Recollection of letters (11)

25 September 2021 

Dear Sushila

Thank you for your message which is received with joy! Glad to know you are well, and that the lock-down in Sri Lanka will be lifted in a few days' time. We still have to be careful though. Singapore's strategy of accepting the Covid-19 as endemic is not full-proof, even with 83% of the population fully vaccinated. Yesterday there were 1,443 cases with 165 cases needing oxygen supplement and 27 patients in ICU. The government has opened a care facility for those infected but not sick enough to need hospitalization. They are also encouraging the asymptomatic cases to quarantine at home. What is daunting is that those who get very ill are mostly above 60 years old. So it's better for us to stay home and not go out unnecessarily. 

Actually this regulation to stay home suits me fine. I have so many things to do to occupy my time, like reading, writing, playing with my craft work. I still go for my morning walks along the river in Punggol Park near my house. It's my dose of sunshine and fresh air for the day. 

I have two pet dogs, Zuma & Ines, who are my constant companion; and looking after them and preparing their food keep me busy. I adopted them from a shelter, the Hong Kong Dog Rescue (HKDR). It is run by a British lady called Sally Henderson. I volunteered at the shelter and fell in love with Zuma first. She was 9 months old when I brought her home. Ines was adopted in Dec 2018, she had spent 8 years in the shelter (poor girl!). So when James retired, we relocated them back to Singapore. Both are active dogs and we walk them 3 times a day (good exercise for us). Some weekends we take them to the dog park to let them run and socialize with other dogs, but those carefree days for them were before the Covid. 

Why do you say you are a poor eater, Sushila? You must eat to stay fit and healthy. Like the Centenarian says, eat for nutrition, not for taste. Unlike you, I love my food - too much, that is why I am putting on weight! And now with the Covid, the more excuse to eat to strenghten our immunity. Are you taking any supplements? A friend advised me to take Calcium, Vitamin C.  I still love my red wine though and drink a glass most evenings in front of the tv!

Time flies; we have been fighting the Covid since Jan 2020 and have not made a break-through progress. I pray for the people who are struggling, the street vendors, the daily wage workers and those who have lost their jobs, that they can overcome this adversity with resolve, resilience, hope and faith.

Blessings to you & family.

with love

Sylvia