Life Under Lockdown
By Jabo
@jaboUK (64361)
United Kingdom
February 20, 2021 1:16pm CST
We have been under lockdown in England since just after Christmas, and for me personally it hasn't been too bad.
We are allowed to go out for one period of exercise per day and must stay in our local area - my daily walk doesn't take me far afield anyway.
We can only shop for essential goods but I've never been one to browse the shops. When I do go shopping I get enough food and supplies to last 10 days to a fortnight.
I have plenty to do at home - crosswords, sudoku, brainteasers, reading, and of course I spend a lot of time on my computer.
Though I'm not taking new guests for my room-renting business, I have two longterm people who have been with me since well before the lockdown. So of course I have housework to do and bed linen to change. (I had to tell my cleaning lady not to come
).
My expenses have gone down - I'm using my car very little, so no motoring costs. Also, I can't eat out so I'm saving on that too.
My son and daughter are allowed to visit me occasionally (with precautions) because as I'm in my 80s I'm regarded as 'vulnerable' (not a word I associate with myself!).
I know I'm lucky as there are lots of people adversely affected.
This is our 3rd lockdown since the virus raised its ugly head and it seems that we came out of the previous two much too soon. The virus spiked again as soon as we did that.
Let's hope this one gets the virus under control. it seems to be working at the moment with the number of Covid cases dropping daily.
It remains to be seen if it spikes again when we eventually do come out of lockdown.
).
My expenses have gone down - I'm using my car very little, so no motoring costs. Also, I can't eat out so I'm saving on that too.
My son and daughter are allowed to visit me occasionally (with precautions) because as I'm in my 80s I'm regarded as 'vulnerable' (not a word I associate with myself!).
I know I'm lucky as there are lots of people adversely affected.
This is our 3rd lockdown since the virus raised its ugly head and it seems that we came out of the previous two much too soon. The virus spiked again as soon as we did that.
Let's hope this one gets the virus under control. it seems to be working at the moment with the number of Covid cases dropping daily.
It remains to be seen if it spikes again when we eventually do come out of lockdown.40 people like this
38 responses
@xFiacre (12609)
• Ireland
20 Feb 21
@jabouk It is such a pain, but like you, I'm not terribly badly inconvenienced. I'm quite content really and am saving a bit of money with all the cafes, restaurants etc being closed. Our current lockdown started on Boxing Day and has just been extended until 1st April, although I stronly suspect that that will be further extended to prevent crowds milling about during the Easter holidays. I feel for those in worse positions.
8 people like this
@RasmaSandra (73570)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
21 Feb 21
That is one of the problems I have gotten so comfortable in my little apartment that now I have problems even thinking about venturing out for a walk, I do venture out on my little front porch though to make sure there is still a world out there
4 people like this
@jaboUK (64361)
• United Kingdom
21 Feb 21
@RasmaSandra Yes, it can't be healthy to be cooped up all the time. I find my walks invigorating even though they only last for 20 minutes or so.
2 people like this
@RasmaSandra (73570)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
21 Feb 21
@jaboUK I have some issues with anxiety so I was always a bit cautious venturing out but I did it now I don't will just have to force myself to put one foot in front of the other I know I need to get out
3 people like this
@DianneN (247098)
• United States
20 Feb 21
The vaccines should help. We are lucky to be able to walk freely in our neighborhood, since there is no congestion and lots of land. That's why we aren't in Florida. We haven't been inside a shop since last April. I don't mind being home at all. At least our younger son, who lives nearby, visits us frequently in our garage, masked up, and keeping distant. It's freezing cold, but we leave the garage doors opened and sit in front of electric heaters.
Like you, we don't drive much and got rid of a luxury car last summer. Why keep it? Lots of extra money in the bank and many investments. Covid has been good to us. After I receive my 2nd vaccine, we are going to visit our older son and the family - with masks. I need to see them desperately and also am dying to see their new house.
Stay safe!
5 people like this
@DianneN (247098)
• United States
20 Feb 21
@jaboUK Thanks. We are so cautious. Me so, more than my husband, but I Lysol everything he touches before he washes his hands. lol
We are hoping the vaccines start lowering the numbers everywhere and work well, even against the new strains. Fingers crossed.
3 people like this
@JimBo452020 (42629)
• United Kingdom
20 Feb 21
It will spike again when we are released from lockdown
Simply because people will have more contact with other people.
But I think we will all find out on Monday that most of the restrictions we would like lifted will not be lifted this side of Easter.
Lockdowns are ok.
Saved us a lot of money
We have plenty to do
Go shopping every day.
Shopping is where we can meet who we want.
Still see the neighbours.
Have a chat in the gardens
Entertain the kids and play with them
Work to do in garden
Hope camping sites are open in May
Other than that I don't care lol
5 people like this
@jaboUK (64361)
• United Kingdom
20 Feb 21
@JimBo452020 Are you still adamant that you won't have the vaccine? I've not heard about any dire consequences of having it.
