| Disbelief! I felt as though I was watching a war time film! | Despite being busy and involved with others via phone etc, I have missed the usual interaction and have to admit at times I felt lonely. | I began to use my sewing machine again after a lapse of about 15 years. I decided to contribute to the 'cause' by making face masks for family and friends (including of course WI friends). I have made around 100 masks now and intend to give all contributions/donations to charity. | It was difficult during lockdown and an anxious time for many of us, but conversely it gave me a sense of release in that I wasn't ruled by my diary as I usually am! | I have re-evaluated my life and realised what is important to me, and what I should be doing. I will probably move house! | I think it has brought out the best in many people. I set up a support group on WhatsApp and the response has been amazing. If anyone needs help, it's there. Also the phone support has been great too. |
| Selfish thoughts. What shall I do all on my own? How long will it last? | The restriction of not being able to go where and when the fancy took you. Such as just popping to the shops or catching a bus. | Watercolour painting. Knitting 'trauma teddies' and other items. Practising 10 Pin bowling, gardening and de-cluttering but putting it all back again. | It's been an 'in between' thing. Sometimes easy, sometimes very hard. I find myself talking to myself and to me that's not a good sign. I don't know if I could get used to it. I can understand people getting low. | Get myself 'dolled up' and go somewhere nice. I'm not a shopper but go wild among the shops just to see human beings; get on a bus. Just simple things but will life ever get back to normal as we knew it? | This is going to sound pathetic but as I don't have a computer and don't live near to any WI members it would have been nice if it had been possible for me to have reciprocated their visits - a 'phone call isn't quite the same as face to face, but I am grateful for their visits. |
| Thank goodness, the Government are taking it seriously! | Not being able to attend my usual activities e.g. Church, WI, tennis. | Lots of gardening. Painted the outside of the house and shed. | Fairly easy, but I think I will find winter months difficult. | Hug the grandchildren. | Thank goodness for the telephone, and also the helpfulness of neighbours. |
| I cannot believe they are asking us to stay in for 12 weeks, no way will it be as long as that. How wrong I was. | Freedom to roam around as and when you liked. | Housework, crafts, gardening, painting fences and garden furniture. I have learnt that I can survive at home and enjoy it, and that holidays and going out are not a necessary way of life. | Full lockdown was easy as you knew what you could and could not do. As there were two of us at home together and we get on very well, plus the weather was good, and we have a large garden, it was very good to be able to spend more time together, I could get used to the slower pace of life. | Go out and about and be relaxed about it, and enjoy a very nice meal in an atmosphere with a buzz. | It has become apparent that we play a very big part in our extended family, they have involved us in virtual quizzes, games etc, and have offered support which has been very comforting. |
