I’ve been thinking all day about what to name this post, or what kind of theme or subject to give it, or whatever.
But today is Day 97 of the lockdown, which means it’s been 100 days since I started this Lockdown Journal. (I started the journal three days before the lockdown started.) I just counted up all my posts and I’ve blogged on 88 out of the past 100 days. (I took weekends off after Day 50.)
It’s officially too much now so today’s post just has a number, not a name.
South Africa had nearly 7000 new COVID cases yesterday, nearly 3000 of which were in Gauteng province. Joburg is becoming the country’s new coronavirus epicentre. South Africa’s health system is crawling toward a breaking point — there aren’t enough oxygen tanks or ambulances. I don’t personally know anyone who has been sick enough to be hospitalized, but my Facebook feed has progressively more posts about friends of friends who have died.
There is talk of a possible return to Level 5 lockdown. I’m hesitant to admit this, but I actually don’t think that sounds like a totally unreasonable idea.
I’m struggling to think any positive thoughts today. I am not feeling creative or inspired. I don’t want to go anywhere or see anyone. I don’t see the point of anything. I’m just empty.
I had planned to cook something interesting tonight. But instead I think I’ll eat a bowl of roasted vegetables, crawl under my pile of Basotho blankets, watch Netflix, and knit.
Sorry. This is certainly the lamest of my 88 Lockdown Journal posts thus far. But we’ve got three days to go until Lockdown Day 100, and I’m going do my best to deliver something worthwhile on each of those days. Then I’m going to take a blogging holiday.
Good night.
Hi Heather, I am with you. Each day is now just a number. All the statistics are just numbers. It is 1 July 2020 and I can’t even comprehend the next few weeks. I love getting your daily blogs. Sending you a big hug today. A couple of weeks ago I bought myself a blanket – an electric blanket. It is what I needed. We will be ok. Xx
If there were ever a time to buy an electric blanket, it’s now 🙂
Like! (For some reason the like button does not register on some of the authors I follow, as has been the case with your’s , so, this is my collective “like” for many of your 100 days. And I like that flat, unusual beetle too! M 🙂
Hahaha, I have the same problem! So frustrating. Thanks for the like.
Day by day.
Yup. The only way.
I now know several people who have tested positive. But mostly have only very mild symptoms which is a relief. I wanted to go buy a Basotho blanket this week but am afraid that you had bought most of them… Even if you don’t admit to it on the blog I am sure if you panned your camera out…. Half of all the blankets ever made in Lesotho is filling your house. Lol
????????????
I am so sorry that you are so down. But I hope your blankets and kitties help a little. And the beetle is fabulous. Maybe he will com back again,….
I hope so! I had forgotten how pretty s/he is.
Some days are just tough. All you do is survive.
California is closing the beaches for the 4th of July this weekend. People are pissed, but it’s necessary.
Sigh. Life sucks.
BUT YOU HAVE A COOL BLANKET!
Yes! I’m under it right now.
Love the beetle. Reminds me of Mandela’s story about he and fellow prisoners daily gathering in the yard and watching a grasshopper family which affirmed for them that life goes on. It’s ok to not be productive daily. Self care is so important.
Yes. Thank you 🙂
Vegetables and blankets sounds like the perfect evening to me!
A completely unrelated and irrelevant question I forgot to ask you: did you tint your hair red? Cool look!
Switzerland is seeing rising numbers. And today they approved to go forward with the marathon on 6 September, which we are signed up for but will definitely not participate in.
Hang in there, Heather! It will get better! ????
Thanks. My hair used to be red but I haven’t done it for a while – too much upkeep, haha. https://430779ae203f.xneelosites.com/2015/12/09/2summers-extreme-makeover/
So we’ll put Heather, I think many of us have days where we just don’t know how to organised our thoughts.
On a positive note, I have spent the last 2 days mostly in bed as I have a really horrible head cold and am feeling crap and tired. I decided to start re reading your blog from the very first post. After hours and hours of laughing, crying, traveling and exploring with you through your writing I am only half way through 2013, before we even met. Your work is amazing, your voice so unique and consistently you, there are many books in this blog.
From your fascinating personal journey to the diverse people you meet, and your insights into our complex history and politics… so many threads running through 10 years. Please know that your blog inspires, provokes thoughts, laughter, tears sometimes but always adds value to this weird world. Thank you for sharing 2 Summers. And for giving me hours of relief from Snot induced misery and explosive sneezes. Xxxx take care dearest Heather.
Hi Di, I noticed you were liking a lot of my posts! Thank you so much for doing that. You probably know more about my life than I do at this point – I probably haven’t reread lots of those posts since I published them. I need to go back and start rereading myself. I’m so sorry you’re sick! Feel better soon. xxxx
Re: that gogga – join the iNaturalist page, submit pic and location, and hey presto!
A little birdie told me it could be a net-winged beetle, Lycus trabeautus …
Yes! A couple of people identified it. Crazy that I saw this one way back in 2012 but have never seen one since.
This is definitely a crazy year to sum it up. I wouldnt mind if we go back on lockdown especially since they stated Florida (yea im in Florida and freaking out) numbers is increasing and headed to be the new epicentre. ???????????????? stay safe.. Sending positive vibes your way
My mom used to live in Florida – never a dull moment in that state!