Category Archives: Caring Together

Poetry Corner: Feelings of Dealing with COVID19 by Sandra McShane – 20th May 2020

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‘Feeling’

I don’t know how I’m feeling.

I think I feel all right.
I’m busy doing nothing
From morning until night.

I don’t know how I’m feeling.
I left the house today.
I went to do some shopping.
I sang along the way.

I don’t know how I’m feeling.
I gave the bags to mom.
We smiled and laughed and she was fine.
Then I went back home.

I don’t know how I’m feeling.
Today I’m not too sure.
The numbers keep on climbing.
Will they find a cure?

I don’t know how I’m feeling.
I just don’t need this stuff.
Some cake and wine and chocolate,
But boy this thing is tough.

I don’t know how I’m feeling
When I stand and clap so loud.
So grateful, happy and so sad
In the isolated crowd.

I don’t know how I’m feeling.
When will that dream job come?
I’m optimistic, hopeful,
And luckier than some.

I don’t know how I’m feeling.
I saw the news today
But only very briefly.
Why won’t it go away?

I don’t know how I’m feeling.
I don’t know if I’m sad.
My friends and family, they’re all fine.
For that I am so glad.

I don’t know how I’m feeling,
But this I know is true.
We’re all in this together.
It’s me and them and you.

Do you know how you’re feeling?
You know that it’s okay
To sit and cry and wonder,
To want a better day.

Let’s just hold this feeling
Of love, of light, of hope.
Let’s relish all the quiet.
Be proud of how you cope.

I don’t know how I’m feeling.
I think I want to cry.
I don’t – I make a coffee
And stare out at the sky.

Today I got the feeling
That soon this will be done.
Our lives will change forever,
But look up at the sun.

You know that deep down feeling
Of joy, of loss, of pain,
The love, the sadness and the hurt.
You’ll be okay again.

One day we’ll get that feeling –
Was all this even real?
Hold onto that feeling.
In time we will all heal.

Written by Sandra A. McShane, 24.4.20/sourced.familyfriendpoems

Take care everyone

Snapshot in time: Great Outdoors!

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This week I have focused on the great outdoors.
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Sylvia wanted to share this delightful picture of herself in her national dress. This was before the lockdown at home in Montserrat.
Our friends and neighbours of Woodhouse at Craven Road and Delph View tending to their garden.
Pictures taken by Karen on the 7th May on Woodhouse Ridge “This morning we met Alfie the horse and a duck “
Thank you everyone for sharing, we look forward to more in the coming weeks.
Keep safe and well

Lockdown Island latest written by Oliver Cross

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Lockdown Island latest
I’VE decided that I would like to spend the rest of my life exploring small islands, though this only happened after the lockdown made island hopping an impossible dream for anybody unlucky enough not to be Sir Richard Branson or a sea turtle.

Still, in my experience so far, spending time on a remote island is very similar to being in lockdown.  My partner Lynne booked us a week-long, out-of-season break on the exclusive (but only in the sense we were the only tourists there) island of Pag, off Croatia. It was very safe in modern terms, there being no theatrical, sporting or other interesting events to take our minds off washing our hands and avoiding crowded thoroughfares.

After a while on the island, we felt quite at home, knowing many of the local people and vice versa, so that when we got stranded by a huge downpour, a local taxi driver came, unasked, to our rescue, having observed enough of our habits to know which restaurant we would be eating in that night (a choice of three) and when we would be asking for the bill.

It was a kind of pre-virus version of the NHS phone tracing app introduced on the Isle of Wight keep tabs on potentially-infected people. I’m worried that the NHS may be wasting its money because the average small-islander is likely to be far better informed about people in the vicinity than the most costly surveillance devices.

Another island which appears to be in permanent lockdown is Sal, in the Cape Verdi group in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. Its great attraction is that there are no annoying distractions, such as sophisticated restaurants or exotic wildlife. There are, instead, very pleasant and entertaining people, lovely beaches, the small tip of an extinct volcano and a mirage which doesn’t really work unless you squint a lot.

The only place we visited that resembled a regular tourist attraction was the Museum of Salt, celebrating the industry which gave the island its name but which doesn’t exist any more.

The museum seems to have pioneered the epidemic-led policy of closely controlling entry to public places. The receptionist was so alarmed at the prospect of visitors that she had to call her supervisor to check whether they were allowed. The supervisor, who said she should have been at home on her day off, had to come round to peer at us because islanders like to know what’s going on, and we had to show an implausible fascination with the few old salt-shovelling implements on display, so as not to appear rude.

