Saturday 2 May 2020

The Distancing Diaries - Day 42 & 43


Friday - our 42nd day in lockdown - started as all weekdays do with a Wii Fit session and yoghurt with fresh fruit. I sprayed the windowsill seedlings and put the artichokes outside on the step to start hardening them off. After I'd caught up with blog comments I got dressed and, as it was dry, I gave the pot plants a watering. Jon continued with his work on Gilbert.


Just as I'd finished I heard the gate creak open, it was the delivery driver from the garden centre dropping off our order. We observed safe distancing by waving and shouting our thanks.


I'd ordered another tray of pansies, some standard geraniums and the trailing variety which my friend Eileen had recommended I use in the pots we'd put on tressels against the mirrored wall.


As well as two sacks of compost which, you'll be glad to know, passed quality control.


Although the sky was looking rather ominous I decided to crack on and plant my trailing geraniums, lining the terracotta pots from our stash with broken crockery to add some weight and help drainage. The recycled lampshade containers are planted out with the geraniums we'd overwintered. They look like they've survived.


With Jon's assistance, I managed to get all twelve potted up before the heavens opened and we had to dash indoors for shelter.

Kos, 2018

To me, there's nothing more cheerful than a geranium in an old pot, they remind me of holidays in Greece.


After our lunchtime noodles, the rain finally relented so I rushed out and squeezed the new pansies into the window boxes I'd planted up last week.


 Meanwhile, in the kitchen, Jon did something he hadn't done in ages and made bread, a rather delicious Roman-style spelt loaf. We don't own any fancy kitchen gadgets, just a 20-year-old hand-held electric mixer with dough hooks, so it took him a while.


The postman arrived with a few treats, replacement cosmetics & nail paint from Barry M and a new pair of clogs. I know, I don't need any more clogs but when they're half price Lottas, resistance is futile.


If you're not already aware of them , Lotta from Stockholm's handmade clogs are produced by a Swedish family who has made clogs for over 100 years. The base is 100% alder, harvested from sustainable forests in Sweden, the leather is vegetable-dyed in Italy & the staples and skid-resistant rubber soles are made in Sweden. I've worn many types of clogs over the years (including that very expensive, rival Swedish brand) and Lottas are the most comfortable by far, hence the reason I own seven pairs.


I'm not being paid to say this, I just love Lottas!


In fact, testament to how comfy they are, I put them on and wore them to walk around the block. No rubbing, no pinching, no blisters! As you can see, the temperature has dropped dramatically, so I was back in my opaques and my 1970s navy suede sheepskin trimmed jacket.


What else was I wearing? An Anokhi block printed cotton midi dress I bought in Mumbai back in January.


Here I am, proudly carrying my Anokhi purchases.


I bought the Banjara crescent pendant from a Lamani tribeswoman in Goa back in the early noughties, the Indian bell earrings were my mum's.

Larry Poons, one of the artists featured in The Price of Everything, rose to prominence in the 1960s with his Op-Art dot paintings

Tea was the rest of Wednesday night's pizza with salad & homemade jacket wedges, accompanied by a cheeky can of G& T. Later we watched The Price of Everything, an interesting documentary about the 21st Century art world and, of course, we partook in a few rum & colas.


On Saturday (day 42) Jon got up first, brought mugs of tea back to bed and we read for an hour. We ate sausage sandwiches on Spelt bread for breakfast then Jon wrapped the remainder up and froze it as we don't eat a lot of bread these days. As it was dry, I stripped the bed, emptied the laundry basket, did a couple of washes and pegged everything out on the line. There was no rain forecast but the sky was looking decidedly ominous.


Today's outfit was a 1970s India Imports of Rhode Island block printed maxi dress (eBay, last year) with a Kuchi necklace I bought in Jaisalmer and some Turkomen silver earrings from eBay.


My lovely friend and keen grower, Sarah had recommended using seaweed plant feed which I'd managed to track down on eBay and it had been delivered a couple of days ago. I put the houseplants in the bath and gave them a good dousing and did the same with the patio plants outside.


