bookreeader

We have now been living in "isolation" for eleventyfour days, and the new reality is becoming normalcy. Somehow, going into week 5 is easier, and more difficult than the first. Yes, schools, restaurants, theaters and businesses are closed, and I hope that those who are out of work due to the closings are managing, and that we will be so happy when the "Pause" ends that we will be eating out, supporting museums and theaters, shopping and spending in celebration. Let's start those wish lists now, and start making plans to reconnect with all of the people we are missing! W hile we cannot gather together, nor even meet face to face with many of our loved ones, we have the luxury of the Internet to keep us informed, entertained and in touch. I cannot imagine a time when the world was in crisis, and news took days, weeks, months to reach people. Can you imagine being in quarantine in "the old days", not knowing what is going on in the world, or the neigh...

As of today we have spent more than two weeks in our homes. It has been weeks since schools were closed due to the Coronavirus Pandemic, businesses were shuttered and people were told not to congregate, not to attend Mass or gather in groups of more than 10. Amazing people have jumped into action, making sure that students have meals, elders are secure, and we have plenty of museums, books and games online to keep us from going stir-crazy.   Oddly enough, this forced isolation seems to be having a positive effect on some people: I see more neighbors out walking than ever before, always keeping a safe six-foot distance, but waving and smiling despite the crisis. Spring cleaning seems to be the activity of choice, as homebound adults see this as a chance to catch up on housework, and take some control over germs that might be invading.  People are using up their stored-up food and supplies in favor of going into germy and often ill-stocked stores.  Companies are offering ...

It has been a week since we have been asked to stay home, restrict travel, and shelter I place.  Schools, libraries and many businesses are closed, even doctors are restricting visits with patients in the hopes of slowing the advance of the Corona virus. And I was born for this! Since I retired, I treasure the days on which I can stay home, all day, and not have to put on real shoes. Don’t get me wrong: I love subbing, and teaching classes at the George F. Johnson Memorial Library (the best public library around!), I look forward to visits with friends, and even enjoy shopping from time to time.  But, given the choice, I would stay home. I am a child of parents of the Great Depression, so I can stretch a pantry of food for weeeeeks.  I can do without, and make things to substitute for what we cannot buy. So the shortages at stores do not scare me.  Heck- I would be able to avoid stores for a month and live off the stuff I’ve stockpiled when it was on sale, just...