and so it begins ...

We panicked and bought the last aubergine.  We are lucky to have such a good grocery shop nearby.

The family (Anniemay, Chris and Sian) have decided that I should be allowed out, but not actually go into any of the shops.  So I accompany Anniemay into town as we do our messages.  

At first I thought this a bit extreme, but as I waited outside the Co-op, I noticed an old man just inside the door, coughing and sneezing into a handkerchief.  Not once, but a good few times.  

In between bouts he examined, in minute detail, the contents of the handkerchief.  I took an involuntary step backwards towards the edge of the pavement.  

By the time we got home the sun had warmed up our wee courtyard.  It may be small, but it's ours.  We sat on the steps and made plans for the summer.  If this is self-isolation I might just cope.

Update; 

since posting, things have changed somewhat. One of our neighbours (a young woman) has been self-isolating.  Her husband has been looking after her.  And now an ambulance has been called.  (see extra)

I saw her sitting outside her front door getting some fresh air a few hours ago, so I hope the ambulance is just a precautionary measure.