Despite it being a dry day it wasn't particularly warm so, after I'd done what I needed to outside I sat at the PC and caught up with my blog comments, made the bed and scrubbed the bath as it was full of soil. The kohlrabi seeds I'd planted in modules on the kitchen windowsill were looking a bit droopy so I transplanted them outside with Jon making a Stephen-proof contraption to stop the little sod digging them up.


Jon popped round to our friend Tony's house to deliver a few supplies & to check up on him (whilst maintaining a safe distance). Our friend's late dad's best friend, who Tony had been shopping for up until a few days ago, died of Coronavirus on Thursday, the same day as a lovely lady we know from trading at festivals. It seems inconceivable that the government are talking about the country returning to work in a couple of weeks time when the pandemic feels closer than ever. RIP Brian & Jeanette. x

SOURCE

I've received two emails in the last couple of days, both from festivals we trade with every year. One let us know that they'd decided to cancel whilst the other is still hoping to go ahead. Don't get me wrong, I'd love for life to return to normal and to start earning money again, we're going to miss the festival season immensely but I'm not sure how confident I'd feel about trading if any were to go ahead.


We went for our daily walk around the block, then, as it was self-care Saturday I epilated my legs, stripped off my nail paint and deep conditioned my hair (and judging by the photo above, it was necessary!)


Have I mentioned how amazing Jon is? He's only managed to get some beer delivered. It's been two months today since I last had a lager and god, have I missed it!


After showers and a cheese salad tea, we sat outside with our beer keeping the cats' company and pretending it wasn't as cold as it was. Not sure what our plans are for tonight, but I can pretty much guarantee they'll involve a night in with alcohol and television.

Keep safe, stay positive & see you soon!

67 comments:

  1. I am so sorry for your losses - so so sad. No one will be untouched in this in some way. My mother in law's facility has been in full lockdown so no one to see how she is. I trust the facility but that is so hard. Hubby saw her in February when he flew out to his 2 aunts funerals, I am so glad he did.

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    1. Thank you. The number of fatalities in the UK nursing homes has been shocking, the goverment didn't include them in the daily figures until last week, causing the total deaths to leap by 8,000 last week. I'm glad your husband managed to see his Mum before lockdown. Such a worry. xxx

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  2. How lovely to be able to get some more plants delivered! I too have been buying some more plants, and these also included Geraniums (Pelargoniums). We put some trailing ones in hanging baskets and have some ordinary straight ones which still need to be potted up. And yes, they are best in old-fashioned terracotta pots. I love the smell of their leaves, by the way. Love the new Lottas, and that amazing Anokhi block printed cotton midi dress. It must seem an eternity ago that you bought it. The Rhode Island block printed maxi is fabulous too, as is the jewellery! I can't believe that festival still hasn't called things off. I wouldn't be keen to go anywhere that crowded any time soon. Our shops are supposed to open from 11 May, and I don't like the sound of it. Too soon, even if the situation here in Belgium has very much improved. Sorry to hear about your friend's late dad's best friend and the festival lady. That's so sad! Keep safe and sane, my friend! xxx

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    1. Hooray for plants! I'm quite relieved we can only order on-line and I have to carefully consider my purchases, if I was let loose in a garden centre I might go mad buying totally unsuitable stuff with no space to plant it (wouldn't be the first time!)
      I know, it seems wildly optimistic to imagine a festival can go ahead what with social distancing. What would we do - only allow a couple of people in our shop at a time and not allow them to touch anything or try anything on in case they were asymptomatic? Refuse cash payments? Madness!
      Much love to you! xxx

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  3. I also love Lottas, and am so pleased I'm not the only person guilty of buying new ones while we are on Lockdown!!

