Central Plateau, North Island

Central Plateau, North Island
View from a friend's farm

Thursday 26 March 2020

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.

35 comments:

Nancy J said...

I forgot, so MANY thanks for all your thoughts for us, asking if we are OK, and worrying when I haven't posted here for ages. Maybe age???? lots to do??? Or just lacking some motivation. I am so thankful for all your friendship, each one, and hope so much you each stay well, stay safe, and continue to manage as you learn to live life in a totally different way. Greetings, Jean.

Susan Heather said...

Yes, BE KIND is most important. We will get through this.

Tanya said...

So nice to see Boris again and to get to know Moxie. Stay healthy and stay home! Enjoy your garden!

At Home In New Zealand said...

Boris and Moxy are so cute, I just wanted to pat them! Stay safe :)

Out To Pasture said...

Your photos of flowers and cats were a real treat in these days of world health concern. Moxie looks like he might be purring or about to say something when you snapped his picture. Hollyhocks and bumblebees are what us northerners look forward to in about three months. Glad to hear you have lots of quality sewing planned for the big lockdown.

eileeninmd said...

Hello,

I love your sweet kitties and the beautiful flowers. I would love to grow the Cosmos, it is so pretty. I am glad you are well, keeping busy with your quilting. I think we should be kind and considerate of others. Take care and stay well. Wishing you a good day and happy weekend!

Julierose said...

I agree--kindness is the way to go. Everyone is so scared and irritable from cabin fever..we are sheltering in place here in SE CT...at 76 and 81 going anywhere is out of the question....only early morning senior hours at grocery will see us, with gloved hands, shopping for necessary items--we don't have any family near enough to go for us..so far so good.

My sewing project--a new King sized bed quilt should keep me busy for a good long time and I love making my Courthouse Steps blocks and it eases my mind from the news reports....

Stay vigilant ;))), hugs from afar Julierose

Jenn Jilks said...

Lovely to see your post.
We in Canada are in about the same position as you. We're locked down, but with lots of stupid self-entitled people out and about.
I am so glad we have respectively good PMs. They have taken the lead. Yours is amazing, after all NZ has been through.

Kate said...

Hollyhocks are biennial, and only flower in their second year. However, they seed themselves, and I find them popping up in parts of the garden where I don't expect. They make me smile!

Inger said...

You are truly fortunate to live in a country administered by intelligent and reasonable people. Having experience with the opposite here, it feels to great to read your news of the precautions your country is taking. I'm sure it will serve all it's people well.
On a personal side, I love your kitty pictures and I'm glad you are doing well.

Kathleen said...

Ah, isolation...should be a quilters dream but sometimes it feels less so. I think there is a lot of grief in our not being able to be who we naturally are - social beings. Best of luck to you in the time of islation.

Yvonne from Quilting Jetgirl said...

I'm entering week 3 of lockdown with my husband here. We are doing well and are cozy; I go out once a week for groceries. Stay well, friend!

Jenny said...

Hello to Moxie, your beatiful new cat, and also to Boris. Lovely flowering things in your garden! Keepmsafe, and keep stitching.

The Furry Gnome said...

Glad you're well prepared for sewing! It's much the same here. We've basically stayed in for two weeks now except for those essential errands.

Carole @ From My Carolina Home said...

So glad to see your post, and I am happy you are well and safe. We are pretty much on lockdown too, with the exception of restaurants are allowed to do takeout, and businesses that deliver can stay open. But everyone is encouraged to stay home. The county to the north of us just went to greater restrictions, so I think we will be under those soon as well. Luckily, as quilters, we have plenty to keep us busy! Have fun in your sewing room and stay well!

Carol Mattingly said...

I've been working from home for two weeks. No outside sales calls probably for at least another two weeks. God help us all Jean. We are now #1 for cases of the virus. I feel like I'm living in a bad dream and can't wake up. Stay safe you two. Write often. Carol

Judyk2310 said...

Love your cats!! I miss having them but it's best that I stay alone. Your flowers are beautiful and make me get out and plant seed but it's too early here in Indiana. I am enjoying staying at home right now. I had volunteered for too much and then had two part time jobs before. I'm retired and it's time to relax and that's been good for me. So glad I found your Blog!!

Barb said...

Glad to have a post from you, Jean, and know that you and Hugh are safe and well at home. Bob and I are also fine and have very little contact with others. We keep in touch with family electronically and try only to shop for groceries every few weeks. Our DR did a podcast and said the grocery store is probably the most germ-laden place to visit since everyone ends up there. I know you have lots of things to keep you occupied at home. Your blooms are still beautiful!

