Day Forty-Nine - Essentially Clandestine

I was pretty early for my walk this morning, about 5:45. That isn't a time that you would immediately associate as the domain of the adolescent. But as I reached the roundelay I saw a figure sitting on one of the many benches there, his bicycle resting against its side. That sight wasn't unusual in itself but as I began my circuit I saw that he had been joined by a girl. She was pulling at a pair of trainers on her feet. When I got closer I saw how young they were. It struck me that this was a clandestine meeting. I imagined them both telling their respective parents they were going out early for their essential exercise when all along they had planned to meet. Of course this notion is just the product of my silly imagination and they may have been from the same household and legitimately out for their exercise. Except that half an hour later, when I'd nearly completed my walk, they were still there on that bench. It made me wonder how teenage romance has fared during this lockdown? Or any romance come to that. If you're not in the same household how has it affected relationships? How many clandestine liaisons without social distance or sanitation have occurred? 

Talk of easing the lockdown is everywhere. It now seems that there will be a reveal on Sunday. The PM is still emphasising that 'The worst thing we could do now is ease up too soon and allow a second peak of coronavirus.' I agree with him but I think there will be a second wave. The intensity of it may depend on adherence to any lockdown procedures eased or not. Of course there is much conjecture but how new protocols might be implemented. I shall wait to see what is said on Sunday.

But because of this I've put in my prescription request a little earlier than I need. Because I fear  that after Sunday if there is some easing of restrictions people will go overboard and decide that the lockdown is over, the virus gone and we can all go back to normal. I won't want to leave the house if that is the case!!! I've had to nominate a pharmacy so I chose the nearest and I can go and collect on Thursday. I'm nervous. When I went to the Health Food store I didn't actually have to go inside. But I will have to go into the chemist. I believe they're only allowing two people in at a time. 

It's been a pleasant day weather wise. I did some weeding and I mowed the grass. Then I was fit for nothing. Actually I have to admit that I changed my bedding today and I turned the mattress. It's probably one of the worst things for my back. I bought the mattress about 8 years ago and it's supposed to be a 'no need to turn' mattress. But when the guys delivered it and I was enthusing about this feature they said you really should turn it if you can. It'll last longer. So I do try to but it's so heavy. Anyway I managed it today. See how I am tomorrow after quite a physical day. After the rain we've had the grass went manic and really needed a cut. 

The Nightingale hospital in London, housed in the ExCel Centre with a 4,000 bed capacity is to be placed on standby as they are not expecting any new patients. There are currently 20 patients in there. Apparently this is because the virus is now under control in London. The death total today is the lowest in 7 weeks. That does sound to be good news. No, that's awful! I'm so sorry. It's not good news at all. It's better news than having a higher death count.

I think my neighbours are laughing at the way I'm talking to myself. I heard one of them laugh when I said something out loud. But it may be paranoia borne out of this solitude. I feel very aware of how eccentric I'm becoming with this isolation. Or maybe I've always been eccentric and it's just more obvious. Even to me.