Page 33 - Through a glass brightly

Jenny is right - there are silver linings to these clouds. I have been enjoying lots of those: the relaxing effect of no routine, every day being full of possibilities - however restricted. I’ve really enjoyed my long local walks in the neighbourhood, somewhere I have never explored before. I’ve enjoyed being able to focus on jobs I’ve long wanted to do at home (although I’m nowhere near completing those). I’ve enjoyed all the inventive ways people have tackled the situation, from online rehearsals and classes to streamed ballet and theatre. It’s relaxing that the big decision of the evening can be whether to go for the Matthew Passion on Radio 3 or the streaming of Cosi fan tutti or Jesus Christ Superstar. (Jesus Christ superstar won last night and I loved it.)
So we had adjusted to our strange life here and it was a bit of an idyll really in the sunshine in the garden with the children running in and out and endlessly entertaining - and then Hannah got covid symptoms - quite obvious ones: loss of taste, fever, cough and breathlessness - and I didn’t feel so relaxed. At least her husband was well and she could rest as I really think that’s important when you have a virus. Because at this point Hannah wouldn’t let me get anywhere near them - reasonably enough. Then her husband got it and so they had to share looking after the children. I’m happy to say now, a few days on, that they are both recovering - and I don’t have a sign of it. Of course I feel a bit jealous now as they will need to take less care (although of course without testing will we ever know if they had it or not?) It would be very nice to have it and done with it. But then of course one might not be so lucky....
We don’t know what’s round the corner, do we? But then, perhaps we do. I read these articles tonight. Don’t read unless you’re feeling strong, but this is the crux of it all and if we don’t do something about it our children and grandchildren will face something much worse.
Ending on a more upbeat note, did anyone else read about the 104 year old Italian woman who just recovered from corona - and as a child had survived the Spanish flu of 1918-19.... Amazing.
Sunday, April 12th
From Mag P.
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