Omar's Diary to 27th March 2020

It has been over a month since my last diary (19th February 2020). That is a period of five weeks during which life here at Omar Towers and the rest of the world has changed dramatically all because of the CORVID 19 virus.

For better or for worse or forever? Only time will tell.

“Tunc sanat omnia” (time will heal all)

Time may well heal; it will not heal all and there are bound to be residual scars from this episode that will never heal.

One constant in this rapidly changing world is Paddington Bear. As you know from my previous diaries is travelling the world as an honorary ambassador for UNICEF. The latest country he has visited was Brazil from where I received an envelope earlier this week. It was full of useful information about the country. Things like the Amazon rain forest, despite extensive deforestation, is still 17 times bigger than the United Kingdom. Or, the national language is Portuguese. Or, the national game is football. And, not surprisingly it is where Brazil nuts come from.

Aside from these very interesting facts in the envelope there is an example of the work of UNICEF does on a small scale but nonetheless life changing. A card tells the story of Maria Vitoria who suffers from an illness that prevents her from walking. So, her mother has had to carry her everywhere on her back. This meant that Maria could no longer attend school as it was such a long way from home. UNICEF stepped in and bought a wheelchair for Maria which has changed her life beyond recognition, including going to school to continue her education. Marvelous!

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world” Nelson Mandela.

I do hope Paddington was able to fly from Brazil either back to Britain or across to Peru before the world’s airlines grounded their fleets.

Now, about those changes in the servants’ world.

Larry’s* servant, AKA the British Prime Minister, addressed the nation on Monday evening about the CORVID 19 crisis. Watching with Man and Lady Servant I could tell that he was being very stern and serious about the subject. Almost like a head teacher giving all their pupils a severe wigging as a result of misbehavior by a few. The message from the statement was that all members of the servant species must remain indoors as much as possible and only limit their time away from home to what are deemed to be essential trips. Fortunately, “essential” includes purchasing Sheba and Dreamies of which we have enough for at least two weeks as illustrated above.

From mine and of course Mitzi’s position, as “we are all in this together” to quote the British Prime Minister, the benefit from this lock down is that our Servants are around Omar Towers a lot more. We had got used to Man Servant being around as he retired in September last year. Now there is the added benefit of Lady Servant working from home as well.

This means that Mitzi and I have limitless opportunities for some real sport. Our favourite sport is interfering with the computers either of the Servants happen to be using. This usually involves sitting on the keyboard in front of the screen and with a little extra malicious skill it is possible to close files before the Servants have been able to save them. I haven’t quite worked out how to delete files yet but give me time. Pushing things off the desk is great fun especially when it is something breakable. My word, as species servants can move as quick as felines when it comes to catching things in free-fall. And then there is the ultimate feline distraction ploy. A well-timed pretend wretch will always bring the Servants running to check up on us. By well-timed I mean when either of them is on their telephones, going to the bathroom or just about to plate up a meal in the kitchen.

Digital correspondence is all very well.

The expression I heard was "The more we get plugged in the more we become disconnected". I think that summarizes the paradox we all face in this digital age. Emails and texts can never replace the thrill and excitement of receiving a personal letter or postcard from a relative or a friend. Just like I feel when I receive an envelope from Paddington Bear or John McCoubrey. The whole process, as Man and Lady Servant keep saying, is very therapeutic. Not only for the sender but also for the recipient. Even this morning Man Servant helped me to write. Yes, I did say “write”, some short correspondence which will arrive in post boxes next week.

Now that so many of the servant species are in a lock down and confined to home what better time than the present to revive the habit of letter writing, even if it feels just a bit analogue. The Post Office is still functioning selling stamps and delivering mail. So, do start writing.

Fortunately, felines cannot contract this dreaded CORVID 19 which is affecting so many of the servant species. For any of you that are suffering from this virus I wish you all speedy and full recoveries. For those of you who have not contracted this dreadful virus, yet, I do hope that you, your family and friends manage to avoid it.

Stay safe and stay well.

*Larry is the resident feline at the Prime Minister's residence, Number 10 Downing Street.