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  4. The colours in your necklace are like the beautiful ones you get in stained glass. Particularly love that piece of jewellery. Arilx

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    1. Thanks, Aril! One of those things I didn't need but had to have! xxx

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  5. More fascinating garden. Sigh. Envy. I rent and the (fantastic) landlord will say yes to a square metre planter box for herbs and vegies (post lockdown) but that's all that there is room for. Anyways, I teach a couple of yoga classes a week, a few seminars a year, give readings, and do healing. But, as you are with the markets, I do miss doing them, but, really don't want to for some time yet. EEks, Too scary. I do take the classes on zoom though.

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    1. Thanks, my friend! How lovely of your landlord to allow you to have a raised planter, I bet you're already compiling lists of planting possibilities, I know I would be! xxx

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  6. I'm missing having geraniums this year, so will enjoy yours from afar. I've never baked with spelt, but that's a great looking loaf. Spelt is one of the flours still available in our shops. I happened to luck onto two bags of plain flour this week and my, did I feel rich!

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    1. I do love geraniums. I suppose I could have made do with my old ones but I couldn't resist ordering a few more!
      Spelt is lovely, it's a lot ighter than normal flour. Jon made some really tasty wraps using it and biscuits are particularly good. xxx

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  7. I thought for a moment you were sitting in a country pub garden Vix and I love the colour of your dress with the new Lotta clogs.Jon's bread looks very professional doesn't it like the posh Artisan loaves at around a fiver each.I am sorry for the loss of the gentleman and lady recently-it really is chilling when it's someone you know x

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    1. A pub country garden! Those were the days!
      Jon'll have to set up a stall outsdie the house and sell artisan loaves to our neighbours, £5 a loaf sounds like a nice little earner! xxx

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    2. It must have been about 15 years ago or longer in Yorkshire or it may have been the Cotswolds there was a small bakers shop and they were advertising in the window I think it was some type of beer bread for £4•95 and if they weren't closed I remember I was going to buy one as a treat x

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    3. What a shame the shop was shut, that's out kind of treat, a posh loaf! xxx

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  8. Sorry to hear about your loss. I'm keeping track of reported cases in the USA. Yesterday morning: 1,070,000. This morning: 1,101,000. It's almost like the counter adds another couple while watching the news. Stay safe.

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    1. It's terrifying to see those numbers rise so quickly, isn't it? xxx

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  9. Oh no, so sorry to hear of your friends' succumbing to COVID, Vix. That really sucks. It does bring it home when it happens to someone you know. Things have been very controlled here on my island, with under 200 confirmed cases, and only 111 deaths in my province (keeping in mind we have a pretty low population compared to the UK). I'm also very nervous about things opening up and another wave of infections coming.

    I will be keeping my eyes out for Lottas - I think there is a store here that carries them - as they are so pretty and look great on you. I love how ethically they are made. Loving your outfits, including that amazing sheepskin jacket.

    Fabulous gardening pictures. Good thing you have quality control or some renegade soil might get in!

    L and I saw that documentary a couple of months ago - it was really interesting. Have you seen "Tickled"? Look it up - it is FREAKING weird and mind-blowing!

    Have a great weekend, my dear! Much love to you and the boyz. Enjoy your beer!

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    1. Thanks, Sheila! You're right, it really does make this virus a reality when two poeple you know die on the same day. I'm so glad that you're living somewhere that took it seriously from the start with rigid controls - can you believe that up until last week the UK still wasn't screening anyone who arrived by air into the country? No wonder our numbers are so high.
      Lottas are the best. I love the reaction they provoke when I wear them, some people tell me thy love them and others look at my feet in abject horror.
      I've just googled Tickle and laughed out loud, I've got to watch it. It sounds right up my street and we all need a laugh right now. xxx

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  10. Sorry to hear about your loss. I live in the USA and the state I live in opened up yesterday in-spite of the numbers of deaths going up in our state. I plan to stay in as much as I can.

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    1. Thanks, Carol. You are very sensible, don't go out unless you really have to, there's too mnay selfish idiots out there, who knows whether they're virus-free? xxx

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  11. "Felt a chill, like the Death Angel was flapping his wings," is an old country saying that expresses my feelings upon reading of your loss. It's very tempting to succumb to a hunger for normalcy, not to mention income!; but it's too soon. The fire is still consuming; the embers, still ready to flare into flames.

