Today is Thursday, March 26, day one of a four week lockdown in New Zealand. Already it feels as though we have been in lockdown for some time. I just watched a video on the Guardian website of Jacinda Ardern speaking to the nation, after putting her daughter to bed, ad apologising for not wearing her work clothes. We are so proud of her. It’s good to have a Prime Minister we can be proud of.

Jacinda has won us over by asking each of us to pretend we have covid19, and don’t want to pass it on. Social distancing has really caught on here. We went for a walk this afternoon, and everyone cheerfully gives everyone else a wide berth.

At the supermarket, they’ve separated the entrance and exit, and limited the number of shoppers to 75. Today there is plenty of bread, so I buy some more. There are still plenty of fruits and vegetables, too.

During our walk we note that there are teddy bears in a window of almost every house, so we find some and put them in the office window, too. This is a NZ campaign to inspire children not to be afraid.

I woke during the night dreaming of more dire covid19 situations, but soon I convinced myself it was a bad dream and went back to sleep, after registering JD’s telling me that Prince Charles had tested positive, as had the medical director for the movie Contagion. I hope nothing happens to Prince William.

It is now two full weeks since our youngest son arrived from the UK. Back then, I decided not to go to my usual activities for 14 days. Now, we are in lockdown, and they have all been put on hold. Some activities are now going ahead using Zoom. That will be fun to explore. As yet, I have not been inspired to play and sing, but there is likely to be plenty of time.

Already, I am so over this, and it’s only just formally begun! Talk about stages of grief! Yesterday, I was uplifted, but having gone shopping early (around 10 am) for bread, I was then at a loose end for the rest of the day. Today I am a bit frustrated, especially when others (namely, Australia and the US) do not take this situation seriously. Today the number of diagnosed cases in NZ has shot up to 283, including 78 new cases today.  We have been warned that the number of cases may increase before it dies down. I think most of us are prepared to do whatever it takes, to bring it under control.

Sadly, someone who worked for Hohepa as a contractor, tested positive for Covid19. Presumably this was someone from an agency. This brings the danger very close indeed. We are none of us immune.

There are some big anomalies out there. In Australia, numbers for weddings and baptisms have been greatly reduced, but evidently you can have ten people at a funeral! In NZ, even last week, most funerals were private, family services, with a memorial service to be arranged at a later date, when it would be considered safe to have it.

India has announced a lockdown for three weeks. While this is a very brave move, Prime Minister Modi apparently said If you can’t go back for 21 days, the country will go back 21 years! 

The death toll in Spain is alarming, but in Italy, which has suffered so badly, it is still bad but not growing, suggesting they are over the worst of this viral epidemic.

The UK seems to be policing its lockdown, and furthermore, they’ve developed a faster way of producing ventilators. This sound very ingenious! One is reminded of their “finest hour”, and all that. Many medical people and others have offered to help nurse the sick, as needed. This is encouraging.

They are also developing an antibodies test. The reasoning is that if you produce antibodies to Covid19, you’ve probably had it, or been exposed to it, and are no longer infectious, or likely to contract it.

The US continues to cause enormous concern. The stimulus bill is decried as favouring rich businesses and failing to assist those who desperately need help. The richest, greatest country on earth (to use their phraseology) cannot get it together to provide testing, protective medical equipment, or ventilators. The pro-life party seems to regard many lives as expendable. The President, who claims his country wasn’t made to be shut down, recently declared a national emergency to build a wall to keep people out, stating that America was closed.

On the other hand, there are wonderful stories of American improvisation and desire to help others, in terms of counties providing testing, local authorities issuing stay in place orders, building field hospitals, and medical students graduating early so that they can look after patients in Intensive Care Units. Some State Governors have been inspiring in this situation: Jay Inslee of Washington and Andrew Cuomo of New York come to mind.

Rigorous testing (whether you have symptoms or not) and isolation seem to be key to identifying who has the disease, but this is very unlikely to happen. It is now being recognised in some areas as important.

Here in Wellington it has been a warm, sunny day, although there’s quite a strong northerly wind. It is very quiet. There is little traffic noise. I saw one empty bus go by, although aeroplanes keep flying overhead. Just who has so much essential travel, one wonders?

Tomorrow is Friday. I would maybe catch up with a son and grandson at the new library in Johnsonville; we might have our art group; my cleaner might come. None of that will happen. But I will go for a walk, and write my blog.

Today is Wednesday, March 25, CV1.

NZ is in lockdown, moves into lockdown at midnight tonight, what does lockdown even mean?

Our loved ones travelled safely back to the UK and caught a train to their home city. The trains were running, and busy. They can get food, and fruit and vegetables, delivered. Yet the UK is in lockdown. How does that work?

It’s interesting that the mood here in NZ is one of acceptance, and there is support at all levels (even in the media) for what Jacinda Ardern is doing. We are lucky to have her. She feels our pain, while announcing really tough measures – a severe lockdown for the next four weeks. We are fortunate that the government and banks are being sensible – no one should go hungry here, and there are mortgage holidays and there is relief for some businesses. There are many formerly Airbnb properties available now as rentals. I haven’t gone fully into the details of the relief packages yet. There is widespread support for this move, and a sincere hope that this pain will slow the increase of diagnosed cases of the virus.

In Australia, ScoMo seems running to catch up in emulating her wise move. It’s probably far easier to do it here, in spite of undoubted hardships. The sight of crowds fills me with dread. To quote Dr John, “Two metres distance determines our existence”. Social distancing seems to make a lot more sense now.

I just watched some Australian news briefings. The state of journalism there leaves much to be desired. In my view, they are all over the place with what’s allowed, and what’s not. NZ and its strategies do not get a single mention.

