Social distancing in The View from the Terrace
- March 30, 2020, 12:53 a.m.
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- Public
What a difference a week makes. This time last week we went to the park for our Mother’s Day outing. We were being careful, keeping our distance from other people, but it still felt Ok to go out. The next day a lockdown was announced. The parks are still open but just for exercise. The children’s playgrounds are closed, and no contact with people from outside your household is allowed.
I had sad news from a friend yesterday. Her husband was diagnosed with Alzheimers two years ago and had to go into a care home earlier this year. He is now very ill and she is unable to visit him. She didn’t say he had the virus, the reason she can’t visit may be a general precaution but it is awful for her and for him too. He was a good friend, a life and soul of the party type and they are a devoted couple. It is so sad that this could be how his life ends.
Louise and I spent an hour in the garden this afternoon. We planted some lily of the valley and some peacock orchids and generally tidied up. It has turned chilly but the sun was still out. The fountain that she made last year out of an old Belfast sink creates a lovely relaxing atmosphere. It is solar powered and, now that we are getting more sunshine, it plays for most of the day. They say that gardening is an act of faith in the future and that is what we need right now.
JustSurviveSomehow ⋅ March 30, 2020
I really cannot believe how much has changed in just a few weeks. That is terribly sad about your friend. I too know someone who was just diagnosed with cancer, alone in the hospital, because no family members were allowed to be there.
Lady of the Bann ⋅ March 30, 2020
I like what you said about gardening.
Jinn ⋅ March 30, 2020
It’s like living in a whole new world and I am not liking it :-( but at least we had some sun today and I can see that Spring is coming . I am getting eager to put my garden together .I am grateful they have not said we can not go outside . Be well !
Marg ⋅ March 30, 2020
So much has happened in a week! I really feel for those stuck in hospital or a home who can’t be visited - especially those who won’t understand what’s currently going on.
edna million ⋅ March 31, 2020
Our state is on a similar lockdown as of today - we can go out to walk/exercise but all the common areas like playgrounds and picnic grounds are closed. It's so awful for people in nursing homes - my mother-in-law is 99 and hasn't been able to have any visitors for three weeks now. She's finding it very depressing. We all call her daily but she can't hear well.
Oswego ⋅ April 01, 2020
That is terribly sad about your friend’s husband. Think about how many people in nursing homes around the country are in that same position. I am so very thankful my mother passed before all of this happened, and that we didn’t have to put her in a nursing home.
You are so right about gardening.
elaine2 ⋅ April 02, 2020
If you are found in a park here, your car is impounded and you pay a hefty fine. No warnings or asking people to move along anymore.