Quarantine 7

Everybody has heard enough about quarantine, although not everybody has taken it seriously. Why? Because a virus can’t be seen? Because it seems so unreal? Like the scenario of a horror film? I think if we do not take it seriously, it is going to be a horror film, but a real one we have to live through and not just watch.

 A white carpet of anemones

 A late daffodil amongst the anemones

 celandine

I must admit I did go for a walk as well yesterday, like so many others, lured outside by the beautiful day. I started from home, walking through connecting parks in a circle. It wasn’t at all busy, as the parks and pieces of parkland are not very well known, except to dog owners. Only the last park I walked through was crowded, and I was amazed that people were sitting on the grass in groups. Also youngsters. Do they think they are untouchable?  So today I just enjoyed my garden, which is facing south and with the sun shining in a perfectly blue sky, it is a small piece of paradise. I know I am luckier than most having a garden. But I live in a suburb where the majority of the inhabitants have a garden. So it is not as hard for us to stay at home as for people cooped up in a small apartment without a balcony.

 Fritillarias

A white carpet of wood anemones

Anyway, the garden is waking up, and the colours are surprising. So to cheer everybody up, I will post a few pictures. Also pictures of the fritillaria, which I found in a small park alongside a pond, where some people claim to have seen a kingfisher. I haven’t been so lucky, but at least the fritillarias warmed my heart.

Of course, life is a bit complicated, more so for families with working parents and small children. For me it is easier. Tutoring a high school student via WhatsApp – the only medium we both shared – was a new experience. Especially as he forgot that you can’t eat your breakfast in school either during a lesson! His concentration wasn’t optimal. Having long phone conversations with friends instead of seeing them, and Skyping with dear friends far away is a different way of socialising. I also went to church to take part in a service which was recorded. Two priests, a reader, the organist and choirmaster, and the choir, that was all. We, choristers, were spread out far apart, and formed the congregation, as well as the choir. I wondered how we would sound, being so far apart. But in fact, the result isn’t so bad. Except for the quality of the recording, which could be improved.  But this was a first, and will probably not be the last time we have to worship as a congregation in this manner. We also prepared for the funeral service of our dear friend Nelly, which will take place this coming Tuesday. The choir will be so different without her. May she rest in peace.

 In the garden

The new leaves of the pieris