This is the fascination of small islands, Relatively small things, such as the salty cheese on Pag, the Museum of Salt on Sal or the coloured sands on the Isle of Wight, become especially significant when, until we reboard the plane or ferry, that’s all there is.

I particularly like the Isle of Man, which, although not so small, sounds pretty dull compared to hot-spot islands in the Mediterranean or the Caribbean.  Actually, I tell people before they start to yawn, it has one of the world’s finest transport systems, with electric trams, steam locomotives, horse trams, a mountain railway and an unusually efficient bus service.

I think the objection that many of the island’s public service vehicles date from the nineteenth century, and therefore tend to rattle or jerk, completely misses the point. Regular commuters may long for a smooth ride but island-hoppers prefer things quirky or even jerky.

And I’m now worried that my nostalgia for out-dated transport systems may be a result of locked-down syndrome; perhaps I’m only thinking of trams and trains because it may soon be decreed that we must only travel by bike, foot or private car unless we need to save the economy by going to work on public transport, in which case the risk is on us.

Thank you once again Oliver, until next time!

‘Monday Mind Workout’ – 18th May 2020 – answers

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Caring Together’s Monday Mind Workout Food and Drink Quiz Questions and answers

  1. If you asked for scraps in a chippy – what would you get? Bits of batter
  2. What is an eggplant known as in the UK? Aubergine
  3. What meat is in a Glamorgan sausage? None – it’s made with cheese
  4. What are Pontefract cakes made from? Liquorice
  5. In which country would you most likely be offered Ouzo? Greece
  6. Saffron comes from which flower? Crocus
  7. What nut is used in marzipan? Almond
  8. What fruit is a Whitby bun flavoured with? Lemon
  9. What county did the Eccles cake come from? Lancashire
  10. What is the most consumed manufactured drink in the world? Tea
  11. What is the main ingredient in guacamole? Avocado
  12. In which county is the Rhubarb Triangle? West Yorkshire (between Wakefield, Leeds and Bradford)
  13. Which bakery created a stir with a vegan sausage roll? Greggs
  14. If you were eating fondue, what would you be dipping into? Melted cheese
  15. What are the 3 main ingredients of a mocha? Coffee(espresso) chocolate and hot milk
  16. Which West Yorkshire town holds a liquorice festival each year? Pontrefract
  17. Chesnut, oyster and shitake are all varieties of what? Mushroom
  18. What type of food is Port Salut? Cheese
  19. What forms the inside of a Baked Alaska? Ice cream
  20. What is Paddington Bear’s favourite food? Marmalade sandwiches

How did you do?

Mental Health Awareness Week 18th May to 24th May 2020

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Mental Health Awareness Week 18th May to 24th May 2020

Focus this year is on Kindness, and in Woodhouse and Little and London I’d say you are doing your bit by the bucket load!

As a community your kindness is heartwarming!

You are calling on neighbours, friends, family and us too :))

You are helping where you can, with telephone support, getting a daily newspaper, shopping and gardening for others

You are making meals; baking, making Jams, pickles, fruit cake and tending to the allotment and sharing with others

You are being creative and artistic and sharing this with others.

You are sharing facetime with family and friends, and zooming over a cuppa

You are sharing walks and picnics together (2metres apart) films together, conversations about nature, what you’ve watched, and theatre together

You are sharing interesting articles, digital imagery, messages of safety, poetry, quizzes, memoirs and short stories

You are spreading your kindness with your concern, care, a smile, a wave and in words, silences, and cards

and please share some kindness with yourself too

And you are even making kind donations; financial, and with food and stamps 🙂

And finally you are sharing what its like to be human: your loss, your love, fears, sorrow, wisdom, tears, hope and laughter

Random acts of kindness during the coronavirus outbreak | Mental ...

 

MindWell, the mental health website for people in Leeds, launched a Coronavirus Mental Health Hub which will act as a ‘portal’ bringing together information about mental health and Covid-19 for people in Leeds.

https://www.mindwell-leeds.org.uk/

MindWell Week of Kindness – seven days, seven themes

Covid-19 bereavement service

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St Gemma’s bereavement team in collaboration with Wheatfields Hospice have set up a telephone support line for anyone in Leeds who has a family member or friend that is critically ill or who has died from Covid-19. Offering emotional support and signposting where needed.

The phone line is open Monday – Friday, 9.00am-4.00pm (apart from bank holidays) and is staffed by trained bereavement workers.

St Gemma’s 0113 218 5544
Wheatfield’s 0113 203 3369

Keep safe and well

covid-19_-st-gemma(1) – Copy

‘Monday Mind Workout’ – 18th May 2020

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Dear all,

This week’s Monday Mind workout is on food and drink. Best of luck!

