Melbourne/ Victoria /Australia. Congratulations.

[Timtam56]

Since early July, Melbourne has been in lockdown. We had 700 odd cases in Victoria. And all the other states had very few. We were looked upon as the ones to watch out for.

I don't want anyone of you to think I'm ungrateful. I am thankful for our premier, Daniel Andrews. He has done a wonderful job, and also probably did some things wrong. But mostly he has taken a hard line and kept us very very safe by keeping us away from eachother.

It's been really really hard. But necessary. I and I'm so thankful that he did it.

But today he's announced an easing of restrictions. As we have finally reached a 2 week very low average of covid cases. Below 4.0 cases. Victoria wide. Wow. What a journey this year has been.

I don't know how you are all travelling in the covid arena. But I hope you are all feeling safe in your home towns.

After tomorrow night, I can go to the beach with my little puppy. I can actually go shopping. Eat out if I want. It's the small things in life isn't it?

I just want to visit my daughter. Or go into a hardware store. Buy some herbs for my up coming summer garden.

Love....(and hopefully some respite from illness or fear of covid,) to all of you.

From Chris. Melbourne

Australia.

Photo of my daughters fog Billie, and my puppy, Stevie.

[Hidden]

Hi Chris,

I’m so pleased to hear that there is an easing of restrictions for you. It’s such a challenge when all you want to do is go about your life as normally as possible. Billie and Stevie are gorgeous. I bet they make you smile!

Sophie 🐶

P.S. I’ve emailed you.

[Timtam56 in reply to Hidden]

Yes Sophie.

It's fabulous news. I even had myself a Martini to celebrate. Was in tears of joy.

Yes. I so want to see some more of Australia before I can't do it anymore. I'm not the only one with dreams here. I know all of you are probably getting annoyed as it's bad in so many places. I think we are relatively lucky here in Oz. But it's still a worry for all. And this is holding us all back from living fully.

Anyway. We must do whatever it is that makes us happy right now. Every minute.

Yes. And Stevie makes my heart sing. For sure. She's a little bright button.

Thanks for the emails and details.

Chris.

[Hidden]

That’s great Chris. My Son and his family are in Brisbane. I’m hoping the restrictions are lifted there also. He will be happy.

Where I live is the third highest in the Covid chart for cases. We are on the highest restriction tier. It’s just crazy. We live in the City Centre with a high population of students. When they returned in September our cases went through the roof. Also the schools were reopened and although we were told young children rarely catch the virus they have. So we have around 40 schools closed. It’s half term now so hopefully it will help.

We haven’t eaten out since March time. It makes my blood boil that so many people are so inconsiderate. All our Government worries about is money. They have thrown billions into this Pandemic and it has got us nowhere. The hospitals are under great strain with this second wave and our economy is in ruins. We just don’t know what’s going to happen but I think this relatively small island of ours will be suffering a very long time.

Rant over.

Enjoy your freedom and seeing your daughter. That’s a great thing.

Best wishes

Cheryl

[Timtam56 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Cheryl.

Oh it's just terrible huh? It's not going to go away either. Till there's a vaccine. And even then.... The anti vacciners and conspiracy theorists will not help with that.

Quite a frightening world we live in.

Take care.

Chris

[Hidden in reply to Timtam56]

Absolutely right Chris. Wash your hands, keep your distance, wear a mask is all we hear.

Researchers say a vaccine will be ready to try over a 18months period from Christmas. Who knows, watch this space.

Best wishes

Cheryl

[Teddielottie]

Aren’t they just adorable ?! Very huggable and I’m sure a bundle of fun ! I’m glad you have come out of lockdown in Melbourne and I hope you can start enjoying life again . We in the U.K. are now in 3 tiers , but more areas are now going into the highest tier (3) , with greater restrictions. We had a bit of a reprieve over the Summer here , but paying for it now ...just hoping a vaccine could start to be available for the most vulnerable before Christmas . Take care ! x🤞

[Timtam56 in reply to Teddielottie]

Thanks Teddie.

Yup. Adorable they are. Cuddle all round. I'm scared I'm going to wreck my teeth cause I grind them with all the love I feel when I look at Stevie. She's my life saver

Oh. I can't believe what I hear in the news for all of you in the Northern hemisphere and beyond. It's an ugly virus. It's an ugly world.

Take care.

[Beryl71]

Easing is a mixed blessing. It took me ages to go into a shop and I still only go into small ones and check how many are in there first. I have been to a cafe with doors open and lots of space, and visit a few trusted friends who will tell me and avoid me if they've had contact with anyone with lots of other contacts. It's such a balance . I suppose I'm avoiding unnecessary contacts, whilst I have kind people helping with some shopping, and picking up my prescription from the shopping mall. Good luck!

[Timtam56 in reply to Beryl71]

Yes Beryl. I know what you mean. I don't think I'll ever feel safe again. It's a crazy world out there where people just act as if everything is normal.

[Timtam56]

Great to hear you're doing that. I think as I put on my mask.... I hate this, but I might be saving myself and soneone else. It's a good thing to do for sure.❤️

[LibraryGeek]

Such adorable dogs! Enjoy your new freedoms and hopefully some travel soon- that’s what I really miss.

Jackie x

[Hidden]

Chris! I love the pic, my gosh, how can so much cuteness fit into a 3x6 in. image on my screen!

And I'm more than a bit envious of the competence of your country's leadership...Hopefully things will turn around soon!

Lynn

[mariootsi]

Chris relieved that your country is doing well during Covid and you are able to get out and about again.