With the Level 3 lockdown back in place here, I’ve been looking back through my archives for an offering that will reflect not only the ominous effects of this setback, but also a glimmer of hope that the prompt and decisive measures taken by our Prime Minister will help to keep things safely in check. I came across this image that, to me, speaks to both. 
I made it almost five years ago, a few miles north of Rock River, Iowa. I have posted this once before, but I think it’s worth revisiting. May a ray of optimism shine for you as well.
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krikitarts 
I think we, in Australia and New Zealand, can feel quietly optimistic that the courage and strength of our leaders, (especially the Premier of my state), are doing their best and making wise decisions now we are well into 2020. With community awareness and care for our fellow man/woman, we will prevail.
This is a time to be kind to each other……as well as to ourselves. Life is not easy for many people at the best of times, let alone in 2020.
I find it sad that some people continue to rebel or resent guidance from our health experts, and take offence at the new rules/laws that have been put in place to help the broader community.
I find it far worse than sad. The (fortunately) few who choose not to follow the orders and guidelines are not only putting themselves at risk, but also fecklessly endangering all those around them.
The current fines for not wearing a mask have gone up considerably and even higher fines for not staying home if you’ve tested positive. You have to carry a ‘work card’ now if you go outside the 5 kms from home new rule in this new 6 week lockdown. The police were at my building’s door when I came home the other day and asked if they could follow me in through the security door. Then I mentioned to them that they wouldn’t be able to use the lift without the correct security fob. These ‘fobs’ only take you up to you own floor (1st floor in my case), so I don’t know how they were going to make a surprise visit to someone on the second floor to check they were self-isolating for 2 weeks. Eveny single person who is caught breaking the new rules is visited by police and/or defence personel, without warning, several times to ensure they are obeying the stict 14 days quarantine. Not sure but I think the fines range form $5000-$20,000 and even a jail term(?) now.
I find all the elderly cases dying in nursing homes a terrible tragedy.
Compliments to your police. That all sounds very reasonable and laudable.
Yes, worth posting again. Central Texas hardly ever remembers to do weather like that.
Thanks. I’m happy to provide an occasional reminder. I don’t think I’ve ever seen the like here in NZ either. Did you know that the Māori name for New Zealand (Aotraroa) means “the land of the long white cloud?”
I know that’s the standard interpretation. I also remember reading at least once that some people disagree about the meaning. I used Aotearoa as the first word in the title of the first post I ever did about New Zealand:
I remember that post very well and am happy to revisit it. It was a great start to a great series of yours.
I presume the corn in that area still is standing, since the path of last week’s derecho was south and east of the Rock River area. The storm hit eastern Iowa and Illinois and took out up to 43% of the corn crop; several people I know, including some bloggers, sustained significant damage to their homes or farms. They need a ray of optimism, too, but as a friend from my hometown said, the pandemic’s off the front page for a while.
Very hard to imagine a massive storm like that, with hail up to baseball-size. My friends in Omaha said it started just to the north of them and gathered strength as it moved eastward; they had 77 mph winds.
The ominous clouds are a symbol of the dangerous times we live in and the corn crop stands for the hope we must not lose during the word-wide pandemic. Best wishes! Peter
Thanks, Peter, the unrest and insecurity must continue for the present and all of us must do our part to comply with the edicts of our informed leaders.
I am glad that you have competent leaders in your country that take this pandemic seriously.
I”m sorry to hear about the raising of the alert level where you are – it was in the news here, though with our crazy political situation it only warranted a quick mention. The county I live in hasn’t been able to advance to what we call Level 3, which would allow more gatherings, etc., at all. We are very stuck. I sense a slight movement towards more mask-wearing and maybe lower positive cases, but it’s still going to take time before we can ease any restrictions. Even the smallest kids will have no in-person school next month – too bad for them and their parents! Stay healthy and keep finding those rays!
The duration of Level 3 has been extended for (only) another 12 days, but most of us expect it to last considerably longer. It’s definitely a poignant reminder that we cannot become complacent with our relative good fortune. And, yes, I’ll look for more rays.
I’d be thrilled to see a rainbow…or any thing related to rain right now. When we do get rain it is light and of little consequence. Even our brush with Josias left us pretty lacking.
I’ve decided to just not talk about what is going on here regarding the virus. It’s frustrating and infuriating. Good luck there. I am sure things will return to normal quickly.
I’ll see what I can do to bring you another rainbow (from my archives). I hear you clearly regarding the virus, and I am cultivating fond and fervent hopes for all of us.
Here in the UK we are subject to knee jerk decision making, no strategic thinking to guide the decision making. But we cannot blame our Government when too many folk show no social responsibility for others in these still very troubling times. Strange reactions from many who in normal times would never react the way they do.
Not only in the UK. It’s much less intelligent elsewhere.
Wow! Like ‘Independence Day’ the movie. Awesome!
Thanks for the “Wow,” Pete!
As we head into the fall and colder weather, the predictions here look grim unless people wake up and do their part. It’s not much to ask, we’ll see. Lovely, shot!
No, it’s definitely not too much to ask, and it’s so unconscionable that they have to ask, and ask, and ask, and the asking still falls on so many deaf ears. It was a lovely cloud, especially seen from a respectable distance. I was very happy not to be under it.
Well, all I can say is, you’re lucky you have a competent Prime Minister – and someone whom I certainly admire. In the UK, it has been obvious for sometime that we don’t have that at all – and as you’ve no doubt seen the latest thing is the appalling mess made in the way O and A Level exam grades have been calculated – it is an utter disgrace!!! I am appalled.
As to your picture, Gary, its really beautiful – and certainly uplifting in this time of need. :)
Yes, our PM is a most excellent example for anyone. As for the people “in charge” in other places–don’t even get me started. And anything we can do to help to uplift each other’s spirits is well worth pursuing.
Definitely!!! :)
It is indeed a shame that NZ has had the rise in cases but at least you have a competent and compassionate person in charge. I think some people were too quick to think that after the first lockdown and the restrictions easing that it would be full steam ahead normal from then on. This could actually go on for years if a vaccine isn’t ultimately found.
It is certainly sobering and frightening to contemplate the possible consequences of the selfish and irresponsible decisions that some people are making. Thankfully, they are in the minority, but what they do (and don’t do) can turn around and affect so many more.
Indeed – and if you were to say anything to someone who was too close or coughing all over the place you might get attacked verbally or physically. I’m staying in :-) :-)
It’s very sad, but that seems to be pretty much the best overall policy. And no one knows how long that will remain the wisest course.