London – Day 54 of lockdown

This morning I was bouncing around like Tigger. I was off to meet I friend.

I headed out to walk up to the Horniman Museum gardens. I walked along mainly back streets where there are fewer people out and it’s easier to jump onto the road to get an appropriate distance from them. I’ve learned to be patient when out walking.

I arrived at the main gates where my friend joined me. She’s as serious on the social distancing stuff as I am. We went up to the small animal farm. The area you can walk through is closed off and will be for some time yet. We got to see some goats, and in another small paddock, a couple of Alpacas who, unlike me, had had recent funky haircuts. We sat in the sun and drank coffee for me, hot choc for her and chatted like we did in ‘normal’ times.

I’ve not seen her for I guess for about 3 months. We met years back on the first day of a beginner’s running course. We were told we had to chat to others. We happened to be beside each other, and I think we’re equally horrified at the thought of talking to a stranger. But we chatted and we’ve been running and walking and chatting ever since.

To see a friend again brings such a sense of joy, and at least some sense of normalcy in these strange times.

And strange times they are.

There have been small protests at least in London and Glasgow about lockdown. The arguments seem to be libertarian in nature i.e. the government can’t tell me what I can and can’t do. I don’t get it but to see people mingling so closely together is disturbing.

Government wants some schools to go back from early June. There’s a lot of resistance from teachers and unions. Guidance for them is unclear. Many of us think it’s too early. Social distancing still necessary and too difficult in school environments. Schools have remained open for some children, those of key workers, and for vulnerable children. There’s real concern that the take up for vulnerable children has been too low. The arguments continue to play out.

There are growing concerns about how the infection rates are playing out differently across England. While rates are dropping off in London, they are high in the North East and Yorkshire. There is some media speculation that easing of lockdown might need to be varied across England.

A further 468 deaths across all settings bringing the total to 34,466.

These days I’m better at limiting media consumption.

Here’s to a Saturday night doing lockdown solo consisting of catching up with a few folks, having a glass or two of wine, eating some great dhal, and watching stuff that requires little thought.

So that’s it for Day 54. Stay safe, stay well, and stay home!