Lockdown #3 (And A Move…)
A pic popped up on my Facebook this week.
It was the very first facemask I sewed during the first few weeks of our first lockdown in 2020. I remember we had so many mixed feelings at the time. There was fear about the virus (will it kill us?), disbelief that we’d ended up here (a pandemic, in 2020?), worry about how we were going to handle lockdown (would we have enough food?), uncertainty about the future (when would it all end?) and serious questions about whether we would ever get used to the whole facemask thing.
But there was also the hope that we would get through this, a strong sentiment of “we are all in this together”, support for our hospital workers and the real belief that this wasn’t going to last forever.
Ahhh, the good old days eh?
Almost exactly a year later, the French government announced their 3rd nationwide lockdown. President Macron spoke on Wednesday evening, everyone shopped like crazy for a few days, and by Saturday midnight it was in effect. Four weeks of confinement, for the third time, here we come….
And this round the feelings are very different indeed.
The fear is still there, but it’s been mostly overtaken by a sense of frustration and Pandemic fatigue. Disbelief is still there, but now we wonder how we’ve been able to end up back in this situation, when other countries seem to be faring so much better. That sense of solidarity? Nobody is clapping for the poor hospital workers anymore, and most just want to get back to the life had before. Oh, and those facemasks that felt so strange and constrictive the first time I tried them? I can’t imagine going anywhere without one now.
A year on, lessons learned and yet many still seem to have passed us by….
Ah well, such is life. Sometimes things happen that are outside of our control, and the progression of this virus is one of those. It’s frustrating and depressing, but there is nothing we can do to change it. And despite the virus situation being as bad as it’s ever been (at least here in France), I’ve still got hope for the future.
The weather is more beautiful than we’ve seen in months. We’ve moved out of the Château and back into dads house, bringing joy to our family and those incredible views of the mountains back into our life. Paul and I will eventually get vaccinated (one day!), and I still believe summer travel might happen for all of us (fingers and paws doubly crossed). We just need to hold out for one…..more…..lockdown.
One more confinement, one more final(?) push. Perhaps third time’s a charm?
We Moved Out Of The Château This Week
Perhaps our biggest personal news this week is that our mini-adventure at the Château is over.
It’s been a wonderful vacay, the perfect place to hide away, re-set ourselves and re-find our center. We feel so lucky that we got to have this experience, and so privileged that we got to caretake such a beautiful place. But it was also eye-opening and finally put to bed one of the “dream ideas” that’s been floating around in our heads for some time.
Château-living is something that has always intrigued us even more so since we landed in France, and we did (honestly) consider buying this one, at least for a good New York hour.
The value argument is mightily tempting. Historic Châteaux are for sale everywhere in France, for the price of an apartment in most major US cities. And if you love your property, and your dream is to spend your days renovating and living in such a place, there is simply no match anywhere else in the world. I think France is unique in this aspect.
But buying a Château is also more than just an image and a dream, and I think our time living in one has clarified that for us.
The running costs and upkeep of these old buildings is nothing to sniff at. It’s a significant investment of time and money, and most people end up having to turn it into a business simply to make it all work. If that’s your passion, it’s a dream come true. You get to live fulltime in a place of history and beauty, and everything you do gets invested back into that very same spot.
But if you’re freedom-loving travelers it can become a heavy weight from which it’s impossible to part. We have no trouble dedicating 20 years of our life to pets, but an historic building is another matter. As cool as it is, it’s just not our thing.
Perhaps in our next life?
We’re Back In the House
We are back to our regular “French life” at dads lovely house overlooking the Pyrenees. I suppose I’ll have to ditch the corset and frilly silk dresses, and pull on my old hiking pants and fleece again, but it’s a sacrifice I’m more than willing to make.
Honestly the timing couldn’t be better.
With 4 weeks of lockdown to look forward to, I’d much rather be sitting with an expansive view of the mountains than in a big Château surrounded by trees. The forest turns you inward which can be therapeutic in the right times, but can also prove depressing and claustrophobic when you feel you can’t break out of it. Plus we’d rather be with dad during this time. There’s no point all of us sitting in our own separate little cubby holes, when we can ride this wave together.
It feels good to be back too.
Polly is ecstatic to be in her “old stomping grounds” and away from the scary, big, echoing rooms of the Château. She can patrol the area here just by lounging on the lawn and scanning the horizon, so all she needs is a few hours on the grass and then she can dedicate the rest of her day to important stuff, such as napping. Plus there is no evil staircase to deal with. Just pleasant flat ground, with bed, office and kitchen all within a turn of the head, as it should be.
