How are you finding socialising post-lockdown?

Cher_Scope

Now that restrictions are being eased on the covid-19 lockdown, more opportunities have become available to get out and about, see friends and visit our favourite places.  

For some disabled people this has been a welcome relief, with the BBC website sharing stories about people with cancer dating over lockdown and the loneliness experienced by young carers.

However, for others the prospect of returning to a ‘new normal’ has brought with it feelings of fear and a reluctance go near busy spaces.  For instance, @SHannamSwain said on Twitter:

“I’ve been in a couple of shops and hated it. I’m not shielding as such but I’m certainly in no rush to go into shops for no major reason, or to see lots of people.”

This anxiety is shared by some who are choosing to remain shielded at home, still concerned about the virus and feeling let down by government support.  For a great article on this read Nikki Fox’s "Coronavirus: Why many are still shielding... With no end in sight"
 

This made us wonder, how is our community feeling?

What are your thoughts about socialising post-lockdown?  Have you been out or are you preferring to stay inside?  

Let us know in the comments.

Cher_Scope

If you are considering going out but are feeling some nerves, Frances Ryan's article Chronic illness has made me a self isolation expert: here's how to ease yourself out of lockdown might help reassure you on what to expect 

leeCal

I used to go to meetings regularly once a week with perhaps up to thirty others but now there are only spaces for ten people and you must book ahead. So that’s no fun at all and the virus has made a big difference to me, like a gigantic spanner in the works.

Cher_Scope

Ahh that's a real shame @leeCal

Are you still booking to go to the meeting where you can?  Yep, it's taking some adjusting to isn't it. 

janer1967

I am enjoying the easing of lockdown and being able to go out again, I have had a weekend away at a hotel, been out for meals and shopping and even safari park and the coast

I have noticed how quiet everywhere still is though, you go somewhere expecting it to be busy and it isnt

Cher_Scope

That's good to hear @janer1967 Do you feel safe when you go out?  and how do you find wearing the face masks, if you wear one?

janer1967

@Cher_Scope yes I feel safe I never go anywhere on my own though due to my sight and mobility 

I do wear a mask i dont like it but understand the need for it 

WestHam06

Hi @Cher_Scope, 
                              Thank you for asking this question. I had to shield and only left my house once in four months to go to the hospital. I'm not used to this as I am very fortunate to be out and about usually. I have been to the pub and met up with friends in outside areas. I feel quite safe but I can appreciate how difficult it must be for people who are feeling anxious about go back out. I'm finding face masks a little difficult due to my speech and worrying that people may not be able to understand me. I am considering a face shield, however people who I have spoken to so far seem to be able to understand me. Thank you. 

Cher_Scope

@janer1967 I'm glad you are accompanied to keep you safe.  

@WestHam06 It sounds like face masks are working well but the face visors (or shields) are a good alternative if you start having difficulties being understood.  Are you meeting up with your friends soon again?

leeCal

No @Cher_Scope I haven’t been for a while now. It was easy because it was a habit but when the habit was broken it was a different feeling. It now seems such an effort but I will take it up again at some point I’m sure.

Jaanu38

I used to enjoy going out but I'm still really nervous about it even now. I have a social distancing lanyard but people still don't keep a safe distance or wear masks. It's terrifying to think you can still pick up the virus even though locally the levels seem to be reducing. 

chiarieds

On Monday my best friend told me his younger sister had been admitted to hospital with pneumonia. She tested negative for Covid-19, but her Drs said she had likely had it 3 weeks previously, like others they're finding that  later get pneumonia.

On Tuesday I needed to take my cat to the vets for her booster vaccination. It was good to see her vet back at work, as she'd lost her husband to Covid-19 a few months back. He had previously been fit & healthy, & was just in his 40s.

The next day my son was taking his wife to her Uncle's funeral. He had died from Covid-19.

This all colours my judgement about going out unless it's absolutely necessary.

Cher_Scope

@leeCal Yep, make sure to meet up with them when it feels right for you to do it.  

@Jaanu38 It can feel really scary, especially when others don't seem to be taking precautions.  Are you managing to get out much?

@chiarieds I can entirely understand those circumstances making you apprehensive about going out.  Although it seems to be quietening down generally, the reality of people's loss is overwhelming  are you getting your shopping okay?  

