We just watched an impressive Emmanuel Macron address the nation for the second time in five days.
Thursday was the first–and seems an age ago.
Things are moving so fast the “elbow welcome” we’ve perfected is almost suspect now.
Waving your arms seems to be the order of the day–today.
He announced not quite the full shutdown–as in Italy–but the gates are closing here in La France Profonde—(though these days nothing is quite as profonde as it used to be.)
I have no wish to travel very far or be very social—not much change there, if I’m honest!
Seems to me a good opportunity to read the lovely books in the pile I’m adding to each day, as Spring brings a tumble of new titles.
Beloved cookbooks are getting an airing as my new vegetarian cookbook goes to the printers.
We’re building an impressive larder, so I won’t be short of ingredients.
The cats are gloriously unaware that the world is in turmoil–and will be happy not to see passports and suitcases on the dining room table, indicating imminent departure. They know, you know….
I was wondering whether to cancel my dentist appointment for Wednesday but agreed with Meredith that it’s better to do it now because who knows what might happen next week.
In London, in times of plague, those that could headed for Hampstead and Highgate–the northern heights high ground—part of which is still named The Vale of Health.
The Tarn feels, for the moment anyway, a little similar.
We are lucky.
I fling open the bathroom window and inhale its lovely air for a couple of minutes every morning.
It helps momentarily to dispel the alarming feeling that as President Macron just pronounced–six times–we are at war–nous sommes en guerre!
We are not used to such situations.
They happen elsewhere–to other people–not to us.
Not this time–get used to it!
Robin Ellis 
oh dear man stay safe!
p.s. if I had a way to send a recent picture of the “Spock” split fingers salutation, I would!
You too, Athena!
Dear Robin,
Go to the dentist while you still can! In the Netherlands the dentists are only available for pain relief. We had a speech from our prime minister, he made me cry, because usually he’s a jolly fellow. Not now. We all have to deal with this, I suppose. Stay safe, Robin and Meredith!! A warm handshake from the Netherlands.
Nel
Lovely–and you too, Nel!
Thanks for your words today! You and Meredith stay well!
You too, Cheryl.
Bonjour!
Warm weather has arrived here in Southern New Mexico. Sun is shinning! But sun is always shinning here which I am not keen on. I miss living in Europe! There are 17 cases reported in NM currently none in Dona Ana county where I live. Be well, stay healthy. All the best to you and yours! Karen.
Sent from my iPhone
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Hi, Robin and Meredith,
Was watching this creep up in our rear view mirror for weeks, but of course it was all a “hoax” over here in the US… But despite the world’s problems, we were busy losing my father. He’d been ailing for the last few years, and just couldn’t make it through to see spring. We barely had time for the funeral when all hell broke loose over here. I am only glad, in a way, that he didn’t have to see all this in detail (though he was still watching the news in the hospital). He would’ve been a wreck worrying about all of us “kids.” Now I get to wait and wonder: will life ever be the same?
Am glad to hear you are both being careful. We are, too. Except for cleaning out my Dad’s house, there’s no school subbing to do, no places to be. We hug our cats and send all our loved ones hugs through the computer, including both of you.
Dianne and Gene
Sorry to hear about your father, Dianne. Take care both of you.
The only thing they have asked us is that we stay in our houses. So here in Spain we are doing it for the true heroes, doctors, nurses … Also for those who make sure that every day we have fresh food to put on our table.
We are going to win this battle, Robin!
Take care
We are!
You, at least have an intelligent head of state. Here in the US, it’s our Governors who are stepping up to the plate. Best Wishes from Matthews, NC. Stay safe. Bon soir, Karin
Intelligent maybe–privileged certainly–up to the job? certainly not.
Robin you are blessed to have such a concerned president. We are facing this crisis with a president who cares only for himself. We are woefully behind and praying that we can catch up before too many more lives are lost.
In Silicon Valley we are mandated to stay home. Everything is shutting down. I’m so glad our Governor and local Mayors are moving forward with preventative measures. As one said, this is no time for half measures.
Well said, Robin!
Hi, Randi!
‘They happen elsewhere–to other people–not to us.
Not this time–get used to it!’
I live in America and this is a common attitude so many Americans have had on so many things and it is about time AND crucial we step up and think about other people.
You’re so right, – we need to suck it up and get used to thinking about other people for a change!
Stay well – Julia
Same in Australia Robin. Due to my age I am self isolating. Trouble is I’ve never felt better. We are in this for the Long haul. Bon chance everyone!
