Time passes in fits and starts at the moment. As the lock down continues, with no easing here in Wales, hours can disappear without notice yet weeks and months seem to stretch on interminably. There is a paralysis of inspiration, focus and motivation; nothing much beyond normal routine is achieved, activities are cancelled, future prospects and plans are on hold, loved ones are missed, anxiety is buried beneath layers of mundanity.
We wait.
Nature does not wait, however, and time continues in the passing of spring into early summer. The swallows have returned and built a nest in the barn, flitting and swooping above the paddocks, finding pure joy in the hunting and catching of winged insects for their hatchlings. The hedgerows are vibrant with wildflowers, white, blue, purple, yellow and pink; bees darting among the petals, legs laden with pollen. The air is filled with amorous sounds of life; the buzz and hum of mini beasts, the chattering conversations of birds, the throaty calls of frogs, busy in their mating rituals. Less welcome, the local farmers are industrious, cutting silage and spreading muck on the fields during the dry spell. Tractors roar up and down narrow lanes all day and late into the night. The pungent perfume of manure sends us scampering inside with our lunchtime sandwiches.
Staying active in the garden, observing and enjoying small moments of this normality, keeps us grounded and content. Vegetable seedlings need planting, weeds must be cleared, brambles and bracken cut back. A poorly chicken needs care. Wood preservative is ordered ready for treating the stables, barn doors and fencing. There are jobs to do. Physical work to keep us healthy in body and mind.
There is family too. The bliss of being together with nowhere else to be. The pleasure in gathering for good food cooked with love. Sourdough bread is a success; warm, crusty and flavour-full, now yeast has become like gold dust. Pride at how well the young people are coping, with university closed, projects and dissertations to complete in difficult circumstances, unable to enjoy a night out with friends. There is zoom and social media but it is a long period of uncertainty and missing out. They are doing remarkably well.
And there is community. A group of willing and able volunteers in the nearest village. We post leaflets through doors, offer help for those alone and isolated; shopping, collecting prescriptions, posting mail. A support network, building links and hopefully lasting friendships. A chance to give something back for those of us who know how lucky we are. More people are walking; unable to go further afield in their cars, they explore the footpaths of the local countryside. We see new faces, shout welcomes over the hedge, have little chats. This gives us mixed feelings; selfishly we have enjoyed the peaceful isolation, and wonder if we will continue to have walkers once this is over.
Life is quiet and simple. We think about how it will be when lock down ends; what will we have learnt, what will remain and what will the new normal be?
We wait.
You live in a good community, one with “old-fashion” values.
I live in suburban Philadelphia. Things seem sort of dreamy to me in this pandemic era. One thing I’ve done is to increase by a bit the amount of television I watch. I need the entertainment that it can provide. Take care.
Neil Scheinin
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Thanks, you too. It does seem like a dream at times. A bit of TV is OK but I find you have to be careful what you watch – there’s lots of scaremongering going on!
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Hi. I was referring to series and movies. That’s what I’ve been watching for entertainment.
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Best choice!
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Building community! I love it. People used to rely on each other more. Little villages, even in big cities, neighbors looked out for the elderly or vulnerable. I read about this happening here and there all through the blogosphere.
WP is making a lot of people frustrated and upset with the new editor starting June 1, but the community is made up of some absolutely wonderful people, worth a little hassle.
Whatever “after” looks like, we’ll get through it. I’m hopeful and comforted by the knowledge that I have support from my blogging peoples.
Your corner of Wales sounds heavenly!🤗🥰💌
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We do need to rely on each other more again and I hope that will continue. Today was my first post in a while and I came across the new editor – not sure what I think…Fingers crossed I’ll get to grips with it!
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Pleased to hear that you’re well ER. Indeed it’s a temporary return to simpler times. I think we’ve become more observant and appreciative of our natural surroundings. That can only be good. And your Welsh police are having great fun turning the English around and sending them back home 🙂
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Thanks Roy, I haven’t posted in a while as this situation hasn’t been inspirational for me. The Welsh police have been enjoying themselves but most of us are hoping the Welsh Government will be bringing us in line with England soon. 🙂
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Brilliant writing! I’m inspired.
I’ve also been struggling to write during this time.
Looks like you bake bread. I’ve taught myself that as well.
We’ve planted seedlings also and have similar new strangers walking by. It’s nice to see the young families out riding bikes together. Heartwarming.
Thanks for sharing. Sounds like you live in “Charlottes Web” kind of community. Love learning this is happening. In my neighborhood, we drop off flowers or cookies to friends, especially nurses who are at risk. It’s fun.
Looking forward to reading more of your blog.
Teri
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Thank you. I think community is so important at this time – hopefully it will continue. Nice to meet you!
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