Day 85 - Lockdown band song release

This morning, I was delighted to finally be able to launch the video of our lockdown band, and the response I got was overwhelming, in just the loveliest way! A few people, including Fiona and my friend Lisa, said that they cried when they watched it, and that they were subsequently trying to hold it together while on work video calls! Lisa told me that she was going to pretend that she had hay fever! I think it’s reminded people how long it’s been since we’ve all seen our friends and family. The lockdown band project has really been a labour of love over the past few weeks. Me and Peter have put so much into it and I’m so proud of everyone’s contributions and of how it turned out. Looking back, this lockdown period has been quite a creative few months for me in a number of ways. I’ve done lots of things that I wouldn’t have done otherwise.

We were due to have another announcement from the government at some stage today, as we approach phase 2 of easing lockdown restrictions on Monday. As such, I was watching Twitter like a hawk all day because, for some reason, they never give more than a few minutes notice of their briefings.

At 2.30pm, the briefing started and, as usual, me and Peter gathered around the television to watch. A few days ago, Peter said that it would be better for my emotional state if I didn’t watch the briefing, and if he summarised it for me instead. This was based on my reaction to previous briefings! However, a few positive pieces of news he been leaked ahead of today’s briefing, so I felt good enough to watch.

From Monday, travel restrictions will be eased, so that we will be able to travel anywhere in our county. This makes me feel so happy! It was originally meant to be a 20km travel limit, but they’ve extended it. Living in the largest country in Ireland might work out well for us in these circumstances. We’ll be able to drive for two or three hours out into West Cork - although no hotels will be open when we get there, so it’ll all have to be day trips for the moment. I wonder if we’ll take advantage of this new freedom. It all feels like such an unbelievable novelty. It’s strange to think that we used to get in the car and travel to places like the beach and other towns, without hardly thinking before! Right now, thinking about places like Gougane Barra, and the miles of hiking trails and open space there feels amazing! I think the first thing that I’m going to do on Monday will be to go to the beach for a swim.

All shops will also open on Monday. We’ll be able to meet a group of six people in our house for a short time, and a group of fifteen people will be able to meet outdoors. For the first time, it really feels like the country is starting to open up again, and that there’s a sudden new sense of optimism. We can now start thinking about the future again and making plans!Lue lisää