Sunday 3rd May:
I read an article about likely future changes to international travel to manage the global spread of Coronavirus. I am reminded of media comments after 9/11, that the world will change. That was nothing compared to the changes that we must get used to until an effective vaccine, if developed, is fully implemented. Regular “Zoom” church service this morning. We are adapting to the limitations of the video technology, in particular the delay between participants, clearly noticeable during the few parts of the service where all respond together. Everyone is muted for hymns, just the music being audible. As one who always relies on a loud congregation, both to drown out my appalling singing, and to keep me in time with some of the more challenging tunes, my online singing is very very quiet, and I lipread one of the leaders to ensure that I am keeping pace. We all chat afterwards – those working in the medical and care sectors report that they now have adequate PPE. We have a Zoom get together with Chantal’s family this afternoon, including Les and Ippany in USA and Alain and Rena in Canada as well as Tilleys in Hampshire and Hands in Leeds. That didn’t often happen before lockdown. Social Isolation is increasing Social Interaction. Even Andree joins in, although has to be called by phone, to be talked through the process of joining the meeting. This takes up the first 20 minutes of a meeting that is limited to 40 minutes. A second link is e-mailed to all for a second 40-minute chat. This time I guide Andree by phone, leaving the rest to chat as I get her connected. We will ensure she has a practice before next week. Everyone is well, although Les’s partner Ruthie is still very poorly after heart surgery a couple of weeks 
ago. She is at home, but on oxygen all of the time. We walk the dogs down to “Croft Glebe”, half a mile away, without any cars passing. On our return journey three cars pass in succession – a positive rush-hour under current circumstances.
Technically we live in Oaktree House, but sadly the tree had to go.
We now have a thriving Oakstump at the front of the house.
