Spring Photoshoot, Or Winter?

In full corona virus pandemic, yesterday I went grocery shopping as it was needed. Going out in Romania is becoming more and more difficult. You're allowed to go out but there are rules you need to follow and the more time passed, the more restrictive these rules become.

My Plan & What's Happened

In order to go out, you need a reason and that reason must be real. Or better, the government has determined what are the reasons that allow you to go out. Shopping is one of them, but you need an affidavit up to date every time.

Saturday I wrote one by hand, with the actual date and I said it will do. Besides, this is a quiet neighborhood, especially now that life has been halted.

Once I exited the apartment building I was looking right and left to see which way to go and what do I see? A police patrol former of two female officers on foot, 20m in front of me. I took a step back and found cover behind a tree. I thought it's better to wait and see where they are going and decide after which way I'm going to go.

There were two cleaners on the street, about ten meters ahead of me, who were watching me, trying to figure out what I was up to. I heard one saying "What's up blondie?" Blondie? 😯 I'm not even blonde, maybe strawberry blonde but I'm not considering myself one.

After the patrol left, I thought it's time to leave. Taking advantage of the nice weather and knowing the patrol is ahead of me, I thought why not take some spring photos as this lockdown is taking away every opportunity from me to enjoy what spring has to offer.

Spring And Its Beauty

Fruit trees are starting to grow buds. These are the most spectacular trees while blooming. Their blossom is something I could admire all day long, every day. The one above is an apple tree that is full of white blossom every year.

This is my favorite, a wild cherry tree, although I don't like pink. It's absolutely amazing when it's flowering.

Primola, this is a spring flower that is mostly sold in pots for the 1st of March and for the International Women's Day. It's very common and this year I spotted these growing wildly next to my home. Freedom is always better and it's nice to see them growing here.

There are two tiny mushrooms on the photo as well :)

Being heavily restricted, the only place I could look for flowers and things to photograph was on my way to the shop. I could find this lovely funnel like flower.

The funny thing is, if it wasn't for the restrictions, I would probably went past the flower without paying any attention or even noticing it. Now that there are no better choices, I had to open my eyes and look carefully at everything.

Golden shower, it's also a symbol of spring, although it flowers mostly in April, during Easter most of the time.

It's a very beautiful flower although photographed from close it's not so spectacular. Around here there are bushes but I know at other parts of the world these are trees.

This is new to me, have no idea what plant it is. Must be some kind of flower as it's planted, not wildly grown.

Roses are looking great, but there are still two months to go I believe. I love those green leaves with red edges.

The Rest Of The Journey

After taking these photos I headed to the administrative office to take care of some things and then shopping. My favorite sandwich shop closed on the 18th but I saw yesterday that it's open again with slight changes. They are serving now at the window now to avoid crowding the place with people. It's great and they should have thought of it sooner. One of these days I'm going to have a sandwich.

Leaving one of the grocery stores to go to the other and to the pharmacy, I saw a patrol car passing by, fortunately didn't stop to check people.

At the pharmacy I got the same shocking experience. On the glass door there's a note letting people know that they don't have any gloves, masks, sanitizer and medical alcohol. The most important things one would need in the middle of the worst pandemic of the 21st century! I wouldn't mind if this would have been one of the few pharmacies that don't have these essential supplies but this is the case in every single pharmacy in Romania as far as I know and maybe not only in Romania.

After finishing my business at the pharmacy, on my way to the bakery I saw a military patrol car. They also have the right to stop you and check for your papers. Thankfully they didn't. I got home safe and learned that next time I MUST have my affidavit up to date with no mistake, otherwise I'm risking a huge fine.

This Morning

After that beautiful day, this is what we woke up to. Feels like Christmas is coming.

I was wondering how much damage this snow and cold weather can do to those flowers and buds.

The Plan

I'm taking the protective measures very seriously and doing everything I can to avoid getting sick, but next time I'm going grocery shopping I'm going to take another set of photos and post it. It's a way of coping with the lockdown. At least looking at the photos feels great.