Spain in lockdown - Day 14

Well, here we are after two weeks and half way through......as far as we know because I suspect this will change.  However, for now we are officially 50% there which is something of a milestone.  

And to help us celebrate the weather was....well.....it was rubbish 😦 we awoke to pouring rain - which was nice.  To be fair it dried up by lunchtime but the weather remained pretty meh!  

Today saw me in full flight teacher mode, setting up online classrooms and inviting my students into them.  The setting up takes a bit of time and whiled away a happy hour or three but was very satisfying and a reminder of life as it was until two weeks ago.  

Both of us used the running machine today which is fast turning into one of our most useful and timely purchases ever.  We bought it just before Christmas and we got a reasonable one, with various programmes and extras, vowing that we would both use it.  And we did.  But now we are both using it daily and it really is a godsend, especially as, unlike in the UK, we are not allowed to go outside our homes for any exercise.  Having a dog does help and we've all laughed about exhausted dogs who are getting more walks than ever before but the reality is that there is now a general police ruling here that you can only go 50m from your home to walk your dog.  The central government says 400m and they are 'top dog' (sorry, couldn't resist!) but are you really going to argue with a Spanish police officer?!  No, me neither!  They've stopped a number of people walking their dogs and told them to go home.  My first encounter came today when crossing the road to the nearest grass (more than 50m) which is the only place our two will do their business.  We spoke in Spanish and he was polite but firm that I could indeed take them there but must be sure to return straight home.  And you can be sure that I did just that! 😳

We've spent an exciting Saturday night watching a movie and reading.  Oh and doing the 8pm applause for key workers 👏 which goes without saying now.  The UK really should do it every night too, and not just on the proposed Thursdays.  The police now do a regular drive through of the main streets with their blues and twos at the same time and the noise levels from the surrounding balconies and roof terraces goes right up when they make their appearance.  We all call and wave across to neighbours and then all vanish back into our homes until the next night.  But it's a good way to account for people.  One couple opposite are quite elderly and we're always very pleased to see them out on their balcony and joining in. 

We are making regular video calls to our family as well as receiving a lot of messages from friends in the UK.  Quite a few are becoming quite frightened by what they see developing and the news coverage isn't helping as the reality of this pandemic sinks in.  But it's important that we all obey the guidelines as this is the only way we can get through this.  And we will.  Stay safe everyone.  Hasta luego!

Spain in lockdown - Day 13

So not only Prince Charles but Boris Johnson and his Health Secretary have caught Covid-19 - didn't see that one coming I must admit!   Here in Spain, the closest it's got to people like that are the wife of the Prime Minister and the deputy Prime Minister.  I really hope that this news has made people pause for thought though.  This situation is serious and maybe now, those who weren't taking it seriously before will do so, fingers crossed!

Gents - this many not be of interest so feel free to skip this part but - how is everyone doing on the hair and beauty front?  My hair is layered and I also have a fringe and as luck would have it (not!), I needed at the very least the fringe done just when the lockdown started.  Sooooo.... I've had to trim my fringe myself.  At my age I couldn't afford to get it wrong and risk looking like someone from the deep South of the Yoonited States in the 1970's so have gingerly chipped away at it and I think it's all good.  Having said that, one of the first things I will do once this is over is book to get my hair cut.  But at least I don't colour my hair.  I know that this is a big issue for many women and, quite possibly, men (just think Philip Schofield or John Barrowman before they went silver fox).  And make up - ok, I've never worn much but I'm continuing to 'do' my face.  Even walking the dogs with hardly anyone about, I simply refuse to not present myself as me and I have not once slobbed about the house in my pj's (which would be interesting as I don't have any 😳).    It's important to maintain a sense of self whilst the world around us is in chaos and coronavirus is not going to turn me into someone who doesn't care about my appearance.  And I don't think that's shallow.  Perhaps in these times of uncertainty and anxiety (as I reflected on yesterday) we should do everything possible to look after ourselves and feel as good as possible.  I can't do anything about the lockdown but I certainly can do something about still looking and feeling like me.

