‘The challenges and frustrations I’ve faced during coronavirus self-isolation’

I live in a ‘community lifestyle rental village’ (a fancy name for a relocatable home park). I’ve been self-isolating for the past 4.5 weeks.

The new owners of the ‘complex’, wishing to put 36 more ‘homes’ into the park, had to do major infrastructure, namely bloody big stormwater pipes, electricity, water and communication pipes. All of which has been happening right outside, alongside, and across the way of my little abode.

Six-foot metal panels were placed outside my front entrance, alongside part of the side of the house, across the road. The noise, the dust, the fumes have been horrendous. Even Charlie, my canary, has stopped singing (admittedly he is moulting at present).

Two weeks in, and ‘Boris’ (my mobility scooter) was rendered non-operational. Not only did his charger stop working, but he also got a flat tyre. The joy of joys. Could life get any better?! It seemed not.

Then, I got this ‘bee in my bonnet’ that I should tidy up the cupboards. Silly woman, I am!

This task took me days. (I now have a complete dinner set and six handmade coffee mugs all packed for some well-deserving person to use.) Then I started on the wardrobe!

By now I should be considered stupid, not just silly. I am now sporting a cut finger and massive bruises on my forearms. One must realise that I have very little storage space in my wee abode so all of these tasks did need to be done, but perhaps my timing was a bit off.

There are many things I have been frustrated by and with in recent weeks, dealing with what is my ‘new normal’ during coronavirus. Most significantly is the fact I cannot visit my now 2.5-month-old grandson. This seriously grinds my gears!

I miss seeing ‘my boys’ — not just the grandchildren but my sons (and their partners) as well. Like many, I’m not the only one.

I can only hope those d*******s hoarding toilet paper, hand sanitiser, flour, pasta and rice get a grip. It’s incredibly frustrating that so many could only see their own needs instead of those of the whole.

It is a difficult time, I know this. I also know we will see the end of the tunnel at some point (hopefully in the near future), but our economy will take much longer to recover.

Keen to share your thoughts with other 60-pluses? You can sign up as a contributor and submit your stories to Starts at 60. While you’re at it, why not join the Starts at 60 Bloggers Club to talk to other writers in the Starts at 60 community and learn more about how to write for Starts at 60. Community blogs published on the website go into the draw for some great weekly prizes.