Page 119 - Through a glass brightly

I had just completed my lesson on using Dropbox and was about to turn to a more general email when Ann’s dropped into my inbox. I agree with Ann that I am getting restless too. We are about three weeks behind you in Scotland so there has been no letup in the restrictions. This is despite the fact that the cases are now confined to hospitals and Care Homes. But the all- important R factor is still on the high side. (I gather this is as much to do with the maths as with the actual prevalence of the virus. As fewer people are infected the proportion is higher and this keeps the R factor
high. (Or something!)
As with Ann I have quite enjoyed certain aspects of the Lock Down – the quiet streets, the great sense of community support, sharing and goodwill, and the opportunity to learn a great many new skills. However, it was so much easier when the weather was wonderful. We have hit a cold, wet spell when there is no encouragement to go out, or sit in the garden and therefore to talk to friends across the hedge, or even to go for a walk. Our schools will not go back till August, only supermarkets are open, and all the activities which usually take up my time are all closed. I have learned an enormous amount about technology, have caught up with many things which I always meant to do, and have taken the opportunity to do odd things about the house (like getting a joiner to put up a pulley in the kitchen!). But I’m just desperate to get in the car and go somewhere, choose a meal from a menu, and talk to people face-to-face. Even the attractions of Zoom are beginning to pall. And although I make a “To Do” list every day, I have to force myself to work through it. I have always felt better when I worked under pressure! It’s odd that - you would think that I would relish the lack of pressure but I just end up with a bad attack of can't-be-botheredness.
It’s also very difficult to take seriously. I don’t know anybody who has died from Covid 19 or even anyone who has had it. It all seems to be happening “out there” somehow. And apart from the obvious inconveniences I can’t say that I’m particularly affected by it. I’m not “working from home” or on 80% income – having to postpone a holiday or buy online hardly compares with the loss of a loved one.
Before I get too serious, a whole pile of cartoons hit my inbox. I’ve chosen the best and put them below – and have added them to Version 3. Apart from anything else, illustrations breakup the text a bit.
Can I repeat, since we're talking about Version 3, that if you find any mistakes or omissions please keep sending them to me. It’s no problem doing “a find and replace”. For example, we seem to be missing an email from Val T, (which might be attached to an email from Daphne) about living in Elstree when she was young. If anyone happens to have this can they send it to me. I may not need it since Val T is going to include it in her biography. Which is a reminder
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