Musings

If We Were Having Coffee – Life Musing #6

Gemma - Wheelescapades

If we were having coffee I’d tell you I really really miss coffee. Yes I’m predominantly a tea drinker. But I’m a coffee shop coffee drinker and it’s coming to iced coffee season. My favourite of them all.

I want to sit in a café. I don’t want anything epic, just a quiet people watching mid morning decaf iced latte as the world goes by.

The world’s going by at the minute, too much. It feels like limbo but at the same time 2020 is that wasted year that just zoomed (in more than one way) past us without much thought or adventure.

I don’t currently know how I’m ever going to go out again. Because of the virus, but also because life now feels like a different life.

I try not to have expectations of what I’ll be doing and when. If I see anywhere other than my house by Christmas that’s an achievement.

If we were having coffee we’d talk about the weather. Because we are in Britain, and also what else is there to talk about.

Sunny days have definitely helped with the shielding. It encourages me out into the garden, getting some air and that all important vitamin D.

The flowers are still blooming and enjoying the cleaner air.

A close up photo of giant white and purple flecked giant daisies in my garden.

A close up photo looking down onto a red and yellow stripe tulip. The petals have fluffy edges.

A close up photo looking down onto a white and lilac coloured iris.

If we were having coffee I’d tell you I’m bored of my garden though. Then I’d remember there are people without gardens, and I’d shut up moaning.

I never thought of myself as the sociable kind. The going out kind. Until I was trapped inside. It’s been eight weeks now. Maybe more. Who knows. All the days are the same, but they are passing quickly, which is strange.

I wonder what 15 year old me would have done with dial up internet and 160 character texts for 15p.

I read something. Somewhere on Facebook, please don’t ask me where. It said we are all in the same boat, but everyone’s boat is different. Some have a yacht, same a leak in the corner, some are sharing with 5 kids, some completely alone, some can fish for food, others don’t have a rod or Tesco delivery slot.

I we were having coffee you’d see that I got my first lockdown haircut. Because I have the kind of hair that doesn’t just go with the flow. It’s the only high maintenance part of me. Except the things that keep me alive.

Now is the time I wish I had the sort of hair style you can just tie up. Mum did an ok job though. As far as I can see. Because your hair can never be seen as well by yourself than others.

If we were having coffee I’d tell you I’m 35. It happened a couple of weeks ago. Lockdown birthday wasn’t the worst birthday. There was the one where I almost died, and many others spent in hospital. So being in the comfort of my own home and sprinkled with window wishes and postal gifts isn’t really all that bad.

I had a Tesco delivery too, which is much more exciting right now than it ever should be. Since it was due on my birthday I decided to make the most of it and order a fake-away curry meal. I’m still a little nervous about ordering actual takeaways, the fewer people I and my food come in contact with the better right now.

It was good to receive cards and gifts by post.

The current delay in postage meant that my birthday continued for a couple of weeks.

I got these cute little fruit and veg crochet characters from my sister and nieces. They really are the crafters dream. Just look at them…

Three images of my crocheted characters. At the top they are all sitting in a row on the bench. On the left they are piled up on top of each other, on the right they a hidden in leaves. Each character is about 8-10 centimetres in height. They include a banana, sprout, peas, blueberry, strawberry, avocado, coconut, radish, sweetcorn and carrot.

There are four images. One is of all the veg in a pile on the grass. One is a close up of the strawberry. One there are three characters on the fence. And one they are propped between branches in a tree.

Ok, so maybe I got a little obsessed.

I also got a tasty surprise in the post a few days ago from a friend. It’s the little things that make a day. This salted pretzel chocolate certainly isn’t little, but it’s extremely delicious!

The salted pretzel chocolate bar with a note saying ‘To Gemma, thought you’d like this to try. Hope you enjoy it. See you for coffee cake and a catch up soon hopefully. Love from Lucy and Martin xxx

If we were having coffee I’d tell you I’m not learning something new, and I have no intention to right now. There is no room in my brain. Don’t waste lockdown, seems to be the thing. Learn a language, renovate the house, get fit. Ha.

