Day ONE of total Lockdown here in NZ.

Hello everyone, here in New Zealand we are now in what is called Lockdown, only essential services  are allowed to continue, and life as we knew it has ceased for at least 4 weeks. The Covid 19 cases continue to increase, almost all are with people returning from overseas. We cannot go for a drive anywhere, must have a valid reason, supermarkets and pharmacies limit the number of people in, at any one time, and everyone over 70  is advised not to go shopping for their own groceries.
So, meantime the sun continues to shine, with clouds in a blue sky. Taken from the front lawn.

                

The cats obey self isolation very well, Boris spends a lot of time by himself in a comfy chair on the back deck

Moxy, the new boy, gentle, affectionate, snuggly, is a dream. His story will come  later, as we are in a turmoil with self-isolation,   more cases every day, so far no-one in ICU, and no deaths.

The garden continues to bloom, late Cosmos, very bright Hollyhock,  and lots of Nerines in a bright red/pink.

The other Hollyhock have well and truly finished, and this one attracted some bumblebees. One flew in as I tried to focus on the one flower. 

Guess I need to save the seeds here too. They are so pretty.

I haven't managed to learn photo editing on the Macbook, guess with at least 4 weeks at home that will get a place in the queue. Curtains, a birthday present to make, thankfully I did get lots of threads, lots of batiks,( Yes, I know maybe too many ), What, did I hear someone say never too many fabrics, a pile of batting, interfacing, freezer paper, steam a seam or similar, and a pattern for a bag.

New Zealand is now so different to what we knew just last week, the frontline hospital  workers at all levels are  working extra hours, the supermarkets ditto, limiting the number of shoppers in at any one time, markers on the floor so they keep a distance,  our Doctor's surgery has the door locked, And when you arrive, have to give your name and they will call you in when ready.

So I leave you  with these thoughts.

Be so thankful for family, friends, faith, and as our Prime Minister says, every day,

Be Kind.

No quotation for today would fit in  with what is happening world  -wide, I read of the numbers of positive cases in each of your parts of the world, and so hope and pray with all my heart that you all, and your families and friends stay well.

Greetings from Jean.

Where Have I Been???

Good morning all friends,
the truth is I have not been anywhere, and with Covid 19 already here in NZ, will not be going anywhere meantime. Flying south is out, as we would have to go through  one international airport on the way, and who knows which overseas traveller might have been there too.
We are well,  and hope to stay that way. The garden has finished the summer flurry of Hollyhocks, zinnias, gerbera, and more, and bulbs are sorted for planting soon.
We have a new addition to our household, a Lilac Abyssinian boy, 12 years old, gentle, loving, and very vocal. He left his home just up the street when his Mum and Dad were away , and roamed the street looking for his new home.  He decided we would fit his requirements!!!Then one morning when I went out to look for him, he was walking down with his Mum. She explained the LONG story ( I am saving that for a day with photos ) and said they were happy if he lived with us.
Hugh had 2 nights in hospital recently, with very high blood pressure and what has been diagnosed  as Atrial Fibrillation. So new medication, some side effects, but so far he has been a lot better and no more episodes. Scary when the Blood Pressure is almost off the scale.
Son-in-Law has had a significant birthday,  no party as there would be more than 50 attending, and son-in-law up North might be working from home if their office is closed.
I had to visit the Vodafone shop the other day, and the staff are not allowed to handle any customer's phone. This meant 3 lengthy phone calls trying to transfer data and an old phone number to a new Samsung phone when t he new Sim card was a different size. When the last lady said she couldn't do it on the phone and I had to  visit a store, I replied " THIS is a nightmare" and told her why. Bingo, today they will do it by phone and Joyce will have this wonderful new phone working perfectly ( I hope).

Quotation of the day, author unknown,

"  Let nature with the sunrise and sunset be your entertainment right now"

Greetings from Jean.