There seems to be wilful denial here. There is a lot of talk about potential economic impact; certainly, that is likely to be severe, but surely life is more important. It would certainly be very inconvenient to lose any of your loved ones, not to be able to be with them in their suffering, and not to be able to go to their funerals. That is the alternative. It’s like climate change, really. Oh, we can’t afford this! Well, it’s her and happening, now, coming ready or not.

This situation we face is very difficult indeed, but we don’t have natural disasters such as earthquakes, flooding or tornadoes, war or radioactive fallout. So things could be far worse. Surely we could all agree that human life is what matters most here. Our lives will surely change – in many ways, for the better.

Hohepa is not going to send our daughter back to Wellington. I have booked to have a flu vaccination on 20 April (they are really busy – that was the soonest appointment), and Access will not send a cleaner for the next four weeks.  That is frustrating – I thought care services were essential services.

There have been random acts of kindness. Public transport is reverting to a Sunday timetable, and all travel is free – you don’t have to use your snapper card. With the buses, you get on and off using the back door, so as not to expose the driver. The library have renewed all items until 4 May, there is no need to return books in the meantime.

The “shoulds” are greatly reduced.

This morning I walked to the local supermarket soon after 10 am, hoping to buy bread (it’s delivered at 10 am). It’s fine and warm outside. On the way, people are avoiding each other, but cheerfully.  At the shopping centre, there are lots of cars in the carpark, and the supermarket is busy. Asian people and checkout operators are wearing masks. There is no crowd control. There is plenty of bread, although only two loaves left of Molenberg toast-sliced bread. I buy one, and some apples, and a muffin for morning tea – probably my riskiest purchase.

Today:

• The Head of Harvard University and his wife have tested positive
• Dr Fauci is back at WH news conferences but not looking happy
• Spanish deaths are up – 514 overnight
• Italian deaths are slightly down
• New York is very badly hit indeed
• The US President wants to get the US economy going again by opening it up, against the advice of most people.
• The Olympics have been postponed.
• WHO has warned that the US may become the centre of the pandemic.
• In NZ, Warehouse stores will close. They are not essential.

Senator Lindsey Graham said something sensible. After all, you can’t work if you’re dead or sick. I doubt it sacrificing the older people is going to do much good either – you’ll end of nursing them, or attending their funerals (as permitted). Then who will mind your children?

In NZ we have an institution called the Correspondence School. In the past, it has been a great backup for times when for various reasons children couldn’t attend school, during the polio epidemic of the early 1950’s, or perhaps certain subjects weren’t offered at certain schools. Far from its providing a sinecure, I have met some of the very dedicated people who seek to inspire students, albeit at a distance. Could this be ramped up again? Now this would be a great activity for retired folk.

I see many countries are looking to retired medical people to return to the heath work force to help out. I see several drawbacks to this. Most of these folk are older, i.e. 70 or more, and haven’t kept up their registrations with annual retraining and exams. It would make more sense to graduate nurses and doctors early. They will be treating Covid19 patients, and will learn a great deal on the job. Any necessary refresher courses can be done after the immediate danger has passed.

We await the 1 pm briefing to learn the latest situation here. There are 50 new cases, bringing the total to 205. The Prime Minister has declared a state of emergency, and warned that the number of diagnosed cases may climb before it declines. I have been trying to sign up to Stuff’s daily newsletter, but they require a strong password, and I have trouble confirming mine. Why, one wonders?  What is there to hide? I already log in to put the paper on hold when we (used to) go away, but that login won’t do.

Tomorrow (Thursday) I would have gone to singing at the Khandallah Town Hall from 11 – 12:30. I enjoyed that, they are a great group, but now the singing is off and the Khandallah Community Centre is closed. Just getting there and back was usually enough for the day. I was on the desk, too, noting payment and attendance, so had an added responsibility.

All my activities are cancelled for now, and one is only allowed to go out for essential shopping and a walk.

I enjoy writing about this situation. Somehow, there is always plenty to say. It certainly helps me, and I hope is useful to others. And it takes up some time!

Today is Tuesday, March 24, CV1. 

The news today is confusing. My youngest son and his wife are still en route to the UK, where a state of lock down awaits them. Perhaps their lockdown is not quite as strict as ours. In NZ lockdown begins officially at midnight, but it feels as though it has started here already.

I just went for a walk to our local supermarket. It is relatively busy; you can’t buy any bread at all, and there is absolutely no crowd control. On the way there I passed several people out for a walk, who all studiously swerved to make way and otherwise ignored me. No “Good afternoon” greetings here, then.

We are all wondering just what are essential services, not necessarily our local newspaper’s interpretation of them.

Hohepa asked if we want to bring our daughter back to Wellington (some families have already uplifted their loved ones, apparently). We said no – her home is in Hawkes Bay, and she’s in a good spot. We are satisfied that Hohepa are taking stringent precautions appropriate to this changing situation. I assume they provide an essential service; the people they support would be living with their families if that were possible and the best outcome for the person concerned. They needed to know pretty well right away, so our decision is that she’s better off there than here in Wellington.

Early this morning I rang the Medical Centre to make a booking for a flu jab. they said no, they couldn’t do it during the lockdown for the next 4 weeks. When I protested, they suggested I ring back after 8:30 am and speak to a nurse. I did so, and spoke to a doctor, but the answer was the same – basically no, not during the lockdown. I am in a supposedly vulnerable group, over 65, and I take daily medication for asthma, so I think I should have the vaccine. I was messaged when it arrived, but I stayed away deliberately because of our visitors from overseas. Using Manage My Health I messaged my GP, making her aware of the situation, and my frustration with it. I am probably overreacting, but this feels a bit like a ventilator-decision moment.

