So. . . .
Last year at this time I was in Bordeaux, following the scent of pink jasmine that climbed weathered architecture, wearing my new “pyjama pants” and revelling in the early spring warmth. . . .
You can read about that here if you’re interested.
But if you’re here to read about the much more Glam doings of Covid-19 confinement, you’re in luck. Instead of preparing to fly to Paris next week and from there take a train to Sicily — where I would have been taking a week-long sketching class before our family met up for a week at a citrus grove not far from the sea — Instead, of that. . . .
There was an outing to the drugstore to pick up a prescription and pop a card in the mailbox. . . . Note that I bared legs with this little dress I picked up in Paris a few summers ago (sorry, I just can’t resist writing that; there might have been a nostalgic sigh as accompaniment). . . no worries: the sidewalks were almost empty; few witnessed the pallid colour of my limbs. . .
I have also been out and about wearing the sophisticated outfit below. I know. I can’t stand it either! That “vest” is a an old running jacket I cut the sleeves off about four years ago, the tights are at least five years old. . . (Second week of my Learn to Run (Again) program; so far, so good, probably because it’s not “so far” đ
And for even more sophistication, I will be travelling to Italy this morning. Purtroppo (unfortunately), in spirit only as I meet fellow Italophiles in a Zoom classroom for a 2.5-hour lesson. Sadly, no caffè, no cornetto, no vino. Lots of concentration, and luckily a fair bit of laughter if last week’s class was a good indication. I was skeptical about the idea of a live class online, especially of such long duration, but that first lesson (Beginner III) went well, and I’m looking forward to this morning’s.
But now I have to go set up my MacBook at the right height (both for ergonomics and to avoid having any stray chin hairs in the limelight) , tinker with the lighting, tidy up that part of my home that can be seen in the background. . . .
Ci vediamo dopo. . . .
xo,
f
p.s. Comments are always welcome, and especially these days when we must entertain each other and commiserate together. . . . Any Zoom experiences to share? Exciting outings to tell us about, particularly delightful walks around the block? Favourite trips you’re remembering in the absence of the one you had to cancel? Best nap of the week? We’re all ears. . . er, eyes, that would be . . .
I laughed out loud at the contrast between flying to Europe to take an art class followed by a family visit with going to the drugstore. It's the little things! Today we are having our house treated for carpenter ants and I have to be out of the house for 6 hours, so I've got permission to hang out at the school! Amazing!
I'm glad your Zoom class is going well. I imagine people are eager to participate. I'm doing similar meetings with my Spanish students and few of them want to show their face on video and fewer want to speak out. It's like pulling hen's teeth.
Enjoy that lesson and the interaction with like-minded people!
I think you look pretty chic for running! I like the headband. Back in the days when I'd go to the Saturday market in town, I would often see a woman who wore headbands like that. Very '70s ski chic. Honestly, I love it. She looked great, too. Sometimes she switched to turbans, which are cool but not as good for running.
I just came in from a walk. It goes a few meters beyond the 1km radius allowed, but what am I supposed to do? Cut through people's yards? I actually passed a runner today; usually I see nobody. I'm allowed one hour, but it's less if I run, spot on if I walk briskly and more if I stop to take photos and kind of daydream. I really don't see the harm of 10 more minutes of alone time in the vineyards.
It has been raining steadily for a few days, and I go out anyway. I did run a few times, but if it's more than drizzle I walk with an umbrella. I still get home soaked.
I would really go crazy if I couldn't leave the house at all, even though I don't see anybody.
Re online classes, about a dozen years ago I did one. No video. Just a chat room. It was very interesting actually. A writing class. The teacher gave reading and writing assignments each week, and then we got online for the chat, which for me was in the middle of the night. I can see the utility of video for a language class (shape of the mouth for pronunciation). This captures the video conference experience perfectly: twitter.com/g_rondinella/status/1250838721026494465
I use a ring light and an elevated laptop for my French zoom classes. LOL. Don't think my fellow students care but I like to make an effort. I hope next year at this time, we are all planning European vacations. Stay safe!
Yes, our "fashion moments" have certainly taken a different turn. But you still look wonderful and like the Frances I know.
You've inspired me to look up some online language classes. I was skeptical too but I figure if I can do Pilates online…
The contrast between what we planned and what we're doing is extreme. I keep reassuring myself that travel days will come again. Right now, Brian is trying to coordinate with his friend on Zoom to practise ukelele. You have a very European look with your headband. I put on linen today and was going to walk around the gardens with my Oaxacan straw hat. The neighbours might wonder but I guess whatever travel we can bring to these days is uplifting (sort of). Are you enjoying your Zoom class? My book club met on Zoom and I did feel a need to prepare my surroundings. But as Lorrie said, it is the interaction of like-minded people that keeps us socially connected.
