A pattern emerges

Tuesday, 17th March

All sorts of stuff in a relatively peaceful, gently chaotic household.  Guy has his work commitments; Julie had at least one work-related phone call to make.

A dusting of snow brought turkeys to the foot of the feeder - to considerable infant delight!

 

 

...and made possible the building of "Snow Cats", complete with carrot noses.  

And of course, Lila could have a rather softer run at the snowboard.  Brilliant fun.


 

 But whilst the kids share their time between their screens, school lessons, playing together happily and the great outdoors, the "dear" C-virus begins to weigh more heavily with us (Ali and me).  Canada seems to have a coherent, firm message as to social distancing and mutual support; news from the UK is more puzzling, confused and, frankly, seemingly chaotic.  And we have to decide how and when to go home.  Countries are closing their borders; Canada has already restricted the number of international airports accepting incoming flights to just four.  The issue is really when does Europe close down its incoming borders altogether?  And even if we stay here and remain healthy, what happens when our health insurance runs out and then we get ill and try to come home and are refused a flight.  And besides, why should I take up the care facilities made and paid for by a Canadian?

So, tonight we decided to ask Jenny, our god-daughter and travel agent, to try to get us home a week early; next week.  

But Stanners’ 2016 Chardonnay, from the County, brightened the evening.  Memories of a long, hot summer, with luscious fruit.

Wednesday, 18th March.

Despite my initial determination (I have pictures and some commissions to collect from Tremblant) it was 12.30 before I got to the village, and 15.00 before the kids and grandkids dressed and left to the ice-rink in the village.

I had a lovely "just because I had you on my list"  call from Peter Trepanier in Ottawa.  He is so kind; we've really missed seeing them this time.

And we put together a Skype conference (or Viv put it together, rather) with PCC, to talk over how we go on from here.  It was very good to see folks; remarkable.  And very moving to share prayers together.

A message from Bryony that they are now in two weeks shut down.  Mark came home with a dry cough and Bryony is developing it.  What a strange year this is becoming!  

Stop Press

Email from Canadian TIre ( a huge retail chain in Canada; HUGE)


"We have made the decision to close all of our non-essential retail banners across Canada until April 2, 2020. This includes ...... We know that for many employees, store closures can lead to financial stress – please note that during the closure period our full and part-time employees will be paid."   Go Canada!