Lockdown Day 21

I started reading a book today about the Spanish flu epidemic of 1918 to 1920. You might think this is a little ghoulish but I want to understand the history of what we are going through, and these kind of infections do have a long history. What is really striking is that human behaviour was there in all the same forms that we know it today, ranging from the heroic to the stupid and those who were in out and out denial. There were many examples of censorship and official obfuscation which doubtless cost millions of lives. We cannot claim any moral superiority over a century later. The insanitary conditions that soldiers and communities in ghettos lived in then are no different to those of today’s poor and disadvantaged, nor indeed are modern phenomena such as the refugee camps of Syria and Calais any better.

My day, luxurious by the standards of 90% of the worlds population, started relatively late - after 8 am. This was largely attributable to the fact that I have developed a habit of waking up for a couple of hours during the night and reading, which effectively means I sleep in split shifts.

Today went relatively quickly in between domestic jobs and pleasant diversions. I completely forgot that it was Easter Monday and it was not until we went out for our late afternoon walk that I realised there was anything special about today. The weather was in huge contrast to the last two or three days with strong winds and relatively low temperatures. Our self erected garden summer camp had blown over during the night but I shall save repairs until tomorrow when the conditions are better.

This picture was taken on our local bridge with me wrapped up against the cold and sporting my new eyepatch that I am using to cope with the double vision. The GP did ring to discuss it this morning and was very helpful, the plan is for her to see me in a week’s time all other things being equal. Pants monster and fatigue both a bit better today, and I am grateful for all the comforts of home and all the love in my life.

The plan for tonight is home-made kebabs and watching the latest Star Wars movie that has just been released for download.