Your headband is flattering, particularly for exercise. My hair is a frightful sight many days. Hathead (still frigid in northern Ontario) is better.
I'm free to enjoy the outdoors & I do! I miss walk and talk with longtime friends though.
I also have video classes; choir, fitness, french and dance. I laughed when I read you needed to adjust the camera to obscure chin hair – it's a club I'm in but never intended to join ��
I think the constraints we're experiencing now make me even more appreciative of our freedom to travel to see family and friends, participate in vigorous work and much laughter with volunteer friends and gather for visits with those we love. I always took these treasured times for granted.
Thank you for for sharing your struggles and your wisdom so candidly and for your ever thoughtful writing. AMG
My travels are around the house and to pull weeds in the garden – we got a bunch of rain here in CA in late March/early April, and while the native plants are thrilled, unfortunately the weeds are as well! Tried a new recipe for cacio e pepe tonight – it worked out well – and am figuring out new ways to enjoy spinach, as our grocery delivery included a double portion.
I stay in touch with friends via Messenger, Zoom, texts, FB, email, and calls. A former co-worker reached out tonight (she misses me) so I got caught up on the (former) office gossip, and it was exactly the right amount – I don't miss the day job at all, although I miss some of the people.
Do I detect the Jardin Public behind you?
When you said about your outing to the chemist "not to worry", that the pavements were empty, I thought you were meaning that you hadn't risked passing too many people. But of course it was the blinding effect of the winter-white legs you were concerned about! We have had a week of cloudless skies – rather disconcerting actually – and some village inhabitants have ventured into shorts for their daily walk.
The French cafe conversation sessions I used to attend in Edinburgh have now switched to Zoom, which is an absolute delight for me up here in the north. Until then I had not way of accessing speaking French. So that's one small positive thing to come out of this. The class last week was fine, but like your Italian class I missed the pot of tea and the bustle of the cafe in the background. I might try the sessions that Welsh Hills Again is doing. But yes, the chin hair syndrome…I've also done some business training via Zoom, offered by our Scottish business development agency. Daughter's work team did their Friday meeting with the background of a tropical beach, with one member wearing his Hawaiian shirt.
I am sure that Sicily n'est que partie remise, and that it will be all the more wonderful and appreciated for having been postponed.
Allowed to free range more than your French commenter (and with no time limit), I now have a cartographer's knowledge of the adjoining neighbourhoods, and the best routes for avoiding people. (Except, once I saw a rat… ew ) I make myself wear something with buttons or a zipper every day (okay, part of the day); a scarf, jewellery, lipstick. I'm impressed that you can hang in for a 2.5 hr class! I find them very long when online. An hour to 1h 15min is better for me.
You are a model of how to cope: keep moving, use the brain, mix it up!
Those cancelled trips really hurt. I was going to Naples and Puglia in may, and of course it has all been called off. But I still hope that one day our paths may cross in Italy, wouldn't that be fun?
My Italian teacher is still struggling to find an online platform for us to continue our class. His language school does not trust zoom. I hope they will come up with a solution soon, in the meantime I try to keep up my vocabulary via Babbel. I have had some Yoga classes via zoom, it's not the real thing, but it is better than a dirty stick in your eye, as my grandmother used to say. Our choir conductor is working on an way to use zoom for choir practice. That is going to be quite strange, I suppose.
Our weather is too cold to tempt me to show my bare legs, but I find myself in another outfit (or rather makeup) dilemma. I have started to wear a (home made) face mask when I enter a shop or go to the market. From next week on this is even going to be obligatory in this town. While walking along the street I can take it off or push it down under my chin and take deep breaths. But I cannot wear makeup nor lipstick, because they will wear off on the mask. In compensation, I got myself some mascara and have started to paint my eyelashes again. Call me silly.
On a different note, there is a"camp" of some homeless people under a bridge where I pass when I go running. So about three time a week I put some coins in their box and take them some food, but the way things are going and given the fact thet they don't have many alternatives at the moment, I am wondering how to increase my support.
I love the headband, Frances. Is it a scarf? With your curls, a silk scarf worn like that would be so lovely. You look very fit and chic at the same time. Sigh. I better go now and lace up my sneakers for my walk! But since we have SNOW on the ground today… maybe I'll sit on my exercise bike instead. Stu just yelled, asking me I wanted to go for a ski! NOT funny!