    Thanks for opening your garden -- what sturdy geraniums! I love to snap off spent blossoms -- and your jewelry box to us. You're lifting our morale along with your own. And 'though earrings aren't usual gardening attire in my neighborhood, I'd gladly start the trend with your mum's bells and the silver Turkomen set.

    *Please tell us more about the snow scene with the cutline "source".

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    1. Aha! The artist who raced vintage cycles!

      P.S. Jon's Dinkel Brot would have prompted me to settle down with a pound of butter and a tankard of something alcoholic. Put it in the freezer, indeed! :)

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    2. You beat me to it, I ammended the link to that picture yesterday. He seemed a lovely chap and still adored his motorbikes, hopefully with renewed interest in his work he'll buy more of them.
      That saying is so apt. Until everyone hears the death angel flapping his wings I fear that mnay poeple will continue to not take this virus seriously or, even worse, continue with these deluded conspiracy theory rants.
      I love deadheading spent blooms too, - the sea thrift is crying out for my attention as I type! xxx

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    3. PS Aren't we restrained freezing half that loaf? Not such a bad thing, ater a few drinks on Saturday night we'd have polished off the lot (slathered in butter) if it had been available! xxx

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  12. your garden is looking so luscious and healthy! And Jon's bread looks so delicious, I am a bread lover!! I know exactly how you feel about opening up our countries too soon. Living in the state of Washington, I have been keeping daily track of the confirmed positive and deaths of the world, the U.S.A and my state. It still is scaring the crapeola out of me. And all the protestors here in the USA who are out exposing themselves to hundreds, no masks, no protection and demanding the places to be open right now. I cannot believe there are so many thoughtless, ignorant people. I don't know where they are coming from. The new cases are happening by the thousands and deaths by thousands all over the world daily, and they are screaming and getting violent to open up everything. Its like they believe they are invincible. The last protest I saw on TV, the protestors were decked out with weapons like it was a war. So scary. And I am sorry to hear of your friends passing from the virus. If people would realize the virus is the deadly weapon, not our Govenors and Mayors who are trying to keep us all alive and safe. We have had two chilly days of rain and one more tomorrow, and then onward to Spring and Summer like starting Monday. Yahoo!!!Love your dresses and jewelry, you are always cheerful looking, your blog is like a breath of fresh air! Stay safe

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    1. Hello Chrystal. Thank you! That rain has dome the garden the power of good and Jon was very pleased with his baking, it had been a while shince he'd last had a bash and was afraid he'd lost his powers!
      We've been watching the protestors in the USA in abslute horror, it's beyond belief them baing out on the streets, armed and angry. If ever there was a reason to stay indoors, that would be it.
      Stay safe and stay sane. Thank goodness for our lovely internet bubble where we can connect with positive, sensible and lovely like-minded people. xxx

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  13. Hi so sorry to hear of your loss, we lost a close family friend two weeks ago, I burst into tears as we are thousands of miles away. Our friend his son couldn’t attend as he had a letter and it broke his heart, he couldn’t say goodbye, in japan we seem to be a lot calmer and accepting here. The Japanese are so patent and understanding.
    My work know I have children so I work from home. Which is nice . Your style is classic as always. I want to ask everyone a question as I have been asking everyone this and it has been making people think, what is the new normality now? I don’t think we will ever go back to the old hum drum . And to be honest I don’t want to. Take care everyone and stay safe.

