Saturday 28 March 2020

This and That Filling Our Days

Hurrah we have internet connection...lets hope I haven't spoken too soon!  Not really sure what the problem is other than over use I would imagine as schools have closed and everyone is working from home the computer has become everyone's best friend.  Technology is such a blessing in times of hardship keeping many people in touch with each other.

  I am truly grateful for all the key workers that are maintaining our shops, production, packing, delivering, stacking shelves so many people involved in the chain.  I applaud you all.  I took the time this morning to really think about the people that are still working, transport in all its guises buses/trains along with all the deliveries.  The postal services again in so many different ways.  Care workers and of course our beloved NHS workers at all levels.  So many unsung heroes that are keeping our country going and helping those in need I will be forever grateful.

Soap seems to be short supply here on the Island so I have been making a couple of batches.  My way of giving back to the community that has been so good to us.  Bringing a smile in times of uncertainty.




Eggs are another way of giving back, lets hope our girls continue to lay every day.

Flowers are so uplifting and what a surprise when this gorgeous bunch arrived in the post from our daughter.  Making my day and lifting spirits.


There was also a little surprise left in the front lobby another bouquet from our dear friend and neighbour who is able to go to the stores.  She picked up a few bits for us, bread and fresh salad and these gorgeous blooms.


Mickey has been given a little trim, as it was difficult to keep up with his grooming.  He is not looking at his best but at least his fur is not tangled now.  We will give him another tidy up a little later but for now he is OK.

I was asked by our ministers wife to write some poetry for the church news.  A rather daunting task when I first thought about it as it wasn't something I have ever done before.  It is quite amazing what you can do when you put your mind to it.  I will share some of it with you as time goes by.

Crafting is still a major way of filling my day.  Thank goodness for the stash of craft provisions making it possible.  Our youngest grandson has a pirate bedroom so I have made some storage bags for him.  My favourite is this large bag using fabric that has been in my stash for years and lined with the remains of an old red sheet.


A hessian patch stitched on so that it can be clearly labelled.


Skull and cross bones fabric used to line the drawstring bag and shopper.  He will love them.

I am knitting a bag on enormous needles using this pattern.


It won't take long to knit up at all.


We are filling our days and are surprisingly upbeat.  We are enjoying the sunshine even though it is still very cold.  Making the most of what is an unavoidable situation.  Hope all is well with you and that you are not too stressed by the situation we all find ourselves.  Take care and stay safe.

See you soon.

37 comments:

  1. Good to see you back again.Isn't crafting great.So many things to do.I have been making hooped mandalas.I am also doing a jigsaw and have two more waiting.Stay safe.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Isn't it amazing how soon we all adapt to staying in and surprisingly find it quite soothing.
    I am relaxing in a way that I didn't when we were going here and there, I like it, apart from the poor people who are ill of course.
    Love that knitted bag.
    Briony
    x

    ReplyDelete
  3. I like style of bag you are knitting on the large needles. I hope you show the finished piece.
    You are staying busy in helpful ways. You have packaged that soap so nice.
    I am going to start another paint by number today after painting around my windows upstairs in bedroom.
    Another rainy day here as if there isn't enough already with it seeming like now every few days.
    Happy Saturday
    betsy

    ReplyDelete
  4. Like you we are filling our days. LOTS to do in the garden, and I have a stack of craft UFO's to last me till Christmas at least!

    I have even finally started the jigsaw of my home town (Southampton) which is 1000 pieces an an absolute devil to do!!

    Love the things you have made and that soap looks gorgeous, especially with the dried apple on top. Those bars will be much appreciated I am sure.

    ReplyDelete
  5. So glad to see a post and to hear that you are not only well, but busy.
    Living in a small apt. in the city without a balcony is making me keenly aware of how much I enjoy getting out almost every day. Its been nearly two weeks now for most of us in Canada - to one degree or another - and they say there is a tiny glimmer of good news this morning in that the rate of infection seems to be slowing ever so slightly. The problem is - we had a LOT of people return from the US and overseas in the past two weeks after Spring break so there are more cases to come even though all of them are now supposed to be in strict quarantine for 14 days under penalty of legal prosecution.
    We are all just trying to keep ourselves busy. I'm not a crafty person so rely on books, cleaning and a new jigsaw puzzle.
    Stay well.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Lovely to see a post from you and know that you are ok. That soap is a pretty colour, please can I ask what is the slice is on top of each one?

