How to take practical advantage of isolation

[Croix]

Dear All

I wonder if it might be an idea for people to say all the actual things that can be done while cooped up in isolation. Things they do themselves or recommend for others.
If you can think of something that has constantly occupied or distracted you, or better yet has had a concrete positive outcome one can point to later on that would be perfect (within the bounds of decency of course:)

We already have a very popular thread on how to assist in coping with the virus

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/online-forums/staying-well/coping-during-the-coronavirus-o...

and I'd really like this one to be on a different theme, practical occupations.

So I will start the ball rolling with two, the first right here on the Forum:

• Jot down a happy memory for you and others to take enjoyment from in the future in this thread
  
  https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/online-forums/staying-well/store-your-happy-memories-here-
  
  

• The second is external and an ongoing challenge:
  
  Correct the National Library’s many mistakes in all the digitized newspapers from the 1800’s onwards to the 1950's. This can be fascinating and lead you not only to make resources better for all, but can even lead you to snippets of your own family history. Plus discover blogs, podcasts and all sorts of other areas.
  
  Would you believe there is an editors' Hall of Fame for public contributors!
  
  I admit the content of the link below seems a trifle imposing, but once you get started it can be completely absorbing, plus library staff (yes they are still on duty) are very friendly and helpful.
  
  https://help.nla.gov.au/trove/digitised-newspapers/text-correction-guidelines
  
  As someone who has to spend a lot of time stuck at home anyway I’d be most interested in your occupations (not so much on cooking I'm afraid – I’m on a diet:(
  
  Croix

[Guest_1055]

.... the little puppy that was in the basket on her front step a few hours ago. He had followed her by walking and at times running behind her, as she marched down the stoney road. The princess put down her frying pan and...

[Guest_1055]

1. Another thing you could do whilst in isolation is do an online course. I was just looking at a site called skillshare. You can join up for 2 months I think it said for free. They have a variety of courses on there

And Croix I had never heard of that song you mentioned. So I looked it up. Read the lyrics and thought wow, this really fits in with this life of this make believe princess.

[Croix]

Dear All~

Still stuck at home? Me too 😞

Actually it is amazing the potential. I often think of this for people stuck by themselves at Christmas time, but it's even more appropriate now.

In every state and territory is a volunteers' association. If you give them a ring, explain your circumstances, and maybe say what you can do or enjoy they will match you up with what's needed with all registered organizations. you could end up a telelink conference facilitator, someone who chats to older people or just about anything else you might think of.

Now Shell-l, fancy saying this princess is make believe, I'm sure she as least as real as the Kardashians

-------------------------------------

.... and bent down to pick the puppy up (dear little thing)
However things did not go exactly as planned,
her hair flopped down and the puppy grabbed hold
onto the end of her hair and hung on,
causing a most painful situation.

Did I mention the princess was a rather
short tempered and vocal sort?

She started to give the puppy
a piece of her mind (at full volume)
so that ...

-------------------------------------

Fancy saying it's a make-believe princess, I'm as sure she is at least as as real as the Kardashians.

[Croix]

Dear All

I seem to be answering without knowing what will happen to the princess next, perhaps some kind soul might let me know.

Anyway the subject of this thread is really abut your thoughts about what you can do when living inside that gives you something to keep.

I'm a two finger typist (three on a good day:) and have always wanted to be able to touch-type, it looks so easy and quick.

There are plenty of places online that can teach you in easy lessons for free, if you Google for touch typing lessons you will find many. I'm starting with a particular club and we'll see how we go

Croix

[Guest_1055]

..... so the little puppy would somehow let go. And he did. The puppy was not the only one that let something go. The singing dude also did, as he heard the princess's voice way up on the mountain top. And was so surprised that he dropped the large wagon wheel he was holding and it....

[Guest_1055]

Hey Croix I had a go at touch typing a few times. I tried to stick with it.... But no my fingers just would not go where my brain urged them too. I don't know why.

