August 9

It's a public holiday today and tomorrow.  Heroes Day and Armed Forces Day.  Because of the coronavirus, there will be none of the usual parades, speeches and fanfare.  I don't think anyone feels a great loss over this.  I remember those long speeches Mugabe used to give about the triumph over imperialism. Those were the days when we all watched ZBC and there was only one channel.  

I remember someone once asked my mum why white people didn't ever to go listen to Mugabe when he spoke at Heroes Acre or one of the big stadiums and her replying that it just wasn't in our culture.  And it isn't, at least not in British culture where public holidays are days to go off and have picnics or visit people.  I can't imagine many people going to listen to any British prime minister waffle on for hours about the past.

For some strange reason, it has been impossible to buy tuna since the lockdown began.  I have eventually given in and ordered two overpriced tins from a lady selling them, once again, from her house.  I meet her at her daughter's house where her family have gathered to have a braai.  I feel rather self-conscious as she goes off to get the tins while I stand on the edge of things, making small talk with the family who offer me a seat, but I decline on the grounds that I am just trying to keep my distance, but really I feel quite awkward barging in on their family time.

We are so excited to have tuna pasta for supper.  It is one of my favourite meals, particularly as it is so easy to prepare.