Today was an hour long online Fit Training class with my gym instructor followed by another few kilometres on the running machine.  Ian then took a car trip to Lidl for a proper shop.  I was quite envious of him going on such an adventure as I haven't seen outside a couple of blocks from our house for two weeks.  The result of his efforts was pretty successful until I unpacked some pork he'd bought.  I asked him why he'd bought slices of pig's head  😱 - he really does have to learn some basic Spanish 😂   

And today my pleas of yesterday were answered as we had sunshine and blue skies (if a little breezy) which was lovely.  We sat on the roof terrace with tea and lemon cake (the result of my efforts at domestic goddessing yesterday) and it was wonderful.  Determined to keep my domesticated credentials at an all time high, I did a gardening session with Ian, re-potting the 'babies' from various succulents and cacti.  

I then did my third webinar of the week learning more about various platforms for teaching online and setting up virtual classrooms etc.  Cue a happy hour or so afterwards working on that in the hopes that I can at least provide some continuity for some of my students.  I really look forward to school starting again sometime but I fear it will almost be the end of term by the time it does.  In fact at the moment I can't see the lockdown here finishing on the extended date of 12 April but....we shall see soon enough.

I hope everyone is keeping well and managing to keep smiling.  Stay safe and hasta pronto!

Spain in lockdown - Day 12

How's it going for everyone?  I've been reflecting on this strange situation we all find ourselves in and can't help but think that those of us who grew up in the 60's, 70's and 80's might be better equipped to deal with lockdown than the millennials ie. those who grew up in the 90's, 00's and 10's.  A sweeping statement and of course it's a big generalisation but bear with me.  When I grew up, we spent hours playing on our own either in the garden, building dens, making up stories, reading.  There were 3 or maybe 4 TV channels, VHS (or Beta, remember them?!) tapes that you had to treat with care and vinyl or cassette tapes for pre-recorded music. Does anyone remember listening to the Chart Show on a Sunday evening with a blank cassette tape primed and ready, recording the tracks you liked as they came up? 🎧  And a pencil was a necessary part of the kit....😂 Anyway....boredom was a natural part of the deal and you made your own entertainment.  Does this give us an advantage?  Society has changed with entertainment on tap via hundreds of TV channels and internet platforms, easy access to any music, online games..... the list is endless.  But of course we are all staying connected and entertained by the very medium that allows all of this - the internet.  As a friend said to me (via WhatsApp!) "Isn't the internet the best thing ever?"  I think she might be right.

Some people I know have spoken of feeling anxious during these challenging times due to changes in financial circumstances, worry for a loved one who may be vulnerable, fear of their own health, fear of isolation - the list is endless.  But anxiety, as a result of fear, is a word that keeps popping up.  Stay in touch with people, reassure, support.  A friend of mine makes wonderful little paintings on stones and I have quite a few tucked in amongst my plants.  This is one that I think should resonate with a lot of people, it certainly does with me 😍

Today I started with an online Tabata class for an hour with my gym instructor.  My husband joined me and managed to survive his first ever class, bless him!  One of our dogs watched from a safe distance but the other got very excited and tried to join in which was an entertaining distraction but both we, and the dog, survived.  As I was in the exercise mood I then took to the running machine and did a cheeky 3km run on that.  Feeling virtuous I got changed in time to take the dogs for their lunch time toilet walk in some quite serious rain - oh joy 😒 Still, it was nice to get out in the fresh air.

This afternoon I attended another webinar for teachers - it's great to keep learning professionally.  As I've said, the internet can be used for such positive things and the opportunity to learn and study online is not to be missed - have a browse and see what's out there!

In line with my newly acquired domestic goddess status, this afternoon I also baked a cake using one of the lemons we grew on our little lemon tree this year.  On a grey, wet, miserable day like today it has gone down very nicely with a cup of tea I can tell you.  As a result my husband is currently wondering where his wife is and what someone has done with her.  

