Yesterday, I went in another direction, to explore some recent changes to a less frequented park down by the river. Last time I remember walking there (some time last summer, it must have been), they were digging that park up, removing a tennis court (why, I don't know), and changing the whole layout. Now it looks like it's waiting to serve as a nice place for people to gather for a picnic by the river in the summer. But on this grey Monday in mid March, it was all deserted. I had it all to myself - which suited me just fine! :)
I also found the first colt's-foot flowers (on my way there).
As for the corona situation, one of the next restrictions announced in Sweden today was closing upper secondary schools, colleges and universities. Not as in giving the students extra holidays, but arranging distance teaching so that they can study from home. Elementary schools are still kept open (so far), because closing those would involve a lot more complications (as young children can't be left unsupervised).
I like the BBQ/fire pit and deck area at river's edge in your first photo. Does it beckon you to return for a picnic in warmer weather? This corona situation has pushed me to self isolate, which does include two walks a day with Bounce. In my California city all people are told to shelter in place starting today except for essential business, buying food, etc.
ReplyDeleteTerra, I suspect that the picnic spot by the river will be more popular a bit further on in the season. And the people living in the houses up on the hill nearby with a view towards the river will have the advantage of seeing when it's free! ;) But I wouldn't mind sitting down to rest there for a while if I happen to come by again on a sunny day and find it free.
DeleteIt does look like a gloomy day! Yet it is a solitary kind of beauty. The Colt's foot looks so much like a Dandelion! I have probably said that to you before!
ReplyDeleteGinny, as can be seen in the third photo, the day was semi-cloudy. Still rather chilly though, the ground wet, and the water level in the river still high.
DeleteAll schools have been closed here since this week, at least until the end of the Easter holidays which means the end of April. Many parents can work from home, so that their children are not without supervision, but of course not everyone can stay home, and it is a big issue here, how to handle the situation.
ReplyDeleteI will be WFH until I feel safe to use public transport again; I am used to doing that anyway, so no big deal for me.
The park is nice and I am sure will be a popular spot for families and groups of friends once we can meet in groups again.
Meike, a lot of people are working from home here as well, but as you say, not all people have that option (like health care staff and a lot of others on whom we all depend). Preparations are made here too for closing more schools if needed, though (like arranging temporary daycare for those children whose parents cannot stay at home, if/when it comes to that).
Deleteall schools and colleges here are closed until the fall session starts in Sept... causing major issues already. this spot you walked was perfect for staying distanced, not hard to do. we walk Big each morning, but we are the only ones on the street, just like here in your photos.
ReplyDeleteSandra, luckily the streets and parks just around where I live are not crowded, so it's not too difficult to keep one's distance. And in my building, only six apartments. So it's not all that often that I bump into neighbours going in and out either.
DeleteThat looks a delightful place in the midst of suburbia. All schools here have now been closed from the end of this week except for the children of keyworkers (police, health service etc - to be worked out). I'm preparing for self-isolation. At the moment I've still been shopping and I'll continue to go for walks but I can do that and never be near anyone.
ReplyDeleteGraham, although the town has kept growing "in this direction" for a while, the area where I live is still kind of on the edge. The estate on which I live was planned and built in the early 1940s (while the war was still going on) and back then they were thinking maximum 3-4 floors and plenty of green areas in between buildings, rather than today's towerblocks and concentration!
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