    ReplyDelete
  7. I do hope you continue to get your internet connection. It's so important as a way of connecting with others at the moment.
    Your soaps look lovely and I'm sure they will be gratefully received. X

    ReplyDelete
  8. You have been busy my dear friend. The soaps all look wonderful all lined up in a row and I know those pirate bags will be very appreciated by a special little boy.
    Fresh flowers are so nice to recieve. I have been tempted to get some to brighten up the house, but it's not worth going to the shop for and risking exposure.
    I have been at home for over a week now and enjoying my comfortable nest. I do miss getting out with friends though.
    I'm glad you're finding plenty to keep you busy.
    Blessings and love,
    Betsy

    ReplyDelete
  9. How lovely that you're able to help people out with your gift of that beautiful soap, and fresh eggs too, and so nice that friends and family are thinking of you too. It's so important to stay connected at this time.

    ReplyDelete
  10. You sound great, mm. I love that sheet, with the ships on it. It's fabulous. The bag looks like fun to knit, too. I plan to make more soap, like you. It's very needed right now, and I have the ingredients.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Lucky you are, to know how to make soap!!!! Here, we got plenty, during the it-is-maybe-coming time. :-)

    Lovely flowers, how sweet!!!

    Life goes on here, also. But then, we were never ones to go-go-go, so it's much easier than on some.

    Gentle hugs
    🌸🌸🌸

    ReplyDelete
  12. What a sweet thing to do...making soaps for your friends and sharing the eggs. Yes, hope those hens keep right on laying. Strange times for the whole world. I have enjoyed seeing what you are doing in your corner.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Everything looks good in your post and that is such a lovely bouquet …

    All the best Jan

    ReplyDelete
  14. Kudos to you for making the best of this time. I love all your projects and your grandson will love his pirate bags. We're doing okay here, I put in an order for home delivery of groceries last evening and they will come this evening. I'm excited about this. Stay safe and well. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

    ReplyDelete
  15. Glad you have internet back and keeping busy. How lovely to make soap to share.

    ReplyDelete
  16. I'm sure the lovely soap and fresh eggs will be much appreciated by the recipients. Your bouquets of flowers are beautiful. The white one makes me think of Easter. Stay well.

    ReplyDelete
  17. It was so good to read this post and the previous one, Lorraine, and to know that you and Gerard are doing OK with good food, great neighbors, and lots of things to do in self-isolation. Good news about the internet being restored, it is such a lifeline in these times. The soaps are lovely and how wonderful to have eggs to share. Stay well, blogger friend and yes you were missed.

    ReplyDelete
  18. I'm glad to hear you're both well Lorraine. Glad your internet is back. You have a lovely community around you. I like the look of your bag. I'm still quilting, I usually finish about now but I still have some material left so I'm going to keep going, then do some dolls house work. Stay warm and well x

    ReplyDelete
  19. Glad you've gotten back up on the net. So hard these days when we depend on it so much. Be well my friend.

    ReplyDelete
  20. So good to catch up on all your news and see you keeping busy with crafting, my favorite thing. I can't imagine being without internet, on top of everything else. Stay safe!
    Amalia
    xo

    ReplyDelete
  21. Fantastic, those bags will go down really well. Glad to hear all is well and you're keeping busy. Take care. 😊

    ReplyDelete
  22. I think those of us who craft are in a better position than others because we can keep ourselves busy and not bored. Those flowers are beautiful. I am enjoying looking at the daffodils in my back yard. So glad your internet issues are sorted for now. Stay safe. Hugs.

    ReplyDelete
  23. How nice of you to make all that soap for people. And I'm sure your grandson will love those pirate-themed bags. You are blessed to be such an experienced crafter, it keeps us busy and occupied with making beautiful things during hard times.

    ReplyDelete
  24. I think us crafters have a leg up on all of this because we sure can find ways to keep ourselves busy!!
    Thanks so much for stopping by !!
    Stay safe, healthy and happy!!
    Hugs,
    Debbie

    ReplyDelete
  25. I'm happy to see your posts again! Welcome back my friend!The flowers are pretty and so nice of you to make soap for other people in need. We watched virtual church this afternoon as it wasn't working well this a.m.Good thing it was recorded. Phil and I went on a walk when there was sunshine! Megan and I will be watching Call the Midwife this eve. Need to get some biscuits made for a dinner I'm making for friends who have the Covid-19. They are doing ok. Leave it at their doorstep. Drive away,.!!Take my friend and hope all goes well for you on the Isle! looks like we are sheltered through end of April. oh my! God's got this though! Hugs...virtual.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Welcome back. I am also trying to fill my days doing some crafts. I am hoping to learn a few new skills as well.

