Socially Distanced Chat by phil_howcroft

Socially Distanced Chat

This is what has happened to us in Lockdown

This lady was having a socially distanced chat with a friend who is sat on another bench. The temperature in Arnot Hill Park, was approaching 0C

Sat on a plastic bag because the seat was frozen and wet, drinking coffee out of a flask, the coffee making steam in the cold air.

Wrapped up in several layers. Sad isn't it. Technically I don't think we can meet like this during lockdown. It is OK to walk, but I don't think it is OK to meet like this.

Sony A7, with Tamron 28-75mm f2.8 Di III RXD, edited in GIMP
It's a sad and sweet shot, Phil. A statement about these times - difficult for many. Each time, I go out for essentials - I wonder if it will be my last. I wonder if this mess will ever, ever end and if it does, how will each of us end up.
January 7th, 2021  
This photo's steam really accentuates the cold!

Our state still has folks meeting at bars and restaurants (not my family), and it just boggles my mind. A friend of mine in another state joins me on a "walk and talk" via earbuds so we can catch up, walk in remote places and feel some kind of connection. I have very rarely been in the company of another person--the grocery store being the only time I see people. I sure hope the vaccine arrives soon. My husband has had it (works at a hospital) and my mom should be able to get it soon. Hang in!
January 8th, 2021  
Nice capture! My wife and I are vacationing in St Augustine. Eating and drinking, meeting people snd shopping. We wear masks as required
January 8th, 2021  
You’re not supposed to sit down & look like you’re enjoying yourselves!! 😳. Ridiculous rule, we need to sit & have a rest occasionally...I’m all for a plastic bag, hot coffee & a little sit! I can’t see her friend so they are well apart....
Anyway I love this photo....the whole scene & story I get! Big fave!
January 8th, 2021  
lest people go completely crazy especially if they live alone, they need times like this.
January 8th, 2021  
Fav
January 8th, 2021  
Fabulous capture Phil. Love everything about it. Fav
January 8th, 2021  
You're right about the rules, but oh isn't it sad? People are made to be social and to care and communicate. I am finding this 10 times harder this time, probably because it is cold and grey. Sunshine is a heart lifter in troubled times. Roll on Spring, eh! And roll on the end of lockdown.
This is a really lovely image and so quintessential for right now.
January 8th, 2021  
Great story telling. I thought she was smoking at first. She is well tucked up. Can't see her friend.
January 8th, 2021  
Lee
Good candid shot. There are so many people interpreting the rules in their own way.
January 8th, 2021  
Good job she’s not in Derbyshire because a flask counts as a picnic in Derbyshire. I think you can meet one other person so long as it’s a public space and you’re 2 metres apart but there’s definitely variations in what the police allow. Great colours you’ve got Phil.
January 8th, 2021  
It's a lovely capture with a big story
January 8th, 2021  
What an amazing candid shot, and narrative. You never cease to amaze me.
January 9th, 2021  
@tinley23 thanks lesley , that is a really nice comment

@busylady thanks judith , much appreciated

@judithg thanks judith , the media are now pushing the seriousness of people not obeying lockdown rules, to get the message across about how dangerous this new variant is. I don't think this lady is doing much wrong, but it is all down to interpretation of those rules

@gamelee difficult isn't it lee? Thanks for your visit

@casablanca thanks Casa' it is difficult for all of us , in the first lockdown everyone seemed to be on the same hymn sheet...perhaps not so this lockdown

@lucycameron thanks Lucy , that is kind of you to say

@sdutoit thanks sylvia

@sangwann cheers dione, thank you so much my friend

@jackies365 thanks jackie , it is so difficult

@happypat thanks Pat, glad this photo talked to you :)

@darylo thanks Daryl, maybe thinks will change in the /USA when you president elect takes office. You need a unified course of action

@marlboromaam maggie all you can do is stay sensible and follow the guidelines issued by government
January 9th, 2021  
It seems strange that this isn't allowed but then I suppose if it were some people would push the boundaries and not be responsible. I think it's also about touching surfaces that others have touched. Children's playgrounds were closed in NZ during our lockdown because of surface transmission. Your photo is excellent and really conveys a great narrative.
January 10th, 2021  
People's selfishness and willful ignorance are the real killers in this pandemic. And a wishy-washy leadership condoning its own rule-breakers hasn't helped.
A thought-provoking image and narrative, Phil; something you excel at.
January 24th, 2021  
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