Feest Isolation Days – 8 May
We left early for our weekly country walk and there were few people and even fewer cars around. The day was slightly chilly at first but became the most splendid of warm, sunny May days. We had our breakfast picnic and enjoyed the warmth and the expanse of green all around us. We happened upon the only bluebells we’ll see this season. Normally, (that word that no longer exists for any of us!) we would have been seeking walks where bluebells grew plentifully. At least we saw one carpeted spread of the splendid flowers (splendid that is as long as they’re not in your garden). The walk meandered next to a river Terry often fishes and he would have no doubt preferred spending his morning casting into the water for his trout, but that isn’t possible yet.
Bluebells this year, our only chance…
But last year………..!
The Oxford Scientists have begun a vaccine trial and what usually can take years is being concertinaed into months. We all hope they can move swiftly as all around us the longer we are unable to move out of lockdown, the more businesses suffer and will undoubtedly fail. Virgin Atlantic Airlines has let over three thousand employees go and have said they will not return to using Gatwick as an airport; but have held onto slots there just in case. British Airways has also laid off thousands of staff and they too, are unsure of the way they might use Gatwick in the future. As we all cancel more and more plans for the rest of the year, it’s hard to imagine getting on a plane for a very long time.
For as long as I can remember, we have travelled the world. We have been to over a hundred countries and getting to places like Paris, Amsterdam and Venice was once as easy and as economical as getting on a bus. Over the years we have come to know these cities well. It is hard to imagine that we will not be visiting them soon again. During the post retirement years when we began returning to New Zealand regularly, we saw less of these marvellous places, telling ourselves that as we got older and long distance travel became more difficult for us, we would visit them once more. We still go to Europe once or twice a year, but there was a time when we were working when it was more like once a month! Whether for a holiday or work, or various conferences, we were always happy for any excuse to visit. Who knows when we’ll get there again.
We never wanted the UK to leave the EU and now that we have officially left, this unreal coronavirus reality has taken precedence over any and all thoughts we might have about Brexit. But what will happen at the end of this year as our government shifts away from Europe? It is hard to see how ministers of any country can concentrate their efforts on the UK and their interests rather than concern themselves with their own coronavirus situation. Suddenly we move back into politics.
My interest in politics has radically diminished over the months since Covid 19 appeared, and as the virus is apolitical, I believe so too, should the solutions to our problems with it. Keir Starmer is now the head of the Labour party and in a socially distancing Parliament, is holding the government to account. This must be correct in any democracy. However, my hope is that the parties will all work together with each other to get out of this situation. All the talk of Brexit for years was weary making. Let’s hope that the talk of the coronavirus is short lived and we can get back to political business as “normal”. Politicians debating once more how we should or shouldn’t do this or that. What a luxury! I tired of Brexit talks early on. The coronavirus discussion is also already getting tired, let’s hope it doesn’t last as long as the Brexit debate did – and has a better outcome!
To all the Scientists in the world, good luck! We are on your side, whatever your political persuasion. One third of Americans polled believe you have already developed a vaccine and are just not sharing it.
Politics in America at least has never been more important. Let’s hope the correct party gets into the White House in November!
Here, there are whispers that new lockdown plans are afoot. We have to wait until Boris speaks to us all on Sunday night to find out what they are. Meantime, the walk was refreshing, and gave us what we needed to carry on in lockdown and keep going. Who knows for how long yet? Watch this space.
With love,
Kathy x