#150days

I still feel like I’m the girl from Texas.

I love you like a love song baby and I keep hittin’ repeat, peat, peat, peat, peat.

Last Thursday we celebrated (if that is the word) our 150th day in lockdown in South Africa, including the extra few days in ‘self-isolation’ at the start. Although we have been “following the rules” and just keeping going - grateful for each small relaxation - I have been reading news articles that expressed a growing frustration among SA citizens. Sometimes this has come out in criticism of the Government and of the President; one article put forward the view that the ANC (the ruling party) has forgotten its roots and tried to copy European practice in rules and advice - given that ‘social distancing’ and even good hygiene are next to impossible for huge swathes of the population, living in crowded townships (as I conjectured in previous blogs). Others have moaned about the ban on the sale of tobacco and the (briefly lifted and reimposed) ban on alcohol, or other perceived unfairness - such as the recent permission for minibus-taxis to operate at capacity; although this latter relaxation was essential to get large numbers of people back to work affordably. You cannot please everyone, and moans seem to attract journalists. However, there are gleams of gold in the rubble. The badly overstretched health services in one area have given rise to voluntary, creative solutions, with “isolation / ICU beds” being rigged up in homes, with relatives instructed in routine care for the seriously ill; medical professionals can often solve issues or questions remotely over social media, and can actually serve more patients with less resources this way than if they were hospitalised. Meanwhile we plug on; knowing that “this too shall pass”, even though we have no idea when; and that even the President’s dictum of a couple of months ago, that “shaking hands, embracing and kissing are things of the past” will not be true forever.

We must continue to fight for justice that Breonna Taylor deserves! #150days #weneedjustice #now #demandingjustice #sayhername #breonnataylor #nojusticenopeace ✊🏾✊🏿✊🏽 https://www.instagram.com/p/CDt6ClSj7O-/?igshid=1be0utcazmn59

What could you accomplish in 150 days? . #imagination #possibilities #150days #psychonthebike #trudeau #motivationalquotes #inspiration #meditation #innerpeace #reality #insight #abundance #joy #peace #focus #breathe #thriving #psychology #therapy #zen #learn https://www.instagram.com/p/CDcxjCVgVev/?igshid=1e7fg7gp9cxrf

• D A Y 4 Fourth day of keeping this flower beautiful and alive 🌱🌿. . #missmayberry #hortensia #day4 #150days #spring #flowers #garden #botanic #countdown #flowergram https://www.instagram.com/p/Bw7f1sYnbDo/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=3qp3nxiosc3r

• D A Y 3 Third day of keeping this flower beautiful and alive 🌱🌿. . I've got a Pilea plant that I'm excited about. 🌱 . #missmayberry #hortensia #day3 #150days #spring #flowers #garden #botanic #countdown #flowergram https://www.instagram.com/p/Bw6F9ITn0z3/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=z96e7csri8u

• D A Y 2 Second day of keeping this flower beautiful and alive 🌱🌿. . I've also ordered a Pilea plant that I'm excited about. 🌱 . #missmayberry #hortensia #day2 #150days #spring #flowers #garden #botanic #countdown #flowergram https://www.instagram.com/p/Bw2Fr-en7dQ/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=10w8r22gvbkm6