Jaanu38

Hi everyone
Thanks for your support. I am only going out for essential visits such as the dentist. We are having supermarket shopping delivered and a kind neighbour helps out with getting us fresh deliveries. I hope my confidence will increase as local lockdown restrictions ease. xx

chiarieds

Hi @Cher_Scope - Thank you, I'm able to get online shopping fairly easily now, & my son gets anything I have difficulty with. I've also got a garden full of veg which helps.

Cher_Scope

@Jaanu38
That's great.  If you are ever bored and fancy a natter, feel free to have a nosey around our Coffee Lounge where we talk about anything and everything and play games.  

Jaanu38

Thank you so much xxx

OverlyAnxious

I'm finding it really difficult to get out and about now.  Can't blame it all on Covid19 as I wasn't able to do indoor places like restaurants, pubs, cinema, etc before lockdown, but I was able to get out to local parks and outdoor attractions. 

I'm now trying to go back to 'open' places before the weather becomes too inclement, but wherever I go I seem to eventually end up at a pinch point where there always seems to be another person, even if I haven't seen anyone else for the entire walk up to that point.   People in general don't seem bothered by the guidelines either, I don't expect people to be wearing haz-mat suits and carrying a 2 metre ruler outside but at least keep to the other side of the path and don't cough at other people!  Maybe it is a minority, but as I'm only going out once a week and it happens every time, it's certainly not just an exception.

There are a couple of outdoor events coming up near me very soon, in previous years it's the sort of thing I'd have attempted, but I just don't feel I can trust people to keep their distance even outside. 

Cher_Scope

@OverlyAnxious
You aren't alone in feeling this way.  There are such varying perceptions of social distancing about that it's very hit and miss going places.  I'm sorry you feel unable to go to the outdoor events but I understand.  It's important you feel comfortable and are able to enjoy them.

66Mustang

@OverlyAnxious I don’t think it’s an exception, I walk the dog most days with a family member and every day we also notice many people who don’t care to keep their distance on footpaths. Not just young people who will be OK if they catch coronavirus but older people as well which is strange!

WestHam06

Hi @Cher_Scope, 
                             I haven't been able to meet up with friends as I am having an operation next week so I have had to self isolate for two weeks. I look forward to meeting up with them again soon Thank you. 
I am in total agreement with what people say about people not following the guidelines, I think people think that it is all over now, that said I think, like with most things, its a minority. I know that during lockdown I saw many people not following the rules and as I said I didn't leave the house for 4 months. It comes down to thinking of others and everyone doing their bit and unfortunately some people struggle with this. I know they are saying that young people are driving the increase in cases and although I think they do this because they think they will be ok, I find it difficult as I am a young person but I understand that we all must do our bit and I think even if I weren't in the vulnerable group, I would still follow the guidelines. We must all accept though that we are all different.   @chiarieds my condolences for the loses you speak of Thank you. 

chiarieds

Thank you @WestHam06 - & my best wishes that your operation is successful.

Cher_Scope

Good luck for your operation @WestHam06
We are all here to talk to whenever you need us 

Tori_Scope

I hope the operation goes well @WestHam06  

WestHam06

@chiarieds, @Cher_Scope, @Tori_Scope, 
                                                                     Thank you so much for the best wishes, it really means a lot. It is the first of two operations I require, each for different reasons. I feel very lucky and fortunate to be looked after by the wonderful NHS, they have been absolutely amazing this year, but that said they are amazing every day of every year. They are so committed to their job and so humble. Thank you. 

janer1967

GOOD LUCK @WestHam06 and a speedy recovery if you are bored in hospital we can always try and cheer you up

WestHam06

Hi @janer1967, 
                          Thank you for your kind words, I greatly appreciate them. This first operation is hopefully only day surgery all being well but I may take you up on that for my second one  Thank you, the community always does cheer me up and you are all so kind Thank you. 

Geoark

I am very happy to continue my anti social isolation 

Parrot123

Cher_Scope said:

Ahh that's a real shame @leeCal

Are you still booking to go to the meeting where you can?  Yep, it's taking some adjusting to isn't it. 