I look up the Stuff website to see that the Warehouse stores consider themselves to be providing essential services!!! This seems ridiculous. The shelves are close together, they’re large but compact stores, and most goods have no doubt been handled often. It’s not like shopping (or window-shopping) at a David Jones store. Postscript: the Prime Minister has indicated the Warehouse may not provide an essential service. I would regard libraries, cinemas and cafes as fare more needful than the Warehouse.

We hang out for the 1 pm daily briefing. Today there are 40 new cases, 6 in hospital, where they are stable, 4 cases not related to travel, and therefore probably contracted via “community” transmission. Thankfully, no one is on a ventilator, no one is in Intensive Care, and no one has died.  More tests are being done, and will be done, and there is not a shortage of masks.

On the other hand, the news from overseas is distressing. The UK is to put a lockdown in place (will it be policed?); the death rate in Italy is 9.25%, and in the US the president is recommending easing the restrictions; US  lawmakers cannot agree on a much-needed stimulus package. Oh, and the stock markets again are in freefall. When will this be over? Nobody knows. Perhaps never.

There is confusion about infection levels. Are people, or things they’ve touched, more infectious? Can the virus live on surfaces for 2-3 days, or 17? How long do airborne droplets survive? Apparently many people are asymptomatic, but test positive. They should then be isolated, but they probably won’t be unless they’re in China or South Korea. And how effective are protective measures like hand sanitisers, face masks, disinfectants, alcohol-based rubs? Everyone recommends handwashing with soap, warm water, and thorough drying. Full marks to the rest rooms that have disposable paper towels.

Odd facts collected today:

• Amy Klobuchar’s husband has tested positive.
• Idris Elba’s wife has tested positive.
• Sadly a New York Times reporter, who worked on the situation in New Rochelle where they had drive-through testing and cleaned everything thoroughly, has tested positive. These folk were really careful, and I enjoyed listening to the podcast they made about this.
• A Victoria University staffer, who came into contact with students and staff, has tested positive.
• The Olympics has not yet been cancelled or postponed.
• Loss of the sense of smell may be an early sign of having Covid19.

It’s important to have some kind of routine, while most of the things one used to do to stay sane and busy (have adventures) are now denied. While there is now no need to dress up or put on makeup, I have decided to use up all the hair product in my bathroom vanity before buying any more. I feel quite good about that.

On Wednesdays I would go to hymn singing at the Presbyterian Church in Khandallah. I really enjoyed this: the church seems to be a busy, community centre, where one feels really welcomed. We would sing, standing, upstairs in the organ loft, to the accompaniment of the rather beautiful organ. This started at 9 am, so it was quite a challenge to get there, given that the traffic at that time is quite heavy. Afterwards, I would have coffee in one of Khandallah’s cafes, and then catch a bus into Wellington.

Starting so early, there was plenty of time. Sometimes I would go to a movie, have a bite to eat, and catch a bus back to the northern suburbs. That way, I saw the Helen Kelly documentary at the Lighthouse Cuba cinema in Wigan Street. What a lovely person she was, and what a sad loss, her early death was.

There are a number of contradictory statements being made as people struggle to adapt to and make sense of this new, ever-changing reality.

“We are all in this together”. Well, we are, in a sense, in that we are all threatened, and the virus doesn’t distinguish its hosts; on the other hand, I am not caring for or teaching young children, or trying to hold on to a job, or desperately short of money, or homeless. If you have more money, it’s not much use to you now, although it may get you faster access to testing, better treatment, and a more comfortable living environment. We are all lonely, and some of us handle that better than others. Money can’t buy one protection.

“We are at war”. In a sense we are, but we can’t see this enemy; at least we aren’t being bombed, or sending our loved ones off to fight, which is a huge relief.

My favourite saying, for now, is “Fear is the enemy of compassion”.

Today is Monday March 23, year one CV (thanks to the bugle podcast).

Early this morning my youngest son and his wife left to fly back to England. It seems they left just in time – to transit through Singapore before such measures are banned from midnight Monday, and on possibly one of the last international flights out of New Zealand. On their return, they will have very limited ability, if any, to move around.

Today in New Zealand we learnt there are new cases of Covid19 taking the total to 102.  Still, this is not exponential, and no one has died here yet. There is, however, some community spread – not all the cases are related to travel from overseas.

I slept poorly last night, and during the night, new realities bore in on me. There is no new “normal” – unless one counts constant change as the new normal.

Yesterday, I learnt that Community Advice Bureaux would no longer give face-to-face advice. No big deal, really.

This morning I discovered that I am to have the flu vaccine in the Johnsonville Community Centre, rather than the Medical Centre, and then wait in my car outside for 20 minutes!  But I don’t drive anymore. Is the Community Centre cleaner than the Medical Centre, given that you aren’t supposed to go there if you have symptoms of Covid 19?

I also learnt that doctors would only do virtual appointments, by phone, skype, or video, so no going to the doctor.

Yesterday (Sunday) NZ was at level 2, apparently. That all changed today.

This morning I learnt that in the Wellington area there are 50 drivers over 70, so they will not be allowed to drive, and some services will be cancelled.

This morning I also learnt that the WHO claims that present measures (stay in place) are not working, whatever that means.

Today, whatever was yesterday/today’s news is out of date.  We are in lock-down. Schools are to close, and only essential services are to remain open. The Khandallah Community Centre is to close. My weekly hymn-singing will no longer take place. All shops, cinemas,  cafes, pubs, restaurants are to close, even takeaways are no longer allowed. Public transport is to close down. One is only allowed out of the house to buy food (where essential), or to go for a walk. A new reality bites.

