I’ve really had enough of it. I want to reach out and hug everyone I see these days. Social distancing is good for introverts and hermits. I like my quiet alone time but being connected helps me feel fully alive.
I went to see my therapist this week and we were the only people in the building. We gave ((air hugs)) instead of a real one. I go so I can say stuff that makes her laugh out loud. She has a contagious laugh and I go home feeling so much better.
This week has been a lesson in social distancing for others as well. When arriving home from my outing to the grocery store at 7:00 in the dark a.m. and seeing my friendly shrink, I just made it into my driveway before all access was blocked. It seems I’m about to have a new neighbor.
Approximately three years ago, the hillside across the street gave way enough that the resident was forced to remove her home from the lot and move elsewhere until the hillside could be shored up. I was hoping they would do something lovely with the space but as you know, space is money. You can see it here
I put away my few groceries and walked out on my porch to meet this lovely older couple who are downsizing. Her sister already lives here in this park so they bought this house that was designed to fit that smaller lot. It’s brand new with it’s own little front porch. They seem very nice and I offered them my porch to sit on while they watched their home come down the road in two pieces.
It all happens very quickly or very slowly, depending on your perception. By days end, the two sides had been rolled together and today they are working hard to join the roof line and make it weather tight. It’s our last dry day. I heard lots of shouting as the remote-controlled tractor pushed and pulled the house into place about all the help not being six feet apart. The men moved away from each other but as the work progressed, there were inches, not feet between them. They did try but being outside with a good breeze, damp and cold air, maybe they will all be OK. It turns out some of the men were family and lived together anyway so they stayed away from those that were not family. Today I saw one worker wearing a mask. Was it to stay well or because he was trying to avoid the sawdust flying?
I suggested to my new neighbors that we could shake hands when the world was a little more normal again but, in the meantime, they could sit in my chairs and place them wherever needed to get a good view and good photos. We may not end up as great friends but we can be good neighbors even if we have to keep our social distance for now.
I’ll take some pumpkin bread over when they get moved in at the end of next week. In the meantime, sewing isn’t getting done because I’m being entertained by people working! Unlike my friend Cathy at NanaCathy2 in the UK, the movers for my new neighbors are going to be allowed to come and do their job of shifting furniture from one place to another. I’m off to the window again to see the progress.
How are you doing with social distancing?
Today, as I learn to be gentle with myself, I find there’s no need to do anything. But breathe.~ Pam Grout WP
From my heart to yours,
Marlene Herself
Comments on: "Social Distancing?" (77)
Amazing isn’t it? Just like a model airplane kit! I am happy you have nice new neighbours. We are going to put a bench out on our front lawn so our neighbours can come and sit and still connect without coming in and risking their health.
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I was very careful at all times to keep my distance from everyone while still being neighborly. These homes are put together in a factory so they are all very similar. I’m grateful to have my very own box to live in and park all my books and stuff in. Every minute of every day, I’m grateful. Things could be worse. I’m expecting them to get better.
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A beautiful outlook, Marlene. Expect things to get better! I have just added that seat in the front garden. I used an older bench seat I had from my old house. It’s come in handy.
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Change is always a bit painful, but change must happen so we just hope it’s always getting better. Glad to hear you got your bench out. It will be interesting to see what happens. Sending virtual hugs. 😉
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I will keep you updated! Have a lovely weekend. Have you got more sewing planned?
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Worked on a quilt most of the day. Borders tomorrow then on it goes to someone else for the rest. I have several of my own on the work table. Those I finish completely.
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A progressive quilt-a0long. How wonderful. Co-operative collegiality at it best.
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I am very relieved to now understand that your IG post did not foretell of noisy neighbours moving in with their tractors – but that the vehicles are just doing the moving in 🙂 We don’t call it ‘social distancing’ here because it is very important to remain social at this time. It is simply referred to as ‘physical distancing’. Today my daughter told a better phrase to use rather than ;lockdown’ too, penned by one of her company’s authors I believe – but right now I can’t remember what it is………. Isn’t that typical! 🙂 I’ll leave another comment when my memory kicks in again. Don’t hold your breath 😀
A couple of my neighbours and I had a catch up outside my place today, one outside his cottage gate which is the house next to mine, me in my carport entranceway and the third on the other side of the street and a door down. It was quite a loud conversation and necessarily not in much depth – but fun!
