Blogging Interrupted

Posted on by

When last you heard from me I was off to my daughter Danella’s place with Orlando and Siddy for a couple of weeks while the tiny house had some repairs done to it. Then, back home I had trouble with WP and accessing posts, liking and commenting and my own blog was quite elusive too. Any way, all resolved now. This all happened when Covid 19 was just a ‘thing’ that was happening far far away and, I was sure, like all ‘things’ would cause a bit of mad panic then die away…… Alas, I was wrong! But, we aren’t here yet, back to my story…..

Those two weeks stretched into three. We had a fun time staying with Danella. It felt a bit like I was holiday – except for Orlando spitting at George every time he moved and purring lovingly at everyone else.

Orlando being mean to George

However lucky Mr O’s personal servant took his personal watering can on holiday and so he made himself at home on Danella’s kitchen counter

Orlando and his drinking fountain

Then, just as O settled in and began to mind his manners he was moved back to his own home. He wasn’t very pleased for an hour or so, too many new smells – but he soon settled in.

Siddy of course didn’t mind where he was as long as his food bowl and mumma are close by, he’s a boy who enjoys life. Here he is, on one of our morning walks, on a mission, checking out his messages

Siddy

We went for some lovely morning walks and I took photos that I posted on Instagram. Here’s one for those of you who don’t indulge over there. I call it ‘The High Road’ It’s proper name is John Wilson Drive but I don’t know who John Wilson was and I’ve never quite gotten round to checking him out.

view towards the lookout

The road is wide and follows the crest of a hill. It is bollarded and closed to all traffic except between the hours of 11 am and 3 pm. Outside of those hours it is a haven for families and runners and dog walkers.

Chile is somewhere over that horizon

On one side is the expansive southern Pacific Ocean, with nothing between us and Chile and the other side sports the rolling green and patchy brown hills of a not very posh golf course where locals walk themselves and their dogs and both are given to unexpectedly clambering out of the undergrowth beside those of us wandering quietly along the high road minding our own business with a cheery ‘Good Morning!’.

the golf course

At the very end of the road there is a steepish hill we (that’s the royal ‘we’) puff our way up to the lookout point where we admire the view, take a photo and about face for the walk back.

At the Lookout

The view on the return journey looks across the beaches of St Kilda and St Clair, south towards the southern suburbs of Dunedin. It’s not terribly far from those hills to Antarctica – just a tad over 4000 km.

looking south

Siddy and I have continued to make the walk most mornings since our return home. It’s a brief five minute car ride to access all this beauty and fresh air, why wouldn’t we! Now that the days are growing shorter we can set off while it is still dark and get to the Lookout in time for an early sunrise photo.

7 am at the look out

So now, here we are at home. Our home is fixed and revamped and a pleasure to be in – something it wasn’t for a long time. I am both relieved and very, very happy. And if I have to self isolate I am happy to do it here in my safe, warm little home.

Take care, look after each other, look for the good in people and the world and remember that fear lowers our resistance to disease. Practise contentment, be grateful and let your eyes rest on beauty. Thanks for coming by today, I’m so happy that you did,

93 thoughts on “Blogging Interrupted”

  1. Ohhh, you dear Pauline, live in a wonderful place!
    Just at the antipodes of my little Switzerland… I hug you tightly! Now I have to go and take care of my clients (unemployed)… tonight I will come back to read you.
    🙂 claudine

    Liked by 1 person

  2. An uplifting post, as usual. Glad you enjoyed your time with your daughter and that you are back home and comfortable. Thanks for sharing the place where you and Siddy walk. What a nice place, Pauline.

    Like

  4. Hi, Pauline! I’ve just discovered your nice blog through Luanne Castle’s blog. I enjoyed reading your thoughts about all of this virus “stuff,” and I think we can all take heart and do our best to do what it takes to beat this thing. I look forward to reading your future posts. Stay safe and healthy!

    Like

  5. Pingback: Advice from Pauline | Luanne Castle's Writer Site

  6. I’ve been trying to come over and talk to you, but I’m always in my other identity (for my other blog), so I held off. Not waiting any longer. Want to see how you’re doing over there. I hope all is ok. We are almost in lockdown. Not exactly, but getting pretty close. I am ok, except that the reality of the economic disaster this is going to be after we get through the health/life disaster is really starting to get to me. That is because I believe that economy is very related to health and welfare of human and also of animals. But I am putting one foot in front of another. Today I made elderberry syrup for an immune boost. I am also very organized in the kitchen so I use my “supplies” properly. I’d make a great pioneer woman, like Laura Ingalls Wilder’s mom hahaha. We have to keep up our humor! For the first time in 7 1/2 years I don’t even know what to blog about because I want to say the right things, and I don’t know if I have those things available to me. Sending XOXOXO from Phoenix, my dear, and to Siddy and Orlando, too. Art helps . . . .