I walked to the local supermarket this morning. It was quite busy, not crazy though. I bought a baguette (they looked nice), and a couple of pies, the first one best before 3 April. When I got home, I found that the second pie was best before 23 March, so I picked out the receipt, and decided to take it back and exchange it for another one. In the meantime, we were advised about the coming lock down.

We drove to the supermarket again, where, to our surprise, the carpark was almost full. I took the last trolley, and we proceeded into a very busy store, where many shelves were already empty. No crowd control here! We had to queue up for a checkout, the end of the queue being at the entrance to the store! Everyone was very well behaved. Some were wearing masks; another woman yawned without covering her mouth. It was a pretty crazy scene.  We really do have plenty of food, and other supplies. There are still lots of fruit and vegetables available.

Meanwhile, the figures overseas get more dire. Cases of the virus are spreading in prisons, and there seem to be varying responses to treating those who need to be in care, whether they be people with special needs, the elderly, or prisoners. You get the feeling that medical folk are doing an amazing job everywhere, in the most distressing circumstances: treating really sick people, and, in many cases, being unable to get appropriate protective gear. All these wonderful people have their own families and loved ones, too.

I fear for our children going back to the UK, which seems to be following Italy’s example, but expecting a different result.  They got out of NZ just in time, I realise. I hope they get safely home again, although that may take a while.

There is lots of crazy new information.

• Angela Merkel is in self-isolation, after her doctor tested positive for Covid 19.
• Germany has banned gatherings of more than 2 people. Gatherings?
• Harvey Weinstein has tested positive.
• Senator Rand Paul has tested positive.
• Trump has written to North Korea (where there are no reported cases of the virus) offering help.
• Families will not gather for Mother’s Day.
• Trump has made lots of promises but failed to follow through on them.
• More tests are coming available in New Zealand.

Yesterday the prediction was that half of us would get this disease. Now it’s predicted that a far greater percentage will get sick. I’ve given up on these predictions.

Tomorrow is Tuesday, normally a Tai Chi day, and my “big day out”. We would leave home by 9:40 am at the latest to get out to Mana. The class would run from 10 – 11 am, and I would catch the train back to Wellington. Then I would catch a bus into the CBD, have lunch at a café, and do some shopping, usually, before catching a bus back to Johnsonville, and then the shuttle bus to Churton Park. Often I would walk from Willis or Manners Streets back to the Railway  Station, and catch a bus from there. I was always tired, but it would be exhilarating too to survive these adventures, using my Super Gold Card on public transport. I look forward to doing this again.

Today is Sunday, March 22.  There are 14 new confirmed cases of covid19 in NZ today, following 13 new cases yesterday (on Saturday – one was counted twice).  This brings the total to 66. The good news is that no one has died here yet, from Covid 19, and the infection rate is not yet growing exponentially. However I think that when our youngest son arrived from the UK on 12 March, there were only three confirmed cases in NZ. Many thought that we had this thing here in NZ under control. Then we heard about the cruise ships which had stopped here. I, for one would not be sad to see a huge decline in the number of cruises (or tattoo parlours, beauty salons, tanning salons etc).

On Friday evening we spoke to our daughter in Hawkes Bay. Thankfully she sounds well and happy. She is riding her bike a lot. We were going to visit her for Easter, but we received email advice from Hohepa that family visits are not welcome at this time, and that they’re thinking of closing the workshops. They’ve already eliminated the “fun” things they used to do.

But I guess this makes good sense. While we wouldn’t want any of the people Hohepa supports to get sick, we certainly wouldn’t want any of the wonderful people who care for them (or anyone in their families) to get sick either.

I am so grateful that our daughter has moved to the lovely house in Jervoistown (near Taradale), in a semi-rural area, where there are fewer staff and there is more independence.

Thankfully, the Fundraising Dinner and Auction have been postponed.

Yesterday I went to buy bread. The local supermarket was extremely busy. The bread is delivered at 10 am. At 11:20, I bought the second to last loaf of Vogel’s toast bread. The Molenberg was all gone, but I bought a Freya’s sour dough loaf and some ciabatta rolls. The check-out operator wondered if I was buying too much.

Today I went again. Many items are restricted to two per customer. All the Sunday Star Times have been sold, and again there is no Molenberg bread. It is quite busy, and there are many empty shelves.

There are plenty of fruits and vegetables, though. While, sadly, apricots, nectarines and black doris plums have now finished, you can still buy raspberries! And they’re good, often large, and keep quite well. At $4.99 a punnet, I think they’re a great buy. And now beautiful big feijoas are in stock, peaches and plums are still around, and varieties of pears are coming.

Yesterday our youngest son visited with his wife, and brought some lovely goodies for us. All much appreciated.

Back to Covid19. I am not 70 yet, my asthma is under control (at present), so in theory I will be free (from 26 March) to go to the medical centre to have a flu jab, to use public transport, go to the movies, and patronise shops and cafes that are still open. I really appreciate Alfred’s giving me a bottle of hand sanitiser, since I still haven’t found the one I bought some time ago. You haven’t been able to buy hand sanitiser here in Wellington for several weeks now.

This morning I heard (from several sources, including Dr John) that 50% of us are likely to get Covid 19. That is truly alarming.  While one doesn’t wish to panic, or overreact, I think we all should take this seriously.

Yesterday the NZ Government advised that over 70’s should stay home, and there should be only essential domestic travel. Not only should we not drive to Napier, we shouldn’t drive anywhere for a break away. Also, there are four levels of risk, although I couldn’t find out which one we are on. Apparently, we are on level 2, a fact that I found out today. The schools have five levels of risk. Bother those parents who travel overseas, and let their children keep going to school, and go on school trips! One would like to think the schools here are safe.

