Well we continue in isolation – though I did pop in to pick up the paper and ordered some fish and chips at the chippy (I stood outside while they cooked it).
They are now talking about this going on for a year!
Oh well – I guess I’ll have a few books written by the end of that!!
I finished the second rewrite of ‘Farm 703 – The Human Project’ and am now doing a third rewrite/edit of ‘Schizoid’. When I’ve done that I will be finishing off the Roy Harper book!
After that I have a couple of rewrites of older books.
Should keep me going for a few months or more!
We went for a walk today – nice sunshine but cold wind. Nice to be outside in the wonderful British Spring!
Still in this false dawn – don’t know anybody with the illness yet. That might change.
A friend sent me a report on a new drug that seems to be effective. A glimmer of hope?
It is going to be quite difficult not seeing our kids, grandkids and friends. We’ll have to facetime.
Back to the writing!!
Not sure of the layout of your house Opher, but friends, family, and other well wishes can show-up in person to see how you are. For example, kindly neighbours keeping watch over my elderly family members ring their doorbell and then retreat to the end of the driveway – some 15-20 feet away – to engage in friendly conversation. One or two of them (under 70 years old) bring a deckchair and a thermos flask so the occasion can be a little more comfortably negotiated lol 😀
Like you I know of no other who has succumbed to the virus, although I’ve now seen a dozen or so people wearing face-masks.
Many people with whom I talk are totally disheartened by the poor response of our shambolic government and their continued, albeit disguised ‘herd immunity’ policy. Most I talk to are anxious, one or two even fearful, but for the large part the majority are in good spirits and doing what they can to support themselves, their families, and just as importantly others in their community.
I don’t suppose you’ve braved the supermarkets, and are probably wise to give them a wide berth at this time, but no doubt you’ve seen pictures of denuded shelves and empty stores on-line. People are panic-buying and dare I say hoarding, which leaves little for anyone else – including shift workers such as doctors, nurses and other emergency staff – and certainly slim pickings for the elderly. For them, and other vulnerable groups, it is a worrying time. I think it will be essential for people to start showing far more restraint so that all can be adequately provided for.
There seems to be mixed messages regarding new drugs for CORVID-19. Whilst I would certainly like to hope a breakthrough is imminent, it will be long months before any such drug is available for general release. Perhaps you have an alternative view on that or have read something that you might choose to share?
A full twelve months of this epidemic together with the associated social restraints is going to be tough going. I wish you well.
Ciao for now!
DN
A friend sent me a link to a site where they were talking about a new drug that was supposed to be effective against the disease – but I could not get it to open – so I’m skeptical. It was probably some nutcase with a spam site.
We are isolating – going for walks far away from people. We’ve got enough food – rice and flour – to last a while. We’re looking to home deliveries to keep us topped up. Keeping away from supermarkets.
People are scared and selfish. They only think about themselves – but some are still very cavalier. They don’t seem to understand. The gestation period for this virus is up to two weeks. People are walking about spreading it without knowing.
This is a tsunami that is starting as a ripple.
You stay safe Dewin – isolate.
I’m not a gamer Opher but images online showing the aftermath of shopping sprees to supermarkets in the U.K put me in mind of scenes depicted in Zombie apocalypse games! It’s surreal.
Trump has hinted at a drug but is keeping details close to his chest….no doubt it is merely yet another fake news claim to promote himself and his failed administration for forthcoming elections. I too have my doubts about the appearance of a drug.
I hear the National Trust are offering free car-parking at their sites, which perhaps offers opportunity to enjoy the gardens and cultivated spaces they have to offer.
You are fortunate to be in receipt of home deliveries! For many on-line grocery retailers slots have been fully booked for three of four weeks ahead.
As well as the cavalier and selfish, I have been told by friends working in frontline positions of compliments, well wishes, and gratitude handed out by members of the public. I think we owe anyone and everyone battling on the frontline a huge thank you! It is those people – selfless to the last – who are there for the majority and doing their utmost to support and serve the wider community.
