Self-Isolation Day 1: Not so isolated

It’s so great to be home. I’ve had a slow, steady day without pressure, catching up and doing a bit of planning.

I slept pretty well. Went to bed around 11.30pm, awake for 30-40 minutes around 4am, back to sleep until my phone buzzed at 8.30am. It was my granddaughter telling me her mum had dropped my food parcel outside my door! Delicious breakfasts of muesli with watermelon, grapes, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, nectarines and strawberries. And the surprise in the parcel - the first Bravo apples of the season - Yay!  Now hoarding those I'd understand.

The emails about services cancelled, adapted, redesigned, or on hold kept coming. As did messages from friends offering assistance. I had lengthy phone calls with my brother and couple of friends and chats with daughters. If I missed your call I will get back to you soon. And thank you retreaters and blog-followers for messages - I'll answer soon.

I read as much news as I could bear, did the washing (it always feels good to wash the things I’ve been washing at night for weeks  in hotel wash-basins), hung it out, looked at my mail and watered my plants. I also had appointments to postpone because of my self-isolation.

My back balcony wall garden is thriving. It looks to the East and gets morning sun.


My washing line is on this balcony. Everything dried in the afternoon.

My front balcony looks West and was likewise healthy. Clearly we didn’t get too many days over 30C while I was away. One frangipani is in bloom. Thanks to family for watering while I was away.








This balcony looks over the Square and the street, so I can wave to people without breaking  isolation rules!












I had hoped to spend much of today constructing projects from Stratford. That was a bit hopeful. There was too much news to catch up on. 

I did, however, make a few decisions.

From the fabric I bought from the Royal Shakespeare Theatre I chose two pieces to use with Nicola’s Midsommer Pillowe. I hope to use the shiny black as the pouch back and the blue as lining.

All opinions are welcome!

The black serge and beige flannel are, I think, too heavy. 

I then searched my stash of beads and embellishments to find replacements for the beads and sequins I mislaid (=lost). I found some I think will work. Might get those on tonight. Then I can construct tomorrow.

right hand placement

Then  I had a go at deciding where on my crewelwork chair I might put the Muncaster Orange when it’s finished. I think it might work on the left hand placement - but I’m not sure. I need to decide before I tackle the bow.

Left hand placement

I’m afraid this self-isolation blog extension may not be very exciting - but there should be more doing activity in future.

There is a lot to process in terms of the changes we are all experiencing. I have many offers of help and enough supplies to get me through 14 days ( fruit will run out before then but I could manage without if I had to, and family and friends will come to my aid). What of those without support? Those without income? Without money? 

I am worried about two friends on the Costa Victoria -currently in the Suez Canal headed to Venice, apparently being told the best plan is to discharge them in Venice on 27 March. No intermediate ports accepting them. Neither are in great health. I haven't been able to contact them.

In the meantime, I am focusing on what I CAN do. I have some episodes of Agatha Raisin to catch up on, family and friends to stay in touch with, blogs to write,  lots of enticing projects to finish (and start!) - oh, and sunsets to watch.

How privileged!

Day 22: on my way - and home

Awake early, showered, dressed, while topping up battery charges on all devices, down to reception by 7.30am. 7.55 pick up already there. I was at Heathrow by 8.10 and in Qantas club by 8.30.

My driver was from Egypt. He has a son in South Korea and a daughter in England. He and his wife are in the process of moving from London to East Devon- for lifestyle and affordability. I was his last job for the day. Airport work has largely dried up (familiar story). He was going to join his wife in Devon later today and take a break until, hopefully, things recover. He is well-informed, thoughtful. The world, he says, will need to change. It can't be the same again. I hope it works out for him.

Qantas is sharing check-in stations with Finnair. There are queues and queues for Finnair. Much congestion. The controllers are getting exasperated. I ask how to find Qantas and am told ‘if you can push your way past this lot, Qantas is down the end’. It’s very peaceful down the Qantas end, but then, the flight is more than three hours away.

Several of the half a dozen  checking in have, what seems to me, enormous amounts of luggage. The one in front of me puts hers on and takes it off several times in different order. Phone calls are made. In the end she gets a boarding pass, two bags get through and she  takes the ski shaped package off somewhere. My modest bag goes through, I’m asked if I know about self isolation requirements, told to pick up my luggage in Perth and shown how to get through customs to the Qantas Club. 

