Saturday 21 March 2020

The Distancing Diaries (Part One of Many!)

Yesterday was our first day on lockdown, not that we're ill but after a week of supporting our local charity shops, buying a few essentials and stocking up on fresh fruit and veg from off the market we felt it was time to follow the guidelines and stay at home.


For my first day under voluntary house arrest, I wore, somewhat appropriately, a vintage wool housecoat topped with a handmade mirrored and pom-pom trim waistcoat bought from the roadside in Mumbai four years ago.

Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday's outfits.

In the days leading up to Friday, we practised social distancing, staying at least two metres away from people (which wasn't difficult, the chazzas were virtually deserted), we used contactless card payments for our purchases and - of course - washed our hands and our finds thoroughly as soon as we were home.

Clockwise from top left: 1960s wool waistcoat; Danier of Canada purple leather jacket; 1970s Pierre Cardin lizard bag; 1980s shot silk jacket; 1960s dashiki; 1970s St Michael dressing gown; Doc Martens; Aquascutum midi skirt; 1960s dashiki; Derby tweed plus-fours; 1980s Joel Peters, London cocktail dress; Levis Sherpa jacket (made in San Francisco)
We didn't do too badly. Although all our confirmed bookings have now been cancelled absolutely everything in the Kinky Shed is washed, repaired and priced ready for when we can start trading again. I don't expect to be buying any more stock for the foreseeable future which is just as well, I've run out of space (and coat hangers!)

Clockwise from top left: 1980s Eastex blazer; 1980s coatigan; English-made waxed cotton jacket; 1960s faux sheepskin coat; 1980s midi skirt; 1970s grab bag; 1970s Burton tweed blazer; 1970s Welsh Wool jacket

Like most people, we're taking advantage of our period of social distancing by cracking on with all those tedious jobs we never quite find the time to get around to doing.


Yesterday, after the daily Wii Fit session, I did a couple of loads of washing then took down the lounge curtains. I'd noticed a few of the panels were starting to fray quite badly (I made them ten years ago, just after Mum died) so I unpicked the offending pieces and replaced them with oblongs of fabric from my stash.


I washed our vintage glass collection, scrubbed the fireplace and waxed the globe bar, sideboard and coffee table whilst Jon cleaned the windows.


I took the rugs outside, slung them across the washing line and beat them senseless with my trusty carpet beater - we don't own a vacuum cleaner.


I signed up to a group (HERE) offering to help anyone struggling locally with their shopping, putting their bins out, collecting prescriptions or walking dogs.


For tea, I made a Punjabi vegetable sabzi using some potatoes leftover from the previous night's meal, along with some of the broccoli and peppers bought off the market.


Punjabi Vegetable Sabzi

3 cups of vegetables - you can use anything you have available fresh, tinned or frozen.
1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
1 teaspoon turmeric
1/2 teaspoon chilli powder
3/4 teaspoon garam masala
1 teaspoon grated ginger (powder will do if you've no fresh available)
I tablespoon veg oil 
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves of garlic (crushed)
Regular sized tin of tomatoes
Salt to taste

  • Heat oil in a pan, add cumin seeds and fry until they start to pop. Add ginger & garlic and fry until they turn aromatic.
  • Add chopped onions and fry until transparent.
  • Add tomatoes, turmeric, garam masala, salt and chilli powder and stir until mixture starts to simmer.
  • Add your three cups of vegetables, cover and simmer until cooked.

After tea, we cracked open the rum and watched the last two of episodes of Swedish crime thriller Before We Die on Freeview and started Francesco's Mediterranean Voyage, on the BBC i-Player. I do hope life has returned to normal by September, I so want to go back to Greece.


This morning, I stayed in bed till 8am, finished my current book (Devotion by Louisa Young) then, after my weekly hair wash, piled our houseplants into the bath for a thorough soaking.


After breakfast, Jon set to work sanding down and repainting the TV table. He made it last year from a  broken bookcase, legs salvaged from my Dad's old bed and some tongue and groove panels & cupboard handles a neighbour had thrown in a skip.


