Stir crazy staying in

Hi readers, it’s Kerry and William here meeting up online (Emily couldn’t make it today).

As we write, it’s Friday, and because of all this snow I, Kerry, have not been able to get out of the house since Tuesday as it’s too icy on the streets for my wheelchair. I have, at least, caught up with friends on the phone and looking at Facebook, as well as the TV, but am beginning to go a bit stir crazy!

It’s been a week where time has dragged, and the days feel long. I, William, agree it’s not been an easy week, and look forward to getting out for a walk as soon as the weather clears up.

We’ve been talking about how weather is something outside of everyone’s control. How it can ‘disable’ and ‘isolate’ us, by preventing us from going out. Normally for us, it’s society that disables us - like not being able to go to restaurants because the lift is broken, or a café because they don’t take cash or getting a job.

We reckon the weather is getting more unpredictable, making it harder for forecasters to get it right, and for services to be prepared when the weather ‘doesn’t do’ what is expected.

What’s also not been great for me, Kerry, is how staying in all week, with the stale heat and dust from my central heating (which needs to be on because it’s cold) has irritated my skin. It feels hot, red and sore. I have a humidifier, but maybe I need an air purifier too, so will look into this.

We are looking forward to this storm being over and hopefully this unpredictable weather will bring us some warmer weather and sun very soon!

The writers of the Our View column are supported in their editing by People First Dorset - a charity led and run by people with learning disabilities with support from staff