Self isolation support group

[melmerby]

Something interesting from Hornby to keep the kids amused:

https://www.Hornby.com/uk-en/Hornby-kids-zone?utm_campaign=2628474_Hornby - Kids Zone - Week 51 2019%2F2020&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Hornby PLC&_%24ja=tsid%3A71284&dm_i=2DJZ,1KC56,2AOKOY,5ALD9,1

[tomparryharry]

This week, I'm decorating in the back bedroom. When we moved here, this room was the worst in the house, so it really needed restoring. At last, the lurid purple is consigned to the rubble bag. 

 

Mrs Smith is really happy to see me getting along with this, so.......

 

Brownie Points!!!

 

Self Isolation for 4 months? Pah! 4 years more like. Bring it on!

[Mallard60022]

27 minutes ago, Nearholmer said:

Anybody else here SI with children?

 

We are finding it a bit of struggle TBH, and I'd be interested to hear how others are doing.

 

We're holed-up because youngest (8yo) had a high temperature last weekend and, for 14 days from onset, we are suspected plague-bearers. Fortunately, and touching wood, we seem not to be, and youngest was quickly restored to normal.

 

But, the children are finding it very hard, even with going out for walks/bike-rides, for a few reasons: missing their friends; boredom, despite our best efforts; and, they worry.

 

Youngest came out with the fact that she hates having to keep on the far side of the path from all the others out walking (mostly >70yo, although that will change once the schools shut) who tend to regard children as if they are coronavirus-on-legs at the moment , and that she is worried "there won't be any adults left at the end it".

 

Son (12yo with a half-grown moustache) is like a caged animal, being deprived of his usual intense regime of sports, has so much excess energy that he could power the street if given a bike with a big-enough dynamo, and becomes "a bit of a handful" round the house.

 

Both of them are pining to go to school (and the schools haven't even shut yet!), and complaining bitterly that this is nothing like what they expected (son especially has been wishing-on school closures for a fortnight or more, deluding himself that he was in for months of playing x-box and being allowed to stay-up late).

 

An entire summer of social-distancing, let alone self-isolation, is going to be very hard indeed for children.

 

When they are old and grey, they will bore their grandchildren witless, going on about this period, because it is  going to be as formative to them as WW2 was to children alive then.

 

(I'm supposed to be working in the study, but as you can tell, I'm self-distracting!)

I am told by SWMBO that there is a breakfast time exercise routine being done on TV for all age groups. They may not suit the 12 year old but he could get an exercise regime going with and achievement chart and before and after pics; might he like to have a punch bag and gear and thrash that? It must be tough. Is it possible to set some targets as a family, such as all trying to learn some Tai Chi or another language so that the holiday you will all take when this is finished with may include using that language. Could anyone Vlog their experience, set up a friendship on line group to chat about things? This is just a tiny drop in an ocean of time and I can not imagine how hard it is going to be, however you may find that keeping your own Diary, although a chore, could be something they (and you?) can reflect on in the sunny future.

I am sure there will be loads of things offered online and many people do home educate and so there will be groups already. MY very best wishes buddy. I have been SI for 3 weeks and it is quite dull even though I am modelling and reading and walking out and doing a bit of cycling. I see the world outside going about its; business as if all was as it should be; that make me a little sad but mostly full of optimism and that last bit, for me, is very unusual.

Take care.

Phil 

[melmerby]

Just now, Mallard60022 said:

I am told by SWMBO that there is a breakfast time exercise routine being done on TV for all age groups.

Take care.

Phil 

The Green Goddess (Diana Moran) is back (by video phone link) on BBC Breakfast.

[Mallard60022]

1 minute ago, melmerby said:

The Green Goddess (Diana Moran) is back (by video phone link) on BBC Breakfast.

Grief...….I thought the Green Goddess was this...……..

[midlands]

2 hours ago, Neil said:

Got to say I was disappointed at what I saw on the streets while in town. On the BBC 1o'clock news footage was shown of Glasgow, Central London and another major city; I'm ashamed to say that Tywyn today was busier, populated by the very at risk group that the current policy of self isolation/social distancing is aimed at protecting.

 

Perhaps there wouldnt be so many folk breaking curfu if the supermarkets started to deal with the problems  currently making it imposssibleto obtain food deliveries. Last night I tried all of the main supermarkets in the hope there might just be a slot free. Oh no, no chance, all of them were fully booked for at least 3 weeks ahead and have no slots.

 

So this morning, despite being ill anyway, apart from being in the vunerable group I had to break cover and head out into town to try to do some sort of food shop.