I'm wearing my vintage Alpnani kaftan and '70s tooled leather lion's head belt. The mirror needs cleaning, that'll be a task for tomorrow.


After sweeping the landing and stairs, I noticed a plethora of feathers in the bedroom, one of our naughty cats had ragged the eiderdown so I mended it by hand, sewing on some flowers cut from a vintage curtain. We watched the daily government COVID-19 bulletin, I put the plants back in their rightful positions, scrubbed out the bath then lightly sanded the heels of my Lottas.


My poor legs were so cold posing for this photo - it's bitter out there today! Roll on Spring.


 I'm not sure what to read next. The paperbacks were 5 for £1 in the charity shop this week so I decided to stock up. This should keep me going during our lockdown.


Plans for this evening? Jon found Trivial Pursuit for £1 in one of the chazzas and combined with rum I suspect it won't be a quiet night in!

And that was our first two days of distancing ourselves from civilisation. How is it with you? Are you on lockdown and, if so, how are you spending your time? If you've never commented on a blog before, don't be shy, tell me what you've been up to, we can get through these strange times together.

See you very soon!

85 comments:

  1. we did lock up ourselfs on friday - we are at high risk for heavy infections.
    as we love reading, gardening, cooking, crafting etc. and the BWH has enough corners to mend time will not get to long soon...... and we have the forest at the door.
    its very cold here too now - but when it gets warmer, i promise to do some fashion shots again - even if i´ll not go out in the clothes i wear.... ;-D
    love the snapshots from your cosy home! xxxx

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    1. You're very wise. As long as there's books, crafting, gardening and food we'll all be fine and you're lucky to have such beautiful scenery on your doorstep you don't have to share with hundreds of others.
      Stay healthy and safe, both of you! xxx

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  2. Hi hun, I read your blog but don't comment. As I have asthma and hubbie is 70 in a few weeks we are self isolating. Like yourself we have caught up on spring cleaning cupboards and bits that we normally don't have the time to do. We have sown quite a few plants for our allotment but as we have to travel to go there it is unlikely we will do it this year.The land needs resting so it's a good time to leave it. We want to returf our small back garden so have decided to dig it up and plant a mini allotment for this year.It will be healthy to be busy and watch things grow. Plus we always dry and preserve everything for the Winter so lots to do if it becomes an ongoing matter (lets hope not). Love your bright colours and dress syle. hugs sue :)

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    1. Hello, Sue! Lovely to hear from you. I'm glad you're being sensible and self-isolating. As long as we keep busy (and active) we'll get through this.
      Jon's started to clear an area in the garden, I love growing things but usually the festival season means that we can't keep on top of it, this year we'll be joining you and your husband and starting a mini allotment. I'll post photos of our progress so feel free to tell us if we're getting it right.
      Sending you and your husband loads of love in these trying times. xxx

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  3. I love to see your colorful housecoat and cute waistcoat, you look fabulous and cheer me up!. And totally love your vintage kaftan, those colors and sleeves!.
    We've been confined since Sunday, but we had to go to the market on Thursday as we were running short of veggies, as we didn't hoard food (nor toilet paper). I think we can stay at home at least for a week until we had to buy anything, as our fridge is full! (we've been cooking a lot, so anything is going to get spoilt).
    Lovely to see that you've been busy repairing your (so beautiful) curtains and the cute tv table. Your house looks really cosy and delightfully colorful!.
    Love particularly the picture of your Lottas collection! such a rainbow of clogs!

    I think that many people are catching up with boring tasks at home, cleaning windows and so!. And reading!. Glad that people manage to keep themselves entertained!
    besos & salud

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    1. The situation in Spain is very frightening, I think we're two weeks behind you. BoJo has just spoken to the nation and now we're in lockdown. Like you we're fine for food for the next few days, we might be eating some weird combinations as stuff runs out but we'll survive!
      Keep blogging, you're keeping my spirits up! xxx

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  4. hi lovely, sounds like you are making the most of your time at home, we are doing many similar things and are also staying home for the duration now. Can I ask, what size are those DM's and how much are you selling them for, if you are? I've had my heart set on a pair for ages (reliving my misspent youth) and I've decided now is the perfect time to indulge my midlife crisis!!