Robin,
Please keep your dentist appointment while you can. My son’s dentist has cancelled appointments until 1 April. So much has changed in one week.
Glad that you and Meredith are sheltering in place.
Best,
Marla
Thanks for your letter from France. You sound like you are being very wise! I am here in Oxford, Mississippi where the Corona virus is just beginning to show up. I too, have secured supplies and look forward to reading lots of books I recently purchased, cooking, enjoying my garden and soon….. my swimming pool. My five month old Scottie puppy keeps me busy and she is oblivious to the Corona commotions.
I am so sad to see that some are crazily shopping and hoarding and “freaking out” about the daily news reports. 😳😱
Let’s hold on, be kind and helpful to others , and keep a sense of humor!!🤣
Hope you are your wife and the pets stay well and enjoy the coming Spring!🍀☘️🌺🌹
Bsrbara Boling
Thanks, Barbara.
Blessings and Protection to you and your loved ones, Captain Poldark. A humble bow to you, Sir.
And you, Sir!
I fear what we will suffer under Trump’s poor leadership, but I can only hope it will be his downfall. Care for one another.
Dear Robin,
So glad to hear you and Meredith are both well. Life here in the UK gets more and more difficult. We have nothing hardly on the supermarket shelves, fights for toilet rolls, hand wash and disinfectant. One supermarket I went to today had a big notice inside the entrance of the store which read, “Customers” please note, you can only purchase 4 items of anyone of our products in store. I thankfully always keep our pantry and freezer well stocked, homemade is always the best but eventually I will need to restock. I haven’t worn a mask yet but I am wearing protective gloves when I have to go out.
We live approx. 7 miles from Birmingham which I think you may remember from Poldark days and from last night all the Theatre’s there are now closed. When and how is this going to end? All we can do is Keep Calm and Carry On. Kind Regards Jane
Pebble Mill–yes.
Funny, I had my teeth cleaned 12 days ago, and today received an e-mail From my dentist saying due to Governor Baker’s (Massachusetts) announcement yesterday, the office would close until at least the end of March. Statewide, schools, libraries, restaurants are all closed. The Cardinal closed all the Catholic Churches in the diocese. No St.Patrick’s Day Parade this year, and the Boston Marathon is postponed until September. So my hubby and I are hunkered down and praying for all those infected, and those who are on the front lines caring for them.
Same here in Everett, WA. Stay safe warm and healthy you two
We certainly live in interesting times. I’m hoping to catch up on various jobs in the house and garden and also re reading favourite books and watching classic films, even doing some baking. Today’s plan is The Third Man and a gateau St Honore(should manage the film at least). Keep Calm and Carry On.
Good luck over there, keep well and safe. I am currently in self isolation. I think mine is more flu/cold than Coronavirus but I didn’t want to spread my germs or indeed get any back. But it’s not all bad being at home, I am doing sone crafting, jigsaws and enjoying my little garden. Though we did have to go through the battle of the loo rolls before that! We did win that battle got one pack (no bulk buying for us) and if we get to the point of no rolls we shall have to get inventive 😂😂😂😂
We all seem to be in this together wherever we are. Thank you for the refreshing words. We’ve had snow, but I’m hoping to enjoy “gardening leave” in the next few days. Look after yourselves.
(Liz Turek)
Hi Robin,
You expressed some lovely sentiments here and I agree with you completely m. Despite our human turmoil, the world keeps turning and nature flows on. Thank goodness we have brighter, longer days and hopefully some some warmer weather. Funny you should mention the dentist.. I am a dentist myself!! Of all professionals, dentists and their assistants are so at risk of catching and spreading the virus. I go to work, but only for emergency cases. Like you, I have a wonderful pile of books waiting to be read. Best of luck with your new cookbook.
Kind regards,
Kathy
Thanks, Kathy
Wise words Robin. As an over 70 in Scotland we are already in social isolation. Fortunately I went to the dentist last week!
The sun is shining today and the blue sky is heartening.
Stay safe both of you.
Best wishes
Arlene
Hi Arlene!
Always good to get your posts Robin and our best wishes from Suffolk. Encouragingly, a field is being geometrically ploughed on the far hill as I write – yes we do have hills in Suffolk. New, uplifting life will come out of this ‘blip’. Thanks for being in touch and you and Meredith stay well. Mike
Stay well both. The joy of electronic communication is that folks can share stories, and share positivity albeit remotely. We likewise in North Yorkshire can enjoy fresh air. Our village is ensuring that all of our villagers are supported, if necessary, not with standing individual health and well being. G and Wx
That is wonderful and brings folk together.