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    1. I'm so sorry about your loss, Allie Jane, it must have been particularly hard being thousands of miles away. My heart goes out to that poor man, unable to say his final goodbyes.
      The Japanese do seem so patient and calm, far too many Brits seem intent on breaking the rules and being totally selfish, no wonder the numbers are so high.
      I'm glad you're able to work from home, the longer we're in lockdown the more I'm beginning to enjoy the new normal. Other than seeing friends I can honestly say that I'm not missing much from my normal, pre-Corona life. I love shopping my wardrobe every day, appreciating my home, Jon & the cats' company and pottering along at my new pace. It's wonderful to not hear traffic and to sit on the doorstap at dusk and listen to the birdsong.
      Stay safe, my friend. xxxx

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  14. I so look forward to your posts, hope that you will always have the time to do this many and this much detail! I have noted how Jon made the seedling bed catproof as I have things planted which Amber wees dangerously close to - there are plenty of twigs in the woods I should be able to rig something similar up. I just love both your dresses - I regret not buying more at Anokhi in Delhi but had a taxi driver and steve sitting there watching/waiting for me and felt under pressure a bit to hurry up! If we ever go back....) Your clogs look amazing, I have a broken/damaged left foot way back from a teenage motorbike accident; which makes it very hard to get comfy shoes so might take a look. Hope you can look at changing the way you do business (online I guess) as festivals don't look too likely for a long time and a huge risk for you and Jon to be exposed to thousands of people even when the coast is allegedly clear in the future, don't think things will ever be quite the same again tbh. Betty x

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    1. Jon's foraged sticks seem to have done the trick, Stephen's kept away from the kohlrabi and gone back to using the litter tray, little monkey.
      I was under pressure at the Anokhi shop is Jodhpur as we had a driver waiting outside. At Mumbai I must have tried on every dress in the shop, the sales assistant was absolutely delightful and Jon was enjoying the AC!
      Lotta's also do a soft sole version of their clogs which have excellent reviews, they might be worth investigating (the aubergine and the red ones are gorgeous!) xxx

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  15. p.s. very sorry that you have come so close to the impact of this evil virus. A male nurse who treated my son in a&e only last year is currently fighting for his life at East Surrey Hospital (his kids went to school with our boys) and our Spanish neighbours have lost nine people in Spain to this virus … I think everyone is going to be impacted in some way shape or form. Keep safe yourselves.

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    1. Thanks, Betty! That male nurse fighting for his life is heartbreaking, I hope he comes through the illness and makes a full recovery. Your poor Spanish neighbours, too. Indietracks, the festival who emailed to tell us it had been cancelled has a high proportion of Spanish visitors, many who have been buying from us for years. I hope they're all safe and well. xxx

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  16. I'm very sorry to hear about the two people you lost to coronavirus. These are difficult times indeed. So much uncertainty right now for so many families and people. I hope the government aren't rushing with their decisions too much. In Croatia, there are hardly any new cases (the measures were really strict in beginning, now they are becoming less severe) but who knows will it stay that way. I think that nobody can tell for sure what will happen in the next few months.

    Jon has made a delicious looking loaf of bread. My husband has taken to bread making and he's getting very good at it. I don't want to return to the store bought bread variety, the home made one is healthier and it tastes better. Your garden looks lovely.

    We had a rainy weekend ourselves, a bit cold for this time of year.

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    1. I forgot to write that Lottas looks comfortable and fabulous.

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    2. Both Croatia and Greece seem to have handled the pandemic really well, stopping travel and closing borders before the virus spread rather than take chances like it appears our government did.
      Bread making is a lovely thing to get into, Jon finds it relaxing and very rewarding and, unlike baking cakes, you can freeze your loaves and use them at a later date rather than eating it immediately. xxx

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    3. The measures here were extremely strict initially and the police was often on the streets. You couldn't travel at all. I couldn't drive to a supermarket in another place without a permit. I suppose it also helped that our country isn't densely populated. But really there is so much we don't know about this coronavirus it is hard to tell anything for sure. Who knows where the next outbreak will be?.

