Several words have become the new catch phrases of our world-wide “new normal” during the Coronavirus pandemic including “unprecedented”, “stay home” and “we’re all in this together”. So stay home I have except for one trip into town, my first in two weeks. It was an eerie feeling and not a lot of joy to be had. Strict hygiene measures were in place at the pharmacy and supermarkets. People giving me a wide berth on the street as part of their social distancing. There are still shortages of certain items and limits are in place.
There was an hour and a half wait to pick up prescriptions so my husband and I had to fill in time. It is not worth going home when you live more than 20 minutes away. Cafes are only open for takeaway coffees but you are not allowed to sit outside to drink them. An older friend of ours got moved on the other day by the police for enjoying a coffee in the median strip with a friend after their bike ride.
You are allowed to exercise (just don’t congregate) so we did a walk around town which was very quiet. Otherwise, we have been self-isolating on our 25 acres where we are surrounded by fresh air and nature in abundance. No complaints from us, it could be a lot worse and is for a lot of people.
We enjoyed stunning autumn days beginning of the week which has now ended with more 60ml of rain which was much needed. During the week I have enjoyed exploring photo opportunities and been playing around with some editing tools. Lovely to have time to do these things without feeling guilty that you should be doing other tasks.
While it is surreal staying home and not being engaged in any activities beyond our boundary fences, there has been positives in getting more jobs done and the chance to phone friends you haven’t spoken to in a long time. As they say “‘We’re all in this together” and if we pull together then hopefully sooner rather than later we will get through to the other side.
Would love to hear your comments for survival during COVID-19.
Escape to the High Country... 
Your photographs are lovely! I am glad things are going well for you. We are fortunate here too, that our sixty-one acres provides plenty of space to connect with nature. Meanwhile, spring has arrived here so I’m busy planting garden, mowing and weeding. I haven’t been off the property in three weeks, other than to deliver eggs to a few neighbors along the street, leaving the eggs at their front doors. Forrest works from home now, so I keep outside to give him the quiet he needs. He stated he actually gets a lot more done working from home than he does at the office – no interruptions from drop-in personnel. We will take advantage of the “senior” hours offered at many stores now, since Forrest just turned sixty. Mostly, I can order online. We were prepared even before this started, since we entertain a lot during the year. I always have a good stock of dry goods and foods on hand. COVID-19 hasn’t affected us here at home much. Keep healthy, Lynn, and enjoy the silver lining nature offers.
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Glad are you doing well Lori. I think there will be a lot of rethinking what is normal after this is all over. We have allowed our lives to become so busy that we have crowded out that quiet and peace we need as humans. Like you, we are well prepared with plenty of food and in case of power outages can use our camping gear. But the crazy stockpiling of toilet paper was a problem.
We are doing on-line church from the comfort of our own home. We are saving money by staying home. Actually, I feel less stressed because of the lack of expectations upon me at present. I think about the early pioneers who founded our countries and imagine what life was like for them. Early to rise and early to bed, working hard and living simply. There was a routine to their lives without the complications of modern life. I am even thinking about baking hot cross buns for Easter. Haven’t done that in years! (As long as I get flour and yeast).
It is a cool, rainy Sunday morning here but the birds are enjoying it. I haven’t seen any kangaroos this morning. As you say nature offers a silver lining. Take care.
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Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed upon thee, because he trusts in thee. Isaiah 26:3
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It is time to be still…thank you for your words Ron. May your faith keep you sustained.
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Hi, I am grateful that I live in a small country town at this time when social distancing is not hard to achieve. I am also grateful that Castlemaine is surrounded by bushland so I am able to go on peaceful walks with Katie, my dog. I am not bored as there is always something to do. However, I do miss my social life, cultural activities, volunteer work and seeing family members who live in Melbourne. I will be glad WHEN THIS IS ALL OVER.
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Thank you for your comments, Margaret. While I am thankful for living where I do in the countryside with access to rivers and bush, it will be nice to get back to some normality. Other friends have said to us over the phone how they realise now how many activities they are involved in. I have family interstate that I cannot visit which is always a concern. Here’s to coming out the other side soon. Lynn
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