Mother's Day ramble

I was torn between blogging or painting my toenails.  My toenails are breathing a sigh of relief.  First of all, I hope you're all having the Mother's Day of  your dreams.  Jill PD and I went for a ramble this morning.  The Gatehouse is not currently open, but Jill and I often still walk that way in the mornings.

Yesterday and today there are interesting fungi

which Jill blithely kicks over while I'm trying to photo them.

The Gatehouse gardens are looking most luxuriant.  I have been asked to do some gardening there while I am otherwise unemployed.  I love the Kangaroo Grass in the foreground and am trying to get it to take over patches of my garden.

On the way home, I could smell the Daphne in the school grounds

and somehow took this picture without realising.  Some of you will recognise the service station and Eiffel Tower.

Back home, I thought I should show the Floosie that the myrtle is a tree

and the berries look a little like olives.  I use them instead of juniper berries when I'm cooking venison, ie not very often.

I have had this book in my car for ages for emergencies like getting stuck in traffic jams.  I've had a soft spot for this story because it's the one where James Bond gets married, and in the film he married Diana Rigg, ie Emma Peel my childhood role model.  The chances of traffic jams are pretty remote at the moment so I thought I would read it to delay the reading of Poldark which I had with me in quarantine.  I am reluctant to start it because I have 5 of the series and know I won't be able to stop once I start.

Of course, a 10c book takes no time to read and fortunately Her Majesty (of Tribes) loaned me this one on loan from her sister and bought at full price.  But well worth it, from my perspective.  So I've had a lovely, and unearned, Mother's Day reading about places I know and love.  It's a ripping yarn so far.

apologies to all those who thought I was suffering in quarantine

lunch so far

I'm not that kind of girl (mostly).  A cold and rainy day so venison stroganoff on gnocchi with loads of mushrooms for lunch.  Possibly slow-cooked quince in honey, cream and a smattering of local walnuts for dessert... or would that be too much?

To the house of a friend

Fleurieu Floosie sent me this photo while I was in quarantine

It made me think of this photo on a fridge magnet that CK Beagle gave me years ago.

For some reason, long forgotten, it is on my Mum's fridge.

I must admit that, as much as I enjoyed my Launceston retreat, whenever I thought of St Davids I also thought of walking the cliff tops.  I didn't have a device with access to the internet, but now, thanks to the woman living my life in Wales, you can join me.
http://www.jackiemorris.co.uk/this-is-where-i-live/

http://www.jackiemorris.co.uk/for-rachel-with-love/

http://www.jackiemorris.co.uk/walking-with-elmo-for-joshua-aged-7-years/  Cat lovers will particularly enjoy this.

I thought that Maes y Mynydd meant field of larks but, having checked, now know it means Mountain Field.  Regardless, it always makes me think of larks.
https://iview.abc.net.au/show/lark-ascending-tasmanian-symphony-orchestra
This concert was the last performed by the TSO before the restrictions came in - but there was no audience.  I love this music.  And I love the soloist's dress.

Sunday 26/4 - Freedom

Of course I was dressed, breakfasted, cleaned-up and had done the final packing by 8am, so gingerly stepped outside.  It has occurred to me since that I may have been able to emerge at midnight and gone for a stroll.  At last I could see where I was.  The Stables!  I chatted to the security guard - there was one on duty 24/7, and then to one of the chefs / cooks who I think is part of the family business and lives on the premises somewhere above my room.  Gradually other quarantinees gathered so I took the opportunity to explore a little further.

Unbeknownst to me, I'd been living in the stables - and Ye Olde Worlde what's more.

The building with the red brick wall houses a gym and carpark.

My theory had been that the hotel had formerly been a bank,

but I hadn't realised how large it is - or that it had stables.

It's all rather gorgeous.

In fact it is grand, with a billiard room.

And my Stables are attached to this intriguing building.

Over the road is the James Boag's Brewery.

Who knew?

This was all revelatory stuff to me.  I knew I was in Room 42, The Grand Hotel but that was it.  I definitely want to stay there again when it's possible to travel.  It will be a great place from which to explore Launceston.  Though I'm sure the streets will never again be as empty as they were that early Covid 19 morning of the Sunday after Anzac Day.  https://thegrandhotellaunceston.com.au/   Adventure awaits.

The bus turned up and we clambered aboard.  We had to pick up a passenger at the Grand Chancellor and another at some retirement home near the Country Club.  Neither of them was ready, which was a little annoying.  Then we were on the open road travelling north to Devonport to pick up our cars.  Again it was a beautiful trip in the bus, with the added advantage of knowing I would be driving it again, but southerly, in a little while and could look out for the cheapest petrol.

Little Azaria aka The River Rat was waiting patiently for me.  I decided to eat the chocolates at home, was relieved when the car started first time and was out of the blocks to be the first to check out with security and pick up my luggage from the bus.  Yippeeeeeee homeward bound!