Stay well and safe, Grahame and Wendy.
We are at war. But I can only hope we’ve learned from the months before us. Here in the US, it’s yet to peak, but it will and it is a bit frightening. As for me, staying in is just fine! I have books, media, and a basement that needs purging. So long as I’m well, I’ll be content as a clam.
Please stay well. I know we’re all trying!
We are all going to have such cleaned our abodes!
Stay safe and well robin and Meredith. And thank you for this post.
You too, Jane.
Nice to read your piece, Robin.Again I echo your sentiments. In the middle or north of the Tarn we have this same sense of peace and of the profondity of this corner of the world. Last week we cancelled a trip to the Rioja on reading of the quarantining of Haro, about a week before the Spanish and French govts told us we couldn’t go there anyway. So we popped down to see M. Bonnet at Domaine de Brin, spent a very happy hour tasting his excellent Gaillacs and bought a few cases to see us through the impending crisis, which duly broke over our heads with Macron’s great speech . Now we have just finished the last of the Marques de Riscal from our last trip south with our lunch today and are looking forward to the Braucol, Mausac and Prunelart from Brin.
Cheers, Chris.
Marques de Riscal was a favourite in the 80’s–from Oddbins I think.
I’ll remember M. Bonnet as a source.
Stay safe you both.
There’s so much to do and now some time to do stuff.
Hello Robin & Meredith–
Keep breathing that wonderful fresh air! We live in the Northern VA suburbs and can walk in our neighborhood; in spring it is especially beautiful. We are blessed and don’t take it for granted.
Our Bichon Frise, Tiki, helps to keep our hearts light, as do your splendid cats. Woof! Meow!
May you both stay safe,
Allyson
And you too, Allyson.
Dear Robin and Meredith, here we are, Giuseppe and Rosaria from Cremona…. Yes, we are in the focus of the plague. We are fine at the moment and are locked in the house. Here life has stopped. We couldn’t believe this would happen. Please pay attention and take care of yourself. You are always in our thoughts even if we don’t often write you. Hugs and kisses
Grazie Rosaria!
How difficult for you and Giuseppe at the moment.
Your wonderful country and you wonderful people will come through.
Meredith and I send you love.
Keep Well, and like the saying “What doesn’t kill us makes us stronger”
Hello Robin and Meredith. I live in Cyprus on an Army base, and am trying to get home as my husband is retiring from the civil service. Only the RAF can fly us now. When we get there, we plan to isolate in a caravan in a field in deepest Cornwall, as we both have health issues. And we have tenants in our house! Every morning, my husband says least we are alive. Soon we will breathe lovely fresh Cornish air. I feel that we will be in this for the long haul. Both my son and daughter in law are both scientists, and they have always used that phrase, follow the science. We will get through this. So to everyone out there who is scared and afraid, all I can say is one day at a time. Where there’s life there is hope, and the human race is resilient, resourceful and down right belligerent in a crisis. Stay safe people, and my mantra, when the going gets tough, the tough do knitting. 🥴( or any other kind of craft/ creative thing) ❤️☀️☀️
Hope and trust you both get there soon and safely.
Dear Robin, I do so enjoy your posts and it is good to have your update.
I’m sure you and Meredith will both be absolutely fine, living where you do and with a much more sensible government than we have. Looking forward to your new veggie book.
Take care and stay safe.
All good wishes Oriole
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Thanks for that, Oriole. The same to you.
A sobering reminder of the many good things in life that I take for granted. I’ve been watching, and as always thoroughly enjoying, the 1970s Poldark recently. I was very struck by Caroline’s reason for supplying oranges for the villagers “I did it because I could”. So many things that before all this that I could have done and didn’t …
Strange, strange times we live in
Stay safe and enjoy this very splendid Spring, that whatever happens, brings us blossom and fresh greeness every year.
Tina
It’s a down to earth Caroline sentiment and worth remembering!
As always enjoy your blog, my daughter wrote a most satirical rant on the toilette paper crisis in the US. Definitely tongue in cheek! Even illustrated with medieval drawings of plague victims. But as I say as an x Brit Stay CALM COOL & COLLECTED. Good luck with the book, will it be available on Amazon. Warm regards to you both and stokes for your wee furry friends. Don’t know if you both got sucked into Outlander series. I got into it when the Poldark series was making the next seasons, my point is the sweetest little grey kitten is the latest addition to the cast. All the best through this crisis, Rachel these are two of the collages I am working on depicting the7 deadly sins. In the first one you will find a BAT and I believe this is the culprit for the Corona virus. Moral stay away from bats.
