Day 13

I thought I'd write more. Make the most of this time, maybe learn Spanish fluently and start that book I've always promised myself. I envisaged some yoga, a try at meditation, experimenting with new recipes and really getting to know what I would like out of the rest of my life.

The truth is that this is no ordinary vacation from the everyday. There has been a lot of stress, worry and tension. My back aches from the lack of movement and my head aches from the whirring constant buzz of kids needing help with their schooling, with social media, with every ping of my phone, with needing to answer all texts to assure people we are alright - and to contact everyone I care about.

There have been sad days and tears. Feelings of being overwhelmed by the enormity of it all. The days when I haven't looked at the news but only to be told the numbers of suffering and death by others. There have been sunny, halcyon days with my animals only to be reminded of the severity of the situation when the Guardia Civil and Local Police stop me for my papers - enquiring to where I am going and threatening with huge fines and big guns. I have felt scared.

So it's no wonder I haven't written that novel. Or painted the kitchen. Or learnt my subjunctive verbs. It's enough just to get through the days, keeping everyone happy and alive. With a fair dose of Netflix and Facebook memes to transport us elsewhere. Oh and gin, plenty of gin.

Quarantine life

Lock down

We are in day 3 of lock down. Or day 4 depending when you count it from. Coronavirus has hit our island with force and we have been ordered to stay in. No socialising. No school. No work. No going out for any-reason-at-all except for food, the doctors or to walk your dog.

Oh how we laughed last week at the lone man in the supermarket wearing a mask. Oh how we chastised the parents who wouldn't let their children go to school. Oh how I giggled at people who bought latex gloves. And then we started not to kiss our friends on meeting. And then we cancelled social events. And then I went shopping and bought maybe a little bit extra for the week - not having a clue what would happen just the next day. And then we were ordered to stay in for 15 days.

My father was sent out on an emergency flight home. My kids can't come to see our horses as there is a one person/one car policy. There are police everywhere. The local supermarket workers wear masks, and gloves, and I wonder how they are doing their job. We are all scared. And a little bit delirious. And its only day 3, or 4 - depending when you count it from.

So here comes the blog again as I have fuck all else to do other than watch the news and look at Facebook.

There may be a few stories of times past to occupy my time and entertain yours. Because we will all go into lock down. You don't think it's coming to you, but it will.

Indoor exercise will be your friend