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    1. Hi Julie! They are a UK size 12 - Jon had his heart set on them but needed three pairs of socks to keep them on! xxx

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  5. Isn't Francesco adorable? I love his house in Venice, which is featured in the last episode when he returns home.I'm debating on whether to enforce myself into self-isolation next week because I want to go see the new baby when he gets home but will NOT endanger his and his parent's health by mixing with other people. This would mean no work (tricky customer, my boss), no Beautiful Granddaughters and no visiting elderly mum. In the meantime, I'm desperate to get out into the garden but it's too cold presently. Good that Gardener's World is back though, Monty is so chilled. A couple of years ago my boss went to India on holiday and at their resort they were attending a yoga session and during one of the manoeuvres, she stretched her leg out to the back and got it caught in the person behind's hair. When she turned around to see who she was entrapped with, it was Monty Don!

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    1. My Dad used to love Francesco - which was odd as he disliked most human beings! He's lovely, isn't he? He's always got a gift for the people he meets. Sadly there were only four episodes on the iPlayer so I never got to see his house, hopefully I can find it on YouTube!
      Will these new measures mean you can stay home from work? Some bosses are being so unreasonable. I hope you can come up with a solution to enjoy family life, it's not fair that you can't see your Mum or new baby.
      That story about Monty made me chuckle, he's such a nice man! xxx

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  6. It was a cold wet day over here in New Zealand so I spent the day stocking up on groceries, pampering myself by cooking bacon and eggs and Spanish omelette, catching up online with friends, reading Motherwell by Deborah Orr (simply stunning), listening to our inspirational PM on the radio, and pondering how I can arrange to work from home. XXX

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    1. That sounds like a relaxing day. I've read a couple of Deborah Orr's books but not Motherwell, I'll see if I can find a copy.
      We love your Jacinta, wish we could swap her with Boris!
      So lovely to hear from you. xxx

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  7. Julian Barnes - start with him :)

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  8. my university is closed for the rest of the semester. Everything has been canceled, including graduation. And sports, so you knew it's being taken serious. I did go into work last week, it was Spring Break and I was the only one in the shop. Which I wiped down with the bleach wipes my boss just bought. No lock down, so far, but my family in California is in lock down mode. Please everybody take this seriously.

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    1. Hello, Kathy! As from midnight last night we're on full lockdown as there were too many idiot Brits who didn't take this seriously. xxx

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  9. I've had a good day, but was just beginning to feel a little anxious about the coming days and weeks, when I read your uplifting post. 💕
    I live very simply so large parts of my life are not affected. I rarely visit restaurants or cafes, definitley not the gym 😄 and I can't remember the last time I ever went to the cinema. Getting out in the fresh air and social distancing isn't really a problem here either. Lily and I enjoyed a lovely walk through the woods earlier today and I can tell I'll definitley be foraging some wild garlic during the week.
    I am classed as a key worker so I will be back in work on Monday.
    Stay well. X

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    1. Another key worker keeping our country going, you're a star Jules!
      Other than Spoons and the charity shops I think we're rather alike - other than us not having an area of natural beauty on our doorstep! I'm glad you and Lily are able to get out and about and enjoy your beautiful part of the world. This week's sunshine is most welcome, isn't it? xxx

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  10. Thanks for sharing your days with us. I’ve been trying to get my head around what’s happening in the world right now. It’s so surreal. Like you I have been trying to keep busy by sewing, reading, yoga, cooking and practising my guitar and staying in touch with friends and family. . I find that I’m much more centred if I make a list of 10 things to achievtodsy.