Cher, I have been shielding since January. I'm a cancer patient shielding in remission. I also have chronic kidney disease. And chronic asthma. What am I supposed to be doing???? I am so confused 😡 Will x

newborn

Solitary confinement isolated in a flat since early in the year, and not expecting any change possibly  for another year,  if I live that long.   Can't access much missed open air, bird song, allotment,  health care, dentist, optician, audiologist, mole clinic despite previous melanoma.   Wish there was a kind of tuk tuk system in u.k. ,  to put the passenger apart from the driver.   A few people ring, and there are online grocery systems.  Maybe like Geoark,? it's  actually quite restful to be isolated, if there isn't  a person who loves and supports you, because people can sometimes seem to need a lot of attention and effort(!).

Parrot123

newborn said:

Solitary confinement isolated in a flat since early in the year, and not expecting any change possibly  for another year,  if I live that long.   Can't access much missed open air, bird song, allotment,  health care, dentist, optician, audiologist, mole clinic despite previous melanoma.   Wish there was a kind of tuk tuk system in u.k. ,  to put the passenger apart from the driver.   A few people ring, and there are online grocery systems.  Maybe like Geoark,? it's  actually quite restful to be isolated, if there isn't  a person who loves and supports you, because people can sometimes seem to need a lot of attention and effort(!).

Hello you. I know exactly how you are feeling. I have been shielding since January. Chin up. We will get thru this. Dance tiktok x

newborn

Hi Parrot....now, that's  what I call a hairstyle !! Isolated or not, you  do know how to party!

Parrot123

@newborn I wisny wearing a wig lol 😂 so I bought that.. tiktok dance I canny stop dancing. Take care lovely x

Parrot123

Cher_Scope said:

@OverlyAnxious
You aren't alone in feeling this way.  There are such varying perceptions of social distancing about that it's very hit and miss going places.  I'm sorry you feel unable to go to the outdoor events but I understand.  It's important you feel comfortable and are able to enjoy them.

I'm too scared to go out.
I am in Scotland

Parrot123

Cher_Scope said:

@janer1967 I'm glad you are accompanied to keep you safe.  

@WestHam06 It sounds like face masks are working well but the face visors (or shields) are a good alternative if you start having difficulties being understood.  Are you meeting up with your friends soon again?

I want to go out. But if I be totally honest. I am too afraid. Anxiety is thru the roof. Been in here since January. I want my life back. All my appointments are cancelled . I want to walk my wee dog . How do I explain to a dog. I canny take him a walk. Sorry I am off on one. I need to get out I need to push myself. Aye I have masks visor gloves aprons. As I care for my Nephew. And he is my Carer. Take care all. Tiktok dance try it brilliant xxxxxx

Cher_Scope

Hi @Parrot123

I can totally understand you having anxiety and a lot of our members feel the same.  The Cancer Research UK website has a brilliant webpage on Coronavirus Shielding Advice that provides advice on what to do in your position and I'd really recommend reading it.

Have you spoken to your hospital team about what they recommend?  If not, I'd speak with them as they are best placed to let you know whats safe.

It's definitely important to start going back outside at your own pace and a time when you feel comfortable to do it, so try and be easy on yourself and take it a day at a time.  I love how much you love Tiktok!  Do you go on it much?  I've never used it 

Parrot123

Hello Cher, I am getting told different things from different hospitals. As I'm also a kidney disease patient. I agree with you do it when I am ready. Ty. Tiktok no I just learned the dance then deleted it. Very sad. Some of it is brilliant. But lots of sad people on it. Because of covid. You may enjoy it. You can get the dance on YouTube. I didn't feel safe on tiktok take care xx

Parrot123

Jaanu38 said:

I used to enjoy going out but I'm still really nervous about it even now. I have a social distancing lanyard but people still don't keep a safe distance or wear masks. It's terrifying to think you can still pick up the virus even though locally the levels seem to be reducing. 

I totally agree with you lovely. I went for my car's 1st Not. Walked in people everywhere looking at cars. No masks. I took a panic attack and left my car with the dealer. Today I get a letter from motobility telling me that my insurance has been extended for 6  months. Trying to sort it out any advice much appreciated Will 😀

