OYSTERHOOD is reclusiveness or solitude, or an overwhelming desire to stay at home.

— @HaggardHawks

An emotional ride of a day. Great news on the vaccine front: loved ones either getting vaccinated or getting appointments for their turn. But then, the news of a dear friend being very ill (not with Covid-19 as far as we know at this stage, but seriously ill nevertheless). And my poor Salieri … her vitals are much better, she has gained a little bit of weight on her medication, and her new blood results will be in tomorrow, but it was not all good news. She will have to have an op to remove two of her teeth when her thyroid/general condition has stabilised. I burst into tears when the vet told me. It was just all a bit too much. But what was very moving was to witness Salieri having her blood pressure taken – with the miniature pressure cuff around her paw and the vet cuddling her during the procedure. She was so brave. After the appointment, I rushed home to prepare the house for loadshedding. My love and I were supposed to have dinner at my place, but … I just asked him to come to us after work because I needed a hug and Salieri a cuddle. Together, in the dark, we took a few deep breaths, made a plan, and had some takeaway pizza. Pizza by candlelight – romantic dinner à la loadshedding.

On the professional front a mixed bag. Manuscript submissions on the rise because of the shortlisting – the interest is a kind of recognition, but I do not understand why anyone would want to submit their manuscript to a press without reading a single book the press has published … Anyway, the other side of the process is pure joy: I met a Karavan Press author today to discuss the drafts of his cover. They are all striking, and it is a brave book. Can’t wait to share all the details soon.

Another beautiful book in the making. If only all things were that rewarding.

The health minister on special leave. Loadshedding moving in permanently. And I will be lucky if I get a vaccine this year …

Be kind. Wear a mask. Support local.

“Physical distancing remains one of the key strategies to curb this pandemic.”

— NICD