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They shifted from ‘sheltering in place’ to ‘lockdown’ when they started getting stricter about the rules. A neighbor told me yesterday as we spoke 6′ apart, that they were issuing $1200 tickets to people fishing in a boat without 6′ between them! He’s decided it’s not worth the bother. I try to keep an eye on most of my neighbors as many are elderly and not well. It doesn’t take much to pass on a smile and a wave.. I’m still trying to figure out how to do Instagram and get good photos on there. Sigh.. It’s on the list. Hugs. Keep yelling to the neighbors, It’s good for everyone. 😉
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Love this post! It’s a great reminder that wonderful new things can follow disasters. Best of luck to your new neighbors.
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Thanks so much, Barb. Like I said, I don’t expect we will be great friends but we can be good neighbors. I’m just happy not to see any big diesel trucks in their driveway.
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Further to my earlier comment re ‘lockdown’ ‘The great pause’. I like that very much!
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Exactly. The Great Pause.
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I hope that when we finally move our new neighbours are as kind to us as you are to yours.
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I am just hoping that somehow you get moved. There were complaints from some of the neighbors about the workers being too close together. These guys are grown ups and know what they are doing. They go home and probably fall into bed after working so hard. I hope you have good neighbors too. Keep us posted. Hugs
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I also like ‘sheltering in place’ as an alternative to lockdown, I think it communicates the safety aspect of the process very well, in addition to implying that home is a refuge, not a prison. How lovely to have nice new neighbours and the fascination and fun of following their installation. Perhaps also we should develop a new habit of giving ourselves a hug when facing a friend we wish we could hug. That way, everyone benefits and the emotion is expressed.
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I love that idea of giving yourself a hug if you can’t hug someone else! I agree that lockdown has a negative connotation. You have it exactly right. My home is a haven and a refuge. I’m being thoroughly entertained out there but the work in here calls me now. I can still peek out the window on occasion. They are working in the rain. ;( Poor guys. The neighbors need to be in next Thursday! The way they move these places always fascinates me.
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I enjoyed this post so much, Marlene. What I loved the most was your comment to Forestwood: “I’m grateful to have my very own box to live in and park all my books and stuff in. Every minute of every day, I’m grateful. Things could be worse. I’m expecting them to get better.” This is why we love you so much! Things will get better. Stay well!
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Thanks so much, Jill. Gratitude is the key to a happy life. What appears to someone as “less than” can appear to another as overwhelming abundance. Staying well and you and yours also. Catching up soon. 😉 Hugs (( ))
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happy for your new neighbors, i love your attitude!
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Thanks, Beth. Have a grand day. 🙂
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You are an awesome neighbor Marlene!
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Thank you, Cindy. I do my best. Hugs to you.
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Marlene, this must have been a welcome interlude to your day to day. I would have been nose to the window the whole time. It looks like a lovely new place and kind new neighbors. Just wait till they realize how lucky THEY are to have you as a neighbor. I’m glad you’ve been able to socialize from a distance. I did a bit of that yesterday and it felt great. xo
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Yes Alys, it was a welcome diversion. I’ve been watching these guys work in the rain all morning from the sewing room. Been getting a bit done with breaks for resting my back in between. I talk to anyone I see on those much needed walks from a safe distance. I am just no good at this cloistering thing. 😉 It’s always good to chat with real humans even from a bit of distance. I’m hoping it will be over soon. Keep taking care, all of you.
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It is good to keep connecting in person. I fully agree. xo
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I love the colour. I hope their good neighbours.
Your a great person.
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Thanks, kiddo. She doesn’t like it but got permission to paint the door red. They are nice enough for neighbors. She’s very tight with her sister too so they will spend a lot of time together with their husbands. I’m just neighborly. Keep well and safe and sending hugs.
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You are the dose of gratitude I needed today. thanks for reminding me about what is important in our little worlds. And boy has the world become littler with this “sheltering in place”. I will do what must be done to keep others safe and continue to keep my distance so that this thing goes away and we can resume normal life. We are snug in my tiny townhouse with 5 adults (3 daughters who for various reasons are still living at home) and a small dog. It is hard to find private space but so far we’re being civil with each other. 😉
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Oh my goodness, Susanne! 3 daughters living at home in a tiny townhouse! I salute you. I only have one daughter and she spends most of her time in her room working all day. No pets and we have ample space in my box house. 🙂 My daughter decided that even though we have pizza available in the freezer, we are ordering delivery and giving a good tip. Apparently, people are ordering and not tipping these kids. That only encourages bad karma. This is not the time to be stingy. I will keep happy thoughts for all of you. It’s been raining here all day so not outside walking but getting a bit of sewing done. How are you all managing? Thanks for stopping by. Sending virtual hugs ((( ))) 😉
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At least you have had some excitement in your neighborhood. The new neighbors will always think of your kindness. This social distancing thing is hard! But we can do it!