MobileGames

I'm finding it hard. I wear a mask every time I go out. I constantly worry about my vulnerable mum and my dad,both over 70. My dad is having an ebus on the 9th because a shadow has been found on his lung during a CT Scan last month. He has to stop Clopidogrel for the procedure.
     I like the fact that masks need to be worn in shops. I've been in 5 shops since mid August. I feel more at ease and safer. The shopping gets delivered anyway and they leave it on the doorstep. I put a note up on the door explaining that my mum is vulnerable. A few weeks ago the postman went to hand me a parcel whilst I was bringing the shopping in and I had to put my hand up and tell him not to come any closer please. I felt bossy,but I need to try to protect my mum,dad and myself.
      I started seeing 2 of my friends in early August. I wear a mask there. If I need a drink,I use my own mug and I go further away to drink it,then put my mask back on. When nipping to the toilet I wear disposable gloves and wipe down the seat and lid,dispose of them,go to the toilet,then wipe the seat,lid and the flush button again. I then turn the tap on with kitchen paper,throw that away,wash my hands,dry them with kitchen paper,throw it away, then open the door with kitchen paper and throw that away. When going over,my bag consists of 3 disposable masks,3 pairs of disposable gloves,antibacterial wipes,hand sanitiser,kitchen roll,2 plastic bags and my own mug. When I get home I sanitise my hands,take the mask off,put it in a plastic bag,then into the general waste bin,then wipe my hands with hand wipes,open the door with my elbow,come in and wash my hands,then lock the door. My anxiety goes sky high,but I need to do this otherwise I don't feel safe. I'll be glad when a vaccine comes out. The whole think makes me very anxious. 

WestHam06

Hi all, 
         Hope all is well with everyone. Just a quick message for those of you who kindly wished me luck for my operation. I'm now at home recovering, thank you so much for your best wishes, it's very kind of you and I greatly appreciate them. Thank you.

Tori_Scope

I'm really glad you're okay @WestHam06! Wishing you all the best with your recovery. 

Tori_Scope

It definitely sounds like you're being really careful @MobileGames. Have you been doing anything else to ease your anxiety, such as a relaxing activity or some mindfulness exercises?

chiarieds

Good news @WestHam06 - thank you for letting us all know. I hope your recovery goes well; keep in touch.

Chloe_Scope

Lovely to hear from you @WestHam06, wishing you a speedy recovery.

WestHam06

Hi @Tori_Scope @chiarieds @Chloe_Scope, 
                                                                          How are you? Thank you so much for your kind messages, I greatly appreciate them. My recovery continues to go ok, thank you for asking   

Tori_Scope

I'm great thanks @WestHam06! I'm glad your recovery is still going well. Have you been able to keep yourself occupied? 

WestHam06

Hi @Tori_Scope, 
                            I'm pleased to hear that you are well. I have mostly been sleeping, but yes I have managed to keep myself occupied, thank you for asking. It's tough as I like to be doing things but sometimes it's better to be patient and allow time to heal and recover in order to be to get back to doing things you enjoy, though I find this hard. I join in at the local pub quiz and so the quiz master has been sending me quizzes to keep me busy which is extremely kind of him and I look forward to getting back to the pub (and not just for the quizzes ) Do you enjoy quizzes? I like the social element to it. Thank you. 

Tori_Scope

Sleep is good for recovery, so that's not a bad thing I don't think @WestHam06. As you say, it'll be worth it in the end if it speed your recovery up a bit.

That's so nice of him! I had my first pub trip since before lockdown the other week and it was glorious. I do indeed like a quiz, especially a pub quiz. I'm not very good at them though, so I have to go with people who are there for the fun of it rather than to win I've done a few quizzes and free virtual escape rooms online with my friends over the past few months. Have you ever tried an online escape room? 

chiarieds

Pleased you are doing well @WestHam06 - I used to go to pub quizzes with my neighbours, but haven't been since February; I don't think they've re-started as yet. We were always quite chuffed if we came 2nd, as the usual winners set quizzes themselves, & know an awful lot! I have to answer all the medical questions, & literature, tho one of my neighbours & I are OK with geography & history; we're all pretty much rubbish at TV programmes tho.

When is your 2nd op?

Chloe_Scope

@Tori_Scope, we did an virtual escape room during lockdown and it was amazing! As a family we enjoy escape rooms so this was great fun!

@WestHam06, love a good quiz! Although, my field of knowledge isn't very broad. 

