Wineletter #277 September 2021

Staying sane in a Delta world How are you doing? As we all drag ourselves over the tedious minutiae of our incarceration in desperate search of something to pique our interest and lift our spirits, it's good to remember: 1. Fear is something to be faced down. 2. Humour is an excellent weapon in the fight against fear. 3. In times of trouble, friendship shows its true worth. 4. A little kindness goes a long way between strangers. 5. And the cliche: we're all in this together (it's cheesy, but it's true). With Delta rapidly extending its field of influence in somewhat unsettling leaps and bounds, and the future resonating with potential dread, it's worth pausing to take stock of just how fortunate we've been so far. If you have to endure a pandemic, then New Zealand might just be the best place in the world to do it. An island nation far from everyone else; a small, confined population that lends itself to being relatively easily managed; a nation of people who will for the most part extend a friendly hand to a stranger; wonderful, dedicated medical staff; and in the winter of our discontent, spring is finally upon us, the sun being a worthy elevator of optimism. There is comfort in numbers – Team of 5 million and all that - so fear not; with this unfamiliar situation we all find ourselves in, new lessons are constantly being learned and practices fine-tuned. Every day we're getting better at this. One day we'll be veterans, having a beer and laughing about it. We'll see you on the other side for a quiet drink. Chin up, and stay safe. The Glengarry Team of 157 (Official Sub-branch of The Team of Five Million)