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    1. Last night's announcement really brought it home, didn't it?
      I love your list to achieve ten things a day, I might have to copy that. xxx

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  11. Hi Vix, loved reading about your lockdown activities. It's such a surreal situation! Like something from a novel or movie. We're staying in too. We've been home since Wednesday. I've been tackling my unfinished sewing projects and the hubby has been working on a website for me! I'm rather chuffed with it. I've popped my own blog on it �� in fact, reading your blog has made me realise I should start regularly writing my own!!�� I hope you keep safe and well xx

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    1. Ho Caz! If someone had told us we'd be in this situation this tome last year we'd have accused them of watching too many Hollywood disaster movies, wouldn't we? You've done really well staying in since last Wednesday, we're a day behind you.
      I'm excited to hear that you've got yourself a blog, I love reading about what everyone else has been up to. Instagram is nice but blogland is a proper community. xxx PS Look after yourselves!

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  12. Hi Vix, as you have shown in this wonderful post, lots to do at home without venturing out. Here in Barcelona on full lockdown for last week, confined to home, only allowed out to walk dog and do some shopping!! Fines of between 600 and 30,000 euros for anyone infringing rules. 5.000 new cases in Spain TODAY. People are being very solidary, lots of gestures of kindness towards strangers. no emptying supermarkets in my area yet. Today a kind neighbour left 6 freshly laid eggs and some potatoes on our doorstep!Spend my time reading, doing yoga and meditation and cleaning of course. Hoping and praying this will all be over soon. Just Hope we will come out of this more compassionate, generous and less selfish human beings. Take care, stay safe and please keep these wonderful posts coming, they are such a breath of fresh air!! XXX

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    1. Hello, Diana! We've been following the situation in Spain avidly, it's all very frightening but it sounds like the rate seems to be slowing down slightly due to your government's measures.
      When you see all those idiots disregarding the guidelines and risking spreading the virus it makes you feel angry and powerless but wonderful gestures like those of your neighbour restore our faith in humanity.
      I love my morning yoga, it really helps to calm me down and get ready to face to day ahead.
      Take care and stay in touch! xxx

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  13. I went to work at the hospital. Things are ok for us now, but we are bracing, holding our breathes for what is about to come and hoping we do not face what is happening in Italy and other countries.

    I had been stocking up on books from the library this week and am glad that I now have a pile of 25 as they were closed down yesterday. Now with two leave days I intend to clean out some wardrobe items, do some loads if washing while we have sunshine and sit in the sun and read.

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    1. Stay safe, Poppy! I hope NZ stays safe and healthy. I don't think any of us thought the situation in the UK would escalate to this extent.
      25 books! That should keep you busy. Enjoy your leave days and enjoy the sunshine. xxx

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  14. Hi Vix! We are finns but living in Tallinn Estonia now a days. We've been home 8days now, tho I've visited grocery store twice and pharmacy once so that we have parasetamol just in case. We've been living here just about one month, and most of our stuff is in our Finland home, so it get's kinda boring without my own diy projects and all the junk around :D

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    1. That sounds like a trying situation, Karolina, away from home with only the bare essentials. Stay safe, happy and healthy. xxx

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  15. I love seeing all the positive things you're doing with the lockdown time (and I love that 80s coatigan!!). We're not quite there yet, but we have a lot we can do here with cleaning, my 6-month closet swapover, L's closet clear-out/swap, and generally tidying the place up. However, both of us for now are still planning on going back to work on Tuesday. We shall see. I think it's wise to only look at the media once a day - I had an anxiety attack yesterday due to over-consumption, and lack of mental self-care.

    Those naughty kittens, ripping your eiderdown! It's so good that you're handy with a needle and thread! I have oodles and oodles of books, so I'll never get bored with those. Do you have more dollhouse projects? I loved seeing those. How are your furry boys?

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    1. I did think of you when I discovered the coatigan! It's deliciously snuggly!

      The boys are currently basking in the Spring sunshine, doll's house activities are planned but I think I shall gte out in the garden again today, once the frost has shifted.

      We're on full lockdown now, last night's public TV announcement brought it all home and it all felt very real. I'm staying away from the news today and getting on with life instead.
      Much love to you, L & Vizzini! xxx

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  16. Sorry about those depressing comments, will definitely get back to my positive thinking mode over the weekend!! Xx

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    1. Diana, your comments didn't come across as depressing at all, just real! Hope you're okay this morning and staying motivated and positive. xxx

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  17. I just love all the color in your home! I think I feel badly for those stuck home surrounded by beige walls now.