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  17. I'm rather relieved to see your first photograph is in fact a collage. From first glance, looking at it on my phone this morning it appeared as though you were sat next to a huge cob of bread!
    I'm sorry to read of your losses, Vix. It really hits home when it's affected someone you know.
    Keep well. X

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    1. Thanks, Jules. It's easy to feel detached from it all when you're safe at home but hearing about two deaths on the same day realy do make it real.
      A giant loaf! That would have taken some serious kneading! xxx

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  18. So sorry to hear that you've lost some friends to Coronovirus, this really is so shocking.Love the new plants,the garden will be amazing with so many plants! There's a beautiful garden near our home, I stop and have a gawp every time I pass, the owner even invited me in one day to get a closer look!!


    geraniums are extremely popular over here in Spain. When things get back to some kind of normal, my first visit will be to the garden centre followed by one of my favourite incense selling shops. Talking of normal, yesterday we were allowed out for a walk after 7 weeks in lockdown, wonderful. It was a beautiful sunny day, the dog was going crazy!! Love the clogs, they look really comfortable and with my dodgy knees, have to be careful with footware nowadays!! Have a great Sunday, I'm off out for another walk, really feel like there's some light at the end of the tunnel now!! XX

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    1. Hello Diana! What a lovely householder! I was gardening the other day, looked up and there was a man taking photos. I gave him a cheery wave and let him get on with it. Maybe if I see him again I'll call him in and let him explore!
      Along with hair dye, cat food and mascara, incense was something else we stocked up on pre-lockdown. One has to get one's priorities right!
      I'm so happy that you and the dog have been able to get out and enjoy yourselves. I can't imagine how hard the last couple of months must have been for you. At least we've always been allowed a walk (maybe not such a good thing when you look at the UK's death rate). Much love to you! xxx

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    2. Reading your wonderful posts has certainly made it easier!! XXX

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  19. Hi Vix, your garden is looking wonderful and well done to Jon for making that delicious looking bread. That would be gone in a day in my household!

    Your clogs really suit your winter outfit. I love clogs too and I think mine are 'hasbeens' - I've always bought them for $5-10 secondhand at markets. I'd say mine are pretty comfortable but not so comfortable that I'd go for a walk in them. Lottas must be like walking on pillows! X

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    1. Thanks, Jess! Jon's bread was delicious, aren't we restrained by freezing it and saving half for later in the week?
      I can't get on with Hasbeens, they look gorgeous but there's a reason why they turn up secondhand so frequently. I ended up selling both pairs I had as they just aren't comfy. The Lotta's have a shaped footbed, I can wear them for hours, go on long walks and not have any issues at all. xxx

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  20. It's just awful hearing of the people who are dying daily from this dreadful virus and I'm so sorry that includes people you knew. I agree that festivals would be an unsafe place to be this year. I feel sorry for people losing money but far rather that than life.
    That Tiger beer looks far too inviting! We've had a themed evening every weekend, we've done Mexican, with tequila cocktails, pirates, we had mojitos ( excuse for rum cocktails!) and tonight is Caribbean. We've done themed food too. Keeps our spirits up.
    Your style certainly hasn't suffered in this lockdown Vix, I'm loving all your outfits. xxx

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    1. I completely agree, I don't think even the most hardcore festival goer would get much pleasure if they were to go ahead in the next few months.
      I love the sound of your themed evenings, what tremendous fun! xxx

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  21. You more than deserve your new clogs after all your hard work these past weeks! Not least cheering us all up with your interesting posts and lovely photos. You put me to shame; I did a long 'to do' list at the beginning of our isolation and it remains very much undone. A couple of friends say they have the same syndrome as I - my procrastination, which is bad at the best of times, gets even worse when I think I have huge swathes of time in front of me!

    Making our own bread was one of the things on the list, but flour remains one of the very few things we still cannot get.

    I am currently very excited that next week here in France we shall be able to go for a drive and picnic, up to a 100kms radius. Simple pleasures indeed. We probably will no longer have to take our 'attestations' and ID each time we go out. However, my husband is very vulnerable to the virus and we are so grateful the French government put in place much stricter measures. Whatever happens next week we shall continue staying at home as much as possible for at least another month I think.