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Thanks, Luanne. We can do it because we have each other here. That helps me more than local friends. I hope the neighbors meet their deadline of being able to move in next Thursday. The workers say this is the fastest job they have ever had to do. Hope you are taking care there as well.
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How nice you had since special “entertainment” to pass the time today-and new neighbors too! Just realized you are now on Instagram! I am slow so it took me some times to figure it out. How you are doing ok? I wonder when we get some nice warm weather how much harder it will be to keep our social distance!
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Good to see you, Jan. I am a lucky person. I don’t know how to work Instagram yet so I’m more or less looking at other’s photos and comments. Eventually, I’ll find someone who knows how to do it. I’m doing great and also looking for a bit of warm here. But the rain won’t leave for months yet, I hope. My daughter won’t let me get close to anyone so I make the best of it here. I have all of you for company. 😉 Hope you are all well. Is your brother doing better?
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You’re on Instagram?! I’ll try to find you. And when I’m allowed to see you again, I’ll show you the few things that I know. 🙂
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I haven’t figure Instagram out yet. I see Pauline sometime and Alys. That’s why I tried it. 🙂 Look forward to learning more.
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I couldn’t find you. Email me your instagram name if you want, and I’ll make the connection.
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Penny Annie @seamsright8
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Today is our last day of rain which I’m grateful for. Although it does make it easier to stay in, doesn’t it? Looking forward to getting outside and doing a little yard work. Still taking walks pretty much daily. Thanks for asking about my brother, like us all he’s hanging in there. We are able to manage a brief phone conversation most days and that helps us both!
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It is nice to get a break in the rain. Got the weeds in front pulled and now working in the back. I walk usually 4-5 days a week standard. Occasionally more and rarely less. Put my whirlygigs in the yard tonight after all the weeds were gone in celebration of Easter. We don’t do Easter but I love the colors and the bunnies and candy.
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What more could you want for a day? New neighbors! Construction work! The possibility of new friends. Sounds pretty exciting, especially after my very calm, hardly leaving the house sort of week.
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I seem to get plenty of excitement in my life. Today’s excitement was watching the work from the sewing room window on occasion and walking to the mailbox with my daughter. She loves social distancing. Calm sounds pretty good compared to getting this awful virus. Keep taking care of yourself. Blogging and reading blogs keeps me from feeling like I’m in it alone. Thanks for the visit.
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I think I feel the same way. Learning how other people are doing it is interesting, too.
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Watching the neighbors’ doings is always entertaining! Hopefully, you’ll be able to properly meet them before too long.
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Thanks for the visit, Liz. I do hope things go well for them on their move in. It was an ugly sight before with just a fence all around the lot. Watching the progress is fun from my sewing room window. Does not photograph well through a window though. They should be good neighbors.
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Please keep us posted!
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Will do my best.
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Hey Marlene! I really appreciate your words, “learn to be gentle with myself.” What a great thing to remember, and learn. 🙏🏻
I’m making an effort to contact people and have actual conversations, rather than the quick texts that we send. My daughter and I FaceTimed yesterday. I had a glass of wine while she made potato salad. I asked how it tasted, and she said it needs…a chat we would often have in person.
Take care and stay safe and well, my friend!
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Thanks so much for stopping by, Missy. I’m lucky to have my daughter here and working from home. I’m not good with online chats. Writing is the way I communicate best. I’m not even great with phone calls because the words often disappear. ;( Now that you mention it, a glass of wine does sound really good. Thanks for the idea. 😉 Stay well too.
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Hi Marlene! Some days are fine and others seem like I’m in some kind of surreal dream. I have had to learn new technology and suddenly I’m a teacher online with a YouTube channel. That happened fast, and it’s not my comfort zone at all. School work is taking a lot of time, which I guess is a good thing. I dearly miss the children and the spontaneity of all that happens when we’re together. We don’t go back to school until at least May 4th, and so many plans are out the window. Remember our wonderful annual Art Show? Not this year. I had just started when everything came to a halt. But, I am well and don’t live in a crowed area, so social distancing is pretty (except at the grocery store.).
