How was your day? (Random off topic chat)

This is why I think it isn't enough to tell people what not to do - it's sending a mixed message to close the indoor forms of entertainment while saying it's OK to be outdoors, then berating those who happen to think of the same location as others.  How about suggesting alternative options which may be quieter and therefore safer?  Plenty of other, lesser-known parks in London, canal towpaths, disused railway lines etc.  And how about a more conciliatory approach, eg "Well done for getting out in the fresh air; we didn't realise you'd all be so keen so from now on, how about trying somewhere new where you might have a bit more space?  Have you been to x/y/z etc?"

The day has been very uplifting so far. Went to Lidl and had a look at Morrisons across the road: Things you might not see on 'the news':

Stocked shelves
No queues
No bulk-buying, and vigilance from everyone about that
Kindness (not conditional but some people might not know that south London is, one way or another, very church orientated)

The sun is out, the sky is blue, and it's the time of year when I resolve that this year is going to be the year when I finally do a proper job of clearing up my garden instead of my usual half-hearted effort at weed control, and this time I really mean it, unlike last year when I really meant it and the year before when I really meant it and the year before that when I really meant it too.

So I’ve been told I have to remain at home for the next 12 weeks: I offered to work from home but it sounds like they didn’t want to pay for to get me setup to do so, which really shows me just how much I am valued and appreciated by my current employer (I have been desperate to leave since Christmas, and finally got a job offer (paying more money for less time in an office) two weeks ago only for the current crisis to kick in before I could get a start date and hand my notice in, and the new employer closing down until they get the all clear to resume, which they have said is going to be early July at best) While I have a mountain of unwatched dvds and unread books, I think this is also an opportunity for me to do some midrange exercise and plenty of walking is in order(but nowhere like the places that were packed at the weekend): just some strolling about listening to music on my iPod and trying to gather my thoughts.

I was at a funeral today too - only this was on line. In contrast to the one you attended, theatreian, this would have been a big affair, 300+. However, from what we could see, there were about a dozen there, all well separated, apart from the immediate family. He was in his late 60's, so the majority of the would be attendees would have been that sort of age group or above. It was a very moving service, but strange to be watching via a laptop, and at least we were able to be there in spirit.

I think in these difficult times we have to focus on the positive stories. Volunteer groups and those looking out for each other. Lets hope this experience changes us for the better once it's all over and we become more caring and understanding of each others needs.

Well I worked from home today. Unfortunately just a one off and will be back joining the crowds on the trains tomorrow going to work and yes they are still crowded now the service has gone from 1 every 3 minutes to 1 every 20 minutes.
I started at 7am and think I actually worked harder than I do in the office. Here alone there is no one to talk to and I kept the TV off. So no distractions.
I did pop out to the garden at lunchtime to put out some washing.
But god does my neck ache.
Got the laptop on my kitchen table and attached a keyboard and mouse as I had minutes to type and I can't be doing with those laptop keyboards. Chair is wrong height and having to lean forward as the screen is small has given me a right pain in the neck and shoulders.
Such fun!

I'm in Los Angeles and flying home tonight, bringing lots of European citizens home.

It's naturally quiet here where I am. Restaurants still running take-out options and the local pharmacies very well stocked! My sisters birthday on April 6th, I've bought her loads of her favourite american sweets to try and perk her up.

Weirdly quiet in our office today: never had an entire floor to myself but I'm part of a skeleton team of essential staff (with a letter from the head of our organisation to produce if challenged for being out) as I'm currently one of few unaffected by self-isolation, protecting vulnerable relatives, forced to stay home to care for children whose school has closed, etc.

I think I'd rather keep the sugar for more useful purposes! And goodness knows if anyone will be having a proper Christmas this year.

Oh dear. Sounds like they might be staying in the US for longer than planned.