Today I needed to get a loaf of bread and to post a couple of letters. The weather was glorious so rather than drive I decided to combine my trip with a local walk. I took the quieter routes that gave me opportunities for social distancing if I met someone coming in the other direction.
I was reminded on two occasions of why I am reluctant to venture out. Some people really don’t get the social distancing thing.
The first such instance was when I encountered someone coming towards my on a mobility scooter. I stepped onto the grass next to the pathway and as he sailed past he said to me ‘I don’t bite you know’.
The second instance was a little bit more tricky. A jogger was running towards me huffing and puffing and I needed to cross the road (or at least be in the middle of the road) to provide a suitable distance. Just at that moment the road which had been quiet until then was suddenly busy. The jogger couldn’t care less and carried on at pace huffing and puffing.
During my walk I was able to visit my local pools. I had to walk in the opposite direction than I usually do to avoid people who were sitting on the benches sunning themselves! I liked the change of perspective, seeing the pools from a different angle.
Due to taking a different pathway I found some secret bluebells which was a pleasant surprise. I had become resigned to not seeing any this year.
On my way back home I walked past the lovely tribute that Balfour Beatty, in conjunction with our local council have paid to our NHS workers. Painted on the entrances and exits to our local hospital are the words ‘Thank You NHS’.
it seems like you had an enjoyable walk Cherie… be careful out there and be safe….peter:)
I saw some lovely things on my walk but the walk itself was stressful.
I am doing my best to stay safe, Thank you
We don’t have NHS in Malaysia.
Public health is not exactly free over there, but Malaysians only have to pay nominal fees of RM1 (approx 20p, so I guess you can say it’s almost free!). Dental and veterinary (also just RM1) are also heavily subsidised by our government, so I always get my teeth checked when I go back.
But we also have a lot of private clinics, hospitals, dentists, vets etc. So if you can afford it and you don’t want to wait, going private is probably the best option. This also frees up capacity for public hospitals to look after more people who can’t afford to pay.
We also have private practices over here as you probably know.
But here the emphasis is the other way round. Free rather than paid for.
Or is it free…
Perhaps not, it is paid for by people who pay tax.
I must admit, I’ve only been out (apart from in the garden) to post letters down in the village postbox, so have only encountered a handful of people and luckily everyone has been curtious.
Apart from food shopping (for three households) I have only ventured out on three occasions for a walk. That is because my previously quiet pathways are busier than usual.That would not be a problem if these people respected ’social distancing’.
Mr C and I were sitting in my garden this evening enjoying a pre dinner drink. We were disturbed by a couple of people pausing on the bridle path at the back or our garden. They were swearing and cursing for several minutes before moving on.
The bridle path is usually quiet with few people passing by…
your walk is laced with magnificent views dear Cheri
i think the first man with weird phrase was from another planet who was unaware of current situation on earth
i liked the thank you written on road ,it is nice to respond to gesture of kindness was sweetly
i loved flowers so much
stay well my friend
hugs!
I was quite disturbed by that man’s comment but he was an older person so was probably thinking that new virus is just like seasonal flu. But it is that sort of behaviour that puts me going for a local walk.
I love the thank you note too.
I hope you and your family stay well and the current situation blows over soon.
Take care xx