Food and Drink Quiz Questions

  1. If you asked for scraps in a ‘chippy’ – what would you get?
  2. What is an eggplant known as in the UK?
  3. What meat is in a Glamorgan sausage?
  4. What are Pontefract cakes made from?
  5.  In which country would you most likely be offered Ouzo?
  6. Saffron comes from which flower?
  7. What nut is used in marzipan?
  8. What fruit is a Whitby bun flavoured with?
  9. What county did the Eccles cake come from?
  10. What is the most consumed manufactured drink in the world?
  11. What is the main ingredient in guacamole?
  12. In which county is the Rhubarb Triangle?
  13. Which bakery created a stir with a vegan sausage roll?
  14. If you were eating fondue, what would you be dipping into?
  15. What are the 3 main ingredients of a mocha?
  16. Which West Yorkshire town holds a liquorice festival each year?
  17. Chesnut, oyster and shitake are all varieties of what?
  18. What type of food is Port Salut?
  19. What forms the inside of a Baked Alaska?
  20. What is Paddington Bear’s favourite food?

Answers to follow tomorrow

Troggs in the shed

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Hello all

I was hoping to get cracking repainting the rusty bits in the shed but that pesky Wren is nest building again..so plans put on hold for a while..yes the Latin for Wren is Troglodytes troglodytes..the shed must remind it of an old damp cave..I just had some news from a friend that the Wren may not set up home in the shed..apparently the male bird builds a few nests and then the female comes and inspects which she fancies..surely not a scruffy old tin shed..it can get very hot in the summer as well ..the eggs will be hard boiled..

Ah Yes the Troggs…Wild thing you make my heart sing …you make everything groovy…..they don’t write them like that anymore…was Reg Presley the singer’s real name?..no one is called Reg are they?…keep on rocking..ben

Bringing a little of the great outdoors into your home

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BBC Countryfile  are offering virtual escapes to the magical landscapes and extraordinary wildlife of Britain’s 15 national parks, from the mountains of Snowdonia and the coastline of Pembrokeshire to the lakes of Loch Lomond and the hills of the Yorkshire Dales
So sit back and relax from the comfort of your home and get your fix of the great outdoors even if you can’t physically be
there with a virtual tour:
https://www.countryfile.com/…/virtual-escapes-britains-inc…/

Discover the magical landscapes and extraordinary wildlife of Britain’s 15 national parks, from the mountains of Snowdonia and the coastline of Pembrokeshire to the lakes of Loch Lomond and the hills of the Yorkshire Dales

Shared Moments: ‘Stocktaking and Taking Stock’ Day 15 by Maureen Kershaw

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Dear all,

Day 15 written and shared with you by Maureen Kershaw

‘Stocktaking and Taking Stock’

Not been out since first thing Saturday morning but a productive time and each day enjoyable. On a walk last week I had a conversation with a lady who lives little more than a stone’s throw away from me.  I hasten to add that we chatted from opposite sides of the road so we were certainly social distancing. I’d kept to my plan of speaking to a stranger each time I ventured out and as we almost drew level we commented on taking our daily exercise. Apparently she has lived nearby for many a year but admitted that although very much an ‘outdoorsy’ person – she only takes that up outside Leeds, her journeys always being by car.

We chatted for a good 10 mins on how our lives have changed but we are at an age where we soon accept and adapt. We agreed how Covid-19 apart, surely many good things will come out of this. The City and indeed most of the World is so much quieter, the air must be cleaner; streets are cleaner. We have time to take in the view around us. Standing at our opposite sides we reflected how there would usually be cars parked all day, the traffic would be whizzing by and we certainly couldn’t have even heard more than a “Hello” let alone a conversation. How at Hyde Park Corner cars desperate to be the first through the traffic lights and roaring along to the next set – all were now at a steady pace. No rush. No anger at hesitant motorists at the filter light prompting much sounding of horns. Before we parted the lady said how nice it was that people are speaking to each other more but wondered how much the younger generation will learn from all this.

In taking stock of all this carry-on, stocktaking has been done. How much importance is there to have cupboards full of clothes, the latest this and that, holidays bigger and better? Not important at all. People being safe and well is the prime importance. Everything else can wait. No point in having the flashiest car or motorhome if we can’t take them anywhere. A phone, tablet or laptop which serves the purpose in connecting us with those who matter is what counts at this time. I don’t think anyone ever died through not dressing up and wearing false lashes, nails or the ‘correct’ seasonal wear. Stocktake, get rid of what’s not vital, now is a good time to do it. Plenty of time to start afresh when this uncertain time has passed. (NB: I did throw out my false lashes years ago).

Thank you Maureen, until next time!