Monday 27^th April.

I walk into a room where Chantal is watching the BBC news, which features images of people, set to rather doleful music, people who have died from Covid 19. I feel for the friends and relatives of victims, and in particular the thought that anyone’s last days, unexpected only weeks ago, will be without family by their side is upsetting. Each death is tragic, and I thank God that, to date, none of my many friends and relatives have suffered fatally from the disease. But it seems that the BBC wallows in bad news. As the pandemic began to affect the UK, I followed the news closely, finding the facts and interpretation helpful in understanding a deteriorating situation. Now, although the situation remains dire, there are signs that the worst is over. But the BBC seems to seek the negative storylines, and it is difficult to find the positive headlines that I know are there. The BBC News site is no longer my home page, and (to my surprise) Apple News is now my main source of news, where I can browse a variety of reputable (and some less reputable) news sources. Thank goodness for Captain Tom, raising millions for NHS charities by daily traversing the family garden, pushing his walking aid, a heart-warming story that has become so big that even the BBC cannot hide it. On Thursday, when I show my noisy appreciation for the NHS, I might sing Happy Birthday to Captain Tom on his 100^th birthday. I spend today gardening. After weeks of relaxed lockdown, I suddenly find myself getting a bit stressed by an impending deadline. I must get urgent gardening tasks complete before tomorrow’s rain.

Posted: Tuesday, April 28th, 2020
Category: News and Views from the Oakstump
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