Day Eight - Sainsburys, Birthdays and Up With the Lark

So it happened. Lockdown. I have to chuckle. When I look back to Day One of this diary I joked about the Social Distance Police stopping me! Now it is potentially a reality. I was relieved that exercise is considered an essential reason to go out. Exercise is essential to me but I suspect we all have our own idea about what constitutes essential and what doesn't.

I was out even earlier this morning. 6:30! Insane? Maybe, but I didn't sleep and I was pretty sure I wouldn't return to sleep so I decided to go for it. Slightly fewer people. Majority were joggers and nothing has changed for them. They're still singlemindedly sticking to their trajectory and refusing to deviate from it. However there were only pairs rather than groups this morning. Several dogs off the lead but maybe the owners hadn't listened to the news? It was marginally easier going out earlier. Without exception though it was always myself that ensured the social distance was kept. No one else made any effort. Maybe I'm interpreting the instruction too literally? Two metres/six feet distance. Even when someone passes by? I know it's only a matter of seconds. But surely it's only a matter of seconds for a virus droplet to be expelled into the air?

My big news today! I've got a Sainsbury's shopping slot! Never before has such a thing excited me. I did a double take. I'd been checking from time to time and found the three week booking windows  always fully booked. So when I looked today it wasn't that I was that desperate to shop. But I am pleased to have been able to order things that I would have been sad to go without. I would have managed. I would have improvised but I feel more complete knowing I have some of my dietary obsessions covered. And if my veg delivery tomorrow goes ahead I should be fine for the next three weeks.

I was on the phone for ages this morning to my poor friend who was very tearful over the loss of her son's dog yesterday. She said she felt as if he was her dog sometimes. She looked after him regularly. She's also very anxious about her job at the hospital and the greater risk of contracting the virus there. It seems almost farcical that the one place where you'd think measures should be in place to protect all staff  doesn't seem to care at all. She's been told she's an 'essential' worker and she will have to cover the work of all those absent in isolation. The only consolation is that she is part time and her partner now working from home will drive her to and from work so she doesn't have to use public transport. We were also chatting  about whether this whole thing will affect our views and values, encourage us to take a fresher, less acquisitive approach to life. Focus on the more meaningful aspects. Families will spend more quality time together. We can evaluate those things that really matter.

My neighbour knocked again to see if I needed anything. He knocked and then stood more than the six feet away which I appreciated very much. I nearly didn't answer the door! My first, ungenerous thought was who the hell is knocking on my door during a lockdown?! He and his partner were going on an essential 'hunter/gatherer' trip as he put it! This whole thing has made me appreciate them more than I did before.

I've been emailing my friend in Japan. She was due to come over here in April for several months. I was looking forward to seeing her. She's a dear friend and I've known her a long time. Coincidentally she spent a year in Wuhan back in the eighties. She has a property in the UK, a beautiful  house in the most pastoral setting. She won't come now obviously. We also agreed to 'forget' birthdays this year. I'm not sure of the state of international post and shops are closed both here and in Japan.

The day started off positively for me. But I felt a wave of sadness engulf me this afternoon. I suppose it's inevitable. I suddenly felt very lost and alone. So I try to disappear into books and writing which makes me forget for a while. I'm also very tired after a bad night. Insomnia endures whatever the world situation!