Memory of this place

Day 2 of a 3 day lockdown at our highest level of Covid alert - level 4.

Unlike Gandalf, I do have a memory of this place - lockdown!

I keep getting flashbacks to last year when we were in lockdown for over 6 weeks to combat Covid when it was first raging.

My first memories were yesterday out for a short walk in one of the fine breaks - people out walking and we all go out of our way to put distance between us when we pass. I know we must do it because this is what keeps us safe, but I remember that it always made me feel so separated from others. I also remember that it took some time to get over anxiety about being too close to people when the lockdown ended. With masks it’s now even harder to smile to make that human connection. But I don’t grudge it because we need to do this. But I remember. And I hope we don’t have to do it again.

Today we went out on our bikes and I remember the strangeness of the deserted streets.

I remember doing this same ride many times last lockdown. Even though I’ve often ridden this same route since then, it took me right back to last year when I rode today. It might have been the warmth and the lovely sea vista. But there was a difference today as there was a seal sunning itself on the beach just beside the road. I didn’t linger with the photo as it raised it’s head and gave us a warning look!

I remember hanging out for the 1pm briefing by the Prime Minister and Health boss, and the strange reassurance of hearing these two people giving us lots of information and telling it straight. (Weirdly I found out that there’s an IMDB page for this briefing, spoofing it as a serial - it’s funny.) Today it seemed to be quite good news as they’ve traced the origin of the outbreak and it seems as though we’ve caught it early. We won’t know the end date for the lockdown till tomorrow, but I’m feeling like it won’t be too long. That’s a comfort. And, vaccinations are cranking up again, yay! So, this probably isn’t going to be the Mines of Moria!

And, I did do some more work on Theoden’s helmet so I wasn’t plagued by the strange lack of energy and direction that I felt so strongly last lockdown. But I am feeling for those already affected, especially for: my friend whose daughter is currently self-isolating and whose much anticipated show has had to be called off (hopefully deferred?); my brother and sister-in-law who are trying to sell their house. And, I feel for those doing it much harder than us, such as our mates in Australia and those in Fiji.

But, overall, despite the memories, I’m feeling hopeful that we’ll be out of lockdown soon and can pick up the pieces. Best wishes, Kathy