Here it’s pretty calm. We keep the 1.5 metre distance easily. 

While the barista makes my coffee I chat to a man heading back to Perth with his wife. He booked their seats on this flight at 2am this morning. They arrived in London 3 days ago on an Etihad flight from Australia  to tour Europe. Re-entry requirements were introduced while they were in flight. When he heard yesterday that Virgin are stopping flights in and out of Australia they decided to return immediately, and managed to get on this flight! So many stories.

This is my travel project at the start of this journey. It will be interesting to see how far it progresses

I bid silent farewell to England's Green and Pleasant Land.





or otherwise.

The woman with the ski equipment is on board and taking extreme precautions. She wears a face mask and wraps a wooden scarf around her face and the mask. When she leaves her seat she wears rubber gloves ( the washing up variety). A couple of young men wipe all the surfaces of their seat and surrounds before sitting down. Crew deliver toiletries and pjs, then the food service and immigration forms but generally keep their distance. They don’t help with seat covers for sleeping. Everyone is quiet and respectful. Not much moving around.

I took my melatonin tablet around 3pm London time and was asleep by about 4pm London time, about midnight in Perth. I slept around 5 hours. That should put me in a good position to sleep tonight in Adelaide.

I make progress on my owl. It’s a 16+ hour flight, so I get about 9 hours of stitching. 

At Perth we are delayed leaving the plane because someone at the back of the plane has to be checked by a doctor who boards in full protective gear. After about 10 minutes we are allowed to disembark from the front of the plane. 

There was no time in Perth to finish this blog. I had 68 emails - most telling me of closures (including SA Embroiderers’ Guild) or continuing services (my dentist!). My daughters are anxious to hear I’ve arrived. ! A neighbour who hasn’t followed this blog wants to know if I am OK and is trying to organise a local independent grocer to take phone orders and get them to isolated people in our apartments.

I tried writing this in the flight from Perth to Adelaide, which had wifi - but it didn't work.  The crew are helpful and cheerful. They have no work certainty. Cabin staff are being rostered from the end of the month on a seniority basis. Our flight steward is newish. He thinks the company is doing the right thing and treating staff fairly. Pilots on international routes are being stood down. They are understanding and very attentive. The steward gives me a bottle of wine. I was the only one to have a glass of it, and it will go to waste. I leave the airport with a wine bottle sticking out of my luggage.

My driver from Adelaide airport home reckons he's currently earning $30 a day. Not enough to pay his bills. He is trying to get a job stacking shelves at a supermarket to make ends meet. He is not bitter, but sees that this is affecting everyone - and we need ongoing support, not one-off interventions.

When I arrive home there is a package at the outside door of my apartment. The driver spots it. A set of basic food stuff from a nieghbour to get me started. Heart warming. I am a sight in the lift - bottle of wine sticking out and food parcel dangling from my finger.

In my fridge are a heap of berries,a mango and a kilo of coffee beans from my daughter to get me through breakfast. My neighbours have turned my water back on for me.

I open up the doors to my balconies to get a breeze through the place.  My daughters want to know I'm safely home. We all feel a bit better for my being home in such times.

I was really tired on the last flight. This time it took 26 hours door to door. Pretty good for a flight to Oz. It's now 9.30 pm. At the moment I'm wide awake, but hoping to be able to sleep relatively normally tonight.

I'll let you know how I go. I am going to keep this blog going while I'm in self-isolation. Several people have indicated they are interested. Please let me know if you want to opt out. There's a sense we are all in this together and are learning our way through. Together. I feel so privileged and supported by family and friends. And humbled by the service, goodwill and kindness of those who have got me here today in very challenging times.

Day 21: Stitching, talking and packing

I decided this morning not to go walking along the river as I had intended. I guess I am getting my head into my self-isolation mode. It seems easier and safer to stay indoors and stitch. As far as I could see, there were two other guests in the hotel - a far cry from other years.