    Liked by 1 person

    • I was looking at a post from you on IG about making elderberry syrup and my phone rang – and I never got back to it. I know you have a very different governmental system to ours and it does sound very hard for all my friends there. Here we have a woman in charge and it’s showing. People and health first. We know it will be a struggle later on when the virus has been held in check, but personally I hope it means we will change our ways of living, our expectations, our emissions, our stuff, our disinterest in those who have less, the generally disadvantaged, the third world countries, the dispossessed peoples of the world. I hope we will plant more trees, use no plastics, clean the oceans and care for our animals better. I hope there will be a new normal and we will embrace the positive in that – whatever it is. In the meantime we will make tasty goodies in our kitchens, from fruits and vegetables grown in our own gardens, to help our own wellbeing – and that of our pets. We will laugh at ourselves and laugh with each other and this will raise our immunity levels. We will strive every day to look for the good things that are being done and enacted and shared – lets walk through this together and share and support and make the world a smaller, friendlier, safer place for a while. I think this will make a great deal of difference. Thank you for coming over Luanne, all the way from Phoenix too – which sounds so exotic to me 🙂 I hope the Gardener is well and all the kitties too. Keep posting – just about what you are making and how you are feeling and what made you happy and laugh, or sad and cry today….. and I will too. xoxo

      Liked by 1 person

  7. Gads, I really can’t imagine a more beautiful place for a morning walk. I suppose it might seem a bit everyday’ish to you as a resident. But to walk along the ocean with the sun rising over the hill and white caps rolling onto the beach, well that’s just sublime. I laughed when you wrote about people popping out of the brush and bidding a cheery, “good morning” . I’d probably jump right out of my shoes. I tend to startle easily in our own home, let alone on a quiet walk at the crack of dawn. I’ve made Jim roar with my crazy, sudden freak-outs and he keeps threatening to record one…ha! Siddy must be like the happiest pup on the planet on these treks. “Getting all his messages”, hehehe! I’m sure he leaves a few nice replies too 😀 Happy for Orlando and George to each be in charge of their own domains again and for you to have your sweet, cozy home to arrive back too. I miss you all xoxoK

    Liked by 1 person

    • I do that startled jump too K. Siddy is prone to giving a loud, short bark if he hears something outside. As he is always close by he gives me a huge fright that makes me yell ‘Arrrgggh!’ Then he looks really guilty and I feel really bad and so it goes……….. I think we are very fortunate to be in our own homes at this time. In my case, as winter is coming on, I am happy to be here safe and warm for the interim. You have spring to look forward to and all those lovely papers you are creating with are the epitome of ‘spring-ness’. When I finally get my room cleared and sorted (nearly there) I’m looking forward to making some art again ❤

      Liked by 1 person

  9. I am so glad you had a pleasant time with your daughter and most especially that you are back home. No place like home! I too was gone when this was just a “thing” only to come home to find a quickly changing world. I am sure you will have lots of lovely paintings or other craft items completed during this hiatus. I am keeping myself busy with looming and making beanie caps for next winter. It is my latest crafty project and I find it quite relaxing. We certainly need something to occupy our time during this crisis!

    Liked by 1 person

    • I think I saw most of your little adventures on IG – you had a great time! Events sure are moving quickly aren’t they. It’s sensible to prepare for a prolonged home holiday and have jobs to do, things to make and books to read – all the things we want to do and don’t have time for 🙂 Perhaps it’s time to be grateful to Covid19 for making us slow down ❤

      Like

  11. Really, Pauline, you truly are the human light catcher! As always, your post is optimistic and full of compassion. Thank you.

    Your pets are examples of the way humans cope with change, don’t you think? Some of us are stressed, like Orlando, while others bounce along happily regardless of the situation, like Siddy. God bless our pets, though, for getting us out walking and communing with nature.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Oh Susanne, you say the nicest things 😀 Your point about the pets is spot on. I should pay closer attention to them and walk the middle ground 🙂 My theory about cats and dogs is that cats are at the autistic end of the spectrum while dogs bounce about at the Downs Syndrome end…… and we humans all wander about somewhere on that imaginary line too.