    I picked up the first six episodes of Sherlock at the library. We'd actually never watched. I wish I'd have picked up the entire series as our library is now closed and nothing is due until 20 April! Well, I think each episode will be worth a repeat watch with the comments. I'm glad I hadn't caught on to this first time around as now we have something to watch at night.

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    1. Can you imagine being surrounded by all that beige at a time like this?!
      We never watched Sherlock either. The BBC are making all kinds of old series available on the I-Player so I might see if that's available. I love a bit of quality TV after an active day - it's a proper treat! xxx

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  18. It interesting what going on during lock down. I think it easier for those who have social media. I sure wouldn't want to try this with out that.

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    1. I agree, we really would feel very isolated without chatting to our virtual pals. xxx

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  19. Dear Victoria! Buy seeds and plant a garden. After all, you have land. Sincerely, Irina from Kiev.
    Your reader since 2010.

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    1. Irina!! How lovely to finally "meet" you after so long. I have taken your advice, a garden is imminent! xxx

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  20. Hi Vix,
    Schools are more than likely to close soon here in Australia, all non essential businesses shut down and lock downs may happen, all so strange and surreal! Love your Blog and have been following you for years. I too am a vintage lover and will miss my treasure hunting in the charity shops if and when they close. Look forward to your posts as they are a ray of sunshine in our bleak world at the moment. Stay safe xx

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    1. Lovely to hear from you, Vicky! The UK lockdown started last night, schools are open for the children of key workers but most of our shops are now closed and the police have the power to enforce closure and fine people who fail to follow the rules. It's like something from a dystopian novel!
      Like you, I really will miss my charity shop hunting over the coming months although with all this cleaning I'm finding all kinds of forgotten treasures! xxx

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  21. Snug as a bug in a well-stocked rug, I'm binge-watching favorite YouTube channels (e.g., Wartime Kitchen and Garden), re-reading The Canon and comparing the portrayals of Holmes by a dozen actors (Cushing is in the lead), clearing out unlabeled boxes in the garage, and preparing recipes that take time. Next week begins the "delivery to the door" experiment, designed to support local stores and folks in the "gig economy". We live in hope.

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    1. You do sound like you're sorted for entertainment, Beth! The book I'm currently reading by Julian Barnes, Arthur & George, centres around Arthur Conan Doyle, you'll have to get yourself a secondhand copy! stay safe! xxx

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  22. We've been on lockdown for several days, I like to have a good supply of food but I topped up on a few items. Most important topped up on dog food and wine!

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    1. Good to see you've got your priorities sorted, Maureen! As long as we have rum, cat food and teabags we'll survive! xxx

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  23. You've certainly spent your first two days of lockdown very well. I'm exhausted just reading what you've achieved. Unfortunately, we cannot stay at home during the week, as I have to go into the office. Jos is taking me there and picking me up again by car. I just have to walk through a short and virtually empty traffic free shopping street. Jos still leaves the house to go shopping but, even if people of 65+ have priority and can go shopping before anyone else, he would need to queue, which we both don't think is a good idea, so he now shops at a small local supermarket during the day, when it's absolutely quiet. We have now spent two weekends in lockdown, and even if I have been productive some of the time, I often feel too exhausted to do much, probably because going to work is sapping my energy levels. On another note, you have been doing pretty well in the chazzas, and the books and Trivial Pursuit will be a godsend. Luckily, I have a huge pile of unread books as well as plenty of other things to keep me occupied, and I'm determined to stay positive! Do keep safe, the both of you! xxx


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    1. The UK has been in lockdown since midnight although there's pictures of the tube this morning and it's absolutely rammed, I can't believe that's just key workers.
      I hope your bosses decide to close your office or at least allow you to work from home. It must feel very surreal wandering those empty streets. No wondered you're shattered.
      We've been trying to register for online supermarket deliveries but there's nothing available for the next three weeks. Jon's currently in a queue of 2,400 people waiting to register!
      Stay positive and safe. xxx

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  24. Your blog is like a breath of fresh air! Thank you for the recipe 😊

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  25. Merci pour votre façon de voir la vie. Cette fantaisie et votre optimisme fait beaucoup de bien!