 

I did notice however, that Icelands from this morning ask you if your in that vunerable group. before offering a delivery slot...good going Icelands, wonder how they check up? and how long willit take to pass that on to all the other overloaded supermarket delivery systems?.

 

ps, If I see yet another person pushing a supermarket trolley weighed down by stacks of toilet rolls am gonna get of my mobility scooter and punch their lights out...."joke" "ish".

[jonny777]

38 minutes ago, Neil said:

 

My daughter is having to self isolate (in a high risk category) which means that the whole family are. She's got four nippers of primary school age and is finding it hard going but has worked out a few strategies.

1/ Treat weekdays as schooldays, kids up on time and into uniform. Do work which school have set so they don't fall too far behind.

2/ Leven this with some practical lessons which schools find hard to do like baking, also room tidying/housework.

3/ Tailor stuff to their interests, eldest is into making you tube videos, next oldest down Lego, etc.

4/ Good weather (when it arrives) camping holiday in the back garden.

Because of her high risk category her husband has to self isolate with the family so this is a help too though being self employed money is a problem. Fortunately we can help them through this sticky patch with that but obviously not with the childcare.

 

Edit: My guess is that over the coming days and weeks there will be more online resources aimed at children taking an enforced break from school, worth keeping an eye out.

 

 

 

One thing my daughter has done, is told her children to write a daily diary of their time off, and be as detailed with frustrations, hopes, fears, as possible. They don't have to show it to anyone, but hopefully if they manage it they will spend more time concentrating on neat writing. 

 

 

[Nearholmer]

49 minutes ago, Neil said:

She's got four nippers of primary school age and is finding it hard going

That is going to be “interesting”. She has my empathy.

 

On structured “home school”, we got serious about that for two days, and it was swiftly turning into a potential battleground with 12yo, so we’re being less formal about it.

 

I think he will step-up once it’s teachers, not dad, setting the work ....... he is doing very well at school, so it’s something about structure and authority figures, nothing to do with inability.

 

We did gym indoors the other day when it was raining and that certainly worked.

 

Weird thing is, we’re less than a week into this, which is shorter than a half-term holiday, but it feels a lot different.

[TheSignalEngineer]

2 hours ago, woodenhead said:

One of my children works in a supermarket, I asked about toilet rolls.

 

He said they were coming out of their ears today so many in stock, they are still selling like hotcakes though.

 

So if we give it a few more days surely things will stabilise a bit more

There's a factory near to us where they make 1/4 million every day. 

[Neil]

12 minutes ago, Nearholmer said:

... Weird thing is, we’re less than a week into this, which is shorter than a half-term holiday, but it feels a lot different.

 

No fixed end date perhaps?

[Neil]

46 minutes ago, midlands said:

 

Perhaps there wouldn't be so many folk breaking curfew if the supermarkets started to deal with the problems  currently making it impossible to obtain food deliveries. Last night I tried all of the main supermarkets in the hope there might just be a slot free. Oh no, no chance, all of them were fully booked for at least 3 weeks ahead and have no slots.

 

Food deliveries are a problem here as only Asda deliver here and yes there's a struggle to get slots and I think a bit of what I would like to order will turn out to be unavailable. However the elderly of Tywyn appeared not to be focussed on shopping safely for essentials but drifting round the town, chatting in groups, heading into the newsagents (who are brilliant and actively encourage vulnerable customers to have stuff delivered) and socialising as normal.

[Baby Deltic]

 

[TheSignalEngineer]

1 hour ago, jonny777 said:

Oh no. 

 

My worst nightmare (selfishly and relatively speaking) has happened. 

 

The World Snooker Championships in Sheffield has been postponed. 

 

 

 

I can see Mrs SE being stir-crazy soon. The local tennis league has been suspended and now the gym has been closed. Fortunately SiL has a spare turbo trainer which is sitting idle since he bought some new computerised gizmo one, so that is being set up in our conservatory along with exercise mats, weights and fitball.

We will keep cycling as long as we are allowed out, being on the edge of the National Park we are only half a mile from nothingness, so easy to socially distance yourself there. Twice weekly rides will probably become daily as the trails dry out. 

Shopping-wise the vultures have stripped Aldi and Tesco of almost everything but our nearest shop is M&S who have introduced a special sessions for old people and health workers. Went to the trial run this morning and the manager was on the door controlling who and how many went in. 

They had plenty of stock except for bread flour and fresh fruit this morning, bet they didn't have after the masses were let loose.

 

Keep safe everyone and get the kit mountain reduced.

[sb67]

1 hour ago, Nearholmer said:

Anybody else here SI with children?

