What extraordinary times we find ourselves in. The world as we know it has been tipped on its axis in just a few short weeks. This weekend, in response to the growing Covid-19 threat, my government (in NZ) has introduced new restrictions that will have a significant impact on all of our lives.
There are now bans on large gatherings, many public venues are closed until further notice, anyone over 70 must stay at home and the working population has been encouraged to work at home if they can. Social distancing is now a fact of life.
It is so easy to feel overwhelmed by the devastating fallout of this virus that has swept throughout the world.
I have found myself feeling anxious and distracted, found it hard to sleep or keep from compulsively checking the news and social media to check on developments.
So, it is time I think to stop, take stock, ensure that I am doing everything that I should and nothing that I shouldn’t and then, without resistance, settle in to the new normal.
I am a homebody and a nest maker of old. I don’t need to think about stocking my larder. Provisions are always in a state of plenty in my home. I am my mother’s daughter. Mum was a child in WW2 and grew up in a time of making the most of very little and with a waste not, want not mentality. It is comforting to know that along with the skills she passed on to me, and the confidence to make a meal from a few base ingredients, I also have jars of the fruit and vegetables she has preserved in recent months.
As well as being a practical and nourishing gift, it is testament to the homespun wisdom and skill of our mothers and grandmothers who in times of plenty made sure that there was always something on the table when things got lean.
In a world that has become so commercialised and geared towards instant gratification, the directive that has now been given to the population to stay at home and away from the shops has been a call to arms for my inner homemaker.
There will be no heading out for a coffee or weekend brunch, but this does not mean that we need to feel deprived. Our homemade brunch on the weekend of waffles, caramalised bananas and pistachio nuts was as nice as any fancy pants café breakfast at a quarter of the cost.
We now have at least a month ahead of staying put at home. This is without a doubt, a difficult and let’s face it, truly dreadful time for some. My personal challenges over this time are negligible compared to many. My husband was recently made redundant and will have no chance of finding employment over the next wee while. I have just learnt that I need to have a root canal procedure to cure a sore tooth – and that can’t happen any time soon.
Regardless, I will continue to be paid during this period of isolation and will keep my job. My family are healthy and there is plenty of food in the cupboards and a nice home to enjoy. So, I am determined to search out the positives over the next weeks and to use the time that has been gifted to me wisely.
I hope you will join me on my journey.
Quietly Quaintrelle 