How are you? I do hope that you are coping with staying at home,
whether you are minimising social contact, in isolation, or shielding. Whatever
your situation, and given that we tend to be sociable ladies, I’m sure we all
agree that it is the strangest thing to be reliant on technological means to
keep in touch with family members and friends. Ordinarily I try to limit the
amount time I spend on social media but, at the moment, that has changed.
Whether it’s idle chat, exchange of videos or clever witticisms to make me
laugh, I’m there. I’m almost tempted to join Facebook … do I hear a few laughs
at that??
The past weeks saw the cancellation of County Squad practice
sessions scheduled at Meldrum House. Today we should be having a 9 hole flag
competition. We had one earlier in March when Hannah (Bycroft) was the winner
with Robyn (Fowlie) runner up. The week before we had a chipping challenge
which was won by Sammy (Leslie) with Donna (Pocock) in second place. Well done
to you all.
Other news about Sammy is that her wedding which should have
taken place last Friday fell victim to the Covid-19 pandemic. She and Dave have
postponed their big day until October when the celebration will be ultra-special.
Sammy was very stoical about the decision telling me that “the wedding is a
drop in the ocean compared to what is going on.”
Many of you will know that Sammy works in the NHS at ARI. You
may also know that squad member Shannon (McWilliam) is a home carer. Vice
captain Olive (Robb) tells me that the GMC have re-activated her doctor’s licence
to practice so she is volunteering to help if needed. I know many others of you
are working and volunteering in health and care roles and in other key services
that are essential at this time of national emergency. On behalf of ALCGA
members, I want to say a huge THANK YOU to you all for your selflessness,
caring and commitment.
Continuing on a health theme, I am really pleased to report that
immediate past captain Ann (Smart) underwent her final chemotherapy session
last week. She has done very well throughout her treatment although she had one
scary infection incident, a “wee hiccup” she called it! She tells me that she
will have a scan in four weeks then a telephone session with her consultant. She
says “Fingers crossed it goes well and chemo has done the trick.” We all have
our fingers crossed for you, Ann.
Other recent past captains, Marta (Moody), Margaret (Parkinson)
and Sheila (McNaught) had made plans for a Past Officials’ lunch at Deeside
Golf Club last Friday. As you would expect in our close-knit community, there
was great response. Postponed but not forgotten, the get-together will be
rescheduled in due course.z
So … how have I been passing my days? Well, I am astonished at
how adept I seem to be at frittering hours away. I have enjoyed a lot of time
watching wildlife from my garden room window. I have regular daily walks. A few
times a week, I am looking after my aged parents both of whom have dementia: my
brothers and I decided that, apart from Mum’s carers, I would be the only
person visiting their house to provide vital interventions with meals, meds and
everyday tasks. I wish I could tell you I’ve been doing my spring cleaning but
… mmm not yet!
Of course we are all missing golf and I am aware that many of
you have faced the disappointment of cancelled holidays to Turkey and other
destinations. Along with the Management Committee, I am continuing to monitor
advice about activities through the summer months. As yet, we have made no
further decisions about ALCGA events beyond the end of June.
Now … what are your thoughts and news? Please let me know and I
will share a selection on the ALCGA website and Facebook. It would be another
way of keeping in touch with each other. Please email me at Lorna200LMJ@btinternet.com or message me on 07717 133397.
In the meantime, please take care, stay happy and keep safe.
Lorna
Lorna M Johnson
Captain, ALCGA