It seems to be a dream now but this is Linda and I in Paris a mere eight months ago, enjoying life and times in the City of Light after watching the finish of the Tour de France. Happier times for Paris, France and Europe in general than what they are facing today due to the ravages of Covid-19; the Corona Virus.
I have thought back over the last couple of days to those six weeks we spent in Scotland, France, Belgium and England and wondered about the people we met in the places we stayed. Many of them are no doubt struggling under the weight of this insidious virus and quite frankly the death tolls published daily are frightening. Many places around the world are locked down; effectively under martial law and although it hasn’t gone quite as far in Australia restrictions on everyday life have been put in place, some of which are a little suffocating.
Australia has been lucky relatively, so far. Yes, unfortunately people have died and more may follow. Civil liberties have been curtailed, people have been fined $10 000 in Sydney for eating kebabs on park benches (that’s one expensive takeaway meal!) and many have been forced out of work. It will take some time for the world to recover. Damn Corona Virus!
People are frightened and I can understand it but to me it is more an inconvenience, a stopper on the way of life we lead. No sport, Wimbledon cancelled, the Tour de France under threat, Australian football on hold. Of course I am taking every precaution to stay safe myself and protect others as I a can. May it be over soon.
I have my own selfish reasons for being annoyed. I turn 50 in a couple of months and had planned to celebrate but it appears with a ban on social gatherings it will be Linda and I singing happy birthday on May 28 without accompaniment. I am not a social person but I felt that turning 50 was a good time to reflect and catch up with people who I haven’t seen in some time and who have influenced, inspired and supported me in life over the years. Alas, it won’t be happening now. Perhaps I will have a belated birthday party, a truncated version with some close friends after the pandemic has disappeared and the world is halfway back to being normal. Or perhaps I can leave it to next year. A 50+1 Party. What do you think?
I can’t remember how I spent my 20th birthday but I do remember my 30th. It was a small affair at my parent’s place with a few friends. It’s vivid in my memory because of a photo I have which reminds me of the occasion and for the fact that it snowed!
It didn’t just snow, it carpeted the landscape far and wide and I can remember the Canberra Raiders played at home on the same day and were in it up to their ankles. It was one to remember. Ten years later and my life had changed dramatically and Linda was keen to celebrate my 40th in style so a party was arranged. It bucketed down on the day and I can remember sitting out on our back deck with some work colleagues as rain hammered it’s roof, petrified that we were all about to get soaked! It got me thinking about what could possibly go wrong ten years on. Rain and snow had played their part on these special occasions before so what could mother nature conjure this time? A worldwide pandemic wasn’t something I imagined.
So, life isn’t exactly on hold but there are some strong winds to navigate and some uncertain times ahead for all of us. Take care and stay safe and above all-be a good citizen, kindness and consideration cost nothing.
Until next time.
Strange Notations From a Laborious Life 