I am in fact having quite a lazy lockdown. Time is passing fast though. I’m crafting and reading and watching lots of tv. I told you I got Sky Cinema, well I caved in to Disney+ too. I feel like now is the time I should make use of the time. I see all the learned new skills and all the great crafters mass making and donating. Masks, hearts and headbands. Sometimes there’s just not enough space in your head for something else, even when you think very little is actually in your head.

I did discover a new food though, so that’s progress. Marmite peanut butter. The two most love hate spreads have come together to make one amazing goo.

I’ve also been keeping up with #The100DayProject you can check that out on my Instagram. Here’s a sneak peak.

Four shots taken during my cross stitch project. There are squares stitched in brightly coloured threads, all with different patterns. The squares are 21 stitches wide.

If we were having coffee you’d know I’m partial to an afternoon tea. Maybe addicted would be the correct term. With lockdown and shielding and all that I’ve not been able to keep up with my scone eating habit.

We did try to make some scones. My favourite place, The Assembly House Norwich put their famous cheese scone recipe online.

I have to say this is my favourite scone in the world. Of the ones I’ve tried obviously. When they make them anyway. Ours weren’t all that bad, tasted pretty good. But what is it with the rise? I bet they use fairy dust.

Six golden looking cheese scones that haven’t risen very much. They are on a cooling rack on a white kitchen surface.

A few days later my cravings were fulfilled. My uncle left a package in the garden.

Afternoon tea for two.

A white cardboard cake box filled with all the afternoon tea treats listed below in the post.

It looks amazing doesn’t it? Tasted it too.

There were sandwiches and tortilla chips and a cheese scone, a sausage roll and quiche, a fruit scone with pots of cream and jam. Chocolate cake and lemon cake and I don’t know what cake. It was yum and all baked by Flour Pot Catering Norfolk.

If we were having coffee you’d know I’ve been a bit quiet of late. When you write about doing stuff but aren’t able to do stuff, there’s not much to write. Even conversation is different right now.

So if you’ve got any subject ramble requests do let me know.

If we were having coffee what would you tell me?

An image to pin. Title text If we were having coffee - life musing #6 is placed over a photo of a clear glass cup filled with brown liquid. There is a saucer and teaspoon.

#WeekendCoffeeShare

Published by Gemma - Wheelescapades

Whenever friends and I are out we always end up discussing, critiquing, analysing where we are and what we are doing. From talking about the food we are eating, the soap in the toilets, the awful bus journey to our destination, anything and everything we encounter. Because of my disability (SMA type2) many of the situations we get into, issues we discuss and laughs we have can be due to wheelchair access. Often me getting stuck in mud or shingle, or me making my way through the most cram packed shop you can imagine, wondering how I am ever going to find the way out again! I aim to write a blog that describes these dramas, tells stories of our laughs, adventures and frustrations, while giving detailed information on accessibility and wheelchair access. Also I like tea. ALOT. The quality of the tea often determines my return just as much as the accessibility.

30 thoughts on “If We Were Having Coffee – Life Musing #6”

  1. Pingback: My Year in Books – 2020 (part 2) – Wheelescapades
  2. Pingback: Taylors Of Harrogate Tea – Caffeine Free Infusions – Wheelescapades

  3. If we were having coffee, I’d tell you about how odd it is, reading about the lives of people in other countries, who love the same things as I do, but who live thousands of miles away, on the other side of the world. And I’d tell you how much I fell in love with those tiny crocheted things, as wished had a sister, and her nieces to make some for me!

    We could certainly talk about gardens, and flowers, for sure. My garden and your garden are probably different, but they may be some things the same. Australia is getting cooler at night, and even though the days are often sunny, they’re coolish with it, and no signs of the stinking hot, oh oh bush fire weather, so that’s good. And we’d maybe talk about this horrid virus, or maybe we wouldn’t, we’d be talking about lovely things and enjoying ourselves, instead …

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    1. It’s very weird that we are now in a world where everyone relates. Even the opposite sides of the globe we have the same concerns and thoughts. It’s a bad way to come together.
      Those bush fires looked so scary, I hope you stayed safe? It had been warm here up until last week. Which helped during lockdown. But it’s wet and cold here now.
      I can’t wait for a time when conversation doesn’t involve this virus, but I fear that might be a while yet.