      Liked by 1 person

  12. So great to have you back and so pleased your home is sorted and yours once more. Thank you so much for sharing the pictures. They are indeed beautiful. With our days growing longer I’ve also had a handful of beautiful sunrises to enjoy. Only a handful. because it’s been so wet and gloomy, but that makes you appreciate them even more.
    I too am very lucky to live in a nice warm house in a village where a real community exists and is swinging into action. Stay healthy. Huge hugs to you and Siddy xx

    Liked by 1 person

    • You are indeed fortunate. It is more challenging being an urban dweller but still there are some good things happening. There’s a rumour going round here that we are in for another long and gloomy winter – it certainly feels that way this morning, The morning walk (Yesterday too now I think about it) was accompanied by a particularly blustery and icy wind. Way too soon! Still the hearth and home is warm and cosy and healthy too. No complaints from me 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  13. It is always good to see such beauty, Pauline. A balm for our spirits. Dunedin is one of my favourite NZ cities. I loved the estuary and driving to the albatross colony was a memory that will stay with me.
    Like everyone else, I am glad you have been able to time the repairs perfectly. Aren’t we lucky to have snug places and lots of activities to whether these uncertain times? I was sorry to hear Alys mention the death of a homeless person, and another friend has felt for the refugees in camps in Europe. Where will they shelter?
    Stay healthy ~ hugs~

    Liked by 1 person

    • We are indeed very fortunate to have warm, dry homes and lots of activities to keep us going. The disadvantaged as always will be the ones who suffer most – and their children and animals too. And the refugees – heaven help them! You just made me aware I know nothing about what is going on there, given as I am to not watching generalised news casts. I can’t bear to think what those poor dispossessed people will be enduring. I can only hope there are many many relief workers and volunteers looking out for them too.

      Like

      • I don’t know anything about them either, which, unfortunately, is an indication that they are left exposed. It doesn’t bear thinking about ~ misery upon misery for them. There is a lot of talk about how this crisis could actually change the way our societies are structured. It will be a good outcome if we finally realise that there are those in our society that need our help.

        Liked by 1 person

  14. I love the way dogs stop at bushes on lampposts to read the signs and messages sent by their friends. It would be wonderful if we could understand what they were saying. And I love your little puppy

    Liked by 1 person

  17. Beautiful photos, Pauline. Thanks for taking me out for a sunset walk. Gorgeous. And I’m so glad you’re “very, very happy” with your home. I hope you get some creative time in as we are all encouraged to limit contact. You are so right about stress and fear affecting our immune system – a great reminder for me to turn off the news! Take care, my friend. ❤

    Liked by 1 person

  18. A beautiful post, Pauline. It’s wonderful to have you back and share in your wisdom extolling the virtues of a contented life. Your photographs are magnificent. Why wouldn’t you take that 5-minute drive indeed? I think there are many of us creatives who won’t mind a bit of lock-down time. Enjoy yours. Stay safe and well, and contented.

    Liked by 1 person

  19. I bet you dived back into your nest with whoops of joy and relief! Even family isn’t quite the same as your own place, which is why I feel so sorry for those stuck away from their own homes. You have some splendid places to be isolated in, too, although the fur babies will ensure you don’t feel too alone. Welcome back to blogging, you’ve been missed!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Kate, you are lovely 🙂 Thank you for cheering me on. I’m with you on those stuck somewhere away from their home. It will be a testing time for many, but here’s to community rallying and a return to looking out for each other!

      Liked by 1 person

  20. Naughty Orlando – our pets can always surprise us can’t they?
    I’m so pleased your house is all fixed up and a healthy space for you to be again. I’m sure it was lovely to stay with your daughter but there’s nothing like our own space is there? Which is just as well as I’m more or less confined to mine for the foreseeable future at the moment. I have my workroom full of yarn and fabric, bookshelves full of books and even, as he got stuck here, Mr. Tialys, so I can’t really complain. I do wish my youngest daughter had managed to get over here from the U.K. but her sister lives just round the corner with her boyfriend so I hope they will make sure she is well and doesn’t get too lonely while her Dad is over here with me for longer than usual.
    Stay well and lovely to see you back blogging. xx

    Liked by 1 person

    • Cats especially always wait til you’re really confident about them and then do something to prove you absolutely wrong! My naughty boy is as sweet as ever again.

      So your plans to sell up are on hold? Here is another example of the way our lives are abruptly altered. I’m glad Mr T is home with you, but sorry the youngest is left a little stranded. All we can do is hang on and see how it all plays out now. Sending love and hugs and good wishes xo

      Liked by 1 person

    • As several people have said to me, my timing is excellent 🙂 And yes, everything worked out better than I dared hope!

