Pannal still here but are we?

Not only Pannal but the world has never seen anything like this. I do not remember the Second World War but I remember my parents talking about it. My Dad joined the Royal Navy as a boy seaman and so had years of experience when he was sent to defend Britain.He won the Distinguished Service Medal for an act of extreme bravery and my Mum like thousands of other mums was on the Homefront hoping that they never received the dreaded telegram. Uk was fighting a common enemy there was the awful Blitz but there was companionship, there was entertainment, there were restaurants and pubs open. The morale was high. There was a marvellous community spirit both at home and with the Forces and they had the brilliant Winston Churchill who told everyone We were going to Win. We would beat Germany. Coming up to VE Day in May. That spirit of euphoria not with us now as we battle this dreadful, dreadful virus. We do not know the answers. We are in lockdown. We cannot meet up with our families, we cannot meet friends. We are told to protect the NHS by staying in. We are clapping on a Thursday at 8pm to thank the NHS but I think we should not only clap them for keeping us safe but applaud ourselves for staying safe for our own sake and for the sake of others. Now that is my stirring bit over. Applaud yourselves.
Pannal not as quiet as it was. In Main Street the traffic lights are back. Are they looking for the elusive gas leak or is it something else? Probably find out soon. I have been going on lovely walks through the Crimple Valley across Leeds Road and up to the Viaduct or through the woods but one is taking their life in their hands now as more traffic on Leeds Road and the cars that are there are going so fast. Where are they all going? I always tread carefully crossing  that road as my friends parents-in-law were killed doing just that. So that is always on my mind. One day last week gave up as it was deadly so many fast cars.
Interesting on social media people are putting photographs of paths on and saying do you know where this is I have just walked it. Answer yes we have always known where that is so pleased you are out walking and you have found this well trodden path. Well.....at least they are out walking. Only good thing about this virus people are discovering where they live.
Steve at the Post Office is always so smiley and I am pleased he is doing well. Lovely fruit and veg. Also pleased we now have the co-op. When I think of all the shops Pannal had and then there were none when Ken Walker the butcher left only the Post Office which is now better than it was. My children have fond memories of the VG and of past winters taking a sledge down to the shop and collecting the bread order. There were so many children in Pannal. They played together and made dens it was wonderful. Now all the children gone but we the parents are still here. I was married here and have lived here ever since and I love Pannal. Wonder if i will be able to get my book out by Christmas I do not know. There is a lot to do that I need to be able to meet people etc so I do not know but I will plough on.
After the lovely sunny weather that we have had and which I hope returns soon Tigs and Marble have reverted to their winter habits and come in to find their comfy spots usually on top of me. Sometimes wet as well.
I am thinking of us all. Keep safe and we shall get through this.