Lockdown diary: Nothing to laugh about on April Fools' Day
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IT'S April Fools Day but never has there been a less appropriate time for practical jokes.
Yes, there are lots of funnies doing the rounds on social media and that is great and is keeping the nation laughing at a time when all you really want to do is have a good cry.
This is day 9 of a lockdown scenario in a bid to halt the spread of Covid-19.
I have steered clear of the national news so far today, preferring instead to focus on what's going on locally to help us fill the pages of our papers and websites.
I spoke to the daughter of a couple who celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary together. They were, of course, planning a big family celebration and a last ever foreign holiday, but those plans have been scrapped.
They did get a card from the Queen and a lovely anniversary cake from their daughter, who is keeping them well supplied with food essentials.
The number of stories that are beginning to emerge of communities and individuals rallying round to help the more vulnerable people in society is heartwarming, it really is.
The nationwide appeal for volunteers has really gone done well in England and now Scotland. I signed up the other day through the readyscotland.org website and got an email from the Red Cross the other day to say they would be in touch.
Like many people, I'm not really sure how or where I can help, and my day is still taken up with trying to oversee six local newspapers and websites from my home in Lossiemouth, however, people feel the need to help in some way at this time, even in the most basic of ways to take the pressure off the frontline emergency workers and NHS staff.
I am becoming more concerned at the number of stories and warnings circulating about online scams. While a situation like this brings out the best in people, it also has the potential to bring out the worst, and the mind boggles why some people have so little regard for others that they would try and make an already nightmarish situation even worse by fleecing people of hundreds and in some cases thousands of pounds.
An interview with Mairi McCallum at Moray Food Plus reveals they are working hard to keep up with demand and expect this to rise in the next few weeks. However, donations are holding up, despite all the panic buying which appears to have calmed down now, and especially supermarkets which have introduced more stringent measures on shopping times and number of items customers are allowed.
That hasn't stopped me from remaining frustrated in my search for toilet roll. I ventured out to Asda the other day and reached the loo roll aisle as a woman grabbed the last pack of any description on the shelves. For a split second I contemplated fighting her for it but realised that would have been wrong (and she may have won in any case) or simply bartering with her for a roll but I still have a shred of dignity left and I left the store empty-handed. Things could get desperate in the next few days!!
I went a walk on the beach yesterday and I hardly met a soul. I have the luxury of living 5 minutes walk from one of the most stunning beaches you could hope to have on your doorstep and it is the perfect cure for all the deeply depressing news across the globe.
My own fitness levels are a concern during a prolonged lockdown as I am and always have been a comfort eater. Snacking is going to be my big challenge for the next few weeks, like many people, but I am trying to watch what I eat.
In a fit of bravado this morning I leapt out of bed and did a hybrid Joe Wicks/dad dancing-style workout in my bedroom with my headphones on and music blaring. It really set me up for the day and gave me far more energy. The key will be maintaining a positive routine.
I had great fun with my youngest daughter who is my self-isolation partner, when we played Just Dance on her Nintendo Switch. Quite what the neighbours made of the scene, goodness only knows, but if you have one of these fancy video games devices, make full use of them.
Right, stay safe and best wishes to you all.
Until next time...