Agreed, we are only as yet experiencing the ripple not the tsunami that will undoubtedly follow. Life is going to get harder for many of us.
‘It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to Heaven, we were all going direct the other way’ – in short, the period was so far like the present period, that some of its noisiest authorities insisted on its being received, for good or for evil, in the superlative degree of comparison only. (Charles Dickens)
I cannot isolate at this time Opher. I am not yet 70 and have to keep a roof over my head! But I am being careful and responsible (both to myself and others) which is all one can really do.
To help soothe, or otherwise ignite, my evening and curiosity, I’ve been watching David Icke interviews concerning CORVID-19. Love him or loathe him, or altogether dismiss him, but his views resonate with me…
These are strange days indeed!
DN
That was an amazing piece of writing by Dickens.
Take care Dewin, keep your contacts down, put distance between you and others as much as possible, wash hands whenever you touch something. This is going to get worse.
While I am certain that there are a number of people right now who are keen to stir up trouble and exploit and that the global elite are in charge with all their fake news and control – I am skeptical.
On a lighter note, I found this entry in a Guardian newspaper live thread. I found it quite endearing….
‘In Argentina’s nationwide lockdown to stop the spread of coronavirus, one magical being has been handed a presidential exemption: the tooth fairy.
President Alberto Fernandez earlier this week ordered all but essential workers to stay home and off the streets. But he was forced to amend the list of exceptions after receiving a message from the mother of a seven-year old boy who had recently lost his first tooth.
March 21, 2020
“Dear @alferdez, I need to ask if the tooth fairy is among those exempted from quarantine? Joaquin has lost his first tooth and we don’t know if we should leave him a letter (we can’t find the tooth). We don’t want to cause the tooth fairy problems or for the police to detain him.”
Fernandez reassured the boy an hour later that the tooth fairy was indeed on the official list of exceptions.
“@littlekbz Cecilita! The tooth fairy can leave rewards for fallen teeth because he is not under quarantine. But the rest of us are… Joaquin should leave the tooth beneath his pillow and enjoy the prize,” Fernandez wrote on Twitter.
Aside from the tooth fairy, Argentina has also exempted key agricultural and export industry workers from the lockdown, and allows people on the streets to buy groceries and medicine, and for urgent medical needs.
The country thus far has confirmed 158 cases of coronavirus and four deaths from the disease.’ (1)
DN
(1) – https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2020/mar/21/coronavirus-live-updates-deaths-jump-in-spain-and-italy-millions-locked-down-in-us
There are these moments of beauty and innocence among the disaster.
Yes, at least there is the writing! However, have a friend having ‘cabin fever’ in Sheffield as she was sent home to self isolate from her school job. No fever, just a cough which then disappeared! And now the schools are on ‘ half’ closed.
It must be difficult if you are on your own. It’s difficult enough with two of us. But I don’t mind the solitude. Reading and writing is fine with me – then there’s the photos from our latest trip and we can go on walks. So much to do. I just miss friends and family, cinema and theatre. This seems unreal.
It is surreal here as we went to the supermarket and passed through an empty town. The What’s Apps groups are busy though but sometimes with strange news and views that is difficult to make out. Many Spanish will be with family but this total lockdown except for essentials will be a strain if they can only walk the dog. No exercise at present!
We have stocked up (not panic buying) with enough for a week or so – then we will get a supermarket delivery. We are isolating and going for a walk each day. I’m keeping my steps up to at least 10,000 a day.
It’s hard because we know this will go on for at least three months. Our older son has the virus and youngest is splitting up with his long-term girlfriend – with all the mess that entails.
Oh that sounds tough. That’s a good target. I have been out fighting sarsaparilla in the woods and am now exhausted. Was just extending a boar path to give me more height! I need a bison or perhaps I am it. It’s tough with breaking up at the best of times and this must be the worse. Hope your other son recovers well and is one of those with mild symptoms.
Cheers Georgina. Splitting up is hard. Yes it is all complicated with leases and money. A nightmare – particularly at this time. So far Dylan (our eldest) is doing OK. Hopefully it won’t be too bad. He’s young and fit.