Coronavirus diary, Wednesday 3 June

So, what does our family make of life under lockdown? How are we doing? Pretty well it seems - and thank you all for letting me know. Here  is the roundup:

Robert
Quite a lot of pluses. Not commuting, for instance, is saving him over two hours a day and the petrol money.

The Skinners are enjoying having more time together as a family, with Robert working from home and Owen carrying on with his school work, including exams via the internet.

The garden is proving a big attraction with their new hammock adding to the pleasure - Robert and Owen even camped out overnight.

Cycling is Robert's sport and he is getting out every day. He has already clocked up over 1,000 miles since the start of lockdown and is fortunate in having lovely countryside on the doorstep. Karen and Owen are also going on family walks, with Robert joining them from time to time.

Despite video meetings (he likes Microsoft Teams), he misses face-to-face talks with his colleagues, and his weekly business trips into London. He is glad not to be spending time travelling the world.

They certainly miss family holidays, with booked trips to the USA and Scotland deferred.  And (thank you!) they miss coming to Cardiff to see me!

Brenda
Brenda and Ivor say their life has not changed much. They too have a lovely garden to relax in and the weather has made it even more enjoyable.  Staying at home has saved money, with Brenda not missing shopping, and doing little on line. The internet has been a boon, letting them keep in touch regularly with family and friends, some whom they would usually only be in contact with at Christmas. 

Ivor, a big rugby man, misses his weekly get-together at the Tonyrefail club and watching the sport on television. They miss meeting Bethan and Celyn and family generally.

Val
Val and Jimmie haven't been able to see their family and their grandson. The lovely weather has made living at home more bearable - thank goodness it is not winter, says Jimmie. They miss getting out and about, especially not being able to go to their caravan in west Wales.

Wendy
With Adam and Daniel home, Wendy and Kev are enjoying a full house - a 'virtual pub' (with Adam) - says Kev.

Not having to get on a plane every week for business is a plus for Kev but they miss flying on holiday and to their home in France. And internet overload is a problem. 

Wendy is as busy as ever with her sweet business Chateau Bonbon, trying out new recipes. Walking Charlie the dog four times a day is good, too, she says. Like all of us, they look forward to meeting family and friends again, soon.

Me

As for me, I am probably the luckiest. Life at Sunrise is as pleasant and comfortable as ever, with regular checks to ensure we are safe, Almost like living in a nice hotel or on a cruise! 

I miss going shopping and driving around Roath Park lake on my scooter but have, thanks to the sunny weather, been out in the garden soaking up the sun while listening to music.

I enjoy doing my blog - thanks for reading it and to Robert for providing the illustrations. I am trying to learn how to do that. 
This diary is intended for Mylo, Rosa and Claudia's generation (and Owen).

I regret that so much of our family history has been lost. I should have listened to Mum more and recorded her memories of life from the late 19th century. 

The big regret for me is not seeing you all, but that will come. 

PS: Ria

Ria has sent me a detailed account of how the lockdown has changed their lives. It is almost an essay so I am saving it for  tomorrow's blog.