Lockdown.

Here we are in week two of lockdown. I probably don't need to tell anyone that it's all a bit weird and unknown all round.

All of my music teaching has now gone online, and fortunately for me nearly everyone who can has bought into the idea, and is continuing lessons. I'm gradually getting to grips with the organisation required for this. Copies of every bit of music students have, resulting in the potential for the music studio to look like a book sale at the end of each evening

The lack of human contact is difficult, no brief chats with students or parents at the door, and Jess the cat misses her 3.30pm wake up call for an hour or two of love from passing students and parents at the bottom of the stairs.

The non stop teaching,{ barely time for a visit to the bathroom} in between the next student being at the virtual door as they Skype, Zoom, Watts App in on time seems a bit relentless, and means I am "done" by the end of the day. Is there such a thing as a comfy set of headphones you can wear for hours on end? It's a good job that I am reasonably tech savvy, and have ordered a new mic kit that might mean I can play and talk with a bit more ease. I'll report on this when it all arrives.

With internet quality being variable in the rural areas, and the discovery that those expensive ipads generally have a poor microphone on them, making it like teaching a Dalek sometimes, it all adds up to a much more tiring occupation.

Back in the workshop, there is still a steady stream of work, and the pads and various bits and pieces still seem to be in stock and arriving in the post as I build my stock.I have a tatty old clarinet on the bench at the moment, and it's satisfying bringing it back to its former glory.

Outside the window, the season is gradually showing signs of Spring, the grass has started to grow again, the spring bulbs are coming through and Mr Mole is also active. Audrey the unknown shrub is also lurking ominously under the window again.

It's definitely a much more solitary time and although I am happy with my own company I miss the face to face interaction with others,{family accepted of course} it will be interesting to see how I feel when this is all over and we can have our freedom back.

So, take care out there everyone.