Deliveries.

Everyone is in a good mood.

Usually I have to make a big effort to engage people in a conversation. They always seem to be in a hurry thus discounting the benefit of exchanging a few words, sentences or sentiments. Most of us should have had a few minutes to spare but thanks to corona virus everyone suddenly has oodles of time to spare. And willingly so. Just love it.

It has been a month of food deliveries now and in a way I have established a few regulars. They don't get frightened anymore by seeing me masked up as though I wanted to hold them up. Whereas before I would have to either hoot or try to phone them to come outside to collect their groceries, they now stand in wait for me and a chance to exchange a few words.

Being quarantined might have much to do with it and often I am the only person they get to see but regardless, I enjoy those seemingly meaningless platitudes which actually mean the world to people. What more do we want apart from being greeted, seen and heard? Isn't it the ' How are you / Oh it's nice to see you ' that makes someone's day? Talking about deep secrets is overrated and frankly better left to the neighbourhood quizzies to unearth.

Driving around our village was a revelation of what a positive effect a month of staying at home brings. Families ( by themselves thus still keeping social distance ) were going for long walks, smiling and enjoying being together. Kids are gaining the most from all of this because how often do their parents have the time and inclination to go for a long walk with them. Let's hope the good habits and moods stay beyond the quarantine...

Biggi