WestHam06

Hi @Tori_Scope, 
                            Thank you I agree with you, I too have to go pub quizzes with people who join in for fun rather than to win as 1, my knowledge is not great and 2, it's far more enjoyable when you play for fun, I have seen some people get quite stressed if they don't know the answer which must be difficult for them. No, I haven't done an online escape room, please may I ask what are they like? Thank you

Hi @chiarieds, 
                         It sounds as though you have more knowledge than I do I tend to answer the sport questions though generally only about football, and we as a team a team are quite good at the music round. I'm sorry to hear that your local pub quiz hasn't started up again yet though it is understandable, please may I ask do you have any indication when it might start again? We also have a team who, between them, know an awful lot so we are usually pleased to just get some points though I have to admit we have won a couple of rounds. Thank you for asking, I haven't got a date yet for my second operations but I have had the pre-op so hopefully it will be in the near future. That said I know there are many people who have been waiting a very long time so I hope that these people don't have to wait too much longer. Thank you. 

Hi @Chloe_Scope, 
                              I too don't have a broad range of knowledge, please may I ask, do you have a specific subject that you know more about? I am usually quite good at football related questions. I have asked @Tori_Scope this question but if I please could ask you as well, what are the virtual online escape rooms like? Thank you. 

Tori_Scope

Yes, definitely better to do it for the fun @WestHam06! 

I think there are different kinds of virtual escape rooms that you can do. I've heard of some that are more similar to the non-virtual ones, in that there's a video or simulation of the escape room and you work through the physical clues as you usually would, just remotely. The ones I've done have been more puzzle-based, so basically a series of different puzzles with a story and animations to go along with it if that makes sense. They're good fun! 

WestHam06

Hi @Tori_Scope, 
                           Thank you for sharing this with me. The way you describe it makes complete sense and it sounds as though they are definitely worth checking out Please may I ask, do you just search for them through google? Thank you.

Tori_Scope

No problem @WestHam06! Yeah, my friends and I just Googled. I'm trying to remember the sites we've used now, but off the top of my head the 'Sherlocked' one on this site was fun. Quite a few come up when you type them in, so I'm sure you'll be able to find a good one. 

WestHam06

Thank you so much @Tori_Scope it is very kind of you to share this with me and I will be sure to let you know how I get on with them. Thank you. 

Chloe_Scope

Hi @WestHam06, we did one called escape live, it was a paid experience that we did for a birthday. There was one person in the room and he was the actor/ maker. He would walk us around the room and give clues if needed. We just told him where to go and if we wanted him to put the camera closer to an aspect of the room.

WestHam06

Thank you for sharing this @Chloe_Scope, sounds really fun. Thank you.

WestHam06

Hi @Tori_Scope, 
                           How are you? I tried Sherlocked and can see why it says at the start that they recommend playing it with friends. I thought I would try on my own and didn't manage to work out one suspect I am going to ask some family/friends if they would like to give it a go as I'm keen to work it out. Thank you 

Tori_Scope

Hi @WestHam06! I'm good thanks. How are you getting on with your recovery?

Oh no! To be fair, I think I spent most of the time sitting there in awe at the intelligence of some of my friends, and saying things like 'hmm yes, I agree' whilst internally thinking '!!! What?' We did the Labyrinth one they have on there too, and that was all about Greek mythology. I had no idea what was happening! Hopefully you can get a few of you together to work it out. It does get a bit easier once you get a hang of the style of the clues. 

janer1967

These virtual escape rooms sound great will have to investigate as my son has been on about doing the real ones

WestHam06

Hi @Tori_Scope, 
                           I'm sure you played your part and made valuable contributions Though I do feel slightly reassured that I won't be the only one thinking 'What' when playing Thanks. I also know what you mean about being in awe of friends intelligence, though not in this context yet but I know I will   I have a friend at Cambridge doing a PHD (I think it's a PHD I get confused with which order they go in)  and when they speak about certain subjects, sometimes I just let them do the talking as I just sit there nodding in complete amazement (maybe I'll have to get them on Sherlocked ) Thank you so much for sharing it with me, I'm quite determined and when I set my mind to something I very rarely give up no matter how long it takes (even if in this case I enlist some help )
My recovery continues to go ok thank you, I'm getting there. Thank you so much for asking it really means a lot and for all of the support. Thank you.   

Tori_Scope

Haha  thanks @WestHam06. I was mainly there for entertainment  

Yeah PhD is correct. Wow! That is impressive. Definitely get them involved. I did find that we were overthinking some of the clues though, lots of them were simpler than we were making out. 

No problem! That's a good trait to have, and it's always good to get some help from friends and family.

That's good to hear. No worries Thanks for making such valuable contributions to the community. Will you be watching the West Ham game this weekend? 