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    1. Je vous remercie pour vos aimables paroles! Ravi de vous entendre. xxx

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  26. All of the colourful vintage outfits you wore this last week looked beautiful. I love the colourful prints. It sounds like you have wonderful frocks and accessories in your now very well stocked https://kinky-melon.co.uk/'Kinky Melon's Retro Boutique'.
    I did a double-take when I saw the photo of that very effective looking trusty carpet beater of yours! That Punjab vegetable sabzi (and the recipe) looks delicious!
    Best wishes for the continuation of your making the best of things during the lockdown - you and Jon appear to be doing very admirably!

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    1. Hello, my friend!! That carpet beater is a bit of a curiosity, isn't it? I wonder if anyone under fifty even knows what they are! Stay safe and healthy! xxx

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    2. Love the carpet beater, i couldn't live without my hoover tho, how do you cope wih cat fur? I have 2 cats and 3 kids on these carpets so hoover is a must for me lol xx

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    3. I haven't had a vacuum cleaner for years, my hair was constantly clogging the sodding thing up and it had to go. I use a stiff broom and a dustpan, it's a great workout! xxx

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  27. Hi Vix,
    You have been very busy, I have made a start, our homes at this rate will be spick and span, certainly a good time to catch up on all those jobs.
    I have copied your recipe, I will be making that soon, we are not vegetarian, but I am eating less and less meat, although I am often making seperate dishes for my husband, but I have cut down to meat around 2 sometimes 3 times a week.
    Love the pan. Something which I am looking for some old vintage decorated enamel typle pans.
    Marlene xx

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    1. Lovely to hear from you again, Marlene!
      I hope you find that recipe useful, it's a great way of using up leftover veg (cooked potatoes are gorgeous in it!)
      We're all going to have to get more creative in the kitchen over the coming months. I'm going to dig my foraging handbook out and see if I can find anything edible growing in the wilderness that is our garden! xxx

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  28. I'm trying to keep busy, I am not sure if I can continue to walk the dogs at the rescue, it depends on whether social distancing can be maintained, will make a decision tomorrow. I mowed the lawn, made a massive curry (chicken madras and Bombay potatos, rice) on Friday which everyone was still eating for lunch yesterday and snacks today. We had a walk by the lakes near here but it was densely populated so we wont be going there again. We walked in the woods behind the house today. I ordered two more of those fabulous kaftans online and have decided I will release my inner hippy... about time too!).

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    1. Hello Betty! Hope those dog walks are continuing. I was a bit worried about vets and pet shops being made to close down but apparently they are classed as essential shops and key workers. I'd be beside myself if one of the boys needed care and we couldn't get any help!
      Unleash your inner hippy and share a photo! xxx

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  29. p.s. love your Wednesday outfit... and yes, in reply to yours on mine ..All About Audrey, was saving for another post as have ordered a couple more, just hope she is well and will post them out ok. This one came in it's own pretty little recycled sari silk bag.

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    1. I loved the bag my top came in! Have a look at her Instagram page, she does amazing flatlays (where you lay an outfit out on the floor!) She's got an amazing eye. xxx

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  30. Hi Vix, Looks like you've been getting a ton of stuff done! I stay home with the cats most of the time so social distancing is ok with me. I retired early about 4 years ago so I wouldn't rip all my hair out...haha! It still seems like there's alot to do around the house though. I never have enough time to get to it all. I love to sew, garden, read, play my guitar and there's other things I wanna learn. Then there's cleaning and all that kind of fun stuff. Glad you were able to repair your eiderdown. Love the way the flowers look. One of our cats shredded a box and there's cardboard pieces everywhere. Crazy cats! Thanks for the Vegetable Sabzi recipe. I actually have everything to make it. I was getting tired of the soup we've been eating lately so this will be a nice change. Love all of your awesome outfits and reading about your travels and adventures. Love and Light.

