Checking in from Erskineville, Sydney, Australia. Thanks Skarpi for this thoughtful thread.

Since the lockdown, I have enjoyed gardening- spending time planting, weeding and enjoying. I have also spent quite a bit of time reorganising my home. I have recycled books and clothes, and have got rid of some unneeded furniture, and am creating better storage for my art equipment and artworks.

I’ve really missed listening to live music, and the folk festivals I normally go to.

My daughter in Germany, her partner and kids, all contracted Covid 19 in February, and, while they were very sick, were fully recovered by March.

I am lucky to spend time with my 4 Sydney grandchildren, one of whom was born in May.

It’s good to read about how others are coping. Here in Sydney we are bracing for a second wave. I’ve just bought some more face masks and carry antiseptic gel in my back pack. As mentioned elsewhere, I am doing a huge amount of reading, including a lot of translated books by Scandinavian authors including my favourite, Arnuldur Indridasson, an Icelandic author. Reading is my escape and joy during these restricted times.

Thanks again Skarpi and best wishes to all

freda