We're now on Day 10 of self-isolation, so almost 2 weeks in, and the reality is starting to bite. It's not that we're spending all day at home....we mostly do that anyway. Nor is it that we're seeing no-one except each other.... we mostly do that anyway too.
We've been out a few times for quiet walks with Small Dog, weather permitting. And once to collect a grocery order from Tesco Click&Collect service. For all the talk of there being enough food to go round our normal weekly shop had only half the items we ordered. No eggs, potatoes, chicken, tinned tomatoes.... basic staples.
It's Mother's Day today and we won't be seeing any of our children, or little granddaughter.... apart from a video phone call earlier.
The news reports are alarming. Outside our small sanctuary bubble, the infection rate is rising steeply, and the death toll is mounting. The same things are happening around the world.
My hands are like sandpaper, from constant washing and sanitising, and I'm starting to get mouth ulcers... a sure sign of stress. It's impossible not to be worried and anxious... about ourselves, about family and friends.....
Yesterday evening we set ourselves the challenge of having a 10-minute conversation without mentioning Coronavirus, or its effects. Despite several tries, we found it was impossible, as no matter what the topic, inevitably we were led back to the current situation.
We have a cruise holiday booked for September, which is unlikely to go ahead, and even if it does, we're 99% sure we won't go. The recent dreadful results of hundreds of people being confined to their cabins on what were effectively 'plague ships' have limited appeal.
In any case, being away from home seems a Very Bad Idea.
So this is our new 'normal'. Staying home and trying to stay well.
Of course it's not all bad. With no distractions I'm able to get on with work.
As the weather warms up over the next few weeks we're planning to sort out the garden and do some stuff we didn't get round to last year.
Small jobs around the house, which have been outstanding for ages, will now get done.
Looking out of the window on this lovely, sunny early spring day, it's hard to believe that we're on the cusp of such a serious global health crisis, although the lack of traffic and people walking by is definitely noticeable. In the months ahead, it's impossible to gauge what the situation will be like as we're in such uncharted territory.
Will we eventually emerge into a brave, new world? Who knows.... I just hope we're still here to see it.
2 comments:
Dear Sandra. I'm a bit behind with my blog reading so this comment comes after you've made some garden progress and been in isolation for much longer.
We're a week behind you with the lockdown thing. I love how the governor of New York calls it 'shelter in place' instead. It just feels much better when you say it.
Canceling holiday plans, miniature shows, etc feels terrible but if we didn't have our noses rubbed in it because it's a worldwide phenomenon, we might still have needed to cancel for personal reasons.
Yesterday, Henning and I went out for groceries. It was our first outing in 14 days and the world outside felt threatening. The worst part was the people poking in their noses and spraying their surroundings when they cough, while we were darting around in gloves and masks and trying to grab our few items and get the hell out of there. To us, it was a horrible experience and it felt like a real apocalypse situation. Unfortunately, the seriousness of the matter doesn't get through to most people here. We've decided that we will continue to isolate at home as much as possible until a vaccine comes on the market. For those of us who are fortunate enough to have that option, I think it's the sensible thing to do.
I agree Megan... the outside world does feel like a scary place. I've fallen behind on my blog posts too but I'll try to post an update (with garden progress) over the Easter weekend.
Stay safe and well.
Sxx
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