      I confess to being a little disinterested in the man the road is named for, as so many of the streets here bear names of past men of power in this city. So many were misogynistic, rich white, arrogant and privileged – you know the old story. Of course having written that, I realise I probably should check him out as he might not have been any of those things 🙂 Personally I think it should be called The High Road,

      Like

  24. Welcome back… here on WP and to your home.
    I’m finding it rather difficult to get my head round what’s going on in the world… especially since this working from home lark is situation normal for me. I’m sad that our trip to London next week has had to be cancelled and that my reunion with some old university pals put on hold, but otherwise life goes on as usual. I do, however, feel in particular need of distractions, so your pictures are most welcome. The views are lovely, but it’s that one of Orlando asserting himself that I really love.

    Liked by 1 person

    • I just found you in the spam folder Jan – geez!! It is sad that special events have to be cancelled – a special friend in the US is getting married in 8 weeks and everything is up in the air for them. We hope it might be over soon – but it might not be. My eldest has a special birthday in 9 days and that is now elevated to let’s wait and see mode. Like you I am a quiet dweller anyway, so no real personal hardship there, but it’s the uncertainty that I think we all find challenging. I’m trying to take it as facing the reality of how life always actually is – we like to think we have control but we never really do and now we all must live in that reality. It is what it is and now we must work with that…….. Is Mr Snail home with you? Can you still go out for walks. We are encouraged to take a daily walk even when self isolating for age and infirmity reasons (unless of course there’s been a contact made with the virus) it’s just a case of keeping that distance…… Not always easy as I found out when I met an old friend on the high road this morning and well …… our long distance hug ended in a real one. I keep saying today I will self isolate – no wait I’ll start tomorrow ….. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      • Yes, Jon is home. We are letting my niece use the flat in Reading, and since she is in a high-risk profession, he won’t be going back down for a while. We walk the dogs every day, so get plenty of exercise and actually, it’s been particularly sociable recently as so many people are out walking. We stop and chat and stroke each other’s dogs, but don’t do any human physical contact. Today, it was sunny and there were beautiful views over Cardigan Bay, all the way out to Bardsey Island. I’m a bit worried about my 85-year-old mum, but she seems to be being sensible and she has very supportive neighbours, so I think we are better off keeping away.
        Anyway, Daisy and Sam send long-distance ways to Siddy… and I send you a long-distance hug (completely safe and virus-free!)

        Liked by 1 person

        • I am deemed to be in the vulnerable group and I keep saying I will self isolate and then something comes up…. Yesterday I needed bananas and decided to pop into the local s’market and grab a bunch but there was way more than 500 people in there busily emptying the shelves due to a rumour that had been maliciously spread on social media. That was an interesting experience. I had to weigh up how much I really needed bananas …… I’m glad Jon is home with you, that is a comfort. All long distance hugs gratefully accepted. I miss hugging!

          Like

  26. I really enjoyed the virtual walk with you today. If you do that every day your mood will be good and the exercise and fresh air will work wonders. Your daughter has a very pretty house, but I bet it felt good to be home. Please take carexx

    Liked by 1 person

    • I agree Cathy. I’ve just come home from our morning walk in a freezing cold, howling southerly. No time to enjoy the view, just a battle to stay upright and make it back to the car without getting blown off the high road…… But so pleased when it was done and all the cobwebs blown away. The weather changed abruptly from yesterday’s 25C to today’s 13!! But Siddy was unperturbed by the weather 🙂

      Like

  29. How lovely to know you are back in your improved nest. Thank you for taking us walking with you. I have not been to New Zealand, so I particularly love to see where you hang out.
    Facebook has been a cheery place for me to visit with all sorts of community schemes being set up in the villages around me. There are families offering childcare for other families, pubs doing meals on wheels to the village, retired bakers baking bread, farm shops offering deliveries. I think it will bring back a community spirit which is marvellous.
    Although I shudder a bit to hear of what seems to be happening in cities, my sister lives in London and it seems there it is everyone for themselves!
    Stay crafting and stay safe!

    Liked by 1 person

    • I think you are right Sandra, there are many who are moving in new ways in their communities, and so much is happening on line too that supports those in isolation – I love to see the internet step up to its full potential! I am surrounded by natural beauty here, though I don’t live in amongst it – I don’t have a view out my any window like you do – but I am a two minute walk or a four minute drive from spectacular scenery – and the ocean which is my first love. Perhaps you will come one day 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  30. Pauline, I’m reminded of our first walk together at your lovely beach, with Laurie running down to the surf to take pics. Four of us took a selfie and then we went to a small place for a beverage. New Zealand is a treasure and you are one of New Zealand’s treasures. St. Claire’s Beach…or close to that.