Quarantine Week 2

Day 8: no photos but notes:
Spoke with Therese, Tasmanian Government Liaison Officer - she tried to phone everyone yesterday.  Had got up at 5am to make coffee and sit in the window seat - crescent moon - also wanted to hear Ed Ayres at 6am - possibly only chance!  I get out on 15th day, ie 1 week from today.  Realised I can celebrate Easter with chocolates next Sunday.  Therese delivered the cotton buds I asked for.  Signals pp 267-8 - Ralph and Russo - Tamasin.  Hotdog for lunch!  Finished 'Signals'. Watched Spicks and Specks Special, Mystery Road and Killing Eve - full on!
Things I miss:  hairbrush, cheese, loofah in bath.

Day 9:

view from my window looking south

I like the care that has been put into the deck and door design, and I'm intrigued by the brickwork in the wall.  Lucky that I'm interested in such things!

Wu Tao Air Dance moves

Notes:  Raining.  Rediscovered weetbix and butter a la backpacking around New Zealand.  Finished 'Signals' yesterday.  Start 'Daughter of Fortune' today.  Did no exercise yesterday - Mum and Sandra phone calls. Plan today is read a chapter, do an exercise.  Sue and Judy are meeting today for Tai Chi -  joined them.  [p 25 mint and rosemary in bath - Chile].  Man next door has coffee delivered.  Bec brought fresh linen while I was exercising - tai chi, makaho, Air Dance - feel amazing.  [p 32 burning eucalyptus to clear epidemic].  Lunch was late and dinner early - alledgedly satay chicken with hokkien noodles - tasted more like hot, spicy mayonnaise to me - but very welcome after recent dinners.  The lunch - pumpkin, spinach and ricotta tart - was very good, delicious pastry again.  The satay smell made me think of  Risa Riso - hadn't thought of that since leaving Mum and Dad's in 1974.  Watched Malcolm Turnbull interview on 7.30 Report, then Inspector Linley on Channel 62.

Day 10:

Tuesday morning

the living is easy - pear ripening factory - top shelf
didn't wear shoes for 2 weeks

reading on a Tuesday

Day 11:

Notes:  First night that I felt closed in and suffocating.  More and more plans for outdoor activities.  Martin / Russell discussion of  Welsh Male Voice choirs - rugby.  The man next door seems to spend a lot of time on his phone.  Hotel has not provided a menu for the next 7 days so lunch is a mystery.  My friend seems to have moved his desk to his window - appears to be writing.  Recurring thoughts of being in the garden.  Lunch was late but worth waiting for:  a jacket potato with bacon and corn plus red cabbage coleslaw - could have done with a touch of wasabi / horseradish.  Still no menu.  Have requested an InStyle magazine from Clara at Reception.  Clara brought me the magazine and we talked - she is employed in Youth Justice - suggested I write about it.  She will look at my blog and come to see me tomorrow.

Day 12:

5.30am cup of tea - well stocked cupboard - food surplus to my requirement

more morning

yoga space

courtyard excitement

dance of the trolleys

a light lunch

Day 13:

Flowers has been an indispensible help

with her well-stocked quarters.

When this is over, she will retire to her thatched cottage in a flowery mead.

a good lunch

After I had stirred the cream through the pumpkin soup, I discovered the second warm roll was in fact a scone with strawberry jam.  But now, sadly, no cream.

Flowers and I start to think about leaving

top tea

Notes:  Ian phoned offering brassica seedlings and invited Steve and me to look at his garden when such mingling is again allowed.  He also spoke about reports of cleaner air and water.  The most wonderful thing for me about this quarantine has been that there is no pressure - I can do everything 'in my own time'.  Read in the sun with no guilt or thoughts as to 'what I should be doing'.  The sole demand on me so far has been to complete the Departure Form.  I do require myself to wash my dishes and make my bed but I enjoy these as opportunities to move, and I do them when it suits me.  Admittedly it gives me pleasure to have things put away, neat and tidy - an uncluttered environment.  These are things I'll miss.  Tina from Red Cross phoned: volunteer from Burnie - lives in Ulverstone - Grand Chancellor people can walk around ballroom for exercise!  She also commented on the environmental effects.  Mathew, Government Liaison Officer phoned.  It's ridiculous how easily the days slip by.  Got the little radio going, so no flashing 'Life's Good / LG' on the telly.  Heard Trump's suggestion of injecting disinfectant on 5pm news.

Day 14:

a pensive Flowers on Anzac morning

Notes:  Made coffee and observed 6am with ABC Classic - perfect - minute silence but could hear birdsong.  Approx 7am a blackbird on the chimney opposite.  Odile from Red Cross phoned - wished me well.

There ends the journal!  Had to finish Cold Comfort Farm (such a great read) and reconfigure my clothes to make a stylish return to society.

