Isolation, or nearly!

After a week of trying to get our heads around isolation, or nearly, we think we are beginning to get a routine going in our house.

It is very difficult to fully understand the requirements in Australia, and what is sensible for people in their 70s, who are relatively fit and healthy, as the information can be confusing.   It also depends on which state you live in, and where you live in that state.

Everyone who comes into South Australia is meant to self isolate for two weeks, and luckily we do not have any cruise ships waiting out at sea.   We are following the social distancing regulation of only two people together and cafes can only serve takeaway coffee and food.    Other food and drink places are closed, and many businesses have closed.   There are high numbers of people without a job.  However schools are still open, but will close early for the school holidays.    Most shops are still open, I think.

So at the moment, out in Aldinga, Walter and I have come up with a solution for us.   We stay home mostly, luckily in a big house, with a big garden, and do not go near any supermarkets or shopping centres.   Thank goodness we have family nearby who can do the grocery shopping for us. At the moment we buy single items from shops (not in shopping centres), such as more printer ink, but it is straight in and out, and lots of hand sanitiser  afterwards.  Plus we walk Piper, lucky dog.

The sun is still shining here, and pleasantly warm, so being outside in the warmth lifts the spirits somewhat.   I realise this will change as the sun moves further north and winter sets in.   

My view of the pool, from the gazebo.   I should be swimming in it still, but I lack the motivation to jump into the cold water.     But it is pleasant to look at.

The hand sanitiser!  Walter bought two large bottles, weeks ago.   Way before it all sold out.   He did not mean to get such large bottles from the pharmacy but that is what they gave him, and we all laughed at him for buying so much sanitiser.   Not so anymore.   We have filled up small bottles, and put them in our bags and cars.   It is also very strong, 60% alcohol, and hopefully will knock any germs off our hands.

Keeping everything clean takes up so much time!   What with washing hands, sanitising them, and wiping surfaces and door hands with disinfectant a couple of times a day, occupies a fair bit of our time.   I have never seen the house look so clean.   The smell of disinfectant and hand sanitiser pervades our house and our cars!

A deserted beach!   Well not quite, but nearly.   We are very lucky.  It is great to see people though as being confined to home is very lonely.   Being able to say good morning to other people, makes such a difference.

Piper loves her early morning walks, chasing the ball, and swimming in the sea.   She gets an extra special long wash with the cold water from the hose when she gets home.   This is not so popular with her.

Walter and Piper out for a walk.

Kuitpo Forest last weekend.  It was a lovely shady walk, on a 30 degree day.

Aldinga Beach Scrub, with very well camouflaged  kangaroos somewhere in the centre of the photograph.

More well camouflaged kangaroos hiding amongst the trees.   It is very dry at the moment, and the brown fur of the kangaroos blend in very well with the trees and grass.

The esplanade at Aldinga Beach, which we also walk along.   It is not as deserted as this photograph shows, and it is great to see people walking and riding their bikes.

My first project, to cut this hedge out.   One of our neighbours has given us their green bin, so I have two to fill.   The next collection is on Monday so I will have to get a move on.   Our beautiful Pittosporum hedges have mostly died, due to being infested with a mealy type insect which sucked the moisture out of the branches.   Then the extreme heat finished them off.   But more about our plans for the front in a later blog.

Our thoughts are also with people all over the world during this time of a devastating pandemic.   The news that comes to us via the news is unbearable to read and to watch.   So many people are suffering hugely.   A terrible tragedy.