Thursday March26: Saw the Walking Man shuffle past, looking for an ATM that worked. 

… Boriswalked. Tight queue outside Sainsbury’s. Chemist had hand sanitiser. No maker’s name. Probably homebrewed in someone’s bath. 

… Sat on the forecourt taking cloud pix and sampling the Harvey’s polypin. Heard

Toddler grandson explores the beach

loud music. Kid on a black BMX rode by, baseball cap, full face skull mask. Neighbourhood’s going to the dogs.

… There was a social media summons to step outside and clap the NHS at 8pm. I’m not keen on hashtag herd fads. Clapping costs nothing. If you want to support them, do something practical. When the hour struck the response was impressive, cheering and whooping.

Tomorrow’s Sun reports 1 Brit dies every 13 minutes.

Deaths rose 119 to 584

Friday March27: Boris has burnished his Man Of The People credentials, he has coronavirus. 

… Went walking. Long, well-spaced queues outside Waitrose and M&S. Coop was only letting 12 inside. 

… Home for sundowners by the wheelie bins. Chatted to neighbour disinfecting her door handle. After shopping she wipes her purchases and puts clothes in the wash.

‘Stay Safe’ message chalked on deserted station bridge

… Later, went outside. Pollution-free sky was black and clear, air cold. Venus was brilliant and I could see a lot of detail in Orion. Wondered if anyone up there was looking down thinking, ‘Earth, eh. Twinkling as usual. Not much happening.’

Deathtoll 769

Saturday March28: Skyped daughter. Grandson had played with lentils on their balcony and tried fruit segments for lunch. He’s withdrawn and clingy now his social life is shut down, keeps toddling to the front door.

… Popped round the block. Few people about, most epically stupid, making no effort to distance. Nice sunset, great view of crescent Moon, Venus.

… Son-in-law sent video of grandson on the beach. The wonderment on his face was classic. He’s been down by buggy but this was his first time walking. 

… When this is over the world will be much changed. There will be grieving but there will be good things too. The courage (underequipped frontline medical staff), compassion (more than 500k volunteers in under 24 hours), and creativity (ExCel to hospital in a week, ventilators created from existing parts) will linger on in some form.

Deaths up 260 to 1019

Sunday March29: Saw the Walking Man pass by to get his electricity key loaded. It’s costing him a tenner a day to keep warm. I’d be happy to help but he’s old school, don’t think he’d appreciate interference. Hard to know what to do for the best.

… Daughter and grandson had been due up this weekend. What’ll he be like when we see him next? Voice broken? Moustachioed? Married? He’s nearly two. The predicted lockdown of 3-6 months is a long time in toddler years. Skype’s a poor 2nd best. You can’t engage properly, catch his eye, make a gesture or joke, ruffle his silky hair. 

Deathtoll up 207 to 1,235

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