I set myself up in the front lounge in the light and stitched for three hours. Staff came past, carrying things and nodding, busy about their tasks.
 Outside, as far as I could see through the window, traffic and people were going about their business.

Occasionally there was sun, but for the most part it was overcast.


Around 1.30 pm I repaired to my room, made a cup of Nespresso, ate an apple and 2 biscuits, dealt with a few emails and pressed on with the Muncaster Orange.

In the last 24 hours more restrictions have been announced at home as well as everywhere else. One of my daughters whose immune system is weakened has been ordered to work from home for 6-8 weeks, the other has been obliged to tell staff to work from home, but required herself to work from the office. My brother, who runs a 7 day Easter event for around 500 caravans of Grey Nomads (for non-Australians, these are retired people who travel around the country in caravans, often on a weather-dictated program) in Wagga Wagga in NSW, has just had to cancel the event because of a government ban on events or gatherings of more than 500 people. The world is awry.

I just want to be home. Qantas has announced a 90% cut to international flights from the end of the month.

I have checked in online for my flight tomorrow. The company providing my airport transfer has been in touch and confirmed my pickup. Fingers crossed.

This afternoon I rang my cousin Susan again and caught up on more family and personal news. Later I rang my friend Christine Thatcher in Watford. She gave me permission to mention she had spent the afternoon in her bedroom with a man with a pole - and a crochet hook - trying to fix her large curtain that has come adrift from its cord and moorings. When we spoke it appeared to be working - at least for the moment. Christine and I met on a Crewel Work Company Scottish Highlands tour in 2015 - and have stayed in touch. Embroidery is a great connector. We both value and nurture the connection and friendship.

By 5.30 pm I had come close to finishing the five main leaves of the Muncaster Orange, and the stems. I have a bit of tweeking to do, but I was happy with this progress. Somewhat reluctantly I took it out of the hoop so I could pack it. I'd like to keep working on it on the plane, but that's unwise. I shall revert to my bag travel project. There will, after all, be time to finish it in self-isolation.

For Christine I include a photo of the kit I bought at the retreat Market session. Another project for the next couple of weeks!

Once I dismantled my hoop, I repacked my bag. I'm hoping I can manage without using the expander on my bag. I won't know until I've finished this and recharged my computer.

Feeling satisfied with myself I set off to dinner only to discover the dining room was closed. Apparently, the decision was taken this morning in the light of few bookings and many cancellations, but no-one had thought to tell the remaining guests. The duty manager was unaware guests hadn't been told. He suggested I go next door to the Mute Swan, which I did. I was annoyed. 

I had often thought of visiting the Mute Swan. It was snug and friendly, with quite a few clients, but plenty of room for social distancing.

The ever-present man-and-his-dog was discrete and devoted.








When I returned to the Mitre, the Duty Manager was contrite and apologetic. They are struggling to cope with cancellations and work out what to do. He was keen to compensate, so I finally accepted a glass of wine on the house, brought to my room.

So here I am, writing my final blog in England, in my Qantas pyjamas (which will stay here in the morning; everything else except my clothes for tomorrow and recharging equipment is in my suitcase), while drinking my large glass of white wine while The Art Mysteries of Waldemar plays on the television.

It has been an extraordinary trip. Some really great experiences and connections - but I will be pleased to be home.

At the moment I intend to keep this blog going during my self-isolation. Anyone getting the email version who does not want to continue receiving the posts, drop me a line by email and I will remove you from the distribution list. I do not assume everyone is interested.

I will post again to round off the trip once I am on Australian soil - from Perth if I have time.

Thanks for following along.
Stay safe.

Day 20: East Molesey

Breakfast this morning was very quiet. I saw four people other than myself.

The sun shone over the river to the South










It was more shadowy to the East.













I settled myself in a sunny corner of the hotel to stitch leaves for a bit.

Once the day had warmed up a little I went for a walk to the East Molesey shops

There was a bit of traffic about and plenty of people going about their business.


You would not suspect on the street that there is a pandemic.


I practiced social distancing, but made the most of being able to walk around.









I reckon the same longboat is moored just by the bridge.














The antique and vintage shops are still there. Not many doilies this time, and the ones that were there were crocheted.