And then pack everything up for an 8.30am

DEPARTURE TOMORROW.

Quarantine Week 1

Day 2:

I always thought double basins were a bit wanky - totes get it now

French dressing for lunch - quiche lorraine and salad.

The pastry is particularly good. I left a note of appreciation on my door but staff said they couldn't take it - they didn't have gloves on.

Realised I could use timer on camera to photo myself

a skill developed one Easter at Redruth, Port Eliott

Day 3:

Fortunately I had my multiskilled maidservant, Flowers, with me.  She cunningly improvised this tea cosy.

the garden

Bit of a flurry on Day 3 when Steve rang to say he had checked with the hotel and would visit.  Then I got a call from a woman who told me the rules for visits.  Then Steve rang to say he'd consulted our doctor who had advised against going.  So he didn't.  I re-arranged the room to create a window seat for reading and an area for exercising.  I finished 'Truffles' and resumed 'Signals' most of which I'd forgotten.

Day 4:

Exercise

then a spa.

 When I plunged my hand into the pocket of my plush dressing gown, I was reminded of the time at a market in The Philippines, when Steve felt inside a jacket pocket and a rat jumped out.  Steve's yell stopped the market.

Flowers takes a spa

This was the day I realised celebrities must feel like this - well fed and looked after but unable to leave their rooms.

Day 5:  no photos but notes:
Listened to the street sweeper in bed this morning - remembered doing this in Bellerive.
My solace in times of deep and ongoing distress has been to promise myself a retreat at St Non's on the cliffs near St Davids.  The first time I became severely depressed, I wanted to be cossetted as I believed Steve had been looked after in Room 10 in hospital.  I got myself admitted to Wentworth Hospital - big mistake - made me worse.  Now I know the answer:  take a nice hotel room for 2 weeks and have meals delivered.  It is totally selfish but wonderfully restorative.  Days of good food, tai chi, yoga - and the Wu Tao dances are returning to me.
Today's plan is a bit of room refashioning and some gardening.  [Does resilience come from self knowledge?]  Toe ring tattoo idea - Celtic ring, silver moon - plus toe straightening project commenced...  My balcony friend went off in an ambulance - the ambulance returned, not sure about my friend.  Steve phone to read me Georgia's email.  My friend is back.

Day 6:

washing day

Day 7: no photos but notes:

671/12.  Had my Saturday spa.  Steve said my lavender and tetragonia cuttings blew over in the wind.  I thought how nice some Chanel 5 talc would be, then realised I have so many bottles, I could have a go at making some.  Very popular:  Ian, Jake, Judy M phoned.  Did I blog Easter 2010?  Watched Van Der Valk final.

only 1 week to go

Quarantine Day 1

early morning view from cabin 7007

I gazed at Devonport and wondered where I'd be quarantined.  My dread was a hotel without an opening window but I though that unlikely in Devonport.  I couldn't think of any large hotels that would just be air-conditioned.  All the hotels I could think of had water views.  It might be all right.  I had my sewing machine, some cut out material and about 15 books in the car.  Surely they would let me nip to the car if I needed more.  It should be ok.

We drove off the boat early and were put into convoys by the SES.  Following our leader, my convoy snaked around deserted streets then through large gates into a huge fenced paddock.  Of course thoughts of pits or being handed a shovel crept into my mind.  We were told to congregate at 1.5m around a police officer who told us to get what we needed from our cars - we were going to Launceston by bus.  So much for sewing machine, etc.  I took what I thought were the necessities, deciding to leave the box of Lindt chocolates for my return and taking 3 more books instead.  Naturally I was a bit miffed, but it was a beautiful drive to Launceston.  You can see so much more from a bus.

I was first off the bus and was directed into a large courtyard where a masked security man handed me a key and pointed to my room.  I nearly gasped in gratitude - it was on the ground floor of the courtyard, had a window-box and the promise of an opening window.  I was similarly pleased once inside.

It was spacious and the morning sun streamed in once I tied back the net curtains.  I phoned Steve to report.  He asked whether there was a bath.  I hadn't got that far, so had a look.  There was a spa!!!!

I slipped into casual reading attire.  My journal notes:  10am Well, it's a little bit like being in Paris - courtyard with red geraniums in a window box - opening windows, thank goodness.  The sun is shining in in the morning.  10.45am - deliver breakfast. 12.09 and the sun has gone.  Reading 'The Dangers of Truffle Hunting' - perfect for day and mood [truffle butter and smoked honey on scones].  Having a lovely time re-arranging room and replying to txts.  Heard church bells @  2.45pm.  Read a chapter, do an exercise.  A day of phone calls and txts - unfortunately phone still playing up.  SBS Movie channel! - watched A Fish Called Wanda.

And that's how I spent Easter Sunday.