I confirmed today that the Wellington mayor has deemed that libraries, pools and other council facilities are to close indefinitely. Libraries, again!  We mourned the loss of Wellington Central Library (an earthquake risk), which closed suddenly a year ago. The new library in Johnsonville, Waitohi, recently opened, to huge public appreciation, although I was used to libraries being quiet places, which this one isn’t. Nevertheless, it had an elevator, plenty of comfortable seating, a wonderful children’s area, helpful staff, and I could wait for the #19 bus inside the library, instead of outside in the cold, windy, street. There is no safe access, unfortunately.  One has to use a pedestrian crossing, up the road a bit, in a very windy, busy road. There is no bridge. There is no controlled crossing. And they’re pleased to call this area a “hub”.

I used to request books, which would then turn up in the request section (email notfiication), where I would use one of the self-issue machines to borrow them (these machines are much improved, and the library seems to have cancelled the $1 fee for reserves). Oh, and there’s quite a nice café beside the library, which opens at 7:30 am and stays open till 6 pm on weekdays. The only downside is that the café is really busy, and seating is very close. Clark’s at the old Wellington Central Library had well-spaced tables, making it a good place to meet people, and offering some privacy.

Perhaps the Porirua Library at Pataka will still be open, or the Lower Hutt Memorial Library. Any library is a great place to sit comfortably and read The New Yorker magazine. There are many books to read or reread at home, although I try  to keep up with new ones that interest me.

This morning I found out that Tai Chi classes are cancelled indefinitely. This is so sad. It’s a non-contact activity, so apart from greeting each other and socialising during the break, we are apart from each other. On the other hand, most folk are older, and most have health issues and challenges, so this news is not really surprising.

I am wondering if my weekly hymn singing in Khandallah will continue. I do enjoy this half hour. We sing wonderful old hymns to the organ there (up in the organ loft). Sadly, as many have found, prayer and church-going does not necessarily protect one from catching or passing on infection. It is sad to hear of embracing, shared chalices, and close interactions happening under the supposed cover of religion. After all, if you knew you had cholera, or had been in contact with someone who had, you wouldn’t go to church, would you? It seems to me that the Lord has protected us by the fact that we know Covid19 is extremely infectious. Fortunately one can still pray, and one can still sing, and one can still play the piano.

We are in a new world of pain, and I doubt it’s going to get better any time soon.

It has been good to have contact with close family recently. We are all social animals, for the most part, and while one enjoys one’s company to some extent, it is a great pleasure to interact with others.

I am thankful not to be responsible for young children, and not to be 70. I wonder what news tomorrow will bring?

Today is Friday, March 20, 2020, perhaps an auspicious day to start writing about the situation in which we find ourselves.  I am sure many people will write, blog, vlog, make podcasts, and find other creative ways to express their feelings, and pass the time. I am starting today.

This pandemic is new to us, and whereas many are talking about the flu epidemic of 1918, I remember my mother talking about the polio epidemic of 1947-49, and the enormous impact it had here (and in many countries). The schools were closed in New Zealand, and indeed an aunt and uncle of mine (my mother’s siblings) caught the disease, and recovered from it, with little in the way of visible effects. I remember the huge relief when the polio vaccine became available in the 1950’s, when I was a child.

Having had a serious illness myself, I now realise that nothing is ever quite the same again, as it was before.

Now we seem to be in a similar situation with the coronavirus. News is instant, but every day brings new horrors, new statistics, new stories, and new evidence of things being shut down. I am grateful not to be 70.

My youngest son arrived here from the U.K. just over a week ago, before travellers were required to self-isolate (whatever that means) for 14 days. It is so good to see him and his wife again. This visit has been long anticipated and looked forward to, not just by me.

I decided that I would not go to my usual activities for 14 days.  I was roundly criticised for this decision, but the remark of an oncology nurse helped me to make up my mind: “You wouldn’t want to be the one to pass this on”. Most if not all of the folk I do things with are older (some in their 80’s), most of not all have health issues, and we are all trying to stay healthy and not fall over.

Sadly, the news each day makes my decision seem quite reasonable.

The activities I have cancelled out of include our Art Group, Tai Chi (the last 2 sessions of term one), my weekly hymn singing, and weekly singing at Khandallah. Actually, the singing session was cancelled anyway, but the person who takes it is trying to find a safer way to do it.

I read today that in Auckland all libraries are to close. New Zealand has 11 new cases today, including one in Hawkes Bay. These are all people who have travelled into New Zealand, so not community spread, which I guess is something to be thankful for.

I have to say there have been some really frustrating things happen. The Prime Minister has put a travel ban in place, and now requires travellers from overseas to self-quarantine for 14 days, but a person flew to Auckland from Brisbane, found out that his Covid19 test was positive, and then took a commercial flight to Wellington, where he stayed in a hotel and went to the Milk Crate café!!! In another incident, a group of passengers was disgorged from a cruise ship. They were told your cruise has ended, and you’re free to go, which they did. I also find it irritating that people are not being advised to cover their mouths when they yawn. The other day I was shopping in Thorndon New World when a woman yawned, open-mouthed, not far from me. Grrrr!

It is really hard not to do stuff!

I have walked up to the supermarket each day, as I do most days. This morning I explained to two friends I encountered that I couldn’t come close or hug them as I normally would. We have stocked up on tinned food and basic essentials, but today you can’t buy flour or bread; preferred items are restricted, there is still no new TV Guide (which I get for the puzzles, and the movie ratings), and the store is to close at 9 pm rather than 10 pm (they cited the recent “uplift”, which I assume is a polite way of saying “panic buying”).

I listen to Dr John Campbell (north of England), who does a daily update, which is recorded on Youtube. He does a great job of tracking progress of the virus, which he has done since the first cases were recorded. His approach is fact-based, non-hysterical, reasonable and useful.