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    1. Hello, Cheryene! Four cats? I already love you! They sound as naughty as mine x 2!!
      It sounds like these coming months will fly by what with all your interests and hobbies. The joy of the internet is that we can learn absolutely anything, people are so generous with sharing tips and ideas. I'm planning to learn some conversational Greek so, when we are able to travel again, I can chat with confidence.
      Sending you much love! Please stay in touch. xxx

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  31. The first thing that struck me is that you offered assistance to those in need - your heart is big, as is your flair for style. I'm sure there'll be lots of people needing help in communities everywhere. As for this week's collection of outfits, they are all lovely.

    I admire all the work you're doing around your home and garden. You have a lovely, interesting home by the way.

    I assume, like myself, you'll be missing the regular treasure hunts at charity shops and markets. But, this is a small price to pay to keep safety measures in place. Your recent buys are interesting, I especially like the skin bag.

    On a final note, thankyou for sharing this delicious recipe. My youngest daughter is a vegetarian, so I'm always on a hunt for yummy vege dishes. Have a safe week.

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    1. You are so generous with your words, dear Suzy!
      Yes, like you I shall dearly miss our weekly treasure hunts, meeting friends and the banter with the fruit & veg man on the market and our boozy sessions in the pub - our new normal makes me feel like a Victorian housewife staying in and being a homemaker!
      I think we're all going to be a bit more creative in the kitchen over the coming months, there may be more recipes in the coming weeks! xxx

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  32. The lockdown has forced you into Spring cleaning! I may succumb out of boredom, too. It does feel good though, when everything looks so nice and fresh. I loved the TV table Jon made; well done, Jon!

    You did very well in the chazzas; my eye was drawn to the 1980's midi skirt. Lovely! Just a thought; if you can't trade at fairs and festival couldn't you sell online in the interim?

    An interesting pile of books; I hadn't read any of them. I had the 'Arthur and George' book; but lent it to someone who never returned it...

    The recipe sounded delicious; might give that a go.

    I have volunteered too and on Sunday a very kind lady called Vicky put a note through the door; with her details and offering to help as you listed in your post, should we need it. How very kind!

    Will you go back to your doll's houses now you'll have more time to spare?

    We have still got together for Sunday dinner and played board games into the evening. We all really enjoy it especially the two grandsons. I'm sorry I didn't pick up a few more while I was at Barnardo's today!

    May you and Jon stay safe and well until this madness subsides.
    xxxx

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    1. Hi VRonni! I did think about selling on line but thought that when we're on lockdown (which we now are) I'm not sure going to the Post Office to drop off parcels would count as essential business.
      How lovely of Vicky to put that note through your door, there's some lovely people around - not all selfish stockpilers or idiots climbing Snowdon. A neighbour we've only met a couple of times contacted us to let us know that he was there if we needed him on Sunday, so kind.
      Doll's houses might be on the agenda when I've sorted the house out - definitely a garden day today, the weather is glorious! xxx

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  33. As I work from home daily life doesn't look much different, but it feels different. I think the uncertainty of the situation is unsettling me. I'm easily distracted at the moment, a little anxious, and I miss my family.
    So, each day I'm trying to do at least one to make me smile, and take my mind off the situation. Saturday I washed the walls and woodwork in our hallway, singing (badly) to Jess Glynn at full volume.
    Yesterday I snuck into Andy's tractor cab and accompanied him drilling one of the fields near the house. There's something about being a passenger, being jostled about, that I find really relaxing.
    Today I've pottered in my greenhouse and rearranged my office a little (I should've been working but couldn't settle).
    I'm fascinated to hear how others are coping and how they're spending their time, so thanks for sharing!
    Take care
    xx

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    1. It must be so hard not being able to see your family, Hazel. Jon & I were talking about our mothers and saying the situation would be a nightmare if they were both still alive, there's no way my Mum would have stayed indoors for 12 weeks, I'd have had to bail her out of prison from being arrested wandering the streets of Walsall looking for a pub or a charity shop!
      I'd love to have a go in a tractor. One day you'll have to do a post about Andy's farm, something as a townie I know nothing about.
      Isn't it interesting to read about how others are spending their time all around the world? It's like reading letters from pen pals back in the day. xxx

