Day Three - Engineers and Stocking Up

Today I had the annual service for my central heating system booked. It was actually due in November but they were so booked up I couldn't get an appointment until January. The day before that was due the company cancelled due to a higher percentage of emergencies than usual and rebooked me for March. Today. Other people were critical of for me for my safety and the engineer. and thought I should cancel. I'll admit I thought I was being a bit rebelliously risky. But to be honest I really didn't think it would go ahead. I thought they would focus on emergencies at best. I couldn't imagine engineers putting themeless at risk by entering numerous households where there might or might not be infection.  So I did nothing. They didn't cancel. I figured they might not turn up at all. Then the engineer called and said he was on his way. I actually started to feel a bit fearful. Some bloke was going to be roaming all over my house spreading corona virus in every room, on every surface. No! He was a very nice guy, called Danny. When he rang the doorbell I asked him if he'd mind sanitising his hands and he said he'd already done it in the van as he did before and after entering any property. That was a good start. Keeping a good six feet away from him at all times we chatted about the situation. I relished that. I have no idea when next I'll have a visitor to talk to, if at all.

After he'd gone I used a wipe on all the radiators and metal bits as I'd heard that the virus can stay alive on metal for longer than other materials. Not that I think Danny was carrying the virus. But you just don't know. 

I was running low on some fresh food so I thought I go into town and stock up. Stock up, not panic buy. It wasn't as pleasant a day as yesterday but I do need to get out into the air and sniff the sea! So although it's not the quickest route into town I always go along the cliff tops. Few people around today in comparison with yesterday. But that changed when I got into town. I've never seen my local Coop so full. The checkout queue was snaking round the store. It was as if no one had heard of social distancing. I felt very uncomfortable. I kept a good distance between myself and the couple in front of me but the person behind coughed and buffeted me with her basket. The shelves were pitifully  empty. Mostly the tinned and dried goods. I got what I needed okay. I was really glad to get out of the store though. There was something claustraphobic about it.

An oasis by comparison was my local health food store. A much pleasanter environment and one where I am known by the staff and always greeted warmly. I bulk bought two packs of my favourite cereal! Normally I'd only buy one. They had plenty of tinned goods so I did buy a couple. The also have the best cottage cheese in the world. Interestingly they normally sell out of that very quickly but not this week. It was not on the PanicBuyers Guide to Selfish Shopping. I bought just the one.

My next door neighbour one side is having a hip replacement operation today. Well, it was scheduled for today. I haven't heard whether it went ahead or not. I am really worried for her. The only good thing is that it took place in the local private hospital. Its an NHS operation but somehow she managed to get in there where the hygiene is top notch. They wouldn't even allow her husband in to see her. My neighbour the other side knocked to see if there was anything I needed. I was touched. He and his partner are thirty something's with no kids and a seemingly endless bank balance. Extensions, new cars and more online deliveries than anyone else I know. Because they are at work during the week the delivery drivers often knock at mine and ask me to take their goods in. That's how I know they have a lot! Often they've come across as thoughtless and self absorbed but this changed my feelings. He said he was going to the supermarket. I wished him luck! When he got back he knocked again and he'd bought me a bunch of daffodils. When things like that happen I begin to hope that some good, yet, may come of this situation.

My sister lives in London. I'm worried about her if London goes into lockdown. She feels so far away at the moment and I'm not sure when we will get together again. I certainly don't fancy public transport right now. Then there's my brother who lives in Shropshire. He's in his seventies and may have to self isolate. I worry about him, too. There's even less chance of me seeing him. 

I continue to ponder about this whole business. This afternoon I wrote a little story about it. It's called The Bat and the Pangolin and I've posted on this blog in case you might like to read it. Reading and writing always help me deal with things.