I was overseas with my mother from the 2nd of March 2020, to the 18th of March 2020. A lot happened with coronavirus in Australia during this time, and when we returned, we were legally required to enter self-isolation. This is my brief diary to document my experiences. (For other posts see: Prelude. Part one. Part two. Part three. Part four. Part five. Part six. Part seven. Part eight. Part nine.)
Morning
I started my day by getting straight onto Pinterest. I wanted more inspiration on ‘When Darkness Speaks’, so I can better convey the setting details. That being said, since writing the novel, I have been to England now, and have been in real castles, so that’ll help, I reckon. I also pinned some medieval era clothes, to make sure I can better describe the dress of my characters. Overall, this gave me more enthusiasm for the rewrite I’m about to commence.
I took two of the dogs for a quick walk and harvested some saltbush berries on the way.
The rescue dog was adopted. I didn’t meet the adopters. They came into the yard. I let the dog into the yard through the other gate. They played. I could hear them telling him he’s a good dog. They filled in the paperwork that I had left for them, and then they took the dog and left. It felt wrong. I do adoptions with no application, but with a conversation – and I missed out on the conversation bit. I can just hope that it all works out. The alternative is potentially having that dog for weeks or months as people become more worried about covid-19 and stay in more and more. So I’ll take this awkward adoption as a win and move forward. They’ve sent me pictures since they’ve got home, and everyone looks happy.
Because I have mild symptoms of Covid-19 (sore throat, fatigue), I rang the doctor and got a phone consult for 1pm. I was immensely relieved that I got a phone consult, and I didn’t have to go into the clinic in a mask like a lepur, or being consulted while I’m in my car. I just get to have a phone call, without even leaving home. I feel like a drama queen for even getting a consult – I would not normally seek medical advice for a sore throat. It’s persistently sore, but not badly sore. But I’m trying to do the right thing – doing it for Australia not for me.
Afternoon
I cleaned the kennels while my husband spread out new lawn seeds. Then I went and planted my new plum!
I put a couple of loads of washing on.
The doctor called. He said there was two northern Covid-19 testing clinics that he could send me to. I asked him, “Do I have to go? Or can I just wait out my self isolation?” He said I could just wait out my self isolation. He asked how much longer I have, I told him, and he said that was fine. Feel so happy to not have to leave the house…. Even though that’s something I should be begging for right now!
My husband and I played Agricola again. I tried a new strategy that failed a lot, but you’ve got to try these things.
Evening
I kept reading ‘When Darkness Speaks’ (my NaNoWriMo novel). I worry that I’m not doing the Scottishness of the novel justice. But it all comes together in its weird ending and I’m not too embarassed about it. I think it won’t take too much work to get it ready for beta reading.
I’ve finished my read through and I’m ready to start edits tomorrow.
