Sunday, March 22, 2020

COVID 19 AND DROUGHT

The border has been closed to all but New Zealand citizens and residents and we have been told that the "over 70"s" should stay at home where possible.   On Friday, after hearing that the Auckland Library had closed we went to our local library and got some more books.  Our library is closed from tomorrow except for pick ups of already ordered books so, after reading  "By Stargoose and Hanglands" blog I checked to see if any of the books were available and have got one "on hold" and put a couple more books on hold as well.  I am not sure how long one will be able to pick books up so have my fingers crossed that I can get these extra books.  They have made all books available for two months instead of the usual 1 month.

We have Doug's Grand-daughter's wedding next Saturday.  At present, we are intending to go to the actual ceremony which is outside on his parents' farm but not sure about going to the reception.  We still plan to go to the local markets which are outside and will see what happens about the supermarket.  May have to do on-line shopping.

As far as the drought is concerned we read in yesterday's paper that the level may go up meaning that we can no longer use a hose on the garden.  We have just been clearing out the old summer gardens and are hoping to get some seedlings and/or seeds tomorrow.  Have heard seedlings are in short supply.

Here is some wildlife from our walk on Wednesday.








16 comments:

  1. I woke to the news that 800 people died in Italy yesterday. This really has become a nightmare, yet people still cram themselves into pubs back in the UK.

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    1. I thought all pubs were closed there.

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    2. Yes, they are closed; I've no idea why it wasn't done when they said that people shouldn't go to them.

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    3. That seems weird keeping them open while saying people shouldn't go to them.

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    4. It is still advisory, unfortunately. Scotland wants to order it but can't because Westminster hasn't....
      I am about to go through my seed stash!
      Hope you get good rain soon..if nothing else that will keep more people at home!!

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    5. We have had a couple of showers today - went to a couple of garden centres and no seeds or seedlings of any of the vegetables one would plant at this time of year.

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  2. Italy is in a dire position, I feel for the elderly there. We have friends who will do our groceries and anything else that would involve meeting anyone else. Cheltenham is about 40 minutes away, and I am guessing that person was one who flew into Palmerston North airport. But we have family in Rotorua, Wellington and near Dunedin, all those places have positive cases.Stay safe.

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    1. Yes, it is all really quite scary. I will phone our surgery tomorrow to find out about flu vaccinations.

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  3. What a joy to see the spoonbill. I have only ever seen one and that was on Farewell Spit some years ago.
    I hope the wedding takes place without any problems, and also hope you get some decent rain soon. Take care, Mxx

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    1. It was the first time I had seen a spoonbill. The bride is panicking. The groom's grandparents are not going plus some others. She is hoping to change the venue.

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  4. I hope you can get to the wedding. We are not even allowed to attend funerals now. At least the service will be out in the open.
    At least you still have a bit of freedom.
    I thought your rains had started. Obviously not where you live up north.
    I enjoyed your wildlife photos. Thanks

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    1. I see you can still go for a walk and I hope we will still be able to when things get tighter. Keep safe. We have had a few showers but nowhere near enough to break the drought. The dam is getting lower.

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  5. These are difficult and unsettling times for all of us around the world - take care.

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    1. And you, Rosemary. I just heard from a school friend and she is the Dolomites (lives in Rome) and it all sounds very civilised there.

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  6. Have you not had any rain there whatsoever? We've had bits and pieces here including today.

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    1. Yes, we have had the odd shower and a couple today but the garden is still very dry and, according to Saturday's Northern Advocate, the dam is low and we may have restrictions raised.

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