Hello. How are you? I just thought I’d check in and say hi. I wasn’t sure whether to write a blog post or not, given the situation we all find ourselves in. But I thought it was worthwhile to try and retain some normality, to keep calm and carry on blogging. So much has changed again since my last post. The sheer scale of what we are faced with seems overwhelming. We will all be having our own unique experience right now and coping in our own individual ways . All I can do here is share mine and it basically boils down to cake and compost.
The new norm
As things stand at the moment, my other half is now at home, on furlough. With no football to watch, he now has time to do all those jobs around the house. Every cloud has a silver lining, I guess !
I’m classified as a keyworker, so work is continuing as ‘normal’ for me. I work in industry and social distancing in a team environment is a real challenge. Those that can work from home do. But for those of us who still need to go on site, all daily meetings have been cancelled. Breaks are staggered and temperatures are checked twice a day.
In recent days, the shift pattern has now also changed, which means I no longer work Fridays. I can now stay at home to enjoy a longer weekend. It’s been quite an intense and stressful time. I’ve witnessed the full range of human emotions from team spirit and positivity to anxiety, frustration and anger. If I’ve learnt anything this week, it’s that us human beings are incredibly resilient and hugely adaptable. I find strength and hope in that.
In need of compost
As you probably know by now, I take comfort in my little garden and I know many of you do the same. As I’ve been busy sowing seeds, I did panic a little at the thought of running out of compost. All the garden centres are closed. And I didn’t relish the thought of queueing for it at any of the larger supermarkets. And while I fully appreciate compost is not essential, it’s pretty high up on the list for me ! Thankfully my local hardware store has come to the rescue and delivered some bags to our door this morning. It was all paid for over the phone and no contact required. The store has been going since 1962 and I’m sure it will survive this crisis too.
And comforted by cake
The other little luxury helping me through this is cake ! I’ve a sweet tooth but my hubby keeps forgetting to order anything sweet in our online grocery shop. A local bakery, Belfast Bakehouse, has set up a delivery service. And so I made use of that during the week to order some sourdough bread, lemon drizzle cake and sticky toffee pudding. It was the highlight of my week when that box of homemade loveliness was waiting for me when I got home. It’s at times like these too when I think our local businesses can make a big contribution to the communities they operate in. And I try to support them whenever I can.
Who knew little things like compost and cake would become such luxuries?
As always, I’ll leave you with a few shots from the garden. With my supply of compost and cake, I’ll be happy to potter here for as long as it takes.
Thanks for stopping by. Stay safe and enjoy a restful Sunday.
Paula
Daffodils bringing a welcome ray of sunshine, delicate little alpines and pops of vibrant blue from the periwinkle.
Useful Links
Other posts from Typewriter Girl to enjoy:-
Hi Paula I’ve just come back to bed with coffee and was reading your lovely blog post and drooling a bit over the thought of lemon drizzle cake when up popped my name and soap! What a lovely surprise and thankyou so much for sharing! I do agree whole heartedly about the compost necessity and I was glad I ordered a delivery back in Feb otherwise I would never have been able to get our poly tunnel going this year. I hope you managed to get some seeds? I have some extra for flowers and veggies if you would like me to pop some in the post? Keep well and keep blogging
Gwen x
>
Hi Gwen…more than happy to give you a mention. Your products are lovely after all ! I do appreciate your gesture of seeds…I’d be happy to accept them so long as you can spare them 🙂
Such lovely garden shots! Thank goodness for our gardens. Stay safe and healthy. Its amazing, no matter where we live the situation is relatable. 💗
Oh thank you Lisa. I agree we are all sharing the same experience. How are you ? How are things where you live ?
Things here mirror where you are. I have been enjoying little treats like you. I am working from home, very thankful to still be working. Be safe out there since you are going out every day for work. 💗🌿
I know what you mean about little luxuries. I have been thinking that I could do with some compost as have some empty garden tubs outside, but have found some seeds. I even tried baking recently. Made some terrible brownies made with cacoa powder and coconut oil ( found at the back of the cupboard) , would much prefer a delivery of lemon drizzle. 🙂 X
That lemon drizzle cake is almost finished ! I’m so greedy…lol 🙂
A lovely encouraging write as always. Thank you and do be safe 🌷
Oh …thank you so much. I do appreciate your kind comments 🙂
Glad to read that you’re doing okay. Your flower shots are lovely!
Ah thank you very much. And how are you doing ?
I’m okay, but wishing I had already purchased more pots, plants, and soil for gardening on my new balcony. I’m taking care of what I have and trying to stay safe for future growing!
Absolutely…best thing is to stay safe and enjoy what you have. Stay safe x
Going to work “as normal” is very challenging on you and you have my sympathies. I have contact with friends who are nurses and my son is a pharmacist and I find it upsetting to think of them going out everyday.
We have been confined to home for just over three weeks now but, thankfully, have the garden as an outlet and pastime. The need for something sweet came to me during the week – and flour seems to be in short supply at the supermarket so they have not delivered in the past few weeks – so I made a batch of oatmeal cookies and devoured them.
Keep safe and well and continue to blog and enjoy the garden.
Ah thank you so much…I always thought gardens were essential for our wellbeing..and never more so than now. Do look after yourself.
Lovely photos. I think the pandemic and lockdown have taught us all just how much we took for granted before, and life is hard enough right now without denying ourselves a little treat now and again, I’m sure small and local businesses appreciate your support. Take care. X
Totally agree…I just hope we remember those sentiments when we eventually return to some sort of normal. Stay safe x
Lovely post…glad you are staying safe and getting to enjoy some sweet treats!!
Thank you chum. Only a few days before we close for Easter x
Such wonderful photos! I love the way you use the light and focus to draw our attention to different details, because there is such beauty in the details. I have also been enjoying little treats while supporting local businesses, like donuts from Wholly Grounds Coffeehouse.
Oh thank you so much for your kind comments. I agree..beauty can be found in all the little details if only we take time to notice. I’m sure those donuts tasted good !
Really hope you can stay safe Paula. I have been asked to go back in to work for a couple of days next week but will be safe as I have the lab to myself. Take care and enjoy your much needed garden. 💕
Thank you chum. I’m off now for Easter so really looking forward to a relaxing break. I cant actually believe it is Easter…the weeks just seem to pass in a blur ! Hope you are well x
I can’t believe it is Easter either. And the weather suddenly got warm after a cold March too. Doing ok here thank you. X
A lovely post Paula, showing how small things are really big things!
Thank you Andrea…how are you ?
Not bad at the moment thanks Paula.
This is a great post. Hoping everyone is staying safe. Hang in there .
Thank you very much. Yes hopefully the end is now in sight !