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    1. Awww, thanks so much, Julia!
      I must admit that I had a lot of things I'd intended to get done but in the end decided to go with the flow and do whatever I fancied each day with no plan. If I'm not fully commited to a task I end up rushing it and making a hash of it.
      I kept reading blogs about how impossible it was to get flour & yeast. We've always got plainflour in the cupboard but Jon wanted the fancy stuff but had no trouble sourcing both the spelt or the yeast online, although it took a while to reach us.
      I'm so glad you and your husband are able to venture further afield, it must be a huge boost to know you can go for a drive and enjoy a picnic. You're being very sensible by the sounds of it, we're happy to stay put as well.
      Stay safe! xxx

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  22. Lovely pansies and geraniums, I totally agree that geraniums in old pots look adorable and so summery, I like when people hang them outside their balconies here!.
    I'm going to plant some geraniums as soon as possible, even if they're usually eaten by caterpillars and bugs. The gerberas have been more resistant to plagues!.
    I do love your clogs, they look fab and totally understand that you took advantage of an offer!, comfy and cool shoes are not so usual!
    And you look gorgeous in your Anokhi dress and afghan jacket and matchy tights, such a delightful outfit!. Also fabulous in the maxi dress and stunning necklace, you totally rock!
    And so lovely that you could have a beer after two months!, cheers!. We're having our usual aperitive at home, as we are well provided but I miss a beer.
    besos

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    1. I do love geraniums and pansies, they're so cheery and bright, you can't help but be happy when you see them!
      I've loved watching the news and seeing the Spanish people enjoying their freedom, it must be a wonderful feeling after such a rigid lockdown. xxx

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  23. I'm so sorry to her of the loss of your friends/colleagues. I have so many mixed emotions, mostly because I think this virus is here for along while and we can't have everything fall apart. But,but it can't be without every preventive measure for those vulnerable (though still not full proof) and enough health care for everyone and PPE for the medical and other essential workers. People need to accept their little arrogance of living for just themselves is no longer OK, and I'll even say could be cirminal.

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    1. I completely agree. We can't stay in lockdown forever and it seems like a vaccination is still a year or so away but if we are to return to work (or, at least those of us who have jobs to return to), life is going to have to be very different, isn't it? xxx

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  24. Love those dresses on you and the clogs and make up goodies are a well deserved treat as like we are all saying you are cheering us all up with your pic and detailed posts. Thank you. I too am nervous about getting back to noral - which will not look like anything we knew for a long time I fear. But having said that you know, there are some aspects of normal that I do not want to go back to anyway - gee lockdown gives you time to gather your thoughts if nothing else. Anyway love the plants this garden of yours is being lavished with so much attention it will repay you for years to come and good on you too. Sorry for your loss and you two keep being you two.x

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    1. Hello! Thanks so much. I'd dithered about buying those clogs for weeks, it sort of felt wrong to be rewarding myself for not spending money for months, but I had a word with myself and I've already worn them three times!
      If nothing else, lockdown has given us all time to reflect on the way we live our lives and to truly appreciate what we already have. I haven't missed the charity shops at all, I thought I'd be climbing the walls not having the oppurtunity to go out hunting soe treasure but I've enjoyed every minute of my enforced house arrest.
      Take care. xxx

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  25. beautiful block print dresses and gorgeous jewelry!
    germany loosens the lock down tomorrow - all shops can open, even beauty business like hairdressers and such - but i have a bad feeling. of cause i do miss going out with friends.... but i feel very un-secure.
    cant wait to see all your pelargoniums blooming - do you know the colors yet?

    so sorry that you lost this friends.
    xxxxx

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    1. Thanks, Beate.
      I can't believe all your shops are going to open including hairdressers and beauty salons. How on earth can anyone cut hair at a safe distance, unless they use garden shears?
      I think the pelargoniums are red, they're in bud already! xxx

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  26. So sorry to hear about the two people you know who died. It really brings it home to you then when it's mostly just been an inconvenience....

    You look lovely in your outfits and fab jewellery and what a shame about the bloody rain and drop in temperatures. Still it looks like we might be having a few nice warm days this coming week - fingers crossed.

