Thursday 4th June 2020 – Day Seventy Two
Good morning all, as always thank you for forwarding your thoughts regarding the various subjects we ‘talk’ about in this blog.
One nice anecdote from Barbara, which I would like to share with you:
“…….for some members who feel too old to embrace technology. I went with my neighbour to buy an iPad with her and taught her how to use it and helped her get her internet provider too. That was two years ago and she’s now 90 and absolutely loves her iPad for emailing, has apps for YouTube (she loves Pathe News and Listening to Sing Something Simple) and the BBC plus games as well! Hope that encourages others…..”
What can I share with you today?
FOOD / SHOPPING
Thank you to everyone who has forwarded their wonderful support and comments to me regarding the Food Bank Project organised by Covent Garden Community Centre / 7 Dials Club. It is really gratifying to hear that so many people are benefiting from the service:
Foodbank – We are flexible with regards to who we can help. If you fit the following criteria, please register.
- Self Isolation due to symptoms
- Isolation due to vulnerable or shielded status
- Income reduction because of lockdown & crisis measures
- Income reduction while waiting for benefits to arrive
- Homeless
Go to Registration Form
ART & CULTURE
From Cathy B:
Royal Opera House. Watch The Royal Opera’s Il Trittico (YouTube 5 June).
Puccini’s trio of operas, telling contrasting stories of jealousy and murder, loss and suicide, romance and cheerful trickery.
From Marcel:
Hi John, a friend of mine just sent me this poem by Pam Ayres (remember her?) on corona.
Thought you might want to share it with everybody.
Pam Ayres – I’m normally a social girl
I’m normally a social girl
I love to meet my mates
But lately with the virus here
We can’t go out the gates.
You see, we are the ‘oldies’ now
We need to stay inside
If they haven’t seen us for a while
They’ll think we’ve upped and died.
They’ll never know the things we did
Before we got this old
There wasn’t any Facebook
So not everything was told.
We may seem sweet old ladies
Who would never be uncouth
But we grew up in the 60s –
If you only knew the truth!
There was sex and drugs and rock ‘n roll
The pill and miniskirts
We smoked, we drank, we partied
And were quite outrageous flirts.
Then we settled down, got married
And turned into someone’s mum,
Somebody’s wife, then nana,
Who on earth did we become?
We didn’t mind the change of pace
Because our lives were full
But to bury us before we’re dead
Is like a red rag to a bull!
So here you find me stuck inside
For four weeks, maybe more
I finally found myself again
Then I had to close the door!
It didn’t really bother me
I’d while away the hour
I’d bake for all the family
But I’ve got no flaming flour!
Now Netflix is just wonderful
I like a gutsy thriller
I’m swooning over Idris
Or some random sexy killer.
At least I’ve got a stash of booze
For when I’m being idle
There’s wine and whiskey, even gin
If I’m feeling suicidal!
So let’s all drink to lockdown
To recovery and health
And hope this awful virus
Doesn’t decimate our wealth.
We’ll all get through the crisis
And be back to join our mates
Just hoping I’m not far too wide
To fit through the flaming gates!
HEALTH
From Janet:
Daily anxiety management and soul soothing sessions.
Dear John, thank you for your cheery newsletters – I have been doing these sessions daily in the morning, finding them so helpful. If you can’t do the live video is sent daily to do at your leisure. Very reasonable – £3.00 per session or free to those who currently can’t pay.
Here’s the Link
From Inner Space:
Sleep Better, Rest Better. Free Webinar.
Have you mastered the art of getting a good night’s sleep?
And no matter how long you sleep, do you wake up in the morning feeling rested? If you’re finding that getting good quality sleep is becoming increasingly challenging, it’s time to brush up on your sleep know how.
Friday 5th June at 6:30. Click the link to register:
https://www.innerspace.org.uk/
INFORMATION
From Chris T & John W:
9 things you can do to stay as safe as possible when using the London Underground.
The official advice is to avoid using the Tube where possible, but if you’ve no other choice, then follow this advice as best you can:
Here’s the Link
From Anna:
Using Zoom.
Hi, John, I wonder if everyone realises that you can take part in a Zoom meeting with just the old-fashioned landline? All you need to do is dial the number, and then the code. The downside is that, obviously, you won’t be able to see anyone – it’s audio only, but it could be better than nothing. I’ve taken part in a zoom prayer meeting with my church, it does feel very strange, but it’s only temporary, after all. Oh, and we’ll have to remember the free call time limit – after an hour I just re-dialled, and it counts as a new (free) call.
FUNNY SIDE OF LIFE
From Jerry – Mark Twain One-Liners That Are Still Relevant Today.
His advice will live on forever.
Here are quotes by Mark Twain that feel as apropos and on the nose today as when he first put pen to paper.
“A good marriage is the union of two good forgivers.” If there’s one thing that doesn’t change over the years, it’s the recipe to a successful marriage.
“It’s not the size of the dog in the fight, it’s the size of the fight in the dog.” Whether it’s sports or politics, rooting for the underdog is one of our favourite pastimes.
That’s all for now!
You can contact me on 07759 646507 in case of an emergency
Be safe
John