I have been experimenting in the kitchen. Cooking and such. If you have the ingredients and even if you don't have a lot you can see what you can make from them. It's a good thing to do if you are stuck inside and like that sort of thing.

Tomorrow I will be making these creamy lime ice blocks. They sound so refreshing.

Will you tell us if you learn to type Croix

[Croix]

Dear All and Shell~

Ta for coming back, sadly cooking is not something I do a lot of, the kitchen is Mrs Croix domain and if I intrude too much I get ushered out (strangely enough this does not happen until after I've done washing up or made a cuppa:)

Actually I think it is quite important to have some separate spaces. I relish calm and quiet on my own a fair amount, and Mrs C likes here space too.

Apart from that I'm still on that diet:(

Creamy ice blocks would not be too good just now, it was 4° when I woke up today, how about hot buttered toast and marmalade (-sigh)?

Now for things to do: I've heard a fair bit about coloring books which help to relive stress and concentrate the mind, I believe MM was doing this (if you are listening MM - or anyone else - you might like to say how you found it and if you can frame them afterwards if they are pleasing)

The only one's I've seen are abstract intricate patterns, not pictures, I wonder if that is significant

---------------------------------

... dropped the large wagon wheel he was holding and it....

got dust and dirt embedded in the chocolate

(You can tell I'm thinking of sweets, wonder why:)

The Puppy saw the wagon wheel on the ground and came galloping up with the princess plus frypan not far behind

The singer immediately thought they were running to him

but ...

---------------------------------

Croix

[PamelaR]

Hi Croix, Shell and others who are participating in this wonderful thread.

What am I doing in isolation....

Making up recipes. I have fun searching online for recipes with different foods, then make up my own. Usually turns out good.

Play lots of games - solitaire type ones, as well as games with others. A bit addicted really. My OCD emerging.

Our backyard has been photographed like it's never been photographed before.

Editing photos with a new program, Capture One. Migrating all photos from Lightroom and re-edit the best ones.

Maintaining contact with friends, relatives, groups through social media - namely FB. I found this very rewarding as many are finding it difficult. So there are one or two of us who try to inspire the others. It's quite good really.

Garden is in need of love and attention. Since returning from my cruise in November I've hardly set foot in it. Really sad to come home to everything brown due to lack of rain. So I'm finding it hard to get my gardening mojo back again.

Both hubby and I have our individual projects around the house. E.g. spring cleaning the gym, which involves lots of work, next is the garage. I have photos dating back to the 1800s that I need to preserve and name..... dah, got as far as ordering albums and protective sheets, sorting them into family groups.

Truly never short of something to do around the house. Dying to get out to see a movie, have a coffee at the local cafe, dine out with friends, go on a photography shoot with our nature group. But I can live without these, my morale is pretty good.

..............................................................

The Puppy saw the wagon wheel on the ground and came galloping up with the princess plus frypan not far behind
The singer immediately thought they were running to him
but ...

The Princess and Puppy bypassed the singing dude and ran to the circus that was in town just behind the guy. They were both interested in getting their teeth into the chocolate fairy floss that was being made - yum. The singer just stood and stared - he'd been ignored. Ouch, that hurt. So he went trundling after them trying to catch their attention. When he reached them, he said ..........

[monkey_magic]

Hi Croix and all,

Yes, colouring books. I've bought mine from big W, Kmart and I've also looked on- line for them.

I've completed a whole colour by numbers book on animals- some of the works are framable/ sellable. For eg. my 🦁 lion and 🎏 fish in coral.

Along with the colouring books I bought a heap of gel and glitter pens online.

[CMF]

Hi all,

I've started painting my house. Just the outside and only trims for not ie Windows and door frames, fascia, verandah posts etc. I am loving the new colour/look. It is fresh, neutral and earthy. I hope to get to the garden too although it will be colder by then.

Cmf x