I am determined not to be a grumpy old man. We are all threatened by The Virus. Its impact is made much worse by ten years of Tory and LibDem cuts to our Health Service. Never forget!
Life has changed for all of us. My mental and physical wellbeing require long spells outdoors with fresh air and Nature. Kent County Council have told me to stop work as a voluntary countryside access warden. So i can no longer help maintain public rights of way. No worries: i can continue to walk footpaths – keeping two metres away from others – but without the satisfaction of being Useful.
My walk today was purely for pleasure. I drove to Margate to deliver essentials to my selfisolated son. In need of exercise, i took a short walk on the windswept sands at Westgate. A few other people, easily avoided. Ships on the blueish North Sea. Have lived in East Kent for forty years, but being a Brummie i am still thrilled when at the seaside.
My wife and I have had an allotment for over thirty years, providing fresh veg and exercise. The plot is about ten minutes walk from home which can usually be done without being less than two metres from anyone. This month i positively enjoy being there. Cold sunny days. One feels in control, Nature willing. Good, between spells of digging, to drink coffee from a flask looking across the plots, edged by apple orchards, a primary school (now silent) and new housing. No traffic noise. Few aircraft. Birdsong. A friendly robin.
A peaceful island in a sea of troubles.
Rambling Brummie 