1 EAGLETON NOTES: Self Isolation Day 2

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Friday 20 March 2020

Self Isolation Day 2

Don't worry. I'm not going to bore you with a blog diary of my self-isolation. I'll just do a diary type post every now and then depending on how things pan out.

I am in the 'at risk' category for quite a few reasons. Although on the face of it I'm very fit and well (which I am 99.5% of the time) and certainly don't feel nearer 80 than 70 which is what I technically am, I do have underlying health issues. They started with part of a lung removed when I was 16 because of a respiratory disease. 

So far there is no known case in the Western Isles so, in fact, I'm not completely isolated yet. I've decided that I'm going to almost self isolate for a while first. This means that I'll socialise very little. If I do shop it will be when the crowds have gone and the shops are quiet. I will go out walking and in the car but on my own. The rest I will play by ear as things develop. 

Today was chilly but wall to wall sun so I decided to drive to the Castle Grounds and do the Creed River walk. The irony is that it was such a lovely day that the world and his wife were out walking and I met and chatted (at a safe distance) to more people than I have ever chatted to in a single walk before.


After lunch I decided to make a start on the cleaning of the outside of the house. Living where I do  moss is a very big issue on the outside of the house and on all my paths. So I spent the afternoon making a start on that. 

Spring has come and the frogs are filling the pond with spawn.


The schools have closed. So, down on the pier below the house, the children seemed to be celebrating what is, in effect, the end of the school year. Not quite obeying the distancing suggestions. I can foresee problems particularly if the weather is good.


32 comments:

  1. You have such nice areas there for walks. Do you think folks are chatting more in part because of the pandemic? Need to feel connected with live people, their community, from a distance?

    Prayers for good health

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    1. Maywyn, people may be chatting more for that reason but I chatted with more people than usual simply because far more people than usual were out walking. I think that was due to the fact that the day was by far the best of the year so far.

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  2. Your last photo. I know kids are kids but it bothers me that they leave themselves and many others open to infection.

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    1. Red, you are, of course, absolutely correct but kids think themselves invincible.

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  3. The Winter cover on our pool always fills with water, and yesterday I noticed the first of this year's Tadpoles. What are those kids doing.... just congregating?

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    1. Cro, the kids were, I think celebrating the end of school. They traditionally congregate on the pier for that purpose at the end of the summer term. Judging by the riotous jollity and singing (not to mention bottle clinking) there will be a lot of sore heads this morning.

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  4. No cases in Muchty as far as I know. I suspect the school children will think it wonderful. I hope they get to enjoy a long hot summer.
    Good luck.

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    1. Adrian, I just hope that we all get to enjoy summer through to its end. Long and hot would be a bonus.

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  5. Same here, Graham; people have been taking advantage of additional free time and the gorgeous spring weather (18 C and sunshine from Tuesday until yesterday), behaving as if it was all a treat, not a crisis. This has made our government seriously consider to order a general curfew, just like it is in place in France and Italy. If it comes to that here in Germany (and it looks more likely every day), we'll have to "thank" the picnickers and party-people for it. I shall very much miss my (lone!) walks then.

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    1. Meike, when I said glorious weather I meant wall to wall sun and a temperature around 6 ÂșC and, very importantly, no wind!

      Now that our Government has shut all places, from coffee bars to theatres, where people can meet I'm sincerely hoping it won't come to a general curfew. It would be hard to enforce on the Island anyway. I am, at least , fortunate in having a large house and garden to keep me occupied and to wander around if there were such a curfew.

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  6. Lovely frog. We have the green bell frogs here that come out when it rains, they are apparently native to NZ. As for the virus I've been down with hayfever allergies the last week but I've been keeping up to date with the news about it. My parents who are in their 70s have been self isolating for fear of getting it. Stay safe.

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    1. Thank you, Amy. I feel for you because hayfever is a wretched condition. I'm fortunate in that the only time I've ever had it was when the big Southern Beeches around The Cottage in New Zealand all dropped their pollen at the same time.

