Lock-down Day 1

At first, it felt much like any other Saturday. I slept quite late, though - it was close to seven when I finally got up. Mippies had already taken the lid off the fountain, pulled my hairbrush off the bed and were basically crowding me in an effort to get me out of bed, so I would open the door to let them out.

I made myself coffee, then sat down to do some serious catching up on my game. Next it's time to catch up on the chores I've left during the week - same as any other Saturday.

And now, the differences are coming up. First, it dawned on me that I would have to start a new habit: checking the news! Normally, I don't bother over weekends, and since I don't have a TV ... nor a radio connected (it's still in the box) ... I usually catch the current topics on the car radio, driving to & from work. Even if I miss the news itself, they usually discuss the current topics - so I always know what's going on. But I won't be driving anywhere for the next 3 weeks ... so, I'll have to find a different means to stay informed! During normal vacations, I can afford to stay ignorant - but now?

Well, the first news of the day is that South Africa has had the first 2 deaths from COVID-19. And that the number of cases has passed 1000. It will get worse, much worse ... hopefully not for long, though. Let's hope this lock-down curbs the spread and nobody new gets infected. But it will take at least 2 weeks before everyone already infected will be identified, i.e. diagnosed. Maybe even longer ...

And then I stumbled across some news which affects me, personally: Apparently the sale of cigarettes is prohibited during this lock-down period, as well! I knew that liquor stores would be closed, since they are not essential, and there had been some talk among colleagues regarding alcohol - all assume that the wine section in grocery stores would be open. But this is the first I hear about cigarette sales not just restricted but prohibited!?!

Having just stocked up week before last (Friday, 20th March), I am fortunate to have a month's supply. I won't run out during the lock-down - provided it isn't extended. And knowing that there is a supply shortage, I feel like smoking more! Paradoxical, but such is the weirdness of the human mind. I'm not giving in to the impulse, though, instead, I try to smoke less rather than more.

But what about all those, who need to wait for pay-day to stock up? Since grocery stores would be open, and people would be allowed to go out to buy groceries ... only to find out that they won't be allowed to buy cigarettes? And to find out after the fact?

And then I stumbled across a letter from a concerned citizen, a non-smoker who raised the problem smokers face, since the new law prohibited smoking on balconies: they're not allowed to smoke IN their homes, nor on their balcony - and they're also not allowed to go outside to smoke! I can only say that I am really, really grateful that I don't have that problem!

If Ziva hadn't moved in with me, when she did, I would have looked for just another flat ... and then I would be facing that dilemma right now! Thank you, Ziva!

On a lighter side, I just finished watching 'Bones' and was trying to decide which Series I'd like to watch next ... Under the Dome? Ha Ha! Appropriate, perhaps - but I decided against it.

And on a positive note: with all manufacturing plants closed throughout the country, and traffic limited to an absolute minimum - air pollution should drop to record low levels!

As I said, the day started normally. I washed the dishes, which had piled up awfully this week - worse than usual, but as a result of the internet problem at work. But then I also washed the Sushi container - which is unusual! Washing my refuse is making it clear that this is not a normal Saturday. Yes, I know it's actually Friday, I haven't lost touch with reality, yet!

I've been thinking that maybe I should vacuum-pack the collection in the fridge now, since I can't take it away. But that seems necessarily wasteful, so I think I'll limit that option to bones. I can wash plastic bags, no need to waste a vacuum bag on that!

I just stumbled across another news item, which started by commenting on all the sudden mails from the most obscure business' announcing what they're doing about the coronavirus, I'll quote: "Thanks, restaurant I once booked a table at via email four years ago, I’m glad you’re taking the necessary precautions." That pretty much says it all, doesn't it? My Inbox and phone are flooded with such messages!

I came across this announcement from Pick n Pay:

" ... customers will be able to buy:

• All Fresh, perishable, edible and non-edible grocery items;
• Health and beauty products;
• Essential general merchandise categories;
• Seeds & bulbs;
• Pool chemicals;
• Batteries & lightbulbs;
• Home cleaning products;
• Newspapers (excluding magazines;
• School and home office stationery supplies;
• Charcoal, firewood, firelighters and paraffin, and methylated spirits.

The group said thar customers will not be able to buy alcohol, cigarettes, clothing, or other general merchandise other than the categories mentioned above (e.g. TVS and appliances).

It added that its Pick n Pay Liquor and Clothing stores will be closed, as well as those sections in-store and online."

Interesting, eh? his seems to confirm that the sale of cigarettes is also prohibited ... and yet, I keep wondering why? Somehow I rather think it's more likely to be a misinterpretation. Something along the lines of preventing people from going out shopping just to get cigarettes, as they are not 'essential groceries' - but I see no reason for preventing people from buying cigarettes while they are out getting essential groceries?

Well, I'm writing the news, as it pops up - including my own views at that time. The stories will change so completely over the next few days that by Day 3 I probably won't remember just how I thought today. I'm also copy-pasting some bits for the same reason.

I also remember that the stories of the 911 attacks were changing as it was happening ... and I couldn't find even the least reference to any opinion different from the 'officially approved' one afterwards. So, I'd like to have some record of the 'wrong' hype as well - even though I'll look blerry silly in hindsight!

That's actually one of the reasons I don't usually keep up with the news - I prefer to wait until the facts are in, and THEN form an opinion. Could simply be that I don't like looking stupid, ha ha!

Well, I cleaned the kitchen and then cleaned the fridge. I cleared out anything that was dubious and processed the Celery. I looked up how best to keep Celery fresh and apparently, wrapping it in foil can keep it fresh for weeks! Unfortunately the Celery they had on Friday was already wilting, some of the leaves already yellow, so foil wasn’t the answer for me. Instead, it’s suggested to put the stalks in water in a sealed container! Done that. There wasn’t really that much left, though.

I arranged the little juices by date and found one expiring today, so I drank it! Unfortunately, I also found some old cheese … which was ready to walk out on … which is a bit of a problem, because: what am I going to do with that? I think the best solution will be to vacuum pack it and keep it in the fridge.

And then the sleep deprivation of this week caught up with me … I tried taking a nap, which didn’t work out. First Lady Jane needed cuddles, then there was some noise I couldn’t ignore – it sounded like dishes being moved. No clue what that was. I got up again, but I’m done with and jobs or chores for today.

No need to rush, anyway. I’ve got nothing but time for at least 3 weeks, now!