 

We are finding it a bit of struggle TBH, and I'd be interested to hear how others are doing.

 

We're holed-up because youngest (8yo) had a high temperature last weekend and, for 14 days from onset, we are suspected plague-bearers. Fortunately, and touching wood, we seem not to be, and youngest was quickly restored to normal.

 

But, the children are finding it very hard, even with going out for walks/bike-rides, for a few reasons: missing their friends; boredom, despite our best efforts; and, they worry.

 

Youngest came out with the fact that she hates having to keep on the far side of the path from all the others out walking (mostly >70yo, although that will change once the schools shut) who tend to regard children as if they are coronavirus-on-legs at the moment , and that she is worried "there won't be any adults left at the end it".

 

Son (12yo with a half-grown moustache) is like a caged animal, being deprived of his usual intense regime of sports, has so much excess energy that he could power the street if given a bike with a big-enough dynamo, and becomes "a bit of a handful" round the house.

 

Both of them are pining to go to school (and the schools haven't even shut yet!), and complaining bitterly that this is nothing like what they expected (son especially has been wishing-on school closures for a fortnight or more, deluding himself that he was in for months of playing x-box and being allowed to stay-up late).

 

An entire summer of social-distancing, let alone self-isolation, is going to be very hard indeed for children.

 

When they are old and grey, they will bore their grandchildren witless, going on about this period, because it is  going to be as formative to them as WW2 was to children alive then.

 

(I'm supposed to be working in the study, but as you can tell, I'm self-distracting!)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

One of my partners kids was sent home with a cough so everyone is self isolating. I don't live with her but I was with them all weekend so I'm at my flat in isolation, think I've had it easy! 

She has 5, two of which are twin boys and if I'm honest she's doing better than me. She loves her garden and has been coping out there doing stuff. As much as I'm not a fan of gadgets, for her at the moment they are a godsend as they can still play with and speak to their mates. 

With the latest announcement, which was no real surprise, I really cannot see a time where any resemblance of normality will happen.

It's all a bit surreal as I haven't had symptoms and although my partners kid had a cough they get them numerous times throughout the year. I don't know of anybody in my world that has had symptoms or the virus. That's not to say I'm taking it lightly but it's all seems so strange.  

Edited March 20, 2020 by sb67

[TheSignalEngineer]

Looks like there is an outbreak of people panic buying freezers to store all of their perishable panic buys. Local retailers are virtually out of stock.

[melmerby]

2 minutes ago, TheSignalEngineer said:

Looks like there is an outbreak of people panic buying freezers to store all of their perishable panic buys. Local retailers are virtually out of stock.

Try freezing lettuce and tomatoes.......ugh!

Most soft fruit & vegetables will disintegrate if frozen, probably turning brown in the process.

 

Even potatoes will succomb

Edited March 20, 2020 by melmerby

[boxbrownie]

3 minutes ago, melmerby said:

Try freezing lettuce and tomatoes.......ugh!

Most soft fruit & vegetables will disintegrate if frozen, probably turning brown in the process.

 

Even potatoes will succomb

Serve them bloody right if they do then 

[Kingzance]

I have to commend Deluxe Materials! The boxes of unbuilt kits moved from past abode to present "bijou" residence were finally opened to see what was there to keep me out of mischief / avoid doing what SWMBO told me but in doing so I discovered my modelling adhesives had "gorn orff". A quick search of their web site and I added four items to my basket, opaid by PayPal and received confirmation that i had placed the order yesterday. Just before 1pm, our postie turns up with a package - everything that I had ordered! So I have even less excuses not to reduce that mountain whilst she watches ever more depressing news casts. Well done all involved!

[TheSignalEngineer]

5 minutes ago, melmerby said:

Try freezing lettuce and tomatoes.......ugh!

Most soft fruit & vegetables will disintegrate if frozen, probably turning brown in the process.

 

Even potatoes will succomb

Depends how you prep them. Tomatoes can be made into a puree for use later if you have the right varieties, however most of the commercial types are too watery. Better to roast those with other stuff for turning into soup base and freeze it in portion sizes.

I do lots of freezing of fruit from the garden and allotment, usually blackcurrants, gooseberries. blackberries, raspberries and redcurrants,  Even strawberries can be made into a puree for later use but are better in jam.

[Oldddudders]

Reading an online guru this morning - nothing to do with our hobby - he was identifying how to behave under SI. He says he has effectively been doing this for nearly 20 years - no partner, no kids, having walked away from the corporate world he was part of. His key message was that we need an objective every day - something we are going to sort, or at least start to sort. Over breakfast you think through how you might tackle today's task, and then you are off and running. 

