Tillers and Tastebuds

Our corona 19 - stories (It ain't all plain sailing y'know!) part 67

I went out this morning to tie up my gym shoes on the public bench just by the Barge (as one does). A police car stopped as it was leaving a visit to our neighbour's boat  - he got out of his police car and asked what I was doing....was I on holiday?

In perfect French, I was able to assure him that I was merely tying up my shoes and that 'I live on this 'ere barge behind me'. ( I said pointing) and that I was 'doing my daily exercise'. He said that I should have a 'document of attestation' and that for exercise reasons I must limit my distance from home to 500 meters. I duly produced the document (thanks to Lucie's righteous insistence). I asked about my usual walk to the 'Parcore' (where I go each day to make use of the outside gym equipment) - he did not seem to know where this was but repeated the 500 meters limit. He went away - I thought, just slightly disappointed,  after checking the document. So there! ,.... that's breaking news in France, Tinteniac, Friday 20th March 2020.

This is what we are up against. Yesterday (Sat) I went to the SuperU super market (with my attestation document) and we were queuing for 300 meters before being allowed in. ie one out for one in. I then went to another supermarket within walking distance and got in without waiting at all. I Don't get it.

Being the age I am (78+) I could have gone straight in as a priority - I found this out after the long wait!

.....but is the UK managing to flatten the curve? Let's face it, we are all at risk of catching it for some time yet and until a useful vaccine is produced, it is just a matter of flattening the curve so's the NHS can manage it whilst the disease continues. I notice that home-schooling is becoming much more popular ! Well done Nick, you dun good!

https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/#countries

The above link shows current corona 19 progress world wide and is constantly being updated. The UK (amongst certain others) seems to be slow at entering its latest figures. To get 'yesterday's figures, click 'Yesterday' on tgop of this chart LHS.

Some interesting research on current statistics compiled by an eminent Swiss Virologist and updated  26/03/2020 (Noticed on facebook by Lucie)

The above link could be described as controversial but cannot be ignored if it is true. It is well worth viewing, especially if you were on the verge of panic or a nervous breakdown !

Zut alors! (it ain't all plain sailing, y'know part 66)

Here in France, in Brittany, moored in Tinteniac on Body and Soul, we are facing up to the Corona Virus with great fortitude and common sense.

With our doors wide open and the sun streaming through the windows - the wild goose (named Google!), a Duck (named Netflix) and, just today,  a newly arrived cormorant and a signet Swan,  together, sharing  breakfast - one could be forgiven for feeling  lucky to be alive and in  good health - looking forward to plans for the coming spring and summer.

But the news and social media brings us doom and gloom in abundance. A lot of 'state applied'  restrictions (decrees)  to our lives, have become hard to ignore.

For instance, going out for my morning routine exercise or for any reason at all, requires that I am forced to produce a document called an 'attestation de deplacement' showing to the police just what I am doing and why I am doing it -  which can only include - getting medicine, shopping for food, exercising (on your own), going to work (if unable to work from home) emergency visits to elderly relatives - the fines for contravention are from 130E upwards  including an arrest for serious or repeated contraventions.

The above form is available on line, but if one has no printer (like us) a written version is OK but it has to be current to the activity and dated.

All shops, including coffee shops and bars are closed, with the exception of food providers. D.I.Y shops are included of course which puts a lot of home alterations and maintenance on hold. Not good.

We are fine thanks!  luckier than most - please keep our UK pensions coming in. We have some really attentive neighbours and friends who visit us daily - checking our welfare. - See below, showing how we keep in touch with them now. It beats the ubiquitous double kissing....maybe this virus shambles will teach the world something about true values. The air is already much fresher ....perhaps it is a new beginning? We really really hope so.

Violette, Anne-Claire, me, Marie (Loo is behind with her bike) doing our bit  taken from 'Body and Soul' .