The Universe is once again, in proper doggie order.
It’s Going To Be a 4-week Slog (And Maybe More)
This lockdown has been coming for a looong time.
French epidemiologists were already calling for it back in Feb, when cases started rising dramatically. But the government desperately wanted to avoid it, so they meandered along with ever-more-random restrictions attempting to slow what was ultimately an un-slowable gallop back to overwhelmed hospitals and full ICU units. It was only when ICU capacity hit 100% (this past week) that they finally, reluctantly called it.
And of course by waiting so long, they ultimately made it worse.
The daily rate of cases is too high to stop now, much like a runaway train, which means it will take much longer than expected to reverse the numbers. We need cases to drop dramatically, and then we need several weeks after cases drop to see any positive impact on ICU. And although vaccines are helping (44% of cases in ICU are now aged below 60, thanks to vaccinations of the older population), they’re not happening fast enough to make a difference…..not yet, anyway.
So, personally I think 4 weeks probably won’t be enough. They will likely have to extend it, especially if they’re planning to open up again for summer, which I think they’ll be forced to do (people will go nuts if summer holidays are canceled). And while we wait, we can only hope the vax campaign will ramp-up fast enough to catch up. It’s our best weapon, and the only way we’ll finally beat this thing.
Get ready for the long haul….
This Lockdown Is A Smidgen Different
The only positive thing I can say about this lockdown is that we have a smidgen more freedom than “usual”.
We’ve got a 10km circle for exercise & outings, rather than the miniscule 1km we had in the previous two lockdowns. Plus we don’t actually {{gasp}} need to fill out any paperwork unless we’re planning to go outside our 10km magic boundary. It’s a small difference, but mentally it does feel less constrictive.
The rest is more or less the same.
All non-essential businesses are closed, schools are closed, restaurants/bars are closed (they’ve never really re-opened, poor guys), and no outings except for essential ones. Plus strangely enough we still have a nationwide curfew from 7pm to 6am where only the most essential of essential outings may be carried out.
So, for example you can only shop for necessities during the day (never after 7pm), unless it’s to accompany or assist a vulnerable family member who has no other assistance, or the shopping is for your professional work, in which case you can shop after 7pm, as an exceptional exception…with the right paperwork. Makes sense, right?
As usual, the whole thing is unnecessarily complicated. But hey, at least we’ve got 10km during the day?
Onwards and Forwards
It’s the beginning of April and Easter Sunday, and hopefully all of you are somewhere nice, perhaps with friends or family (and chocolate,?).
I’ll be with you during the next four weeks, as I hope you’ll be with me, and with a bit of luck it’ll all be over in two shakes of a lamb’s tail and the blink of an eye. We’re getting closer to the end even though it feels very far, and one day I hope we’ll all be able to look back on this as a distant memory, rather than something happening right now. Onwards and forwards, my friends…
What are you all doing on this Easter Sunday, my dear blog readers? Take me away and share your experiences in the comments below. I’d love to share them, and dream of places afar.
I think it’s cool you guys got to check out the Chateau living and check it off the bucket list. Glad you’re back home with your Dad to ride out the next wave, though.
I have become a total house hermit over the last year, working remotely, grocery delivery and rv trips on average, monthly. Hubby has been working in the field this whole time (right of way inspector, so either in his truck or socially distanced at job sites). Making it work. Going on our first rv trip for 2021 in a couple weeks. WA has opened slowly but things are spiking again. Hoping to get our vaccines soon. He qualifies before I do. Have enjoyed my quality time with the dogs, for sure. I think they’ll lose their minds if I ever have to physically go back to work….actually, I’ll lose my mind!! Just grateful to have jobs and everyone healthy. Shade had TPLO surgery this time last year (very bad patient, pulling out staples 3 times and trying to jump) but is much better. Gotta keep us all that way! You all stay safe and healthy, Nina! Kelli
I think lots of people have become house hermits over the past year, either through force or habit (or both). I’m glad to hear your Shade is getting better though! Life is always better when our paws are healthy. Good travels for your first 2021 trip!!
Nina
I love the gorgeous photo of Polly! Take care, be safe.
Hang in there guys.. it’s been a freakin long year across much of the globe for sure. Can’t wait for you guys to get stabbed – it’s such a freeing experience. We’re only into day 5 after our first shot, and already the world is feeling brighter. Or maybe there was some mind altering chemicals in the vaccine?
It’s so crazy to think back a year ago to what was then so new to all of us. And now, it’s all old hat (errr.. mask?).
Will be thinking of you guys, and thankful that you have a little more room to roam and an open view during this phase.