Tonight's applause for key workers at 8pm saw two police cars with blues and twos on, driving round the Port which was lovely.  Personally I'm still waiting for them to pull up, jump out and sing and dance for us like they did in Algaida (near Palma) in the video that went viral but maybe I'm just being demanding.

We ended the day by watching a film and keeping warm with the gas fire on.  The rest of March is forecast to be pretty chilly by Mallorca standards and it's looking none too sunny into April either although at least the temperatures are going up then.  Ah well, something to look forward to.

Stay safe and hasta pronto! 😎

Spain in lockdown - Day 11

Well we're still here, still talking to each other (always a bonus!) and still keeping busy.  It's important to have some sort of structure to the day and we are careful to get up at our normal time, shower, get dressed and take the dogs on their morning toilet walk.  Admittedly the dogs help because they need us to take them out, but only one of us can do so and yet we both make sure we're up and ready to face the day.  It's definitely a good idea to keep these little normal routines going as it helps remind you of life before the restrictions.  And it won't be such a shock when the lockdown ends - and it will, we just have to unite and see it through.

Today I was giddy with excitement as a trip to the big Eroski was necessary and currently supermarket trips are something to look forward to, even lugging the bags back home.  All was calm, no queue necessary, plastic gloves, most things available.  Frozen veg and imported frozen items plus a few refrigerated items are in short supply but that's all.  The cashiers are very strict and only allow one person's items on the conveyer belt at a time and woe betide you if you step inside the marked lines on the floor.  

Today I did some colouring.  I know this is all the rage but although I enjoy art I've just never had time to try it but there are some lovely pictures to colour in one of the activity books that my eldest daughter sent me for Mother's Day.  So I rummaged around, found some coloured pencils and off I went and I'm quite proud of the result - it's a snail on a snazzy mushroom.  Oh come on, cut me some slack, it is day 11 after all!

After lunch I continued my domestic goddessing and tackled our shelving unit where we keep some DVDs but more importantly, our collection of vinyl.  Everything was emptied out, unit moved and cleaned behind and under and then replaced.  I had a blast if I'm honest, looking at lots of the albums and singles and with all sorts of memories attached to them. 

Music has always been my 'thing' and doing the show on English Radio Pollensa is such a joy and I miss doing it.  But I've now reminded myself of some brilliant tracks for future shows so - result! 🎶 🎧

Another activity today was a webinar about online teaching run by Trinity College and exam board in London.  For one hour I took part, making notes and learning some really useful stuff.  There's another on Friday about online teaching tools and I might attend one tomorrow too (well, I think my diary is free 😂 ) about online breakout rooms, which given our current restrictions appeals to my rather warped sense of humour.... think about it.....there you go, you got it!

I really HAVE to find the time to do more work on my Spanish in the next couple of days.  Currently I'm filling my time rather too well and I didn't even do any exercise today, near mind the Spanish.  Before the lockdown I used to meet a Spanish friend once a week for a chat in Spanish for 30 minutes and then English.  It's a brilliant way to become proficient.  And I also miss my Spanish classes via the town hall.  So my efforts tomorrow will focus on an exercise class and Spanish.  Let's see if I manage to do it!

If you're in the UK, I hope you're settling into some sort of routine in these strange times.  I see that the call for NHS volunteers has been phenomenal which is brilliant!  If we pull together we can do this! 💪 Hasta mañana!

Spain in lockdown - Day 10

So we made it into double figures and are totally nailing this ✊ mornings are generally housework and exercise.  Afternoons are more leisurely.  But I just don't have enough time to do all the things I have lined up to keep me busy which is rather a nice feeling with three more weeks stretching before us.  Everything here continues to work very well, police are ever present, shops are pretty well stocked and more or less everyone seems to obey the rules.  I have seen that this might not be the case in the UK though and it seems quite a lot of people are very worried, angry and frightened by this.  We will have to see how things develop there but I don't think we've heard the last of changing UK lifestyle regulations somehow.

