Living in a cocoon

Thriving in a time of quarantine

Life in the period of the coronavirus crisis of 2020 was very different from normal for many people. For me it meant moving home temporarily. My partner was advised to self-quarantine for a period of at least twelve weeks. I decided to move in with her to provide support.


As I write,  the potted red maple tree in the back garden here is looking magnificent in today's brilliant early summer sunshine,

However, in the middle of March, a mere eight days before I arrived here, the maple had looked like this.


I use these photos to try and demonstrate the fact that we can thrive and prosper in tough times as well as in good times. This Spring was one of the sunniest and driest of all times. The maple, being enclosed in a pot, needs attention to thrive during these arid times. 

The term 'lockdown' has been widely used to describe the restrictions in place. These rules attempt to reduce the spread and impact of the coronavirus. Lockdown is an ugly word. I do not even think it is a very apt or descriptive word. I wonder whether the use of a more positive word for the guidelines on staying safe may have been useful. Might it have made more people more likely to adhere to the restrictions more willingly?

People are not locked in for the most part. Prisoners were. In the early days of the pandemic's progress through our country they were well protected from the virus, although it came at a great cost in terms of their privileges and access to resources. 

Many people seemed to take the view that contracting the coronavirus would not be a serious matter for them.  This seems to have led to a blase approach by some folk. Of course, it is entirely up to an individual to what extent they wish to place their own wellbeing and life in jeopardy. However, with an unseen enemy such as coronavirus at large, being too relaxed puts at risk not just oneself, but also those around you and those who cross your path. 
-**

I am generally a happy man. I have a very positive outlook on the world, and do my best to make it better when I am able. Just before my period of quarantine, there was a great sadness in my life, and in the lives of two of my children. As my children are the centre of my universe, it is hard for me to see them so sad. 

When they were young, in the new year period of 2006, we went to the Millstream Animal Shelter and came hoe with a bundle of fluff which we named Bella. She was a great cat, much loved by Mary Jane, Jack and my late wife and me. She grew up to to be a tiny terror, but only if you happened to be bird, rodent or amphibian. Although I have watched her chase a dog, and never saw her bettered by any other cat. Late in 2019 she became quite ill. In February 2020 she died.


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