It’s Day 89 of the South African lockdown. Initially I had plans to go out and do a couple of errands today, which I was hoping would give me something to blog about. But then I didn’t. Despite spending much of the morning trying to mentally psych myself up, I never did leave the house.
Upon further reflection, I don’t think that’s necessarily such a bad thing.
At the risk of sounding alarmist, COVID-19 is really starting to make its presence felt around here. Yesterday South Africa surpassed 100,000 total confirmed cases. 10,000 of those cases were confirmed in the past two days alone. Hospitals in some parts of the country are experiencing strain. I’m hearing more reports of people in my sphere coming into contact with the virus and even losing loved ones to it.
For the last several weeks, COVID-19 — like, the actual disease, as opposed to the lockdown or some other pandemic by-product — has felt like a fairly distant threat to me. Today that threat feels more immediate. Also it’s cold. The days are short. I don’t have anything terribly important to do. And if I’m honest, I don’t really want to go anywhere. I’m pretty content to be at home, huddled next to the fireplace with my cats.
So I’m thinking this is a good idea to lay low — or lay lower, since I was laying pretty low to begin with — for a week or two and see how things develop outside.
My biggest concern about staying home is what on earth am I going to blog about for the next 11 days, until I reach my promised “100 Days of Lockdown” milestone? Early in the lockdown I didn’t have much trouble coming up with daily blogging inspiration, even when I essentially didn’t leave my house for weeks at a time. I would write down my thoughts, feelings, and ideas as the day went along, and I was often bursting to share them by evening.
Nowadays…yoh. The struggle is real.
I still have thoughts and feelings. I’m still cooking and reading and exercising and knitting and watching Netflix and listening to podcasts. But none of it seems blog-worthy anymore.
I can’t squeeze any more water out of this rock today. Hopefully tomorrow will be better.
“Nowadays…yoh.” Your finally succumbing to South African Colloquialisms keep up the good fight before you start sounding like us. X
Hahaha. Yoh is one of my favorites.
My day was totally different. 3 of us went hiking at Modderfontein Reserve and had a picnic at the Dam. First time I felt normal for 3 months. But now back to reality and I agree Heather – we are spiking – and this dreadful pandemic is now right on our doorstep. Am also going to “hole up” for the next couple of weeks. Stay strong.
Thanks Peggy – glad you had a good day!
Just wondering how you earn a living in lockdown? Hope it isn’t rude to ask?
Living mostly off savings at the moment 🙂
Don’t worry about how you’re going to fill the next 11 days. You are incredibly creative and have delivered fantastic 89 lockdown posts.
People like you will never run out of ideas. Even if it sometimes feels that you’re running dry, your brain is already subconsciously working on the next idea.
Keep warm and safe, Heather!
Thank you for the encouragement, as usual!
Eish Heather…..the South African in you????????????
Eish boet!
Strangely I have also heard today of friends who have experienced covid cases in their spheres…. Feels like the virus is defnitely less abstract and more a reality now. Also planning to lay a bit low for the next week or so.
Yep. I think it’s coming.
It’s a very good idea to lay low for a while. Especially since so many others in Jozi aren’t taking this seriously.
As I zigzag the local streets to maintain distance on my walks, I see many without masks.
My son is in Cape Town. A close friend who I also know well is currently recovering; a colleague of his girlfriend died.
Stay safe.
You too ????
You are reflecting what most of us are thinking and feeling in South Africa. I too struggle to leave my home lately. Ironically the government is easing restrictions. Our fears are getting more real by the day.
I know, I think that’s one of the hardest aspects to deal with. None of it makes sense.
Post some of your earlier columns that remind you of happier times. Since many of us are recent readers (about three years) , it would be a treat for us. Self-care is SOOO important. And reading your daily column has been self care for me in the US.
Thanks Nancy. I might be revisiting old posts pretty soon in one way or another – also been thinking about that.
So do I. Are you alone and where are you? I’m shortly en route home from the U.K vie the States
Where am I?
Sending you sunshine and warmth from the northern hemisphere! What’s on your reading list?
Thanks! I just finished a book called The Longest March by South African author Fred Kumalo. Not sure yet what I’m going to read next.
I can only imagine that this would be an extra stressful time for you since South Africa started the lockdown early, but there are still rising cases despite the preparations.
You may find this helpful for topics in your blog for the next days. https://www.suleikajaouad.com/the-isolation-journals
Stay safe!
Thanks! I’ll check this out.
I’ve finally received my Loot orders : The Little Book of Hygge and the Art of Making Memories by Meik Wiking. Also, Making Winter by Emma Mitchell. Great little books to keep you occupied at home. I wouldn’t mind terribly if you blogged about your knitting? 😀
I will definitely blog about knitting again before this series is over. I’ve just been really lazy about finishing the project I’m working on but I’m almost there!
Heather, your photography is so good, I’m sure you can find beauty even in a dry, brown winter garden. Beauty’s in the eye of the beholder!
Thanks Dieter, I appreciate that! The key is finding motivation 🙂
Cases in California are increasing, too, and yet those right wing idiots will insist that there’s nothing to worry about. They’ve started a stupid petition to recall our governor because he had the temerity to make masks mandatory.
That is absurd. Like so many other things in the world currently.