Wednesday, March 25: Still numb, a day of phonecalls, texts, checking on people, news updates, a walk, chicken soup. Food becomes hugely important. More the planning/cooking of it than the eating of it. My friend Jackie drops off figs from her tree, we shout at each other from a suitable distance in the driveway. I fossick in the freezer and thaw a random, unmarked bag. Gold: a lovely chunk of roast pork. It does three meals, including excellent rissoles: blitz pork in the foodprocessor with garlic, fresh chilli and whatever herbs are to hand. Season with salt and pepper, mix in an egg, roll into balls, dust with flour and shallow-fry in olive oil.
Everyone is preparing for lockdown; there is a huge outbreak of panic buying at supermarkets. I’ve got heaps of stuff in the pantry – farm girl heritage – I could go for ages without having to buy anything. Even after biffing some items recently due to a pantry moth infestation! #eathepantry
And, very important, I have a goodly supply of wine.
It helps to keep busy. I clean out two cutlery drawers, great result; make a list of many other overdue domestic jobs. This may be a time to reset, think about what is important, and delve into dusty/dodgy corners of this house. The dust under my bed is really bad.
I interview Lisa Quarrie (by phone, of course) for a story for Stuff about what chefs are cooking for their families during the lockdown. Lisa and husband Brent own Hayes Common, now temporarily closed. They’re numb, too, it’s been hugely stressful running a food business while coronavirus has ramped up. Lisa says it’s actually a relief to close.
I write the story immediately, Lisa sends a recipe and photos of her beautiful Balinese butternut curry.
I put two Whyte St teddy bears in the kitchen window in solidarity with the “Bear Hunt” challenge taking place throughout the country. The idea is that kids out walking can see the bears and be cheered by them. Penny has a sloth in her window and Henry and Libs have teddy bears.
Our family decides to post each day on Messenger. Cam says I should record the history of our family treasures/memorabilia. Will do. Add it to the domestic list.
The book on Hamilton’s People’s Project (housing the homeless initiative) that Venetia and I writing is on hold. We email the principals, Julie Nelson and Kerry Hawkes, sending our good wishes as they care for their vulnerable clients during this crisis.
At 6.30pm my phone blasts like a hooter. It is text sent nationwide from the National Emergency Management Agency, an alert to announce that from 11.59pm tonight the country moves to Covid-19 Alert Level 4. It is says follow the rules, stay home, and act as if you have Covid-19. This will save lives. Where you stay tonight is where you must stay from now on. Kia kaha.