 

Having spoken earlier about lawn-mowing, my thoughts had drifted over breakfast to a wooden garden bench I could see, looking a bit sorry for itself. It's 15 years old, sits on the barbecue lawn,

and has verdigris and a few mossy bits. Or it did. Thanks to Lidl (France) wood preservative gel it now looks a little better. I dragged it out from the shade of the laurel bush to be able to see what i was doing. 

 

 

Does this idea resonate with your predicament in the present situation? Even if it's only turning out a cupboard, there is a sense of achievement, probably. 

[TheSignalEngineer]

11 minutes ago, Oldddudders said:

we need an objective every day - something we are going to sort, or at least start to sort. Over breakfast you think through how you might tackle today's task, and then you are off and running. 

I have (or at least Anne has for me) a long list of outstanding jobs needing doing. Several rooms to facelift/ repaint etc, Garden table to clean and repaint, slabs on path to clean and re-grout, guttering and fascias are dirty,....................  

Should hopefully fit in some modelling occasionally.

[jonny777]

33 minutes ago, melmerby said:

Try freezing lettuce and tomatoes.......ugh!

Most soft fruit & vegetables will disintegrate if frozen, probably turning brown in the process.

 

Even potatoes will succomb

 

 

If you mash potatoes, they will freeze. My wife has been doing that for a few years. She spoons a dollop into each space in a couple of bun tins and freezes them. Then she can tip them into a freezer bag and use as much or as little as she requires. 

 

Soft fruit does end up mushy when defrosted but we just have them in crumbles or pies for pudding, which is ok for the filling. 

 

These measures have to be used when there is a glut on the allotment, which happens often. 

[gordon s]

Seems strange in SI as apart from the TV, I am totally removed from the reality of the world outside. I'm over 70 and apart from an immune problem, fairly fit and enjoying golf three times a week. I'm told I am high risk and had to go into SI, but I've now rung the hospital for guidance and it may well be in a few weeks I can move from SI to social distancing (SD).  If nothing else that will allow me to help others, particularly my younger wife who is currently looking after everyone. My 90 year old MiL, her neighbour, our daughter who has just come out of hospital and of course, myself. She's an absolute saint......

 

One of real problems in being home, is the continual feed of negativity. Even on RMweb, there are some posts that really can bring you down, but try and stay upbeat and you're accused of not facing up to reality. Some may argue that their view of the current situation is reality, but I just happen to think of my parents who lived through six years of world war and through it all, remained positive and upbeat.

 

Of course I accept the Blitz Spirit may only be hearsay and I'm sure they had their moments of despair, but overall everyone embraced the principles  of survival and community spirit. The difference for me is that there wasn't 24 hour news coverage, so it didn't dominate every day life.

 

I'm not daft and know Covid 19 is a problem and of course I have followed HMG guidance, but I've found turning off the TV and getting away from 24 hour negativity made a huge difference. Spent most of the day with a music station going and trying to piece together a Hornby 8F that was broken years ago. It was just a drawer full of bits which ran like a total pig. The quartering seemed to be out, but with a few hours and a reamer, I've got it running smoothly and I'm chuffed to bits. It can still be improved further and I've ordered a few bits to add to the work done so far.

 

It may well be we'll all go to hell in a hand cart, but sometimes sticking your head in the sand can give you strength to deal with where we are. Turn off social media and the TV, get out in the garden, go for a walk or focus on anything else. It won't change anything, but you'll feel a whole lot better.

Edited March 20, 2020 by gordon s

[melmerby]

Just had an update on my home delivery for 2 weeks + time

About 25% of the products have been struck off (OOS) dropping me well below the minimum order and slapping on an extra £3

One of the items showing out of stock suggested an alternative, which was also out of stock.

What a farce.

This rate there won't be anything to deliver.

So much for self isolation, at least another three weeks of trawling the food shops for us.

Edited March 20, 2020 by melmerby

[96701]

4 hours ago, SHMD said:

Second day of working from home and I was that bored I cut the grass! 

 

Actually, I had already booked this Thursday and Friday off but the rest of the team were told to work from home and log everything (workwise) with a job number and timings.

HR has just informed us all that any discrepancies between the times worked at home (and bookable to a job) and that of the normal working week will be treated as unpaid leave. In the last 48 hours, I have had one Email of thanks to deal with!

 

I must admit, I didn't think I was on a "Zero hours" contract!

 

 

Kev.

 

I too am working from home, but the IT systems meant that I was almost totally unproductive. Typical of a Human Remains Department to add pressure to those who are self isolating and probably don't have the same resources as a full blown office would supply.