What is "Essential"?

The attestation paper that we have to fill in and sign every time we go out tells us that we are only allowed to make "essential" purchases.

Ah, but what is "essential"? As the days lengthen and the temperatures increase and we work outside our "essentials" list gets longer than just food and toilet paper.

The water in our swimming pool has gone a startling pea-green.  Suddenly it is "essential" that we have pool chemicals.

The field has a patch that can only be attacked by the large strimmer.  Suddenly it is "essential" that we have the special Stihl fuel mix.

But pool shops and agricultural stores are closed.  Aren't they?

Apparently not.  There is a discrete French pragmatism to all of this.  No, you cannot go into the shop.  The door is barred.  But if you know what you want they will get it for you.  Social distancing is strictly maintained.  Only one other car in the car park.  You hang back until you are waved forwards.  The item is produced and placed on a table by a solitary man wearing gloves who looks like the manager. Wearing mask and gloves, you keep your distance, pay by card - ideally contactless. And the "essentials" are purchased.

The pool water is blue again and will be ready for our guests when they can travel.  The coarse grass in the field is being subdued.

And this is how life goes on in lockdown in rural France.