It’s been a hell of a week and I’m sure many of you, like myself, have been glued to the coronavirus updates on our phones, tablets, television and radio. Every morning and evening, I get the latest news and updates, but still there seems to be nothing positive stated.  More people are falling ill with the virus and more people are dying daily. However, I didn’t want to post a blog about the coronavirus – I think there’s enough out there about that!  I wanted to write about some of the positives that are surrounding us throughout this horrendous pandemic, to try to get everyone feeling a little bit better and fill us with a bit of hope for the future!

1.       The weather is finally on our side!  After months and months of rain and dull, grey clouds, Spring seems to have been kicked up the bottom and has finally arrived; glorious blue skies, birds singing, lighter mornings, and beautiful Spring flowers and tree blossom!  Fabulous weather like this does absolute wonders for the soul and mental health.  Also, as sad as it is, I feel so happy that I can start hanging my washing out on the line!!!  I love hanging my washing on the line rather that shoving it on a clothes horse next to the radiators - it fills me with utter joy!  (I would say here that maybe I need to get out more, but in the current circumstances I can’t!!!)  Although we must be aware of our social distancing, we can still go for a walk and get out into that Spring air! Trust me, you’ll feel so much better!

2.       Communication with families and friends has increased drastically!  I’ve always thought I was reasonably good at keeping in touch with my family and friends but since the virus outbreak, I’ve been speaking to many of them daily!  Our group chats are filled with laughter, advice, love and kindness – everyone looking out for each other, everyone wishing each other wellness and safety.  I know that I am lucky enough to have wonderful family and friends who are all there at the drop of a hat but, in times like these, it really drums it home how much everyone loves and cares for each other.  Like many, I couldn’t be with my Mum on Mother’s Day, but my brother, sisters and I sent our Mum a big bunch of tulips and a bottle of fizz and we had a group video chat so that we could all be together, albeit virtually.  Mum loved this – of course it was second best to having us all there but at least she could see our faces! 

3.       Getting in touch with nature and becoming self-sufficient!  Frank and I had a wonderful day on Saturday in the garden.  Now we may not be the best gardeners, but we are keen.  We do live between two neighbours who have gardens which are immaculate, so we feel the pressure!  We love to stand back and see our efforts at the end of a gardening day.  We are also keen to grow our own vegetable and salad.  This weekend, Frank sowed seeds for a variety of veggies and prepared the beds for the tomatoes and courgettes which we get in abundance every year!  It is such a good feeling to be able to eat something that you have grown.  Even if you live in a small place, you can grow tomatoes and herbs on a window sill, lettuces and courgettes in a grow bag – I recommend it to anyone.  Whilst Frank was prepping the vegetable plot, I was de-weeding and edging one of our borders.  Such a satisfying task and now it looks beautiful!  With the current situation, we will have more time on our hands to tend to our gardens.  It’s good exercise and great for mental health too. Growing your own is a must and I can’t wait to try the fruits of our labour!

4.       Exercise is fantastic for both mental and physical health as we all know.  It has been so humbling to see so many people posting work outs for both children and adults to do at home whilst isolating.  I am part of a bootcamp and a pilates group and both instructors have put time and effort into learning how to continue their sessions online.  It’s great to see so many of us joining in on these virtual exercise routines and parents getting their children involved with morning PE sessions.  It’s hard to get yourself motivated when exercising at home – I’ve done it for a long time but even if I have a few days off, it is a struggle to get going again!  With everyone in the same boat, and groups doing it at the same time, it might just help a bit more with motivation.  Plus we can then have a conversation about it afterwards!! (Via technology of course)  Exercise can be done inside or outside in the garden in the sunshine! My aim this week is to get out earlier for a short run – when the weather is this good, it shouldn’t be wasted!

5.       It’s so wonderful to see the kindness and generosity of a lot of people during times like these.  People pull together and help one another without batting an eyelid.  I know there are a minority of people selfishly bulk buying, but I’d like to think that most of us are decent human beings who would be willing to help.  I recently read a post, on my village noticeboard on Facebook, which was written by a 17-year-old boy who was offering his services for any errands.  I am constantly seeing parents sharing ideas for activities that other parents can do with their children at home.  Children are creating pictures of rainbows to put in the window so that others can spot them during a daily walk.  Teachers have posted on social media to offer any help to parents and children undertaking home schooling.  Only five minutes ago my neighbour popped round to see if I needed anything from the shops as he’s going tomorrow. Neighbours and village communities have come together to offer help to those in need and it’s truly heart-warming.  Long may it continue, even after this is all over.

6.       Lastly, I’ll update you on the puppy news! This week they just seem to have grown ‘like weeds’ as one of my followers described!  They have started to open their eyes – ever so slightly and they are finally realising that they have back legs which need to be worked.  It’s hilarious watching them scrambling around the whelping box – they are getting quick and I reckon by the end of this week, they will have eyes and ears open and full use of all limbs.  I’d also like to introduce you to Kula, the pup that we are keeping.  Kula (Hawaiian for Golden) wears the pink collar in the litter.  Cuddles with these gorgeous pups have been a Godsend through this tough time.  It has made staying at home so much more bearable!  The sad thing is, that everyone we had booked in to visit us whilst we had the puppies have all had to cancel which is just so disappointing. Virtual meetings have been the way forward, but it’s just not quite the same as snuggling up with a puppy face-to-face!

I hope this blog leaves you with a smile on your face and a slight lift of the anxiety that we are all feeling!  Keep positive, stay at home, and keep smiling.  Hopefully soon, this will all be a piece of history.  

Lots of love and puppy cuddles x