings of peace and joy, Dianna
ReplyDeleteYour plans sound ideal, Dianna. That's pretty much what we'll be doing over the weekend.
DeleteVery beautiful yarn, Rhonda. You always pick such pretty skeins. I'm not at all a knitter; but admire it and the work you knitters do. I am going to make that apricot cake for Easter, I think. It looks so delicious. Thanks for the weekend reading; I always had faith in soap, and it has proved itself time and time again.
ReplyDeleteHello hopflower. Thank you. The apricot cake is a perfect Easter cake. Slices are generally small, because it's such a filling cake, so one cake can feed a packed afternoon tea table. I use soap too. I tried body and hand wash for a while but it always felt greasy on my skin. Never have that problem with my olive oil soap. Have a good weekend. xx
DeleteI love your beautiful yarn Rhonda, that colour! Being a huge Miss Marpke fan, I can see I am going to have to make one too. Thanks for the lovely links. Things have got really real here in Norway, our little country up North. All schools, kindergartens, Universities, colleges, Highschools are closed. Also libraries, cinemas, sports,dentists, hairdressers etc etc. most shops, only chemists and food shops are open as normal (though low on stock). Feels very strange indeed. My health is very poor, so I am being very careful. I am going to homeschool, knit, sew and read over the next weeks, and take care of my family. We live in the woods, so I'll be walking my dogs and enjoying nature too. Stay safe, blessings, Pam
ReplyDeleteSounds like a wonderful way to spend time. I do so enjoy your reading lists. I pray that libraries don't close, as I prefer reading paper books to reading on the iPad.8 This might be a good time to take up crochet. A neighbor gave me a beginner's kit.
ReplyDeleteBee well! daisy@MapleHill101
Yes , I tossed and turned in my bed all night worrying about it all . Trying to keep ourselves cheerful . Take care everybody xxx
ReplyDeleteI'm here in Arizona. I am older so I'm staying home also..cooking, cleaning, gardening..usual stuff I do. I'm very concerned about people who haven't saved or stocked up. I talk to my friends and family about stocking up and being prepared so they don't have to go out much or in case they have to quarantine. I have enjoyed reading your blog and it has helped me to be prepared for a time such as this. Relax and be safe!
ReplyDeleteSo many good things in your reading list. I adjusted several things based on the Google article. The Craft in America piece surprised me, as the potters are both near where I live. Jugtown Pottery is just 5 minutes from my home, and I'd never seen this episode. Thanks so much for sharing it. We believe in being prepared, so will have no problem using the coming weeks well. Take care, everyone.
ReplyDeleteDear Rhonda,
ReplyDeleteI am a recluse so this is nothing new for me. I did go to the store for supplies last week mostly for St. Patrick's Day dinner items and fresh veggies. I live in a neighborhood but none of them come out but if they do they get in their cars and go. They have "people" do their yard work so there are no visitors here. I have blog friends and I have a blog so that is my "social network". I am 71 and I still do my own yard work and anything else that needs doing plus I have made my own bread for years and cook from scratch and mostly organic when I can get it. I was like you...a high-flying career with plenty of money but no time. I got very ill and had to retire early and now I have less than I've ever had but I am peaceful and happy! I also knit, crochet, quilt and several other crafty endeavors. I am still trying to catch up with your blog...I am on November 2007. This is such a wonderful resource and I feel like I have "found my tribe"! You and Hanno stay healthy! Thank you so much for your motivation and inspiration!
Hello Rhonda,
ReplyDeleteWe are settled at home for the duration with our little black dog, two cats and five chickens. I am halfway through knitting a pink cotton Granny scarf. Great minds think alike!
We have books, interests in the home and garden, a good store cupboard, no financial worries, all the things you have written about in recent years, for such a time as this.
Stay well and best wishes
At work they are preparing for us to work from home and I have found some items going out of stock in the supermarkets (paracetamol, toilet rolls, soap) so am putting aside enough for us to self isolate for 2 weeks. I have shown the men how to disinfect the house and cook some basic meals - just in case! Other than that, plodding on and hoping for the best but under the surface slightly fearful as so many are being affected so severely, especially in Italy at present. If we self isolate I will try to consider it a bonus time to read lots of good books.
ReplyDeleteDear Rhonda,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your advice over the years: building up a grocery supply, saving an emergency fund, being resourceful by using what we have, making as much as we can for ourselves and cooking from scratch. I feel better prepared amidst the present uncertainty having put these things in place.
I really enjoy reading your blog and books, and value your wisdom.
I trust you and yours are keeping well.
Thank you for being you. You are an inspiration to many,
Ann
Hello Ann. I feel more secure having the skills you talk about and like you, they'll help us get through the months ahead. Times are changing and I hope that many more people learn how to live like this (and love it) and that when this crisis is over, the choice will be to live with less.
DeleteHanno and I are well and happy, thank you. The gate is closed, we're in contact with our family and today, we're organising our garden. 🙂
Stay safe, Ann. xx
Thanks for the lovely thoughts and the ideas.
ReplyDelete