It's so easy to slip into not going out, I know I have fallen into that a little when working from home for a couple of days before. When I have gone out initially it has felt very odd/strange and off putting. It's easy to see how that can spread. Also, when going through a rough patch it's quite natural to do, I know karena has described it like an animal and a cave before, which is a good analogy. But is good for us to ensure it doesn't endure for too long or develop into agoraphobia.
Is there somewhere not too far you could try which is new to you? Might help initially to get used to it.
Sorry to hear about your Robin. There seemed to be a reduction in birds in my garden too, my group of sparrows seemed to be absent but I gained a gang of young doves. I was pleased to see a bit of an increase in sparrows and other little brown birds over the weekend. Love the story about scruffy and the mouse!
Thanks karena, I'll keep an eye on the tomatoes and hope for at least enough sun to colour them. So funny being so pleased about some tomatoes! Harvested some more apples today, will stew them tomorrow.
Xx