How was your day? (Random off topic chat)

Does your work laptop connect via a VPN? If so there might be a problem with it your IT team needs to fix.

I noticed that and then it was "Hang on. Is that wrong, or am I wrong?" And then I had to go and check because I didn't trust my own memory. (I actually have that record, but a reprint rather than an original.)

I thought it sounded a bit cheesy when I read about it, but hearing people clapping and cheering for the NHS tonight was actually quite moving.

Seeing the clapping  was great where social distancing was taking place  but a lot of what I saw on the news seemed to go against the government advice as people were stood next to each other in groups. A great idea where you can be separate and clap but not at the expense of getting the virus.

In the pictures I've seen people were stood with others from their own household at the end of their front gardens, which is ok. Where were the groups of people?

Today was a nice day. Lovely and sunny.
Day off so took the bus (which was fortunately nearly empty, so people seem to be finally getting the message) over to M&S as they were opening the first hour to emergency service staff.
When I got there about 10 mins from opening there were a few people hovering but no order so I decided to take control. I think it goes back to all my years as a holiday rep. Anyway there were clear markings on the floor telling people where to stand so I organised them in order that they arrived and people seems happy with this. Quite strict when they opened and anyone who didn't qualify was asked to come back a bit later. Shelves full and I can now probably go quite a while if need be without buying food. It was a bit odd as you had a few police officers in uniform getting their shopping along with NHS staff. Not your normal shopping day.
Nicest gesture was when I left an employee was handing out free flowers and I was given a lovely wicker basket with Rose's and primroses planted in it. Such a lovely gesture and really appreciated.
Little things mean so much at the moment dont they.

After being indoors for a few days, I decided to go for a walk around the block for some exercise and change of scenery. Walking down my street (as well as in adjoining streets) it was really uplifting to see so many front windows having pictures and posters of rainbows and positive messages painted and written by the local school kids. It's certainly cheered me up in the current crisis.

Repotting the dahlias. ( possible name for a farce post virus)

What is this rainbow thing, please? I've seen tweets about it and photos but no info re the reason. Had a nice walk yesterday, minus shopping this time after Wednesday's frustrating experience, and this time I was also prepared - as much as anyone can be - to manage entirely without public toilets, now I know they are all shut. I avoided town centres but passing through a small village, I noted short queues at every shop. I did stop at a bakery to buy a bun but even that took ages as some blasted man was buying up literally half the contents of the shop and because I was outside, he couldn't hear the barbed comment I would otherwise have made about holding up people who want a single item and to get on their way again.

Also noticed far more people out exercising (mainly walking) than usual, which is a good thing, subject to social distancing and I really hope some of them continue to do this once the crisis is over, but many of them clearly weren't regulars, judging by their clothing and demeanour: I saw one young couple trying to manoeuvre a pushchair down some steps on the North Downs Way and lots of disaffected children with parents.

Another observation, puzzling this time, was that though the NT had announced that they were closing not only their properties but their countryside car parks and that people shouldn't park on the verges instead, all but one of their car parks were still open AND in use by people who had obviously driven there to walk/cycle/run/dog-walk etc. This was disappointing as I'd obeyed the advice not to drive in order to exercise so had to complete the whole 30+ mile route on foot, and believe me it's difficult - and extremely boring - to be sure you can always make it home again when you're used to heading further afield, knowing you can get public transport home. I've thought of driving another time and combining it with "essential shopping" but am worried about being stopped by the police and fined if they interpret the guidance differently.

Now there's talk of further restrictions I shall be damned annoyed if these are in part due to people not obeying the existing advice. I know it's not a case of "if they're not going to, why should I either?" but for a law-abiding and responsible person, greater clarity would help.

I think we have to be reasonable....we should be doing enough exercise to not actually stagnate but if we are to leave room for all the people who have NO GARDENS to be out in then probably stay close to home and not be “greedy’ taking up the outdoor space. I know it’s hard...I love long walks.
The whole point about not travelling to places by car for exercise is to minimise car traffic....less cars, less accidents, less call on emergency services, less need for breakdown people, roads clearer for people who ACTUALLY need to travel for caring duties, food delivery, army, logistics etc CFC.
This is NOT a drill folks.
And we should probably not be popping into the bakery if we fancy a sausage roll....each contact with another human, no matter how fleeting, is the increase in risk. It’s about minimising the network for spread by minimising contacts......Try and shop once a week for the bare minimum. Shop solo (I was annoyed yesterday as couples were in the Co-op....taking up valuable space!). Be proud about how you are NOT taking up that space in the shop and are leaving it free for other folks!

That's not a good argument. All our roads are very far below capacity now. Have you looked at the lines of unbroken green on the traffic layer on Google Maps?

Staying at home isn't that big a problem for those of you who have family, or who can chat to people on the phone. I have no family; my ASD means I can't use phones either. I haven't heard another human voice for a week. I haven't had a meaningful conversation for three. So what are my choices? Stay at home self-harming? Go out and get arrested for breaking someone's incorrect idea of the law?

People have different ways of coping with this. All my ways of coping are being taken away from me. The mental health issues matter, and they're being disregarded.

I believe the mental health issues will be a difficult issue for many over the coming weeks/months. I live alone and last weekend found it difficult transition from not wanting to be sociable to not being able to.

I am fortunate that I am able to work from home and in my role is busier than normal maintaining the supply chain for critical supplies and therefore have the opportunity to speak and interact with people constantly during the day to minimise the effects of social isolation and more importantly boredom as there are only so much box sets, books, radio..... can do to relieve.

My release is my daily bike ride, the weather has been glorious over the last week and the roads have been quiet and predominately traffic free, now the evenings are getting lighter after work I might take a scenic walk to the local shop to have an opportunity to venture outside again and keep within the spirit of the guidelines making sure the distancing rules are followed.

So today will be a bike ride, maybe a walk and relaxing prior to the onslaught of next weeks challenges which I am unusually looking forward to.