I can’t WAIT to get the vaccine. I know I felt lighter when dad had it, and it’ll be a huge relief to get it ourselves too. And yes, what a year for all of us. I don’t think anybody expected or predicted all this. Looking forward to seeing your post-vax freedom plans.
Nina
Lovely backlit pic of Polly, and wonderful hearing about the Chateau experience.
It’s been fascinating to follow this (Covid) story, and yours (travels, lack of; Chateau) over the past year. I also thought USA would drag behind (as it so often does) so I’m bemused and bewildered that somehow here in N. California I (over 65) have had both my jabs, ahead of my Brother in UK (over 65 but only 1 jab so far, despite UK having been well ahead of many countries) and you guys in France (sorry for you with all the bureaucracy, paperwork and… slow vaccine progress overall). I guess I’m lucky – sorry for everyone out there still waiting… The timing is good – now considering getting away for the first RV trip for over a year in the right weather/time of year, feeling more lucky that RVing is a useful hobby to have that easily allows Social Distancing.
I have to admit the US has done a fabulous job of the vaccine roll-out. Last year was a mess with COVID restrictions (that differed between states), the controversy over masks and so on. But the vaccine roll-out? It’s been solid, and well run. You are already seeing the benefits.
Nina
I wish I could pack up a vial of vaccine and ship it to you guys! I’m in Arkansas spending time with the family and my husband and Emmi are ready for me to return to Arizona. Cases are rising in the US too, not to full ICU levels but rising.
SO glad to hear you’re getting some family time Janna! That’s wonderful. Hopefully the rise in cases that you’re all seeing in USA won’t be a big issue, thanks to vaccines. As long as serious cases are reduced and the ICU’s don’t get overwhelmed, then it’s all manageable. Fingers crossed!
Nina
Hi Nina and Paul, my husband and I are enjoying France through your eyes. We’ve been following you for many years and though we don’t comment much, I want you to know how much we enjoy reading your posts. We so enjoy your writing, you phrase your words in the loveliest of ways. And you know how to capture the beauty of what you see in your pictures. May the beauty of your surroundings carry you through another lockdown. Traveling is around the corner.
Thank you for your lovely comment Sonia. I so appreciate all the followers who’ve stuck with me through the years.
Nina
Yes I think wide open spaces have to be much better when one is in lockdown mode. Being able to stretch our eyes is great for mental health. And of course anywhere Polly is happier is always going to be best 🙂
We’re missing the grands this Easter, last year COVID brought our oldest and his family here so it was a missed bag of opportunity, fear, and hope. We’re also 10 days from hitting the road with completed vaccines – with joy and trepidation. COVID numbers are rising here again as well so our optimism is not without realistic concerns.
I’m hoping France can catch up quickly with vaccine distribution (cut out 90% of that ridiculous paperwork)!
So glad to hear you’ve only got 10 days before your travels re-start again….YEAH!!! BEST of travels to you!
Nina
Hi Nina and Paul, Such a pleasure to hear your positivity and hopefulness. always.
We, in Ontario Canada just went into our third lockdown yesterday – the entire province until the first of May. I find it interesting that, just like here, French government officials also wait until the last minute when the ICUs are full to capacity before they act. Typically, we in Ontario also open up again too soon. All to help our struggling businesses but, in my opinion, short-sighted, and the cycle is doomed to repeat itself again and again.
The vaccines are the only solution but all of Canada is months behind our southern neighbors with those. They’re all coming from Europe and shipments are weeks and months behind schedule.
Sadly, more and more people are just fed up with it all and breaking the lockdown rules, which will, of course, just make things worse. So it’s difficult to see that light at the end of the tunnel just yet, but we won’t stop looking for it.
Happy Easter!
I’m so sorry to hear you’re going into 3rd lockdown too. It sounds like exactly the same situation as us, and having to get vaccine supply from EU…ugh! Anyway, I’ll keep you company for the next month. Fingers and paws crossed both our countries get their act together on the vax situation so we can all move forward.
Nina
What is going on with vaccine distribution in France? (I do read the news, but only that which is in English, which means Brit news or USA news mostly.) Any idea when you might be able get started on the two-shot or the one-shot regimen? I do hope something can happen soon for you. OK here in the US, but I’m old so qualifed right off the bat. Seems like available vaccines are what’s going to make a difference. Glad you still have a bit of roaming room in the latest lockdown. Hang in there. And nice to hear Pollly is happy to be in a more convenient place. I probably wouldn’t like chateau life myself….oh wait, if I had unlimited funds, and many personal assitants, I might.