Lorrie: Glad you had a place to go to stay away from the fumigating toxins. . . And yes, that's about the level of exciting outings I'm operating at here as well đ
Much sympathy about the online teaching. I've had a few moments of heartfelt gratitude during these last few weeks that I didn't have to do this. I incorporated online elements in my coursework (on-line discussions; course assignments up- and down-loaded) but to actually have to deliver lectures or, more challenging, to facilitate a lively discussion. Too tough!
Oh, that first photo of you in the PJ bottoms brought home just how much your little Italian bunny looks just like you.
How disappointing to know you all would have been together soon, but other months, other seasons are coming and more of us, month-by-month, will be freer to move about the world. So often through this, I have said to my mother (whose father was in the Pacific during the war) that it is unfathomable how my grandmother and my mother heard nothing for months on end from him…OH!, how lucky we are that daily contact is possible and reassurance can be given to those we can not see and touch right now. How lucky we are in that department, at least.
Your hair looks fantastic with the wide hairband, Frances. I know that you are wearing it to keep your hair away from your face for exercise, but I really like how it works and looks. Was it the Sophia, Audrey era that wore silk scarves like that? I think that look suits your hair even if it was just meant for a practical reason.
We have had nothing but sun for weeks on end in London which makes the uncertainty and the bad news ever so slightly more tolerable. We are also allowed out once a day for exercise, still, which we rarely miss in this house. But, for me, just waking up to sun and such loud bird song has been a balm.
Have searched and found, I think, a simple recipe for satay sauce which actually gets and stays very creamy and have indulged my love of soup by making new ones every other day, or so.
Podcasts pass the time while cleaning and cooking.
All around me, so far, are well and managing with some humor intact, for which I am so thankful.
A. in London
It is good to hear that people are getting out and about, but in a way that follows the rules.
I have used Duo, Messenger, Facetime, Skype, and Zoom in the last weeks. Zoom seems to be winning, despite its security issues, which I know they are working on! I also would have HATED using them to teach online. I know our colleagues who are teaching are finding it very challenging and want to be back in the classroom.
Those are great outfits.
I have only been out on small shopping trips, all gloved and masked. Next week I have a pharmacy visit so I am already excited about picking up a few "beauty" items like good cream for my cracked hands.
Our "local" just opening for delivery, and we ordered from them last night. What a treat to have one of our favourite servers deliver it and get us up to speed on how everyone is doing there. Our discussion was at a careful social distance.
Your outfits are fabulous. It's nice to look back on trips. We were to be in Tofino this week for a family reunion on my husband's side. We are all hoping to do it, perhaps next spring? Brenda
Taste of France: Thanks! But it's so funny to think of my looking chic in a headband. This one was bought in hope about eight years ago, and I never manage to make it work — I try occasionally but nope! But now with my hair length amplifying gravity's evil effects, it seems useful. . . As for your exercise/outing restrictions, I hope we don't get to that level, and I recognize our good luck so far (we had some very good Public Health leaders with solid experience on our side, and got ahead of the curve more quickly than you do, at least partly thanks to geography). . . . My daughter's family have been on lockdown in Italy forever, and they aren't allowed to go more than 200 metres from their home — so tough with an active five-year-old!
The video is great! My SIL shared a similar one on our family WhatsApp page this morning — very apt!
Jen L: I didn't know what a ring light was, but have Googled and can see why you'd use one. I think I'm going for the mysterious effect myself đ
Mme: Amused to think my headband might look European, a completely fortuitous outcome! I think your neighbours will probably enjoying seeing your Oaxacan look — we could all use some dirversion and imagined travel these days.
Susan B: Some online classes are better than others, obviously, and I'm going to be happy to go back to the physical classroom someday, but they do serve a purpose, don't they! And Brava! for doing Pilates online. I did Pilates Reformer for a decade or so and loved it, but I don't know if I could have followed directions on my own at home đ
AMG: Thanks for the kind and thoughtful words — Hope it warms up for you soon. I'm intrigued by the notion of online choir practice — Eleonore (see below) is going to be experiencing that soon with her choir. . .
CarolPres: What a contrast from what you'd planned to be doing now. . . I'm impressed by the way you're making the most of your time in your California home. Brava!