I also listen to lots of podcasts, as well as keeping up with the main newspapers. While the news websites give one the big picture, the podcasts often provide interesting titbits of information, and real life stories such as the doctor from Northern Italy, the story of New Rochelle (in New York), and the different approaches as people get to grips with this changing crisis. Some parents are relaxing the rules around “screen time”.  I really feel for older people who are not “online”. This must be very isolating for them.

We are torn between wanting to do the things that keep us alive, and not wanting to pass the virus on. I’m not afraid for myself, but I am concerned for my family, their loved ones, and my friends.

It’s fascinating how much everything changes. It must be good for the planet’s health that there is so much less air travel, and that cruises are not welcome, if   not entirely banned.  Although there is probably more personal and medical waste, this has to have a smaller footprint than the extensive use of jet fuel. It has to be good that we all buy less stuff (although there are some great deals out there). On the other hand, many people were really struggling before this, and now whole industries have been wiped out. Who knows how long this crisis will last, and when it will be safe to do things again?  One admires the socialistic response of the US government to give people money. So how are they to spend it, after paying the landlord and the bank, seeing shops and restaurants are shut down? Ah, I know, online shopping will save the day (for the richest man in the world).

One also wonders where the homeless will wash their hands, or just how they will obey a civic order to “stay home”. It’s also been pointed out that you can’t clean a house, or help someone shower, “remotely”.

One of my two favourite cinemas put out a useful newsletter recently. They are doing more cleaning, and more hand-washing, but they also will try and seat people so they’re not so close to each other.

There was also some useful advice in this morning’s paper about funerals and tangi – that older folk may wish to say “good-bye” on their own, and not go to the funeral service (which will probably be live-streamed). Oh dear, how will we cope without funerals and family gatherings?

It’s interesting how when things become a matter of life and death, other worrying considerations cease to be important.

I look forward to having a flu jab, singing hymns again, re-joining Tai Chi and my other singing group, and doing other things. Of course, one can do these things at home, but it is much more fun to do them with other people.

For me, it is always an achievement to get there on time, no matter how bad the night has been, or how awful I feel. If I deem myself not to be infectious, I will go. Getting “into the zone” makes it worthwhile.

Hohepa Hawkes Bay had its annual Family Weekend at the end of September, coinciding with the start of the school holidays and and the Family and Caregivers’ Association AGM.

In the past, the Family Association has had a significant role to play in organising this event; this time Santi arranged it all, and there were many improvements, some surprises, and the Association AGM was last event in an action-packed day. JD was standing down from his role as chairperson, and from the committee, so he wanted an opportunity to speak.

The weekend started on Friday evening, with a shared meal at Macaskill House. It was nice to meet the parents and siblings of other residents who live there. We turned up just after 5 pm. There was a woman called Trisha there – I figured eventually that she was Trisha Glover, a newish staff member whom I’d been wanting to meet.

Then we went off with Vicky to see Harlequinade, a play performed at the Clive Hall. It was a very good production, memorable for several reasons: the enjoyment of the audience, especially folk like Vicky, the wonderful music (including Deryn’s violin playing), the way the cast (and supporting cast) worked together and supported each other, and some very memorable performances, including the wonderful clown. Afterwards we took Vicky home, arranging to pick her up at 5 pm the next day.

Saturday began early at 8:45 am with a karakia from Weylan. Then a woman called Constanza was live-streamed from Switzerland (she had recently visited Hohepa in New Zealand). After this Trisha Glover spoke, and showed photos from an Anthroposophical Conference she had attended at the Goetheanum in Dornach. She spoke very well, and managed to make it all seem not too wordy. She stressed courage, and humanity, in our dealings with each other. Pictures of the famous building resonated with me, reminding of other Hohepa buildings I have seen, and of the beautiful and stunning Sagrada Familia Cathedral in Barcelona.

We had morning tea outside. Thankfully the weather was fine. The food was good – nice club sandwiches, for the most part. The breaks for morning and afternoon tea and lunch provided plenty of time to catch up with other parents and staff.

During the day there were several presentations by staff, sometimes illustrated with video, which were very helpful and interesting. The “residents” are now known as “the people we support” – a welcome change, building on Hohepa’s motto of “Every Life Fully Lived”. There is a strong Maori component, with three staff members speaking about their work. They involved us all in singing “Te Aroha” (which I also sing with my singing group, so I kind of knew it).
Te aroha
Te whakapono
Me te rangimarie
Tatou tatou e

Then we were taught a Maori song for Hohepa! This went down very well. Santi threatened that next year we will learn the accompanying poi dance as well.

During the lunch break we were invited to take part in an art activity. I made my way to the Art Room, where Eva had set everything up really well. There was room for several participants at any one time. I washed and dried my paper, and then chose three colours to use – green, blue and crimson. My theme was three-fold: faith, hope and love. I wish I had taken a photo of this painting! JD helped, but I did most of it. I signed it with our names and Vicky’s.

In the afternoon we heard from the management team, and then the regional board had its AGM. There were two apologies, but the others, it seemed, (unlike in the past), really wanted to be there. The Family Weekend won out over the WOW Show in Wellington. Subsidiarity was mentioned!

After afternoon tea there was a presentation from Housing New Zealand. Their work complements Hohepa Hawkes Bay’s desire that none of the residents sleeps at the Clive site. They are actively buying up suitable properties, sometimes (ideally) in clusters. It is a relief that Hohepa are no longer engaged in building projects with their spiraling costs, and are really engaged in helping to move folk away from the Clive site.

Finally there was the Family Association AGM. Unbeknownst to us the Chairman of the Hohepa Foundation had turned up, and wanted to speak. JD will remain on the Foundation, and he did get to speak (afterwards being complimented on this and asked that it be included in the minutes).