    I was very disappointed in the new BBC4 9pm slot last night - gave up after 15 minutes...

    Stay safe and sane.
    xxxxx

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    1. It made it very real with them dying on the same day. I'd be quite content to sit tight for a few more weeks but it appears that I'm in the minority. When Jon popped round to Tony's on Saturday he couldn't get over how many people were out.
      I wasn't going to watch the new BBC Scandi series but in the absence of anything else gave it a go and really enjoyed it. xxx

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  27. Hello Vix. So sorry to hear of your recent loss. It seems like everyone has been affected. Which makes me crazy questioning why so many want lockdown to end. The love of money seems to be more important than the love of life. I neither smoke nor drink, but on the few occasions I've ventured out to buy groceries I feel a ravenous need for both!

    Loving your new additions to your garden. Geraniums are fantastic - they love sunshine and thrive here with total neglect.

    Your Anokhi dress is stunning, as is your crescent pendant. I'm drooling over your clogs too.

    Big pat on the back for Jon and his delicious looking bread. Have a great week.

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    1. Hello Suzy. It does appear that nobody has escaped this thing unscathed. The anxiety is causes is enough to drive anyone to drink! I do get the impression that our government is allowing itself to be influenced by big business rather than just continue the lockdown for a few more weeks, apparently all will be revealed later this week! xxx

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  28. I'm sorry to hear about your friend's dad who died and the other friend- it's weird them talking about schools going back on June 1st when it is all so uncertain and scary.
    Your bread is delicious-looking!!!
    I do love your Indian dresses!!! So beautiful!
    Yes, I use Liquid seaweed too- my Mum told me to use it when I first starting growing- luckily we've got a few bottles so well stocked up.x

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    1. 1st June sounds far too soon, doesn't it? I can't understand how they can expect small children to maintain social distancing, surely it would be better to restart in September?
      Yay, glad your mum rates the liquid seaweed, too. I'm liking the smell! xxx

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  29. It brings it home when you can actually put names and faces to victims of this pandemic, that's very sad news. I honestly can't see any festivals going ahead - if they relax things, mass gatherings will be last on the list. Chris has mentally written off the rest of this year for gigs.

    Your garden progress continues to inspire me! You have so much to look forward to in it.

    Beautiful collection of outfits, as always. I'm tempted to check out Lottas after your glowing reviews!

    Well done Jon on the beer delivery.

    Xx

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    1. It does make it very real, doesn't it? It felt even more surreal to hear the news of Brian & Jeanette's deaths only to hear Boris Johnson announcing a matter of hours later that we were over the peak. We've written off the festival season for this year, I can't see anyone having any desire to go to one either.
      I'm hoping we have at least a couple of warmer days this week to encourage our seedlings, the French beans have had another spurt over the weekend, it's all very exciting!
      Lottas really are amazingly comfy, I've tried and failed with Hasbeens but I can wear my Lottas on long walks and for whole days! xxx

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  30. I really fancy a beer now. I have a good stock of gin, but no beer.
    I feel positive about the future, but am happy for lockdown to go on for as long as is necessary, does that make sense, or is that contradictory? I can't make up my mind. I think lockdown is doing what is set out to do - flatten the curve - and as long as it stays in place for long enough we'll be heading in the right direction. And eventually, good and positive things will come of this, new attitudes, new priorities, or at least I hope this will be the case.
    I can't see any large public gatherings being aloud to take place this year, I'll miss my yearly trip to Latitude, but it's the right thing to do. Will it be safe next year? We're just going to have to wait and see...
    xx

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    1. I'm loving the beer - I even had a bottle tonight! I can't believe it had been 2 months since my last lager!
      I'm with you, I'm happy to sit tight. I love the festivals but would feel a lot happier if they all postponed until next year, hopefully when there's a vaccination available. xxx

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Thanks for reading and for leaving a message. Please don't be anonymous, I'd love it if you left a name (or a nom de plume).

Lots of love, Vix