Today was much colder and very windy, in fact the wind was so noisy it woke me during the night.  The weather isn't being particularly cheering to us all during this lockdown but then again it could be said that the lovely weather in the UK isn't helping people to stay in so perhaps we should do a swap.  Some of the photos I've seen of the UK at the moment are glorious.  Today was also the day that my middle daughter was due to come out for nearly a week 😞 mind you, she'd have had pretty rubbish weather here and hopes to come instead in July over her birthday IF things are back to normal by then.  We can but hope.  The news that the Olympics has been postponed, whilst unsurprising, really has brought home how international this whole situation is.  

This morning I nailed the exercise effort with one hour of a weights class online and then a 35 minute run on the running machine.  If I'm not next level fitness at the end of this, there ain't no justice!  And during the run I listened to music so all in all I had a pretty good morning.  

The lunchtime dog walk was cold, solitary and blustery.  But I really enjoyed it.  I've got used to the deserted seafront and restaurants.  The tractor is out working on the beach down from the Stay restaurant every day, clearing the sand etc as usual at this time of year and it's a symbol of hope that things will return to normal despite the tapes around the forlorn and deserted children's play area.

After lunch I played with technology trying to see if the radio show I do with Graham every Saturday could go ahead this coming weekend via Facebook but due to various issues, it isn't possible sadly.  But it was good fun for a brief while and by the time this was done the afternoon was as good as over.  Cue my continuing development as a domestic goddess - I informed a startled Ian that I would cook this evening (he's the cook in this house, mainly because I work 4 afternoon/evenings a week normally).  I made a rather tasty - if I say so myself -  chicken and vegetable pie topped with mashed potato with a touch of grated cheese.  I got a big thumbs up from him but I think Ian's domestic god crown is safe long term if I'm honest.

We watched a bit of TV this evening and, of course, joined in the applause for the key workers at 8pm with our little dog Alfie barking along as he always does.  This evening a police car came slowly down our street just in time to meet a youth on one of those electric scooters coming out a side street.  Cue cheers from all the onlookers as they questioned him as to why he was out.  They let him go with no fine so clearly he passed muster.  The town hall has also now started spraying disinfectant through the streets from a trailer spray doodah towed behind a tractor in the evenings.  That should certainly discourage anyone from a sneaky evening stroll even if they were willing to risk the police 😳

I really hope that anyone reading this in the UK has found the first day under the new rules ok.  Embrace it for what it is, relax into it, abide by the rules and save lives.  Ironically, despite the isolation of all this, we have never needed each other more.  Stay safe.  Hasta luego!

Spain in lockdown - Day 9

Nearly into double figures now and life has now settled into a kind of routine.  It's surprising how quickly we've got used to this new 'normal'.  Being able to just go out and do the simple things such as have a coffee, buy something other than food or toiletries, have a beer/wine and a chat - everything that is now denied us seems so recent and yet so long ago.  And the prospect of doing it again seems so far off that I'm not sure how we'll all respond when the lockdown lifts.  Will we all rush out to make merry or sit like stunned sheep trying to remember how?  We will see.

Today started with plenty of exercise with weights and then a session on the running machine, so much so that this together with a couple of dog toilet walks means I've done nearly 8,000 steps today despite the lockdown.  Result!  Then we sat in the sun on the roof terrace, read and listened to the radio.  It's the simple things 😎  

Today whilst doing the dogs' lunchtime toilet walk I rather enjoyed my solitary journey from our home to the grass at the car park next to the marina.  As I stood waiting for our temperamental Tally to find the perfect place, moment, wind speed, wind direction and angle of the sun to do her number twos 💩 I noticed all the lovely flowers that have now appeared when normally they don't because too many people trample over them and they don't stand a chance.  As we have seen elsewhere it seems that, given the chance, Mother Nature bursts forth when humans back off.  As I say, it's the simple things......

