The COVID-19 diaries: the walk
26/03/2020
Today is the first day of the official lockdown. I am feeling somewhat anxious about how I am going to make it through with only virtual contact with other adults. I guess I will have to cultivate adult conversation with my children, and I think that my own cat is part of my bubble, even though she’s turned a little feral lately.
I hope you are all surviving! Let me know how you are doing!
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LET ME BE FRANK 
puzzeld Gosh, what a coincidence. Great post I was looking forward to this. We went on a walk with our dog and keep a huge distance apart. Even the dogs can’t meet. They are mystified! >
I went for my usual 30 minute constitution down the parade today – it was eerie as only 3 other people about and I thought maybe I shouldn’t be doing this, but it is my neighbourhood and I’m keeping to my bubble. The alternative is going mad inside my tiny apartment, and running laps on the roof and then quietly flying off it.
No! Don’t fly off your roof! Also you are in a prime walking spot…
So happy to read your comics again – your worries echo mine and your wry observations are a tonic! From one diabetic to another, let’s hope the insulin shipments stay regular 🤞🏽 Have you read Bone Clocks by David Mitchell? Its final chapter scenario is freaking me out a little…
I have read that book… now I am going to have to reread! I heard from a good authority that the NZ government can requisition laboratories and manufacture our own medications in times like this…
I was thinking of you on my walk this arvo cos it was similarly sociable. The good ol’ Wellington village.
As an American, I think you’re fortunate to have a smart sane leader in charge of your government. I’m more afraid of what Trump can do to this country than Covid-19. And I’m such a solitary person to begin with that staying home doesn’t bother me, like, at all. I feel a bit weird about that. Like Amy, I’m glad you’re back to document this madness. I love your comics.
We are very lucky! Jacinda has been great. I am sorry you have to live under Trump. I think it’s great that you feel comfortable in your own company – you will be well-prepared for this period of isolation.
I didn’t want to leave the house at all today. But I like to think I went for a bit of walk by reading your comic. Felt waves of anxiety today but I finally got back into the routine of drawing. Made me feel heaps better. There were a few sunny patches today so I just lay in the hammock, felt the warmth of the sun on my face and breathed a little slower and more deeply. Feeling better now. Day one. Again, wonderful and comforting comics Sarah. I think, no, I know they have helped me get back to drawing. Thank you.
Looking forward to seeing some of your drawings when you post them, Brent – or have you posted them already? Hopefully today you feel more able to venture out. It is tough. I felt very anxious last night.
Gonna visit one of my characters and see how he’s coping with COVID 19. I can’t seem to focus on the bigger projects at the moment. So hopefully I’ll post some drawings this week. Thanks heaps for asking.
Another great episode of isolation life from you Sarah. Thank you. I am re reading all my Iris Murdoch books. She is even more fantastic the second time around x
I found my kindle so I should download some! I have only ever read one of hers.
IA great post Sarah- they always seem to speak directly to me (and everyone else who reads them) Hopefully that what only virtual you touching the handrail going up the steps!! took Betty to the beach – yesterday it was like Coney Island at the because obviously no one understands the word “local” but today it was just me and Betty, one surfer, and two cops.
That is so frustrating about the beach! Hopefully the message has got through now. And no, I didn’t touch the handrail! I don’t know why I drew myself doing that? Anyway, I always wash my hands when I come home!
I went for 2 walks (one with the kids & one without) and had a quick chat to my neighbour from well over 2 metres away. Trying very hard just to think in the present, I’ll go cuckoo if I start thinking ahead. Thank you for your comic it is very comforting
That sounds nice! Yes, I can’t bear to think of all the time stretching ahead of me either… one adult, two kids… eek
Just me and betty here – so grateful for your posts. It’s pretty surreal in the silence – ‘cept that my neighbour stocked up on building supplies – so everyday is drills and and hammers and talk-back radio…… Sarah how do I turnoff notifications of comments – I;’m being inundated by them from your followers.
That was a lesson I learnt in the aftermath of the Christchurch earthquakes, to take one day at a time; once you adjust, you find that it is actually quite a good way to live
Gosh I accidentally pressed the notify me for more comments button – lovely to read comments but how do i turn it off?
Why is there not a huge sign when you come into Karori saying, ‘Welcome to Katherine Mansfield Country’?
There should be!
English teacher missing my students–they caused me so much grief and happiness. Thanks for a beautiful reminder.