Lockdown 72

Lockdown Day 72 - 6 June 2020

This morning after our glorious walk we had a few errands to do, including getting my car's expired license at the post office. Thankfully it went well, no penalties. Thereafter it was coffee takeout at Bloem Coffee Roasters, and what a lovely aromatic flat white it was! 

With one more stop to go, we passed a couple of farmers selling produce with their gazebos far apart, directly adjacent to the usual farmer's market property. Suddenly I missed my markets, especially the French Market each term. The memory of the last one I attended before lockdown was instantly refreshed, and I was virtually tasting the Dutch stroopwafel I had that day. I also met a new friend and had coffee with my first Bloem friend. The French music was joyful and I went home with a spring in my step. 

Driving home that day, I had absolutely no inkling of things to come. I frequently think of those "no inkling" moments. Like a year ago I was getting ready for the Free State festival, strawberries and cream and amazing shows. Enjoying the winter days between exhibitions and stalls, soaking up both the sun and the vibe. If someone were to tell me 2020 won't have this and also no Olympic Games, I would've attributed such talk to temporary madness. What? No Olympics? Naaaaahhhh never. 

And yet, that's exactly what happened. 

So, in a way, Lockdown is an apocalyptic event much like curry with no kick. We wear masks and stay at home for an abominable virus which to date hasn't overtaken other years' flu death tolls. Plus the WHO has now released new information that indeed masks alone are not the answer. Without social distancing and hand washing the virus can spread just as easily. Just like any other flu virus. The difference is media. Last year we weren't told about the 600 thousand deaths as a result of flu with respiratory complications. But now we are fed the numbers daily. 

Back at home we planned to make some memories and go watch the sun set and then braai a chicken sosatie. The sunset was nothing short of spectacular. The huge fireball glided effortlessly out of sight leaving a red glow over the yellow free state grass. That glow lifted my spirit, pushing away the Covid ghosts. 

Later, with a delicious chicken curry (with kick) sosatie in my hand, I was back in my "no inkling" mode, forgetting about Lockdown for the moment. And much later, waiting to see the 

moon rise, I found a feather in my pocket I picked up this morning. It reminded me God is near and never to let go of Him no matter the facts and figures, rules and regulations. With Him everything is just easier and better. Because when I lose the plot, He has always got this.