Lackaday

lack·​a·​day | \ ˈla-kə-ˌdā  \

Definition of lackaday

archaic—used to express regret or deprecation

First Known Use of lackaday

1695, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for lackaday

by alteration & shortening from alack the day

Like a good earthling, I have assimilated it all as being just par for the course; part of what it means to exist in a world hogtied by this vicious pandemic.

In the middle of concern for the countries of Afghanistan and Haiti, here in Aotearoa New Zealand a nationwide public announcement by our Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern last night has launched us into a more immediate concern – a sudden (six and a half hours notice) nationwide lockdown. For those outside of the outbreak site of Akarana Auckland it is (so far) only for three days; for those in Akarana Auckland (where the positive case was picked up) and the Coromandel (where the identified case travelled over the weekend) the lockdown is to be for a full week.

Grateful for the clarity of description re this lockdown in Liz Cowburn’s blog post today Go and read for a clear picture.

And another favourite blogger pal has also posted today – go HERE to read Tumblestone’s factual account of the lockdown, with the added bonus of a truly beautiful Orepuki polished gemstone

We have been so fortunate in this country to have had a virtual – apart form border containments and a few community outbreak near misses / narrow squeaks – Covid-free existence for the longest time. Yes we have had quite a bit of yo-yo-ing between Levels after a few minor outbreaks and although, like everyone else, I have been affected by each level change (postponed book launches and other such much-anticipated events) really, truly, compared to everywhere else on this whole planet, these disruptions have been minor.

Like a good earthling, I have assimilated all the alerts and resulting cancellations and postponements as being just par for the course; part of what it means to exist in a world hogtied by this vicious pandemic. One of the biggest disappointments that we as a family have had to bear, is the delayed appearance from Germany of our son and his family.

However, despite it all, and because we have been one of a few lucky – if not the luckiest – countries we do count our lucky stars. Cue Don McGlashan’s song of that title – a song I was reminded of this morning by fellow Tweeter Ali Clarke. Go HERE to read her excellent helpful heap of book recommends.

Day One of this three-day lockdown here in Ōtepoti Dunedin has been sweet. A day of clear and cool air, of a blue, blue sky under which the daffodils in our garden have looked particularly golden – particularly cheerful and splendid. I picked one small fragrant jonquil that was getting crushed and crowded out by a gnarly old standard fuschia. It is now on my desk, every so often providing a whiff of a perfume that stirs some intangible memory – a memory that may or may not be associated with the frozen interior of a Catholic church and a very white marble statue of Mary.