Aren’t these modular homes a wonder? My friend just had one put up. It was amazing to watch. I hope your new neighbors become friends, too. Stay well and stay safe. ❤️
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Thanks for stopping by, Jennie. It does feel like a surreal dream! Nightmarish, really. That’s a lot of time lost from school for children that are sponges. Sorry to hear about the art show. Those are important to the children. This is a neighborhood of extreme social distancing. I was looking for community and found the opposite. Most stay very much to themselves here. I’ll talk to everyone. I don’t talk about anyone. You stay well and be that matchstick. 😉
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The younger the child, the longer the time away from school will feel. When we get back to school, we’ll have crying children who have to adjust all over again, like they did in September. Yes, they will be so excited to see us and their classmates. Still, it will be hard for some. Our neighbors are walking distance, not waving distance. We keep in touch, and our pool is a welcome draw in the summer. We are all different ages, and it doesn’t matter at all. I will be that matchstick, Marlene. You, too. 🙂
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What an amazing thing to witness, Marlene! I’ve never seen the like before (prefabricated housing isn’t much of a thing here) – no wonder you can’t get any sewing done!! 😉 The social distancing is an awful but necessary thing these days, and I do get your wish to be able to hug everyone. At least your daughter is with you, that’s a very good thing, especially now. I decided to stay with my mum just shortly before the anticipated lockdown, so we can see this through together. And I’m so grateful for our WP friends now more than ever – our virtual relationships, that always felt very real to me, will help enormously!
I miss the kids in my pottery class though – school’s out until further notice, and I’m afraid I won’t see them again until the summer holidays after which they’ll change school.
Take good care, Marlene, and stay safe! Love, Sarah
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I am so glad you are staying with your mom until this is over. I’m sure she is happy with that arrangement. So many that work with young children are finding this hard and the kids are going to find it harder. I’m sure it will affect your income as well. That’s the hard part for everyone. There are over 500 prefabricated homes in this park. They work hard to keep it nice and not looking trashy. Most of us are low income so we don’t have a lot of funds for fixing up like other homeowners do since we lease the land the house is on. My mother had a triple wide (3 sections) on an acre we owned in Arizona. It was amazing to watch that one go in
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Yes, most people have to face a decrease in their income these days because of things that they can’t control. I’m still not sure if I’ll get my pay checks since I’m working as a self-employed artist at the school. I really hope I will… Take care and stay safe!
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I’ll keep good thoughts for that paycheck. Not good to lose that income. We are all going to have to get creative now.
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Just had news today that I’m out of my job from the 20th on, so no more paychecks in the near future… 😦 But there are more important things, like health and love, so I’ll try not to be too sad about it, and at least am living in a country where I can apply for unemployement payment, others aren’t so lucky.
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Thank you very much for this post and sharing your experiences! I have recently published an article on my blog about how social distancing is important but that it shouldn’t lead to emotional distancing. If you have time, it would be great if you could check it out and let me know your thoughts! Wishing you all the best during this difficult time 🙂
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Thank you for stopping by. I did stop by your post and left a comment. As a person that spends a great deal of time alone, I always find ways to connect with people if not in physical form. It’s been necessary for the last 10 years. I’m lucky to have my adult daughter living with me and working from home during this so I’m enjoying it immensely. 😉
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Thank you very much! All the best 🙂
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I am a happy introvert and an even happier hermit, so this isn’t all that much of a difference for me. Of course I say that with a house full of other humans, lol. My girls and husband hardly make my days lonely ones, and the hugs here haven’t stopped. 😉 Glad to hear you’re being entertained by neighborhood happenings. At least it’ll add some spice to your days! 😉
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It must be hard to be an introvert with a house full. 😉 My daughter is here but she is working an eight hour day so I work harder to be quiet so she can do her conference calls and spreadsheets that take a great deal of concentration. She says she gets more done in a shorter period of time without all the interruptions of coworkers. 😉 Keep hugging that family and stay well. Thanks for stopping by, Melinda.
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I think the social distancing, and the staying at home has been a boon to pets. My dog is part Australian cattle dog. He seems pleased that everyone in his herd is all in one place. The cat also sees an advantage, more opportunities to beg for meals ( we have a board in the kitchen that notes when the animals were fed). Being that I go outside to my greenhouse/workshop they take the opportunity to “patrol” the area around the pond and garden more frequently. They have it pretty good.
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I can see that your pets are fully enjoying this wonderful opportunity. I see a silver lining in every cloud. Looks like you have as well. I get out in the neighborhood to see those that are walking their dogs just to get out for a bit. That’s where I can get my fuzzy lovin. Thanks for stopping by, Lou.