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      1. But looking at the good things, without this virus, I would never have found your blog, and so would never have begun putting together an anthology (perhaps). From bad things, good can come!

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  4. Our flowers are popping, too, a reminder that nature doesn’t care about pandemics. I’m a little jealous you have someone bringing you treats! I agree that even conversation is hard right now. Although I miss my friends and family, I have never really wanted to just be alone more.

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    1. Yes, nature is relishing all this, and the flowers are still wild and care free.
      I’m with you on the wanting to be bc alone. I’m missing people a great deal, but we just need to keep on with these restrictions for a bit longer so that all our efforts are worth it.

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  6. These are tough times. Even though we want to go out and enjoy a coffee, the fact is we are safer in our homes. I’m sure things will be better a few months down the line. Stay safe, Gemma.

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  7. I am missing coffee shops also. That is where I go at lunch to sit and do my to do list. Also to work if on a vacation day. But my really big miss is the library as I am missing my books (psst they also have a coffee shop). Your uncle’s treat was amazing. I am enjoying your 100 day project. Yes this year is like nothing we have experienced and restrictions are easing but we are so not there yet and I don’t expect to be for months. take care.

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    1. I use Ebboks so much more recently. And the being at home shielding has got me into audiobooks again.
      I’m definitely missing the cafes, although my purse isn’t! I didn’t realise how much I used them for chilling out and taking a break from life.
      Stay safe

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  8. Hi Gemma,

    Just wanted to check in how are you doing during all the stuff what’s going on right now. I’m still reading your blog, scrolling through all your stories and I’m thrilled about it. I think you’re an excellent writer. I really enjoy reading all your stories and I could find myself in many of them. Thanks for sharing all your experiences with us. You speak up for so many wheelchair users and people with disabilities. Thanks for that 🙂
    Since I read your last story, where you mentioned your scone eating habit, I was wondering, if you could possibly send me a scone recipe. I’m not much of a backer so it should be a really easy one.
    That would be great. Thanks 🙂

    Have a nice evening and a wonderful Sunday!

    Love Sandra

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  9. Well, I LOVE your needlepoint squares: best thing on IG! I’m reading a lot and have conducted a couple interviews–one for the blog and one for my editing gig. And it looks like my freelance work might be picking up a bit again–I hope! Your flowers in your garden look beautiful, but I too would love a trip to a coffeeshop, with a side of people-watching!

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    1. It’s a shame Zoom people watching isn’t a thing. Maybe one day it will be!
      I’m glad you’re enjoying the needlepoint updates, it’s keeping me busy.
      Good luck with the freelance work!

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  10. I love this format! Boy, what a wonderful conversation we’d have… if we were having coffee. Thank you, for sharing yourself. I love your crochet and needlepoint projects!

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  11. Love this post Gemma, so raw and honest. If you were having coffee, I would join you with tea. We would chat about the weather, the outside world and how we will make changes to the ‘normal’ way of life. I love your little crochet gifts and your garden looks lovely – I miss my garden. Hope one day we could set up a virtual tea party ♥ Stay safe.

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    1. Virtual tea party sounds fab!
      I’m so thankful that I have a garden right now, at least that’s a slight change of scene. This new normal will definitely be around a while yet. Take care.

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  14. If we were having coffee I’d tell you that my windows are open, all of them, despite the heat, because there is a breeze and the AC makes me hurt. I already had coffee and would like an iced green tea. And a brownie. And I need to adjust the back of my backup wheelchair that is perhaps 14 years old. I hope the WD-40 loosened the small bolts. I hope you are having a great day! 😎🧑🏼‍🦽

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    1. Ooh iced green tea sounds good. I had a rhubarb tea yesterday, which was yum.
      It’s getting much warmer here, but still not warm enough in the evenings to give up my hot water bottle.
      I hope you get the back up wheelchair sorted out!

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