I had a bit of a mooch around in them, but I didn't go into the quilt shop. More fabric in my suitcase I do not need.



One of the jewellery shops had won the decorated shop window of the year award.

















The decorations, were, of course,  plastic.










There is, however, at least one well-kept garden along the strip, that is going to look fabulous in a few weeks time.

There are always the chimneys




and the hotel looking splendid.








I spent much of the afternoon on the terrace of the hotel stitching. I had a poncho on, but the sun was out and there wasn't much wind.

I rang my cousin Susan for a long chat.



I had duck again for dinner - mountains of it with potatoes. Not as good as last night's salad. The river view was much the same. I think the swans have flown off to Stratford! Still only two other couples in the dining room.

I'm working on the Muncaster Orange while watching Dalziel and Pascoe. Doubt I will finish it (the Orange) tomorrow - but you never know. Might have to finish it while self-isolating.

Day 19: To Hampton Court

Well, here I am, back at the Mitre. It feels a bit closer to home. Since yesterday’s post, the Australian Government has ordered all passengers arriving from the UK to self-isolate for 14 days. In some ways this is a relief. It means I will get home. My great fear had been a shut-down. My daughter in Adelaide has generously ordered some supplies for me which she will drop off at my door on Friday morning. Maybe I should regard it as part of the trip and continue the blog till it’s over!

I was up in good time this morning and waiting when my driver arrived. I managed to take a photo in my favourite corner.

My driver proved talkative and interesting. He left Sri Lanka in 1989 as a 14 year old on a German scheme to get Sri Lankan children out of the war zone. He was the only dark child in the Foster House, and the town. He was schooled and looked after. His mother was killed by a missile in 1993.  He returned to Sri Lanka for a month during an amnesty in 1999. His father, although accepting that his son had a new life now in Germany, was most anxious that he should marry. Out of respect he succumbed to his father’s pleas and allowed his father to arrange a marriage for him. He signed the papers but had to return to Germany before he met his wife. His first contact with her was by phone from Germany. She joined him, accepting the marriage and new life, but constantly arguing for them to relocate to England for the sake of their children. From her Sri Lankan education she regarded England as the Mecca of education for their children - the goal being Oxford or Cambridge. Their children are now 16 and 17. The course his now 17 year-old daughter wants to do is not available at either Oxford or Cambridge but the pressure is still there from the mother. He still prefers Germany to England. He thinks it is fairer and more caring. He also says Christmas is wonderful in Germany and you hardly notice it in England!

He thinks the reaction to Corona Virus is ridiculous and is astonished to hear we have restrictions in Australia. He is very worried about his capacity to earn at the moment. Airport transfers have dropped dramatically and drivers are getting far fewer trips. People are not making business trips. 

 A most interesting trip. I didn’t find much time or opportunity to take photos. It rained for the first half an hour then settled into grey. This was a glimpse of the Thorpe Park Amusements Park.



At the Mitre my room was ready by 12.30pm. I could have had one earlier upstairs at the front of the hotel but opted to wait for a ‘quieter’ room. It’s on the inner courtyard, which I like, but on the further side than I have stayed before- a bit of a trek around corridors and up a few steps. Nice when you get there.

The window provides good light so I move a chair there.  

I go next door to visit Gardenarium, where I have twice found clothes I like in my size. No luck this time! The conversations, however, were interesting. Both shop attendant and customers agreed there is no chance their aunties/mothers will stay inside for 4 months. It seems that while Stay Calm and Wash your Hands is persuasive, Keep Calm and Stay at Home for 4 Months is not. It looks as if WWII propaganda film units might need to be re-established.


Back in my room I sat in my window and worked on a leaf of the Muncaster Orange. I resisted the urge to sleep - I was awake early this morning- and read for a bit.  

I was hoping to finish the leaf before posting this - but didn't quite make it.

The hotel was busy for lunch but quiet by the evening. Still the same lights and the same calming view.





My Duck Salad was excellent. 















I'm writing this while watching Timothy West and Prunella Scales travelling Swedish canals and meeting Viveca Sten. Skol
I have two days to prepare for my journey home - and self-isolation! Might as well make the most of having meals cooked for me!

(apologies for the font change - don't seem able to fix it.)