Sent from my iPhone
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Poor bats–they are remarkable creatures! There’s a Bathouse at Jersey Zoo that is enormous and stunning. They were all asleep when we went.
Yes, this is all so odd and interesting – a global pandemic in the age of 24 hour news and social media… I am a rather solitary person currently, so my habits haven’t changed much, but I feel a pang of melancholy and worry several times a day, regarding what Eddie Izzard would call “R.O.W.” (“Rest of World”)… still, I stand at the door and drink in all the little signs of spring… All the best to you and yours. Keep posting! ♥️
It’s a good idea to SATFTROTW and TOLS!
I just got my ten cases of water delivered plus a case of toilet paper lol! I refuse to go to the grocery store and deal with the madding crowd. As for isolating my self, I am good at that I have always been a loner 🙂 Two years ago my husband really wanted a vacation and his destination was Las Vegas Nevada and I said “alrighty then let us go” we stayed for two days and we had a good time. Within 48 hours of being home, I was not feeling well it started with a fever and a cold and cough I went to my doctor and was told I had bronchitis. She gave me antibiotics for bronchitis I was good to go. Well I did not get any better every morning I thought I am dying, so I called my doctor again, please help I am not getting any better. I was told go to the ER, I said NO! I am not going to sit around with other sick people for four hours. So they finally gave in, alright be here at the office in 30 minutes. My doctor could not see me only a nurse at that point I did not care! just find a cure for me because I am dying! Well, she took a blood test, gave me over the counter medicine and sent me home. I told my husband if I don’t make it tomorrow just know that your the best husband in the whole world and I have no regrets marrying you. Well, the morning came with the my telephone ringing and it was the nurse she said ” You have pneumonia and whooping cough I have sent your medication to your pharmacist and i will see you in two days” I really feel for these people that have this Coronavirus I do not wish this upon anyone in this world may God help us find a cure ^i^
Well, my son and I are self isolating at present.
We Moved to Wales with Storm Ciara, and caught whatever local bug was around (we always do!) and five weeks later my son has a raging Chest infection, and I’m also starting to feel unwell.
We just joined the only GP surgery in town (and what a palaver that was!) never seen such intrusive forms in my life! If they’d wanted to know what colour underwear my grandmother wore to her wedding I would not have been surprised!
The Receptionist was actively rude, took my paperwork and walked away into another room without a word! All she had to say was ‘I’ll just get these photocopied’, but NADA! How rude! (and I was a nurse, so I know it happens, but usually its a patient who is worried!)
Anyway, Yes, I applaud M. Macron’s words; I miss France, but I’ll never be able to go back, I’m disabled, so it would be such a faff, but it’s my Ancestral home.
Be safe, Robin and Meredith.
Best wishes, Jill
Then you could apply for citizenship.
Hi, Robin and Meredith,
Wrote when you 1st posted, but my comment must’ve gotten lost.
Too sad to revisit completely, but we, too, are holed up in our house. Same issues as everyone else, except we were losing my father at the same time. Saw it coming for months, but no easier knowing. Even while he was in the hospital, Dad was watching the news from China and worrying about this virus approaching us in our rear view window. The day after he died, our brainless “leader” FINALLY admitted to America that this is not a hoax, and then the whole world went mad. We had the church Mass in the nick of time, as schools and churches all closed. (Wish Gov. Cuomo was our president! No messing around in NYC.) I had stocked up a little, but not enough for the duration. I feel guilty for doing it, but yesterday at 5:30 AM, we took advantage of the “elderly shopping hours,” and braved the late-season falling snow, but the place was still fairly packed. We now sit in our house and feel like we’re in the movie “Groundhog Day,” madly waiting for the noose to slip more tightly around our necks. Although the worst clusters are in the cities, there’s a case in the next town (south of us, in Massachusettes), and also a few towns away, where my nephew works in retail. (Stupid video store still open.) We worry about whether our little grand-nieces and nephews will be spared this, we worry about our elderly friends from church, we worry about who will care for our cats if we cannot, and we wonder if the world will ever be the same again. I am only glad that my father was spared all this anxiety; he would’ve been so worried about US. Do be careful and take care.
Stay well and patient–(not A patient!). We are the lucky ones.