This afternoon was games and binge-watching The Killing and I am proud to announce that we have lost our box set virginity by finishing the first series (three more to go - where will we find the time 😂).  Also more housework and I am rapidly becoming the domestic goddess - well sort of - I always knew was in there somewhere, ahem!  If I see dust, it's gone.  If I see a smear, it's wiped.  The novelty factor will fade by about the third week I suspect, but for now it's all good.  Ian meanwhile, as the usual cook in our home, is producing a great meal each evening.  If we need to do food shopping we take it in turns; Ian went to the big Eroski today and returned quite giddy from having joined a small queue waiting to enter (Monday morning rush) as it was more people in one place than he'd seen in a week.

As I write, Boris has just made his announcement that the UK is finally in lockdown although exercise is allowed outside the home once a day unlike here, so now I have lockdown envy!  It does seem a little Lockdown Lite but let's see what happens next.  It strikes me it will be hard to police and that people will take advantage of that.  There are plenty of police here, with military to back them up but sadly there just aren't enough police in the UK.  What strange times we are currently living in.  One day this will be the stuff of major historical events but what makes it so extraordinary is that it is history that will apply to most of the countries in the whole world, more so even than the World Wars.  Very thought provoking.....

Take care wherever you are and stay safe.  Hasta pronto!

Spain in lockdown - Day 8

Happy Mother's Day (where applicable!).  Well it's been widely reported that the lockdown here is to be extended for 15 days until 12 April.  It still has to be ratified by the government but I can't see that this will change.  So we have a further three weeks to go but it isn't a problem and frankly I'd have been astonished if this had been different.  And staying in has become the new norm.  So many worse things could happen to us that this really doesn't seem to be the worst thing in the world.  It's important to stay as positive as we can, keep busy and stay connected with people via the internet, social media, video calls, calling across to neighbours - whatever it takes.  

Today started with a video call from my eldest daughter to wish me a Happy Mother's Day which was lovely.  She had sent me a really thoughtful gift via Amazon of two activity books filled with word searches, crosswords, things to colour, logic puzzles, the list is endless! - one of them a little irreverent shall we say 😝😂 but I've started to use them already and they will certainly help to fill some time. 

Today's weather is grey, slightly thundery and wet - just what we need to lift our spirits  - not!  And to rub it in, it seems as if the weather in the UK is just glorious with blue skies and sunshine.  Of course the problem with that is that people are tempted to go out and make the most of it, and it seems many are just not taking the advice regarding social distancing etc seriously thereby frightening those people who are more vulnerable.  We've also seen photos of horrendous queues mainly outside Tescos branches for some reason - it would seem that it's not so much 'every little helps' as 'everything I can lay my hands on helps'.  There's plenty in the shops to buy here and no queues.  Just sayin'.........

As a Sunday treat we binge watched 5 episodes of The Killing box set.  Only 6 more to finish Season 1 😳  It's certainly good entertainment and helped time fly by but I still have no idea how anyone finds time to watch box sets in normal circumstances!  Mind you, with three more weeks ahead of us it seems it's something we're going to get used to quite soon.

I spoke via video call to each of my children (plus my granddaughter) today and then they all rang me at once so cue mayhem and general lunacy as we played with the camera effects.  WiFi and social media really are a godsend during these strange and challenging times.

So, after one week in lockdown, what have we learned so far?

• dogs are very useful in the event of lockdowns - walkies! 🐕 💩
• there are only so many times you can clean an apartment
• I'm improving at Sudoku
• exercise sessions on roof terraces are THE place to be seen
• lockdowns are a good chance to use up toiletries that hang about in the bathroom such as conditioner or shampoo that you don't much like - after all, who's going to see you?!
• our neighbours opposite on the first floor are party animals
• did I mention there are only so many times you can clean an apartment?
• music lifts the spirits
• the 8pm applause session is the new 'going out'

Hope all is well with you and yours - hasta mañana!