As requested, a photo of my New Zealand-themed bookmarks. Missing only hems and backing.

Lockdown update #3: No essential change in our situation here, although in a couple of days NZ may move from Level 4 to Level 3. If so, more businesses can open if and only if they can guarantee social distancing requirements for all employees AND all business with customers will be contact-free.

At Level 3, restaurants can offer take-out, so we can mix up our meal menus a bit more. I can cycle to the beach. Perhaps a bookstore will make deliveries. Maybe I can get a jigsaw puzzle! Good news, if it happens. (And, best of all, it means that NZ has not just flattened the curve, but has shown a net decrease in new cases.)

I’m not writing much, but definitely thinking about what kinds of changes I need to make in my dystopian sci-fi work-in-progress — how to take into account this current mess. It fits perfectly, and helps account for one person’s death, but please note that this WIP will not be my pandemic novel.

I’m still making my way through Little Dorrit, but meanwhile I’ve finished Waugh’s Vile Bodies and started A Handful of Dust. Also finished: Austen’s Sense and Sensibility and a Vonnegut short story about assisted suicide, called “2 B R 0 2 B”. Just about right for my current mood.*

I’ve just picked up Gail Honeyman’s Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine — just 5 chapters in, and I can’t put it down. I’m forcing a break to write this post, but heading back soon. With a cup of tea.

Keep safe, everyone, and be kind.

*Note that all books mentioned are via the NYPL e-book collection. Thank you, NYPL, for this service!