This colorful photo bursts with anticipation. It was taken just moments before our first group Thanksgiving dinner in two years. We were having a small gathering of our son and daughter in law, who got married during Covid, and her parents, who we were meeting for the first time. It was pre-Omicron, and — we’d hoped — post major Covid. Everyone was vaxx’d and boosted. We felt comfortable partaking in a careful, small-group setting. We cooked together, and ate, and shared stories, and laughed. It was simple, and seemed like old times. Here we are, one month later, facing the bleak winter months in another potential lockdown. We’re not sharing anymore, and can’t invite anyone in, it seems. Dr. Fauci says to stay away. Plans are falling apart. Though we have learned a few things, we’re back to Covid protocols. No hugging. No gathering. No nothing. Ugly masks. We try to find time every day to walk outdoors in the winter cold. Other than that, we’re inside, on our own, on our devices, conducting lives through phones and mail. Here we go again. How do we attach meaning to sitting indoors? Where do we find beauty? I’ll have to get back to you on that.
January 6, 2022
The image is from the Government of Bermuda Facebook page today. I am extremely lucky to be here. Today I went in to the town of Hamilton, the capital and only city on the island. I had to see an ophthalmologist this afternoon and after my eye doctor appointment I went into the local department store and got some carry out for lunch. I sat down at the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute, and looked out over the bay. Then I walked the 2 miles back home through the Botanical Gardens. Everyone i town wore masks. All the businesses require you to use hand sanitizer upon entering, and signs tell you to keep your distance. Bam in November the numbers were high here....over 200 active cases and the minister of health said last night she felt that they almost lost control of the virus. But now the numbers are down. They still require masks in stores, or where you can't socially distance, there is a curfew...can't be out after midnight. Indoor bars are not open. I still continue to be very careful and keep my social circle very small.
February 7, 2021