please empty your brain below
My last bus and train journey was about 17 days ago, on 9th March. I made that journey reluctantly, but felt obliged to go because it was a celebration of a close relatives 90 th birthday.. Same day as your birthday DG.

Since then I have received a refund from TFL for the Zone 1 & 2 Travel pass that I treated myself to on New Years Eve. I was refunded well over £1000 and the process was very simple.

Thanks for keeping us amused DG!

Neesi | 26.03.20 - 7:44 a.m. | #

Thank you for the virtual tour around your neighbourhood,DG. Very entertaining.
I must say,your sense of humour still shines through, not stir crazy yet?

Jo W | 26.03.20 - 7:53 a.m. | #

Such a shame that they’ve decided to close Victoria Park due to the behaviour of a significant minority of people who chose not to follow the guidance. It’s one of the largest and most beautiful parks in the area, especially enjoyable given the recent sunny weather.

I did see a few groups of people sitting and chatting on my recent visit however, and another person fishing in the lake, so can’t say I’m entirely surprised.

Sam | 26.03.20 - 7:58 a.m. | #

Re Victoria Park: Fine a few people, problem solved. Now we're all going to be cramming onto Well Street Common.

organ-grinder | Homepage | 26.03.20 - 8:02 a.m. | #

The outdoor gym in the Wennington Green section of Mile End Park was packed yesterday when I walked past.

Alp | 26.03.20 - 8:11 a.m. | #

It's great to hear about Bus Stop M - almost my last tube journey was made so I could visit The Nunnery arts centre and I was almost beside myself with excitement when I realised that it's right next to stop M! Had I known that I might never be able to go there again I think I would have spent longer there, admiring its architecture :-)

Steve | 26.03.20 - 8:13 a.m. | #

I don't think people 'chose not to follow the guidance' last weekend. I suspect that it didn't occur to most people that everybody would have the same idea. Some lovely examples of collective action problems these last couple of weeks.

Sarah | Homepage | 26.03.20 - 8:19 a.m. | #

I fear that the closure of public parks and green spaces will prove to be counterproductive to well-being, preventing the aware many from access to much-needed open space and exercise.. while the unwise few will likely find alternative places to congregate together in contravention of the public health messages.

Frank F | 26.03.20 - 8:27 a.m. | #

You're right, most people outside do keep out of each other's way. To those few that are heading into my safe area, I'm now putting my arms out to show them what 2m actually looks like....

REB | 26.03.20 - 8:38 a.m. | #

Enjoyable read as usual, DG. Nice to get a view of London that isn't people cramming themselves onto tube trains. Similar picture up here on the edge of the Midlands. People about, but taking care to social distance themselves. Our local Tesco Express is using a one-in-one-out system which people are patiently accepting, even down to queueing, and the only other thing open in the village is the Chemist, where you stand at at the door and they come out to you. Apart from some kids playing on the green what strikes you on the single daily stroll is how very quiet it is. My village is on the edge of the WMids conurbation so inevitably has lots of people who commute. Not now. Had a walk around the village the other day around 5pm and there was barely a car on the main road in and out. The lockdown's a serious thing, but its also so very nice having a walk where the loudest thing around you is birdsong and your own footsteps.

David Croser_Drake | 26.03.20 - 9:09 a.m. | #

I was one of those people in McD on Monday buying a last meal for my family for the foreseeable, simply because I'd heard on the TV that they were closing that evening. My experience was made more enjoyable by the £1.99 meal coupon I clipped from reading the Metro on the bus on the way there, and had just reached said page before I got off.

I also bought two packs of fish and two of chips from my supermarket for Friday, and a couple of packs of batteries for remote controls, they are going to get a lot of use over the next few months.

And, been enjoying the glorious Spring weather in my garden these last few days, long may it continue!

A longer comment than normal to help readers fill their time.

Ken | 26.03.20 - 9:36 a.m. | #

I don't think the blue skies arrived "at an inopportune moment" - they are a consequence of the lack of aeroplane contrails.

dg writes: No they're not.

Joho | Homepage | 26.03.20 - 9:42 a.m. | #

Anyway I love the sun, been working on my tan in the back garden all week. I would say "very opportune".

Joho | Homepage | 26.03.20 - 9:43 a.m. | #

The worst offenders for not observing social distancing are joggers and people who walk along eyes glued to their phone.

Went to my local Gladstone Park yesterday and a jogger almost barged me out of the way in a bid not have to slow down the speed of his precious run. The woman transfixed by her phone made a beeline for me causing me to take drastic avoiding action.

The epitome of selfish behavior from both.

Richard | 26.03.20 - 9:50 a.m. | #

Enjoy the sunshine out there while you can. TV weather forecast last night said it would feel like 4 degrees in London on Sunday.

On my daily cycle round it seems the only time people aren't distancing is when they are enjoying a green space. Sadly, it's as if rules don't apply if there's green under your feet.

ap | 26.03.20 - 9:55 a.m. | #

Family groups can be quite inconsiderate too, I've seen groups of 5 or 6 people spread across the pavement/pathway.

Mikey C | 26.03.20 - 9:56 a.m. | #

That's right Mikey C. Walking in single file to let someone else pass just doesn't seem to cross their mind.

Richard | 26.03.20 - 10:13 a.m. | #

I am allergic to tree blossom would like some rainy days. I know for others the weather is great.

John | 26.03.20 - 10:18 a.m. | #

"Occasionally an announcement upstairs alerts nobody to the arrival of a train." Superb writing Sir!

Stuart | 26.03.20 - 10:27 a.m. | #

With the clear skies I’m actually noticing the occasional con trail, rather than just taking them for granted. There are also considerably fewer light planes and business jets from Biggin Hill. A much quieter walk in the fields!

Christine | 26.03.20 - 12:19 p.m. | #

Those thoughtless scum, mostly youngsters [I'm late 60s so most people are 'young' these days] have stolen my (Victoria) Park, my daily exercise walk and for inner London, clean(er) air. I was there yesterday morning, having to swerve repeatedly to avoid the idiots / Covidiots who took no notice of me let alone anyone else.

Woke up this morning to see the Park gates locked, and several clueless idiots climbing over the fence (one with a dog) for their runs. One was nabbed later by a patrolling warden; even though I was beyond earshot, the trespasser was being clearly told where to go, now.

These selfish sods either do not see or do not / will not take in news media. I've lost my beautiful Park, can now only see it from my window.

Thanks DG for letting me let off steam and for keeping the anti-stir-crazy bug alive.

Joel | 26.03.20 - 1:26 p.m. | #

I ventured out for the first time today to visit the supermarket as I have needed to do since before it all started, determined to behave cautiously. Inside I found almost everyone acting like nothing was happening. People were nonchelantly standing next to strangers, including me, despite attempting to avoid them. Many customers appeared to be in the at-risk age category and didn't seem any more bothered than anyone else. As usual, people were parking themselves and their trollies in the middle of the aisles, preventing anyone passing at an approved distance. Some queues tried to keep safe distances, but someone would overtake and barge into the gap.

The only difference I noticed was all the baby buggies and toddlers had been left at home.

kev | 26.03.20 - 8:26 p.m. | #

Well ! - a much smaller Bus Stop M selfie queue than when we took ours

Although the queue wasn't as long as Platform 9 3/4 at Kings Cross

But looks likely perfect weather for a walk

How far can you go - would it be ok to follow the Grand Union canal to the river, for example ?

Kate Demonstration | 27.03.20 - 2:04 a.m. | #











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