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  34. Thank you for that recipe, I'm without some of those Condiments but the next time I make the Death defying run to the Grocer I'll stock up and try to make it for a meal... I am Posting the recipe on my FB Page for my Friends who are more skilled than I in the culinary arts! Love your Gypsy Curtains... this new Home we bought has Plantation Shutters, which I Love, but alas, no place for my Gypsy Curtains except in the RV Garage, so I'll probably just hang them on the Walls in there since we don't own an RV and that's my extravagantly sized She Shed! *winks*

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    1. Hello Dawn! ""Death defying run to the grocer", that made me laugh! I suggested to Jon that we combine our permitted exercise and grocery run to a walk down to the Asian supermarket at the end of the road but he's frightened that we'll get arrested!
      I love plantation shutters, I'd much prefer them to curtains - less chance of damage from the cats! xxx

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  35. I work at a psych hospital so I'll be going to work each day, but with my extra post work free time I've been reading more and working on a bunch of creative sewing (cross stitch mostly) projects I've been sadly neglecting. It's been a great bit of stress relief, though I suspect my next full weekend off will result in a deep clean. I can only sit still so long!

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    1. Hello Ashley! So you're one of our key workers keeping the country going. I've always fancied having a go at cross stitch, it does look like a wonderfully therapeutic pastime with beautiful results. Before we made the decision to stay at home last Thursday I made sure I had enough wool so i could get some crochet done! xx

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  36. We’ve been social distancing for a week or two in Australia. Schools have been closed early, so I’ll be home from tomorrow onwards and working from home.


    I’m keen to catch up on all my blog reading and your post doesn’t disappoint. I loved seeing your vintage glass, clogs and reading about all the odd jobs you’ve been doing at home. I have made a list and I’m sure I’ll get most of it done. I’m off to catch up on your other posts now. X

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    1. I'm glad you're working from home now, Jess! The schools have closed to all but the children of key workers meaning that there's only around 10% of the pupils in class and the teachers are working on a rotation basis at a safe distance.
      It's definitely time to crack on with all those jobs we're always putting off. I'm hoping the weather warms up soon so I can wear my clogs! xxx

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  37. That looks like a very productive time! My firm closed offices and started us all working from home early, so I'm already in my second week. Pete's just started. I have had to stop reading Twitter/FB etc and the news, because I woke up this morning and started crying, but blogs are okay, and when I'm not working I'm enjoying spending time on my hobbies. I always vow that *this* year will be the year I sort the garden out... well, this year has finally come!

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    1. Your second week? Sounds like your company were ahead of the game then.
      I'm sorry you've had a bit of a wobble. Last night's sombre announcement certainly brought it all home and made it very real, didn't it? Jon's a bugger for having the news on constantly which is another reason for me to be doing stuff.
      We're going to have gardens worthy of the Chelsea Flower Show by the rate it's going! xxx

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    2. Yeah, we had an early scare when an American coworker visited both the London and Bath offices, then got diagnosed with CV in Egypt. It turned out to be a false positive, but I guess closing both offices for a deep clean and sending everyone home made our bosses think.

      Payday on Friday and I am hitting Fothergills for more seeds...

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    3. We used Sarah Raven, I'd forgotten about good old Fothergills! x

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  38. So far your time in lockdown has been much more productive than mine! I have starting cleaning out my kitchen cupboards, and my coat closet, which doubles as a pantry. As I am officially working from home, my weekdays are occupied, and my nights are taken up with entertaining my cat and watching Netflix (which I would be lost without). Take care, and thanks for the recipe - I may get brave enough to try it if I can find a place that is open where I can get the spices.

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    1. You're still working so you should have as much downtime as possible!
      Hope you manage to make the curry.
      Give Sylvester a big cuddle from me and stay safe and healthy. xxx

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  39. Oh how I envy your reading time. It's the one thing I just don't seem to have any time for, or the concentration to be honest!

    Thanks for the recipe, it sounds good, I will try it! X

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Lots of love, Vix