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The Corona Crucible – Thurs 30th April

World 3.2 million      Russia 100K+

World fatalities 220K+         Recoveries 1 million

Yesterday, I decided to attempt some sourdough bread. I’ve had the starter in the freezer for more than a year and I wasn’t sure that it would reactivate, but I took it out a week ago and after feeding it again, it came back to life. It’s only the second time I’ve made sourdough, the first time was a total disaster, but thankfully this one has turned out beautifully.

The first really cold Antarctic blast of the season has hit, with heavy rain, freezing winds, hail, and icy temperatures. It’s going to continue like this until at least Sunday, with more rain forecast. Some parts of the state are getting a big dump of snow and flash flooding. It’s an early preview of winter weather. The long range forecast is for a wet few months.

We went out in the miserable weather today to see my mother before tomorrow’s flu vaccine deadline. We went through the hand washing ritual and temperature check as usual. She’s fine and coping well. I explained to her that I would be visiting her on Mother’s Day, but that Neil couldn’t come because he has not had his flu shot. Normally we take her out for lunch to celebrate Mother’s Day and Neil’s birthday which are around the same time. This year they fall on the same day, but we’ll have to skip any kind of get together this year. Her birthday is in July, perhaps we can arrange something then.

Yesterday, Neil braved the elements and went into the office to go over some plans with a colleague. He hasn’t needed to go to the office for about a month. It’s likely that when social distancing measures are lifted, he’ll still work at home most of the time. His flow of work has slowed a fraction, but the company he works for is in good shape. He’s bidding on a tender to design a new airport in the Philippines, which might sound like a strange idea under current circumstances, but it will take five years to build.

While he’s been at home he’s had an opportunity to sort through his late father’s humongous stamp collection and has sold most of the stamps on Gumtree. Nothing of any value, just good to get it out of the garage.