Linda: Not the Jardin Public, no, but in a quartier nearby. . . I'd like to find a good group for French convo, but have decided to sit out my French class this term, pretty clear that their pedagogical approach won't transfer well. The Italian is better structured (might be because I'm at Intermediate/Advanced in French, and 'rounding the last of the Beginner levels in Italian. . . . As well, I'm near my tolerance level for the interface. . . . đ
Duchesse: Buttons or a zipper — that's a high standard you set đ Love it!! As for the length of the class, I was quite apprehensive, but it's proved to be okay, thanks perhaps to the "Pausa caffè" we take at the 1.5 hour mark. . .
Eleonore: We sometimes say "Better than a kick in the head," but I like your grandmother's expression better — the image!!
Masks are inreasingly common in public here, and I wish a fabric store was open so that I could pick up some fabric remnants and elastic to make up a few. . . . I was delighted to see that the first non-essential shops to open in Germany are the bookstores and bike shops. Priorities!
Sue Burpee: It's a LuluLemon headband — the problem with my hair is that the curls form best if they're allowed to air-dry; they are crazy messy in the morning and my head always needs a wet down (i.e. putting a scarf or headband over my morning bedhead is inadvisable — my hair sticks out in every direction). . . and then once the headband or scarf squashes the curls, I'm committed for the day . . . unless I want to do the wet-down again. Sigh. . . . I feel you on the snow. Sending sympathy. . .
Thanks for posting. We are following the rules and not going out too often, always wearing a mask outside now. We walk the neighborhood side streets as they are quieter – Point Grey Road has lots of walkers so no longer appealing.
Am happy for the rain today and if the forecast is correct, it should continue for the week.
You look great in your photos, love the headband.
I read all your posts but donât always have something to add in the comments (or am too lazy). The other day I wondered if you have some metrics that tells you how many visit/read your blog? Hope so! Just wanted you to know how much I appreciate your posts.
Suz from Vancouver
Thanks for the (collective) compliment, but they allowed car dealers and furniture stores to open, too. Not quite so essential, if you ask me.
PPS. Dont't you have an old shirt or sheet that you could use for face masks? I recycled a couple of white cotton handkerchiefs (added some sashiko inspired stitching) and pieces of a heavily worn sheet.
I also gave away three more sheets to a person who is going to make face masks on a larger scale. Something I am certainly not going to do.
Zoom italian class! How posh!
And some outfits,from french to italian vibes….facciamo bella figura ;-). My remedy for all the things that went wrong recently (like Sicily….) is not to think about them….looking forward and trying to imagine wonderful things in future…..Not a wise suggestion maybe…but it works for me so far
Dottoressa
A in London. Sounds as if youâre coping well…and I agree that modern communication technology makes this much more tolerable than it would have been not so many decades ago…
Brenda: Iâve thought of that often since this started, if we were still working and had to switch course delivery online. . .so great that your delivery was by a favourite server and you could chat a bit in your driveway.
Btw, just finished Spring (wrote a bit over on my book blog). We would have talked about this at our lunch, wouldnât we?
Suz: thanks for the kind words…and I do have a stats counter although I donât know how accurate….I wish there were a simple â¤ď¸ Or đ Option for those who found the post worthwhile but donât have time to comment….We cycles Pt Grey Road to Spanish Banks weekend before last and it wasnât as busy as during normal times but almost too busy to manage two metresâ distance…
Eleonore: well, it made good pressđ….
As for fabric to upcycle into masks, weâd already let our granddaughter turn Paulâs old shirts into doll clothes and old bed sheets were culled during our big move. I do sometimes miss always having materials at hand…
Dottoressa: itâs a good approach… I will imagine ĹĄpica in Zagreb with you some May Saturday…
Lorrie, A friend who teaches French at a highschool in Massachusetts reports the same as you are reporting with your Spanish students. Strict instructions from on-high for teachers: no way whatsoever can they expect students to show their faces on screen. One early-ish morning class,she suspects, log on, and either go to the kitchen to get breakfast or go sraight back to bed! It is like speaking into a vacuum too often, she says. Seems so odd, she noted, for her teenage students with their compulsion to be on camera posing and preening so often so they can post on social media.
It must be the absolute hardest way to teach, especially this time of year with finals and projects looming. This is a time that student and teachers will not soon forget.
A.in London
Oh – your description of Zoom set up!! And I'm sorry you will not be going on what sounds like it would have been a fantastic vacation. There are never enough fabulous vacations and to have one clutched from you sucks. If my 50th trip (scheduled for early to late July) gets tanked, oh – I'm going to be very mad. Cuz given how often I actually get to go on vacay, my encroaching need to regain fondness for my home via some short duration of freakin' absence, plus my one-shot, fancy birthday pedigree, I feel it would be very unfair đ But there's always the next great trip…