That evening we shared a pizza with Vicky at our motel, before going to the party (and dance) at the Creative Workshop in Tennyson Street in Napier. The workshop has been open one year (since the last Family Weekend), and there was a birthday party. Despite reservations, it has worked out really well.

It was a busy evening. Vicky declined to dance with me but I did get to dance with JD (even if it was to Mamma Mia!) Although the formal ball had been a successful feature of the Family Weekend, it was nice to have something more casual (and we didn’t have to buy tickets).

Saturday night was a short one, with the start of Daylight Saving. We got away at 10 am and had a good drive back, our only major holdup being north of Otaki. Well done, Hohepa! This was the best Family Weekend ever, in my view. It’s good to feel that we are all more alike, despite our differences.

We drove North on Wednesday morning, stopping at Otaki for lunch. Then there was a long delay at Ohau, just past the Kaitawa River bridge. It was raining hard, too. Given the heaviness of the rain, and the delays we’d experienced thus far, we decided to follow our (now) normal pattern and use the Pahiatua Track road to drive to Pahiatua, thus bypassing the Manawatu Gorge. There were no roadworks there (it was too wet for that), and so we made our way slowly to Napier. We chose not to travel north to Hawkes Bay using the Saddle Road – we know the route for that driving south, but not north, where there are several tricky intersections to be navigated. I always check the NZTA website for driving conditions, but they are in some chaos at present. This site used to work quite well.

That night we ate again at a pub in Ahuriri, where we shared bao buns and a pizza. I’ve discovered that I prefer baguettes to bao buns!

Next morning we were due at our daughter’s Needs Assessment at her home. It was good to be at this meeting – it had been rescheduled so that we could attend. It’s evident that while Vicky is doing well, and has achieved greater independence, this is only possible given the support she receives. She’s still capable of throwing “meltdowns”; however now she has to clean them up herself. When she makes herself a cup of tea, the hot water jug is only half full, and someone stands over her while she pours the hot water. She uses coconut milk, and enjoys choosing what kind of tea she will have – often preferring chamomile.

Afterwards we had a long talk to the House Leader, and arranged payment for our daughter’s new bike. We also discussed pooling with the other parents to buy a swing set for the house. There is lots of land behind the house. The House Leader is going to check out the Safety risks.

The next morning we went off to explore cemeteries, and spoke with a funeral director in Taradale. We went to Wharerangi Cemetery up by Hohepa School where we had originally wanted Vicky to be buried (you can no longer buy plots there), and to Western Hills Cemetery, an extension of Wharerangi, and close by it. We bought a plot in the plaque section (as opposed to upright tombstones) – prime real estate, well elevated, with a nice view. It’s pictured above. Everyone was very helpful.

We ate lunch at a cafe in Napier. I had a filled ciabatta roll, and to their great credit, the waitperson gave me a sharp knife with a serrated edge. So often one buys toasted food, and then has a really difficult job cutting the food gracefully so that one can eat it! Not good when you’re “hangry”. After lunch, we were due to pick up our daughter from Clive. We did so, and went to a golf driving range in Hastings. The sun was out, but it was quite windy everywhere. Afterwards we went to the art shop in Karamu Road and bought stuff for Hohepa to do Gelli prints – a gelatin slab and a roller and some pattern makers.

After a trip back to the motel for a cup of tea, we took Vicky out for dinner. But something went wrong – she was a bit tense, and didn’t like her pudding, although she’d ordered the special (sticky date pudding and ice cream) and it was just like the picture! Fortunately there were no dramatics. JD cut up the cake and Vicky ate it.

The next morning there was a Family Association meeting. I washed my hair, had a leisurely bath, and made my way to the bus stop across the road, after first buying a newspaper at the local shopping centre. It was a beautiful sunny day. Once in Napier, I rewarded myself with a mini-doughnut and a long black coffee. JD joined me later that morning.

That evening we had dinner at Vicky’s house – fried rice. Afterwards she danced beautifully with JD. She does seem very happy there – big smiles on her face.

While in Napier, I listened to several podcasts – the Lawfare one called “The Report”, about the Mueller investigations, more Hardcore History (sometimes a very hard listen), and my old friend, BBC4 podcasts – this time specialising in the History ones.
I listened to the Mytilenean Debate, Persepolis, Doggerland, the Poor Laws, the Great Irish Famine, Montesquieu, and one on Alexis de Tocqueville on American Democracy. Melvyn Bragg moderates these discussions very well, usually with three academic experts, who present different points of view. I think I have better figured out how to work this website.

My listening has had me pulling out my Penguin editions of Herodotus, Thucydides and Xenophon, (yes, we translated extracts of them in Greek sometimes!) and finding out a great deal more about Cyrus the Great. I have learnt so much. I have ordered a paperback copy of A History of the World in 100 Objects. I reserved a copy from the library, but it’s a really big book and I would like to have a copy. While I had it, I looked at a picture of Cyrus’s tomb.

Next day we drove home – it was fine, and good for travelling. We listened to Jim Mora on RNZ.

This film is Finnish, with subtitles. That immediately makes it interesting – plus the fact that it’s about art.More precisely, it’s about an elderly art shop owner, Okavi, who is not doing very well and is looking to retire. His One Last Deal is to buy an undervalued painting from the auction house next door, and sell it for a profit. One wonders what other deals he has made?

He has a kind friend, but a very poor relationship with his daughter (divorced) and his teenage grandson.

The film is interesting on several levels. For one thing, it’s always raining in Helsinki, although people don’t appear to live badly – that is, apart from his daughter, who seems to live on a unattractive construction block outside the city, with little in the way of pavements or amenities.

