I suppose I’m fortunate in that the Lockdown doesn’t make much difference for me. I’ve been working from home for years so self-isolation is only a slight exaggeration of our normal life. We have lots of interests – primarily pens but other things too – to take up our time. It’s certainly not the same for everyone. An acquaintance who is a car mechanic lives for his work, can find nothing else to take up his time and is going stir crazy.
The anomie appears to be affecting online groups and boards as well. Perhaps because it’s a fairly close-knit group, Fountain Pen Geeks was badly affected. It became unendurable a fortnight ago. Not much improvement even now.
Like Voltaire, I’m going to tend my own garden. Spring has sprung and the weeds along with it! Now where did I leave those gardening gloves?
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Hello Deb,
Being in the self isolation has given me some time to actually get back to hanging around on the pen boards and that certainly has been eye opening. I read along with that trainwreck on FPG and while I know that you have many reasons for not being on FPN I have been thankful for some of their moderation.
In any event I think that tending one’s own garden is truly the way to go right now. If only the weather here in Toronto would respect the fact that it is supposed to be spring and not a re-mount of winter.
All the best to you Deb
Hello Philip,
Good to hear from you. It’s a pity about FPG. It has worked well without oversight for many years but I suppose eventually idiots would come along to take advantage of that. I have been tending my garden literally as well as metaphorically and it gets me out in the fresh air and I get some exercise. I’m sorry the weather is so bad in Toronto. It’s unseasonably sunny here, though a chill easterly wind keeps me from lounging around too much.
Take care!
Deb–
I do miss your wonderful articles and pictures of Swans over at fpgeeks. Guess I’ll have to get my fix here on your blog. Being cooped-up seems to bring out the “crazies” from some people who usually write about quite normal things over there.
I am quite enjoying the Swan SM1 and L245/60 I received from you, though they are being used to write in my journal instead of anything work related (on furlough until 01 May.)
Hope you and Gordon are doing well and my best to Ms. Smartie.
All the Best.
Hello James,
I expect I’ll be back in FPG when normality returns. I’m glad you are enjoying the pens. Make the most of your time off work!
Ms Smartie blinks at you in a friendly way.
Take care!