    Your photos are lovely and a balm for the eyes. I’m sorry the kitties didn’t get along, and I’m sure three weeks seemed like a very long time, but I’m pretty impressed. I look forward to hearing more as time permits. Am I mistaken, or is that couch in Danella’s the one that lived with you?

    We’re sheltering in place here in Santa Clara County, and today they reported the first covid-19 homeless person’s death in San Jose. This makes me incredibly sad. I’m glad you are well and that creativity will happen once again in your love home. Big love to you and yours. xo

    Liked by 1 person

    • Oh yes Alys, I remember that evening too – it was so special! We were on the Esplanade at St Clair, so you remember correctly. I have that photo of the four of us framed and sitting in my bedroom. It seems the whole world has joined you in your solitude doesn’t it – think of it as us in solidarity with you healing. 🙂 But I am sorry to hear about your homeless persons death – was it someone you knew? Every death of the dispossessed should make us weep shouldn’t it – it’s not so much the dying as the manner of it that is so unacceptable. Our vulnerable citizens need the most care at this time. Our government is handling the crisis so well I think – though of course no one knows what tomorrow will bring – but Jacinda has her eyes on the needs of the people and I am so grateful I live in this small country where people matter. Which is not to say there are not those who have fallen between the cracks – sadly they are found everywhere.

      The sofa you see in Danella’s room is new. Jo and I bought her it for Christmas. We got her a longer one, but it wouldn’t fit in her small entry hall so she had to go with a smaller one 🙂 Lovely to see you here so quickly, hugs all round xoxo

      Like

  31. I saw your comment on NanaCathy’s post so I knew you were back home. So happy the repairs went well. Sometimes they don’t. You are going into hibernation time the same time as quarantine time. It’s not a lot of fun here. People are hoarding so such that there is nothing left in the stores we would want. I still get out for my walk most days but it’s very quiet here with most people hiding in their homes and not going to work. My daughter will work from home for the next month. I’m glad you have your place back so you can start creating again. Thanks for the update. Wish I could go walk with you. That’s just beautiful scenery. Lots of hugs from here.

    Liked by 1 person

    • The world, it seems, is full of people who give in to fear. Such a shame.
      Our supermarkets are crazy too. I popped in to my local this morning, just to get a bunch of bananas as when I had last gone in the fruit and vegetable aisles had been cleaned out…….. It’s not just tp any more – it’s anything! Anyhoo – it took 45 minutes to get myself checked out with my bunch of bananas. I decided right there – that’s me done. I’m not going anywhere near a shop again if I can avoid it. Our government is being proactive and keeping us as informed as possible in a rapidly changing environment. There are so many fiscal things enacted to help citizens, the elderly, small business owners etc etc. We should all feel as safe as it is possible to feel and be acting responsibly and kindly. Sadly there are some who do not comprehend that last sentence. My girls are also preparing for different working circumstances – even though we only have 28 confirmed cases nationally. Last week there were only 6. As the numbers ramp up I expect we will have to take greater precautions to contain the spread rate. These are interesting times we live in – and it keeps getting more and more interesting! Take care, look after yourself and live in gratitude. That will keep your immune system as healthy as possible. xoxo

      Liked by 2 people

      • Gratitude is always first on the list and then my walk, Pauline. You are 100% right. We are going to our favorite German meat market and deli on Saturday, early. We will preorder and Heather will pick up and run. Many of our markets are starting to block off the first hours for seniors. I’m not sure if we are even in need of anything other than fresh fruit and veggies. I tend to keep a good supply at all times anyway. From earthquake training in California. Kindness is something many know nothing about. I hope your girls are able to stay employed through this. 45 min for checking out would be a bit much for me. I’m glad we can order groceries for delivery and many are doing just that. I’ve had good news from my doctor so I’m gliding through this one. Keep happy and well. Hugs, m

        Liked by 1 person

  32. What a beautiful walk you have, Pauline! Wow. What pictures. It does look like there’s a bit of brush in the road on John Wilson Drive, though. And I love the idea of people popping out of the underbrush while you’re on your walk.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Clambered’ is a good word isn’t it Yvonne….. I feel it has more relevance to me as I get older too. Danella and I talked at length before I took Orlando to her place. We were both worried that George would beat him up an sit on him. George turned out to be a perfect gentleman and it was the previously sweet and butter melting Orlando who turned into a hissy fitting old meanie any time poor George needed to pass by within two metres of him. My bubble about my perfect kitty has been well and truly popped!

      Liked by 1 person

Comments are closed.