The art shop also seems dark, although it is quite spacious, as is the proprietor’s apartment. The shop has many paintings, and he doesn’t go for the current fashion of having them backed by aubergine painted walls. They are not, in my view, great paintings; even the Seascape, which a couple show interest in buying, doesn’t appeal to me.

But the painting he buys at the auction house (Dubrowski’s) grows on one. At first, one is a bit ho-hum about it, but later, after he has brought it home, it looks wonderful (reminding this viewer of Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa and Salvator Mundi).
Okavi has to borrow the 10,000 euros (plus costs) to buy the painting. He sells his late wife’s jewelry and goes to other extreme measures to buy it. One wonders why his only daughter didn’t get her mother’s jewelry.

We enjoyed this movie. It was an interesting and thought-provoking tale of loneliness, old age, a failing business, and fractured family relationships, with an interesting view of Finland and some rather nice paintings.

We are enjoying the Exhibition series about famous artists: lately Degas, Young Picasso (including his Blue Period and his Rose Period). We are looking forward to films about Rembrandt and Van Gogh. These films always provoke a good discussion.

Recently I went to a University of the Third Age lecture about famous art thefts. Wow!

My friend Josie passed away recently. Today I went to her funeral. It was a special occasion. It was obvious that Josie had been a special friend to many.

I knew Josie from Tai Chi. She had been a tutor for the Beginners’ Class, which I had gone back to and attended for a time, until I was stung by guilt to move on to Continuing One. Others advised me that I should be in the more advanced class, and there was a waiting list for Beginners. Part of the reason that I stayed was sheer laziness: Beginners’ Class was easier, there was no form work: we did lots of walking to Tai Chi (reduced in later classes), the Flexibility and Balance Set, and then, after a break, some more balancing and breathing exercises and the Lotus Qi Gong. Afterwards some of us would have coffee and something to eat at Kaizen Cafe. This was how I got to know Josie. All the tutors at Tai Chi are wonderful, but Josie was very special.

Josie had a beautiful smile, and she was very accepting and welcoming. We spoke about travel. She had traveled much alone. I was to learn much more about her at her funeral.

After I moved into Continuing One Tai Chi, I learnt from a friend that Josie was unwell. I had known that she had reduced lung capacity. Then recently I learnt that she was dependent on oxygen, although she still maintained her Tai Chi relaxation and breathing techniques. So, while it was sad to learn that she had died, it was not unexpected. It turned out that Josie was almost 75 when she died at Wellington Hospital, where she had been for about two weeks.

It was special to be able to attend her funeral, which (conveniently for me) was a few days after her death, and was to be held at St John’s Anglican Church in Bassett Road, Johnsonville. Thankfully there was to be a Christian funeral.

The beautiful church was full by the time the service began at 12. Josie’s brother introduced himself to me when I arrived. For a long time I knew nobody there, but there were several Tai Chi folk whom I spoke to afterwards.

What a nice funeral service it was. We sang The Lord is My Shepherd, and Praise My Soul. The text was 1 Corinthians 13, (the whole chapter) which we also had at Alfred’s wedding: “Love is always kind…” I thought about how these things are so much more meaningful for me now…”when I was a child….I reasoned as a child”. There was a lovely reading from Shakespeare’s Hamlet, Act 5, scene 2, culminating in “The readiness is all”. Generally speaking, we cannot determine the time of our birth, or our death. There was a beautiful prayer in Tokelauan.

There were four wonderful tributes, and we were told there would be an opportunity for further tributes over refreshments in the Hall next door, after the funeral service.

During the tributes and afterwards, I learnt a great deal more than I had previously known about Josie. She had been to Wellington Girls’ College, ( a few years before me, so our paths had not crossed), she spoke French and Italian, and got 1st Class Honours in her MA in English Literature. Unlike me, she had got a scholarship to Oxford to Lady Margaret Hall. She had also lived in France for several years, and in India, where she held a senior position with the ILO. She also loved books. At WGC she had been head prefect and proxime accessit to the dux.

She had no children of her own but inherited six step-children when she married her Greek husband in the 70’s (six weeks after they met). He was several years older than her, and died well before she did. Her step-daughter, Jane, who had flown over from England for the funeral, spoke most movingly about her and her affection for Josie. She spoke of Josie being more like a big sister than a stepmother. Josie’s husband was buried in a double plot in France, where she was going to join him in death, but when one of her step sons died, Josie gave up the plot for him so that he could be buried with his father. That was an example of her generosity.

The only person with anything negative to say about her was one of her nephews. He spoke about his reluctance to see tourist attractions in Vatican City when he was in Rome with his family – he just wanted to practise guitar in his hotel room. Josie got a bit cross with him and said that he really should visit the Sistine Chapel and other famous sights in the Vatican Museums that she and his parents wanted him to see! This person was a member of Shihad!

Then there were several prayers, culminating in the Commendation and The Committal. There was to be a private cremation later.

After the service, we went to the Hall next door, where there was lots of food, tea, coffee, juice, water, wine and beer. This occasion was MC’d by a Scottish gentleman, who did a great job. He had a loud speaking voice, and was very good indeed at getting everyone involved and ensuring they felt comfortable. First there was a Scottish Grace, then we were invited to get something to eat and drink, before further tributes and songs took place. I had been reluctant to go to the Hall for refreshments, but I’m pleased that I did.

There was a rush to get more chairs out so that everyone could sit down. Then there were several more tributes. We were all encouraged to join in with the Grace, with singing songs, this culminating in a saying a Scottish toast, and then drinking to Josie.

After this I said some goodbyes and left, meeting JD in Johnsonville. I am so pleased that I went – eschewing scrabble, a film in Khandallah, singing in Karori, and a film festival movie. What a wealth of things to do! I am happy with the choice I made.