I had scheduled some posts to go up while I’ve been traveling, and they are still on the docket. But here I am, writing in real time, to let my readers know what’s been going on.

My daughter and I arrived in New Zealand on 04 March and made our way through the North Island. All along our way, we met spectacular views of mountains, ocean, waterfalls, and hobbit dwellings; delicious food; and friendly people. World events caught up with us, however, and we had to cancel our Australian leg, deciding we’d replace it with more time in this lovely country.

Nope.

We got through 8 days in the South Island, and then NZ announced it was going into lockdown for the next 4 weeks, and possibly longer. We raced to an apartment in Christchurch, where we have settled in for the long haul.

We’re lucky, and we know it. NZ has been intelligent about COVID-19, setting early thresholds for enacting various safety measures, so the infection rate is relatively slow. We can afford to shelter here, rather than return to our extremely unsafe hometown. We are not homeless; we have plenty of food and other supplies; we have a balcony, with plants. Our biggest challenge is avoiding boredom, but we’re intelligent and can figure something out. Perhaps I’ll even get some writing done.

To all my readers, my best wishes for the safety of you and your families and friends and acquaintances, and on and on to the 6th degree of separation.

And, for a rare political statement, remember who helped and supported others, as well as those who dithered and hindered others, during these most difficult days. Reward the first group with more than applause. How the second group should be treated, I’ll leave up to you.