WestHam06

Hi @Tori_Scope, 
                              I will be sure to let you know how we get on and I will also share with you how much of a contribution I make which I imagine will mostly be some very bad jokes as I doubt I will contribute much else Thank you for the help with understanding the PhD order, I am extremely proud of them, we have been friends since school, they are my best friend but the friendship is definitely not based on intelligence, they are miles ahead of me in that sense but we just get each other, I'm very lucky Thank you for your kind words regarding my contribution to the community, compared to many of the AMAZING people here on the community, I do very little but thank you I didn't see the West Ham game but caught up with Match of the Day this morning, it looks like we were much better compared to last week and unlucky to lose but we seem to switch off and that is what led to Arsenal's goal. I saw you joined in with the predictions game, that's great Please may I ask if you support a team and if you do which team? I hope you have had a good weekend Thank you.

Tori_Scope

That's the best kind of friendship I think @WestHam06. 

I see. Well I hope West Ham have some better luck in the future.

Yeah, it's a really fun idea! I managed to miss it somehow the first time around. I can't say I follow football particularly, but I don't mind watching it with other people. I grew up in High Wycombe, so have a soft spot for Wycombe Wanderers. I'm ready to see them get absolutely destroyed in the Championship league  

WestHam06

Hi @Tori_Scope, 
                            Thank you, West Ham are going to need all the luck they can get this season There are some really strong sides in the Premiership this season and we haven't made any signings but I'll always support them no matter how bad they get It's great to have you joining in and it is very much a team effort, I hope everyone gets some points over the course of the season Ah Wycombe Wanders, great choice, I also follow them closely. Gareth Ainsworth has done a terrific job there and I am really hoping they manage to avoid relegation but it's been a tricky start and I imagine there may be a few more results like the one at the weekend   I also really like Ainsworth as he is in a band, random but cool Thank you. 

Tori_Scope

It's great that you support them no matter what @WestHam06 ! Good luck to them. 

Yes, hopefully we'll all get at least a few points. I'm not feeling too confident about my rather random guesses though  

I like Gareth Ainsworth too. I used to play Fifa with my brother, and we'd always make sure he was in midfield. I think you're right, there'll be lots of difficult games up ahead. They're a bit out of their depth. I didn't know he was in a band! Very random.

WestHam06

Hi @Tori_Scope, 
                           Good old FIFA, can't beat it, I still play now occasionally. I do remember Ainsworth on the game a few seasons ago and he definitely had to be in midfield. I believe he is the singer in the band but I'll have to check as I think there was joke about him missing band practice when Wycombe beat Oxford in the Play-Off final I also love Adebayo Akinfenwa, he is just makes me smile as you can tell he loves life and playing football. I know he is out injured at the moment but hopefully he will be back training soon, I think that will give Wycombe a lift, but I agree they are a little out of their depth currently Though, I wouldn't write them off until the very end, they have great spirit Good luck to them as well  
I'm just going to update the table for the predictions, hopefully we all did well Thank you

Tori_Scope

Hi @WestHam06.

I haven't played in ages because I don't have a console, but I do miss it. I'll have to look the band up!

Yeah me too And he's HUGE. An absolute unit.

Ooh exciting!

WestHam06

Oh that's a shame @Tori_Scope, maybe you could ask Father Christmas for one I will see if I can find the band name as well. In complete agreement, he is an absolute legend Thank you. 

Tori_Scope

Good idea @WestHam06  

WestHam06

Hi @Tori_Scope, 
                            I see Wycombe are playing Swansea at the weekend and it is on TV, please may I ask, will you will be watching? I have also found Gareth Ainsworth's band name, they are called 'The Cold Blooded Hearts'. I have not listened to any songs though Thank you. 

Tori_Scope

I don't have Sky Sports, but I'll keep an eye on the score @WestHam06. Thank you for letting me know!

Ooh, I'll try and find them and give them a listen this afternoon Thanks!

WestHam06

 @Tori_Scope , I'll be cheering Wycombe on as well Did you manage to listen to any of the songs? Thank you

WestHam06

Hi @Tori_Scope, 
                           Wycombe were unlucky at the weekend, they have heart, passion and desire, they just lack that little bit of extra quality. I really hope they can stay up this season and it's early days so they may be able to turn it around. Thank you. 

roberttaylor570

Hi Everyone.

My views on this are rather mixed.