Our photos said...

Still no lockdown overhere. A lot of people are at home, many in IC. Scary times, we have to sit this one out. Being careful lif goes on...

Allie said...

Your flowers are SO gorgeous - ours are just starting here, it's beginning to feel like spring. Too bad nobody can get out and enjoy it. The gal who delivered my vitamins this morning had her windows rolled down, bet she was enjoying it!
We're using pick-up and delivery services for groceries now, won't even go into the stores. I do believe life as we knew it is finished - things will be much different when this is over. The economy cannot sustain such a blow. Hopefully we will start manufacturing in our own country now - I am so done with Chinese goods. I love the Chinese people, but will not support their government.
Yes, be kind.....it can spread even quicker than the virus.

Eggs In My Pocket said...

So glad that you are staying safe during this worrisome time. Always love to see Boris and how pretty is your new boy Moxy! Cosmos are such delicate and pretty looking flowers. Stay safe and well!

The Padre said...

I Came Over From Romping And Rolling - Your Photos Are Just Lovely - The Cats, Too Funny - The Late Cosmos Are Gorgeous As Can Be - Enjoy The Week Ahead - Stay Strong

Cheers

Rosie said...

Good to hear that you have your sewing to keep you occupied during the isolation. We here are self isolating for the last 2 weeks as we are in the age group and have medical conditions. I do feel for people who live on their own as it would be a very difficult time. Thanks for sharing your lovely photos of kitties and flowers. Stay safe and well.

Sharon said...

Thanks for visiting, We are so blessed to be in NZ. keep safe

Sharon - IN said...

Hello Jean, I hope you and Huge are weathering the Lockdown well. Wise precautions are in place. Praying for all on the front line, and everyone actually. Your flowers are lovely, cute kitties. My cat sitting ended last week. Wish I could grow Hollyhocks, the rabbits here eat the greens before they get tall enough to flower.

Fundy Blue said...

Hi, Jean! I enjoyed all the photos, especially your kitties. I would love a gentle, affectionate, snuggly cat like your new Moxy; but Terry would never tolerate living with a cat. 😔. But Terry has many wonderful qualities that outweigh that flaw. Photo editing on the MacBook is quite easy once you get the hang of it. I usually start with cropping and then go on to other features. I love your prime minister. She did a super job during the shooting tragedy in your family. "Be Kind." What a wonderful message. Our president wants us to be nice ~ to him. Argh! You and Hugh take care and be safe.

KB said...

Your kitties look so snuggly and comforting. I'm glad that they are with you. Stay safe and healthy - I am thinking of you.

Paige said...

Seeing your flowers and furry friends brings joy! Stay well!

Jenn Jilks said...

Just thought I'd pop in, again. Take care. We are managing.

Coloring Outside the Lines said...

I hope you are still doing well. We are hanging in there, but have the same restraints as you. Except no one is paying much attention. When I was mowing the other day I watched car after car after car go by. I wondered where the heck they were going, but then, everyone has a day they need to shop for groceries, for sure.
Be safe- Moxie and Boris look really content. Oh to be a cat!

Vagabonde said...

I enjoyed looking at your cats. I had two of the same color, a ginger cat and a grey one. Unfortunately the ginger cat, Cody, died last year. I wrote a post on all the pets we had and if you go on my blog you’ll see Cody the ginger cat and Mitsouko the grey cat (Post of 3/18/2019 called Little Friends.) Having been on lockdown in the house for 34 days now, it is quite nice to have a feline pet with me, although I miss talking to a human. Thanks for coming to my blog.

diane b said...

I came over here from Karen's blog. you live in a great country with a good Prime Minister. I'm sure you will be safe. Its easy to learn editing in Photos on your MacBook. Give it a try.

Karen - Quilts...etc. said...

you are so l lucky to have an intelligent leader we are sadly lacking in that. Your flowers look so pretty.

Debbie said...

hi jean, i wonder where you found me?? what brought you to my blog?? i'm happy you found me, my niece lives in new zealand and i have a lot of interest in your country. i live in new jersey, our situation is much the same. everything is closed and we are not allowed to go out. our star has the 2nd highest number of cases in the united states, scary stuff!!

your flowers are so pretty, i love cosmos leaning on a white picket fence. so warm, so welcoming!!

Eggs In My Pocket said...

Just dropping by to say hello and hope this finds you doing well