3 people like this
@JimBo452020 (42629)
• United Kingdom
20 Feb 21
@jaboUK
And even then it won't be hospitality.
All the unvaccinated like me will congregate in pubs, pass the virus around
And then go shopping
So hospitality will not be properly open in Scotland until the vaccination program is complete.
3 people like this
@GardenGerty (157622)
• United States
21 Feb 21
We went back to work last August, but we have lots of precautions in the schools. We locked down last March through May or June. As you say, it really was not too bad.
3 people like this
@allknowing (130064)
• India
20 Feb 21
I hardly socialise and so this lockdown did not adversely affect me. I will be going out for the first time next Sunday to visit a few of my close friends and relatives, well protected.
3 people like this
@allknowing (130064)
• India
21 Feb 21
@jaboUK We cam move around but need to follow protocol
2 people like this
@rebelann (111224)
• El Paso, Texas
20 Feb 21
I think you're right about dropping the lockdown too soon but I can understand why they did that, the economy was suffering and people couldn't earn a living. Life is hard for many under those circumstances.
We both are lucky, we're of the strong and stubborn genetics which means we are probably much more cautious than they care to give us credit for.
3 people like this
@Juliaacv (48446)
• Canada
21 Feb 21
I have thought of you many times just this calendar year and worrying about your emotional and mental well being.
It sounds like it is a blessing that you have the longer tenants that are staying with you. They have to help to keep your home from being completely silent. That would drive me buggy.
We all hope for better days, enough vaccines for everyone to get theirs, and I am sure, in time, and this will happen.
Tie a knot on the end of your rope and hold on tight. 
3 people like this
@jaboUK (64361)
• United Kingdom
21 Feb 21
I've got a good grip on that rope, don't you worry Julia
.
The renting rooms business is doing so well, you wouldn't believe. In the 18 months that I've been doing it I've only been completely empty for 2 weeks. I've not had a problem with any of the guests and I've met some lovely people. A lot of them have come back to stay again too.
.
The renting rooms business is doing so well, you wouldn't believe. In the 18 months that I've been doing it I've only been completely empty for 2 weeks. I've not had a problem with any of the guests and I've met some lovely people. A lot of them have come back to stay again too.2 people like this
@JudyEv (326023)
• Rockingham, Australia
21 Feb 21
Your 'story' sounds much like ours although we have been able to keep the numbers under control more or less. Any lockdowns imposed on us haven't really affected us much. We have our 18 acres to wander round. We shopped about every 10 days. We would always run out of milk and we don't like the longlife stuff much.
3 people like this
@arunima25 (85442)
• Bangalore, India
20 Feb 21
Even I was not much affected by the lockdown. In fact I found few positive outcomes of it. I saved on my petrol prices and working from home has saved me from traffic and the stress from it. I am very happy being indoors and doing things. Even the lockdown is over here and things are almost normal, I prefer to stay indoors and enjoy rather than venturing out much.
3 people like this
@arunima25 (85442)
• Bangalore, India
21 Feb 21
@jaboUK Very true. That's a wise thing to do. The nasty virus is still lurking around and we can not undermine it.
1 person likes this
@LowRiderX (22907)
• Serbia
20 Feb 21
@jaboUK In your country, the situation is not at an enviable level, I follow what is happening on the news, but I am glad that you look at it all from another angle and you have not fallen mentally, which is very important ..
I like your flowers
3 people like this
@LowRiderX (22907)
• Serbia
20 Feb 21
@jaboUK Yes, I hope this madness has an end. You drew my attention because you have a beautifully landscaped yard
2 people like this
@jaboUK (64361)
• United Kingdom
21 Feb 21
@LowRiderX Thyank you. It's not beautiful at the moment - I don't bother with it in the winter.
1 person likes this
@stephcjh (38473)
• United States
21 Feb 21
@jaboUK I agree. I always wanted to work from home when I was working in the actual workplace. I do work from home now on my own with other websites I am joined with but I work from home now due to health issues also. I enjoy working from home but do not make as much as I did working outside of the home but my husband works full time and he is the actual bread winner but my money helps us a lot with some bills and the extras too so I am happy and content at home.
1 person likes this
@LadyDuck (458583)
• Switzerland
21 Feb 21
We are also still in lockdown and we have exactly the same rules.
We are fine, we can go out for our daily walk, we can go out to buy essential goods and we have many different hobbies that keep us busy. The next week we will know if they will ease the lockdown or not.
1 person likes this
@GreatMartin (23676)
• Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
21 Feb 21
We have been on lockdown for 11 months but I agree it isn't too bad--though I miss the legit theatre, movies and eating out I have plenty to do otherwise--besides I love my own company!!
2 people like this
@Hannihar (129491)
• Israel
21 Feb 21
@jaboUK
I am sorry I do not know the numbers now. When I walk around I see so many not doing the right thing so I am not sure what will help it here. I had the 1st vaccine and will get the other but people still do not do what they should do so I have no idea what will work and help. That is how I feel.
1 person likes this
