Now the world is completely mad

it makes me angry, makes me sad

at least there’s one place with no hassle

yes, you’ve guessed it - Midnight Castle!

So, friends, stay safe within these walls

as we wander through the halls

this tunnel is long and dark like night

but, at the very end there must be light

Best wishes to each and every MC player

Shroomie xxx

a round of applause!

Thank you Di and Miss T

Hi everyone,

Reporting in from Leicestershire UK I have been in self isolation since last Tuesday because of my age and strict instructions from my children. I live in a small village and felt we were safer than most but we already have one case in the village. I'm lucky that my son lives a couple of minutes away and he has been shopping for me, that includes buying me multi vitamins to keep me healthy bless him. I worry about my daughter and her husband who both work in schools. John is a chef and manages the school meals. Su is a teaching assistant.

There have been quite a few tears this week. I help at the local Primary School and won't see any of the children again this year as being over 70 it is likely to mean 4 months in isolation. Thank goodness for the sunshine. It might still be cold but it is good to be able to spend time gardening. My next door but one neighbour is also a keen gardener and we can have a chat from a distance. My son came the other day and we stood at opposite ends and he phoned my daughter for a group chat. 

I haven't been on MC for a couple of days now. I've not really felt like it which isn't like me but I really must get back to gifting. 

Anyway, lovely people and special friends stay safe and look after yourselves and loved one.

I am considered a high risk person. I have been self quarantined since the first of March. Not even shopping. I had made a Costco run before everyone was hoarding TP, and had purchased a large package, so I am set on that for at least 6 months. I am living out of my pantry for now, which is a good thing as I tend to over buy groceries. Aside from goings stir crazy, I am doing well. I an doing Richard Simmons exercise videos instead of of going to Cardiac Rehab Gym as I am used to doing. While I am used to spending a lot of time alone, I am also used to going out frequently on Senior bus for shopping and recreational outings, and I miss that. But this too shall pass away. 

Hi Dot.

The next four weeks here in NZ is EVERYONE in lockdown except essential services - doctors, pharmacies, supermarkets, health workers. And like you, doctors are mostly doing consults by phone where possible. Everything else is closed. No takeaways. No deliveries. No public transport.  Everything closed. So we are actually more shut down than you are at the moment. After the four weeks it will be re-evaluated and maybe we can go back to the type of level you are currently at. I'm going to miss pizza delivery!

I was really hoping to get a flu shot this week, but that's gone out the window. No idea when I can get one now. It's starting to get cold here down in the south, so flu and cold's are right around the corner. I was fortunate enough to be able to go out and get a refill on all my meds yesterday, so I am set there for the time being.

Take care of yourself and your family at this time. And I hope everything works out for your son. Is your government being helpful to those who lose their jobs over this?

Brad, I love that. Thanks for sharing it.

Hi Again:  I am writing from Alberta, Canada to say we have been in lockdown for awhile now, but had a call from our family doctor's office to see if my husband and I are doing ok (he has copd) and keeping up with and getting meds as needed.  They are calling all the seniors with health problems in his care and so thankful to have him as a doctor.  He looks after my whole family and gets tests, etc. as needed.  We have plenty of food and necessities so will make it for quite awhile just going to store for milk, fruit and vegs as needed.  Numbers keep climbing so please stay in and stay safe.  Look forward to seeing you in the Castle. 

Pat \**/

Isn't it beautiful?  An old friend of my family posted it on facebook, and I was so taken with it.  He's a retired teacher and was a pastor at the Lutheran church my family attended when I was a kid.  He and his wife are such kind, caring, wonderful people, so it made it that much more meaningful coming from him. 

I've been wondering how much our pollution levels have dropped while we're sheltering at home, and if all this could maybe cause us to rethink (just a little!) about the trade-offs we make between abusing our planet and living a "slower" life.

Best to you, WeeSam.  Hope you and yours are staying well.