Yes we can go out and socialise but in a way that is still very restrictive.  We can go to a cafe for a coffee and a snack with a friend but we need to stay socially distanced and give track and trace details.  It takes the fun out of the event.  We can go shopping but have to wear a mask where quite often the younger shoppers never bother.  I know many people are exempt, as am I, but I wear one as long as it isn't causing me problems.  We have resumed church services, again wearing a mask and socially distanced, no singing of hymns and the communion is odd as only the wafer can be offered.  I am sure we have lost some family groups at church due to the fear of mixing.  My family is already six in number including the 3 children so very difficult to have anyone over unless one or more of us are out.  

The group I go to, Medway Men in Sheds, is restricted to six where there used to be about twenty.  For a group designed to combat social isolation this is difficult to manage when men need to have a place they can go and chat about their worries with other men in the same position.  The centre has a cafe which closed during lockdown and now may not reopen.

Cher_Scope

@roberttaylor570 I hear you, the restrictions have changed how things used to feel.  It's taking some adjusting to, to say the least.  It's good to hear that most of our social outings are reinstated though.

I saw this i news article today about seeking out positive news during the pandemic and limiting the amount of negativity we absorb from social media.  I think this is especially important as the coronavirus fall out continues.  Is anyone else trying to limit how much regular news they watch or listen to?

66Mustang

Cher_Scope said:

@roberttaylor570 I hear you, the restrictions have changed how things used to feel.  It's taking some adjusting to, to say the least.  It's good to hear that most of our social outings are reinstated though.

I saw this i news article today about seeking out positive news during the pandemic and limiting the amount of negativity we absorb from social media.  I think this is especially important as the coronavirus fall out continues.  Is anyone else trying to limit how much regular news they watch or listen to?

I do this definitely. I don’t use social media at all, I have never done. Also, I don’t watch or read the news as I feel it is mostly full of opinions. Even the BBC is guilty - I miss the days when the BBC used to be the go-to outlet for getting the news in a neutral way instead of hearing opinion.

These days I assume if something is important enough I will hear about it from somebody - indeed these days I get all my news from other people.

Though, I think the reason the news is full of negativity is that it gets more papers sold/gets more views than warm fuzzy stories, sadly!

roberttaylor570

@Cher_Scope I still avidly listen to news on the BBC both local and national.  I follow facebook news feeds and also on Twitter.  I have learnt to distinguish the false news from the real news and if in any doubt I check trusted agencies before making comment or sharing.  If a UK story I will check Press Associan PA Media or BBC before I accept it as true.

roberttaylor570

@66Mustang Your dream may come true sooner than you imagined.  Today Boris Johnson has outlined his plans for the Corporation which includes handing control to a new DG who has already stated he wants many changes.  One change is that any Journalist or broadcaster/presenter who either makes statements or  uses social media to make "political" comment will be sacked.  So much for free speech and freedom of the Press

Tori_Scope

Yeah another unlucky game @WestHam06 I hope they can improve too. 

Yes, I did find a few recordings on YouTube! They're better than I expected actually. Good old fashioned rock. This one is pretty catchy. 

WestHam06

Hi @Tori_Scope, 
                           Thank you for sharing 'The Wanderer' with me, I agree it is definitely a  catchy tune and I think I will search more of their songs Please may I ask what types of music do you like to listen too? Thank you

Tori_Scope

No problem. I might do too @WestHam06! There are some covers they've done on YouTube as well. 

Boring answer, but I like a bit of everything! I like rock, indie, jazz, hip hop, rap, and more. I'm quite into lofi hip hop at the moment. I find it good to both relax and work to. There are lots of great compilations of songs on YouTube, but this is one of my favourites at the moment in case you want to give it a listen  

What kind of music do you enjoy? 

WestHam06

Thank you @Tori_Scope, I am just listening to the compilation of songs you recommended in your previous post. It's great and I can see how it is easy to relax too as well as work to, thank you for sharing. I am not usually into music without lyrics but some of these are really good I'm very much like you, enjoy listening to pretty much anything. My favourite solo artist is Ed Sheeran and his song 'Perfect' is the only song in the world I know all of the words too (not that I sing it very well ) I also really like rap but can also listen to music from an array of decades. Thank you. 

Tori_Scope

I'm glad you're enjoying the songs @WestHam06! 

I'm an awful singer, but there's nothing quite like belting out your favourite song like no one's listening I think it's good to like a range of music