No new terms here but a small story. On Wednesday the garbage pick up was very early and I went out to the alley to wheel the bin in and there was a guy laying on his back in my driveway.

I said 'you alright?' he opened his eyes and said 'I'm good. I just stopped to charge my phone. I hope that's OK. I said it was fine and I just wanted to make sure he was OK. He said 'thanks for not calling the cops. It's almost full. I'll have one smoke then head on my way.'

It did freak me out for a moment seeing him laying there as I had just the night before seen video of people laying dead on the street in China.

Good times.

After finding zero fruit and vegetables in Tesco last night I went to a small Turkish supermarket today. I was able to find lots of really good fresh fruit and vegetables (even the bananas were good, which is often not the case in small stores). They also had some bread, plenty of rice, pulses, grains, snacks, and so I feel prepared for the coming days of isolation.

Tomorrow I had intended to go to a local cafe with my friend and neighbour. We go every Friday morning for coffee and cake. The cafe is open, for take-out only, but there is a seating area outside. But I still have post-viral issues from the flu in January, I'm blood group A (which apparently has had more cases of COVID-19 than any other group), and I'm scared shitless of dying alone on a hospital trolley. I've also been reading more journals and accounts from Italy about the importance of isolation to stop the spread of the virus. I could have it for all I know. I would hate to pass it on to someone. And I sure as hell don't want to catch it.

So this is it for me for the foreseeable future. I am officially in self-imposed isolation. I will be fine. I have food. I have work. I have lots to entertain me. I have Rudi (who hates being made a fuss of, but I'lll do my best). Once the cold weather lifts, I can start my seeds for my summer vegetable garden. I will walk with my friend and her dogs in the forest. But close contact with other people is not on my agenda for at least the next two weeks.

I realise, reading this over on preview, that I am in an extremely privileged position compared with most people. I've mostly worked from home for the last few years so a change to 100% home working isn't a strain for me. I'm being paid my full salary and benefits and I don't have family responsibilities. I can afford to be selfish. I know most people don't have that luxury.

Stay safe, stay well, my friends.

I have already eaten a disproportionate amount of my snack ration. This is not going to end well ...

The snacks are first against the resove when the lockdown starts...