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Hi Marlene. Thanks for inviting me to your neighbor. Your new neighbors are so lucky – they have YOU. I AM an introvert, so the social distancing seems to be a bit of a relief for me. Weird, huh? But I talk to our neighbors six feet apart (but I can’t help it, I still pet neighbors’ dogs, then rush home and wash hands). Lots of phone calls (I’m not comfortable with phone talk) and dozens and dozens of e-mails form friends and family. They’re easier for me – I just “speak” easier with my written words.
I love how you make your therapist laugh. And yes, there’s something so satisfying in causing someone we like to laugh. Good medicine. (Maybe she should be paying YOU). 🙂
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Nothing weird about it, Pam. I’m very comfortable with my own company. My daughter is quiet as well so we mesh well cloistered like this. I’d rather pet the dogs than shake peoples hands. Love dogs. I’m not good on the phone either. I’d also rather write. But my son has to hear my voice everyday to make sure I’m well. ;_ I don’t like long conversations. I have a great therapist. It’s more like visiting an old friend and for me it’s not expensive. I don’t like to unload anything on friends or family. I love more than anything to make someone laugh. Even if it’s at my expense. 😉 Keep taking care of yourself.
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“Cloister” – really, isn’t that a lovely word? And like you, long telephone calls are like chalk on a board to me. Eewwww. But thank goodness we have loved ones who care and want to hear our voice. Me? I hear your voice beautifully in your blog posts. ❤
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Thanks so much, Pam. I do write just like I speak. I don’t think it should be otherwise. I love the word ‘cloister’. So old fashioned yet very applicable to this time. My daughter and I are living like a couple of nuns stuck in the Abby right now. 😉 Ready to have everyone well again. This has certainly brought a lot of things to our attention though. Thanks for stopping by.
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Humor helps! “To the nunnery!” 🙂 xo
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Wonderful to have new neighbours Marlene and your welcome was I am sure very much appreciated…
Lovely to see how in such a short space of time their home was fitted together… And it will be nice to have new neighbours…. Even if at the moment our social distances keeps us apart..
We too had new neighbours move next door just as the lockdown was being given… We did introduce ourselves and they are a young family with two children, Very nice couple who already were reaching out to say if we needed anything to ask..
As have our other long standing neighbours…
Nothing much as changed for ourselves, we keep ourselves to ourselves, most of the time… 🙂
Sending Huge Hugs across the Pond Marlene… Sending love and well wishes.. take care of your self… ❤ Stay Blessed ❤
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this is getting very very old, but I just keep doing what I am doing! Love all of your responses! 🙂 stay well!
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Thank you so much, Wendi. Many of our trailers don’t have front facing windows either. Most are set on the lots sideways but folk put them in any almost window and our job was to notice them. I get very little traffic either as I’m on a dead end road. I just put the bear in the window for those that do come by and for myself mostly. It helps me believe this will be over soon. It’s my way of wishing folks well. I guess we can each do with it as we please. Thanks for stopping by and do stay as well as possible.
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🙂 I love this……….I will need to think of something we can do……….maybe drawings on the driveway……..that is something others can see! 🙂 God bless you for thinking of others…..
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I was having trouble getting the bear hunt reply through and obviously may have sent here. I appreciate you stopping by and your kind words. This is getting old here too. I’ll be heading out for my walk soon to keep my sanity. 🙂
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Aww my friend. I’m so sorry you have to be trapped and distanced. Not hugging seems foreign. My elderly neighbor stopped by for a visit and walked toward me with his arms out. I felt so mean for telling him to keep back. I tell myself every single day to call people (there’s a few on my list that I don’t think have anyone else), but I just forget every day until evening and it’s too late. I think it’s been a week for some of them since I’ve called. Reaching out is hard for me, and during the pandemic, that is how I’m pushing myself to help humanity: calling. Blerg. I really don’t like being on the phone. I’m such a whiner, haa! But I need to share my light heart with others. Speaking of light, that sunshine has been a big help! Has the sun lightened your mood at all? I’m so glad you had this activity across from you for the news and distraction it provides! Being neighborly always pays off, and it’s also your instinct. Good will come of it, who knows what.
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Yes, it is hard not giving hugs. I stop by my neighbor, Emily’s every day I walk by. She comes out on the porch and I stay on the street and we yell good morning. She won’t put in her hearing aids. 😉 I”m not a phone person either. I’m better at writing and sending cards or email. I don’t know if I’ll be good friends with my new neighbors but I’ll always be neighborly. I’m a bit quirky for most people around here. You keep your distance since there is no one there to take care of you. I wish it wasn’t so. I have the Sargent here keeping me in line. 😉
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You are quirky, which is why I love you so much!! ❤
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