The vaccine supply has been a mess here. The EU negotiated as a block and were slow to approve & pre-purchase doses, so they fell behind from the get-go. And France gets it’s supply from EU, so we are stuck with what the block gets. Lots more gory details to it, but that’s the gist of it.
As for when we can get it, the latest info I have is that Paul and I will be eligible for shots mid-May (another month and a half wait), but we’ll see if that holds. I’m also on multiple waiting lists for excess shots, so maybe we’ll get lucky?
Nina
I am so glad the view out our big windows is a nature preserve. Talk about keeping sane during a lockdown that has to be the best thing about being stuck here in Minnesota.
I’m glad you are back with your dad. And that Polly got away from those terrible stairs. And your perimeter is larger this time. Those things are good for everyone during a lockdown.
Easter Sunday, we went for a bike ride through Jonathan Dickinson State Park. We are full time RV dwellers. We’ve been lucky enough to do most of our travels without restrictions. Last year we spent the Winter in Florida for the first time. In much Florida shut down and 2 places we had scheduled in April canceled on us. We stayed until April 10th, and went to our “home park” in Ohio. We’ve been very fortunate because our life didn’t change very much and we have continued to travel. Haven’t been in a Restaurant in over a year, and when we did visit with friends and family, it has always been out doors. Tucson was great this year, we bought electric bikes and got our first Pfizer shot there.
Even though I’m on oxygen 24/7 (severe copd) I consider us very fortunate. We’ve still continued our Nomad ways.
I can’t begin to imagine what a 10 km restriction would do to me.
Take care.
I’m so glad to hear you’ve been able to keep your travels going. And I LOVE Jonathan Dickinson State Park….gorgeous trails there.
Continued good travels to you!
Nina
Hi I have been following you both for many years. Two weeks ago our golden retriever was diagnosed with a torn ACL, and requires TPLO surgery, I remembered Polly going though it immediately found your posts on her treatment. Unfortunately we have to wait until May 19th for her surgery, but thanks to you we fill we know what we are in for.
Thank,
Kim
Oh I’m so sorry to hear that your baby needs TPLO, but with the right prep I am certain you will both do fine. Strict rest (right after the surgery) and daily rehab (after) is key. Polly had both her knees done and zero issues (touch wood) since. It’s scary I know, but you can do this!! Any questions at all let me know.
BEST of healing to your baby!
Nina
Thanks again for giving us the inside view of living in a French Chateau. Fascinating! After living within 250 sq ft in our Lazy Daze 27 foot RV for seven years, our 940 sq ft apt on a small golf course these days seems quite spacious. However, our ProMaster van that we converted into a camping van with its 50 sq ft living area seems to fit our traveling needs these days. Glad we were able to build a dream house on three acres when we were somebody. Now we are nobody and we can fully enjoy the moment without wondering how to pay the monthly upkeep expenses. We love the slower pace of living into our eighties.
Things are returning to normal in the Willamette Valley of Oregon except the university crowds are causing some hiccups among the COVID statistics. It’s hard not to be fully intoxicated with nature here and the joining of sunshine, spring, beautiful flowers everywhere, and temps slowly moving into the 70’s. All of our friends who are still living have been vaccinated thanks to the zeal of President Biden and our governor. We went to our first dinner party in a year on Saturday and it was fabulous even though it was held outside, just to play safe.
I suspect it’s just a matter of time that France will catch up to us and you’ll be experiencing your own dinner get togethers with gusto.
That chateau does look delightful, but the thought of upkeep and maintenance and etc., is overwhelming. Sorry about the current lockdown. Arizona’s governor wants to open up everything and kill us all, but the mayors of the large cities and keeping restrictions in place. The state is doing a good job with vaccinating, so maybe things will die down in the near future. Great photo of Polly.
I’m hopeful that the high rate of vaccinations in the USA will help to mitigate the rise in cases. They are going SO FAST with vaccines! At this rate the whole population will be done by early summer, and you can all open up again.
Nina
Hi Nina,
Thank you for the update! I guess heavy bureaucracy in France is not helping the vaccine effort. Piles of paperwork and the EU is not used to working as one yet.
Going for our second Moderna jab in Colorado on the 16th. NM was a bit slow for us but is now catching up and doing well.
Ed is just completing new solar on the rv— so we plan to take a road trip down to Sea of Cortez/PPenasco Mx as soon as we are vaccinated. Sitting on sand and looking at the water. My November broken ankle is healing so I hope to actually walk on the sand a little.
Love your photos and getting to live in France through your news.
Keep them coming please!
Cynthia.