And now for something completely different

We’re used enough to prime ministerial self contradiction, but this time he probably has his advisors to blame.  The official advice is still full of shoulds and oughts, the schools, pubs and restaurants remain open, and policy seems to rely on common sense and civic responsibility.  (Like we saw in the EU referendum, some might say, ironically or otherwise.)  Contrast with our old enemy outre-manche, which has closed everything that justifies less than life or death public access.  My friends in France may only leave the house once they have completed and signed a form certifying that they are doing so for one of five permitted reasons: work (and then only if it is certified impossible to telework), food shopping, medical attention, care of family members or exercise (NOT organised sport) of self and doggie close to home.  The consequent fines are hardly likely to fund the increased cost of health care, and I shudder to think of the consequences of thus diverting the flics from their proper job, but at least the signal is a strong one.

Here we are seeing our diary empty steadily of stuff involving Other People: art group and German conversation suspended, bird watching tour and the CAB quiz cancelled.  I usually try to do my Sainsburying when the shop opens, and attempted it this morning.  By the time the doors opened, there was a queue a hundred yards long, and what should have been a mere 20 minute ordeal took more than twice that.  Things are manifestly Not OK.

Fortunately, the weather is good for home-based activity: the laundry is up to date, dried on the line, the grass has had its first slippery cut (the mower started on the first tug of the starter) and I’ve been out in the sitooterie and garden, starting seeds and hacking dead wood out of shrubs.  So, provided we stay healthy, the garden may be the chief beneficiary.  The little magnolia stellata is in good flower, and the pink Susan variety is showing colour.  I’m keeping fingers crossed in the hope that seed saved last year will germinate, not only with a view to populating the garden, but to flogging more seed for charity in the autumn, if last year’s customers’ seeds also come through.  I suppose that’s the main benefit of gardening: it keeps one focused on the medium to long term