    God bless.

    ReplyDelete
  27. I'm glad to see you're able to use the internet and let us know all your news on your blog. Lots of lovely things you are making and sharing with others. Also busy on gifts for the family. I pick up my sewing needle when I feel like it. It's good to have a project on the go. Take care both of you and speak again soon, hopefully.

    ReplyDelete
  28. We are fortunate to have internet connection too. You are so thoughtful, generous and caring. I am sure many will appreciate your home made gifts.

    ReplyDelete
  29. hurrah for internet! I'm trying to focus on my crafts and less on the world and the news. We went for a walk and it was gorgeous to be out and about!

    ReplyDelete
  30. I am surprised that even on your little island you are confined, but it's true this Virus is the first one ever who touches the whole world until the last little corner and at the same time ! that has never happened. I too am thankful for Internet ! It was even reinforced as so many people are online and even the pupils are online with their schools and the students with their university. I try to make the best out of it. I am not good in craft but I love to write little stories and I have my 3 blogs. I only go out for shopping and to a friend always the same together with another always keeping the distance of 1.50 m. Hopefully it will soon come to an end ! We certainly will be confined since end April ! But we can't complain, we have a rather big house and a garden when I think of the poor people living in several store houses in little flats with kids who can't go out that must be the hell !

    ReplyDelete
  31. My one brief outing the last two weeks has been dashing in and out for groceries on Fridays. I have also been able to walk the loop in our condo complex while keeping social distancing requirements. I am so grateful for those who are in the workforce supporting so many of us and I have made it a point to smile and thank the store clerks for their service. I also am grateful for technology helping me keep in contact with family and friends, but have been so busy connecting with folks in that way my crafting output has been limited. Bravo for your finished projects and those that are showing promise thanks to your good efforts! xx

    ReplyDelete
  32. I am sure that we are all finding useful ways to fill our time. I am sure that people who don't have hobbies wish they did. In terms of appreciation for all the people who continue to work, a tradition here has developed that each evening everyone goes outside and bangs pots and pans in support of essential workers everywhere. Some communities have even started to sing the national anthem but that seems a little over the top to me. In any event every evening we join our neighbours on the street, all the while maintaining the required distance of course, and bang pots and pans. I am glad that I didn't just put a baby down to sleep!

    ReplyDelete
  33. It is such a blessing to have much to do with our hands, it helps to pass the time for sure! I'm glad that you have friends to bless you with flowers and fresh food! Your soap looks amazing too, such a blessing to be able to give back to those in your community! Praying for all of us in the midst of this difficult situation! Many blessings to you :)

    ReplyDelete
  34. Stopping by to thank you for visiting again!! Stay safe, healthy and happy!
    Hugs,
    Debbie

    ReplyDelete
  35. Lovely bags and gifts you are always productive! x

    ReplyDelete
  36. Oooh! I LOVE the chunky knit bag. Wonderful.
    Your soapmaking is a great idea. It is a welcome gift in these times of scarcity (big brickbat to panic-buying hoarders). I could not resist sharing an article with you about soap sharing. Both the author and the subject are friends of my daughter. The woman turned a bad event into something good for her community. We need more positive stories like this to buoy our spirits:

    https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-03-30/lush-worker-donates-soap-to-neighbours-in-coronavirus-lockdown/12098554

    I am sure your neighbours will appreciate your soapmaking efforts too. :-)

    ReplyDelete
  37. A GREAT SPELL CASTER (DR. EMU) THAT HELP ME BRING BACK MY EX GIRLFRIEND.
    Am so happy to testify about a great spell caster that helped me when all hope was lost for me to unite with my ex-girlfriend that I love so much. I had a girlfriend that love me so much but something terrible happen to our relationship one afternoon when her friend that was always trying to get to me was trying to force me to make love to her just because she was been jealous of her friend that i was dating and on the scene my girlfriend just walk in and she thought we had something special doing together, i tried to explain things to her that her friend always do this whenever she is not with me and i always refuse her but i never told her because i did not want the both of them to be enemies to each other but she never believed me. She broke up with me and I tried times without numbers to make her believe me but she never believed me until one day i heard about the DR. EMU and I emailed him and he replied to me so kindly and helped me get back my lovely relationship that was already gone for two months.
    Email him at: Emutemple@gmail.com  
    Call or Whats-app him: +2347012841542

    ReplyDelete