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  7. Sounds like you are making wise decisions - not panicking into total isolation before it is really needed, but also aware of the risks and taking reasonable precautions. Stay safe and well, Mxx

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    1. Thank you Margaret. I'm trying to be wise. Unfortunately it doesn't come naturally! I hope that New Zealand manages to stave off the worst until a vaccine is developed. It will be a test of the economy though.

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  8. It's a blessing we are still able to get out and enjoy a nice walk, especially now that the weather has changed for the better. I plan to get out later today, keeping a safe distance, of course. That is, if I even see anyone.
    Stay well. X

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    1. Jules, we are very fortunate to be able to walk in the countryside where social distancing is very easy. I hope that you managed to get a walk in and that you remain safe.

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  9. Graham. I don't think a blog diary of your self isolation would be boring. You always have such interesting stories to tell and beautiful photos to share. With many of us now confined to barracks, your posts would be something to look forward to.
    Sunny here today but only 7C and a sharp, cold wind blowing.

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    1. JayCee, that is very kind of you. I can't believe it but, despite having no physically close social contact yesterday and despite not managing to get a walk in I was exceptionally busy and didn't even manage to get into Blogland in the evening. Today should be a lot quieter. Add to that the fact that it's cold and windy and I'll not be working outside today either.

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  10. Your photograph of the school children reminds me of the children celebrating coming out of the Cathedral School yesterday as I walked through The Close. They were whopping with joy. No more school!

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    1. Rachel, the children may be happy now but I think there are quite a lot of social problems about to happen as a result. Bored children is not a good social phenomena.

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  11. I think you do well to self isolate but continue to go out for walks - and in your garden. Hope the virus stays away from your island! (Are the ferries still running, and planes flying?) Here, at first when they started recommending (urging) people over 70 to stay home, it sounded like they meant full quarantine, and no going out at all. Which sounded really drastic. But since then there have been clarifications that the important thing is to avoid close contact with other people. Preferably not even going shopping, if that can be otherwise arranged. But going out for walks alone outdoors is okay, if you keep a distance to others. As the situation is worst in the big cities (especially Stockholm here), I suppose recommendations are often given first from that perspective. I went for two walks today, also in glorious weather, but very few people out and about. I did not meet a single person I know - but then I very rarely do. My old friends all live in other parts of town, and most have their own houses, and cars - and most of them are still working, while I'm usually only out and about in the daytime. (My new friends, on the other hand, live all over the world, and I tend to run into them every time I open my computer...)

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    1. Monica, the ferries are running on a very much reduced basis as are the planes. No new ferry bookings are being taken. I have to say that I'm very fortunate to still have a lot of friends and acquaintances living on the Island even though many have left. However the ability to keep in touch with my friends in Blogland and in New Zealand and, indeed, in many other places via the various platforms available is what will keep life bearable.

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  12. Take care Graham, and stay safe.

    We also suspect ‘social distancing’ will be completely ignored round here by young teenagers. Generally they roam around in a large group all summer, bored with nothing to do in the village - and that’s just for a six week holiday. By all accounts we are looking at the best part of six months until schools reopen. Heaven help us all đŸ„ș

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    1. Thank you Jayne. As I said in a previous comment I think the bored children are going to be a real problem. You stay safe too.

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  13. I'm glad you are still enjoying your walks and garden. I've just had to adjust my daily life a little to avoid the occasional contact with people, which hasn't been very hard. Thank heavens the young don't seem very susceptible to this horrid thing but so little is known about how much they can spread it. I hope your young people can enjoy their freedom and stay safe. And you, too, of course!

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    1. Pauline, I am the first to recognise how fortunate I, and others in my situation, are. How long I'll manage to keep sane without close contact only time will tell. I hope all remains safe in Uppity Downity realm.

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  14. Stay well and keep sharing! Nothing you post is ever boring, and your photos are fab too.

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    1. Marcheline, that's very kind of you. I shall do my best.

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  15. First up...I love frogs! I think they are wonderful creatures. :)

    I've just done some vacuuming...and put out the rubbish bins for collection tomorrow morning. That will do me for today! Can't get too carried away!

    Take good care, Graham. :)

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    1. Thanks, Lee. I like frogs too. Oddly toads don't quite do it for me though.

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  16. I missed this post. Love the picture of the frog! As for the youngsters... what can be said?!

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