Genealife in Lockdown 2. 2021 NFHM Blogging Challenge

In the initial times of the 2020 Lockdown around the world, people were ingenious at finding ways to bring some joy into their lives

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Many in high rise apartments played music and sang on their balconies. Others contributed from neighbouring units making up mixed bands, orchestras, and choirs. Much of it was shown on television and so shared internationally. Virtual singing groups formed from well-known musical stars, unknown musicians, parents, and children, even hospital staff.
In one way it was a beautiful time of collective happiness and a ‘sense of community’.

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Children drew messages and rainbows on

 the pavements, put their teddies and

 stuffed toys in the windows of their

 homes with notes of love and care.

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     Communities of painted stones and wooden spoons dressed as people appeared in nature strips.

 

Photo I took in my travels

 

Book swap boxes/free street libraries became 

popular appearing next to houses, in cities and 

parks, where you could exchange your finished 

books for alternatives. 

 

 Some families turned to jigsaw puzzles and card

games to fill in time, while others learned 

to bake sourdough bread.       

 

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Live-streamed concerts or exercise routines, etc, were enjoyed at home. Gardens were attended to, and neighbours helped each other with meals and running errands. 

Visits occurred through closed windows   

or 

doors so there was no personal contact.

             

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April 25^th, 2020 was the first time we could not attend an ANZAC service, as most services and marches were cancelled due to the pandemic. Instead, we participated in the “Stand at Dawn” commemoration around Australia. 

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We joined all of those who stood outside for the early hour, in front of our driveways observing one minute’s silence. Holding lit candles whilst somewhere someone bugled the ‘Last Post’, we honoured those who had served for us.

With very few people out and about, native animals ventured in closer to populated areas. On social media, we began to see bears roaming towns, knocking down and raiding garbage bins. Dolphins swimming down rivers, foxes meandering through gardens, and all sorts of creatures splashing in home pools. People commented on the return of bird calls and listening to their melodies. Bowls of water were placed under or in trees during the warmer weather. 

A strange thing happened at the zoos. It was observed that animals missed the company or attention of humans. They were ritualised to visiting hours and were turning up for their regular 'meet the public' regardless of no audience. The lack of visitors has resulted in some, particularly the most intelligent and social animals – including gorillas, otters, and meerkats becoming ill or despondent. So music was aired, flamingos walked around freely along the public pathways and other methods were developed for entertainment to make up for the lack of noise and attentiveness usually provided by the paying visitors. 

Some zookeepers managed to take their fauna out on excursions. I saw a video of penguins visiting a prominent art gallery and museum. It was amazing how they filed in and then watching what caught their attention, as they wandered about the empty rooms. 

Aquariums and zoos in different nations ‘streamed live’ for us to watch what was happening in their lives. I followed the emperor penguins who were busy on their circular nests. The fathers brought specially chosen rocks in their beaks as gifts for the mothers, sitting patiently.  There was a sleepy lion I kept hoping would wake up. It was a wonderful experience to be able to connect at any time of the day and night to be right there with them watching what they were up to. 

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The terrible thing though was hearing the rising figures of those affected -– the incredible number of deaths around the world.  We considered ourselves very lucky to live in Australia, with some isolation from other countries and the infection. The public recognised the astounding and dedicated work of medical staff and set times were made for people to uniformly clap our appreciation of them, in the streets. Masks and robes were in shortage for doctors and nurses. Patterns were offered online, and we made coloured sets to brighten up their days and show our love and thanks. 

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