Covid-19 has altered so much! Coronavirus lockdown is gradually easing but that doesn’t mean things are returning to normal.

What is “normal” now?

Our clubhouses remain closed but even if they were open, it’s doubtful that many would risk exposure by participating.

One club, the Sportsman’s Club, is going to start online zoom gatherings in June with a maximum of 100 attendees. (Membership is about four times that.) I will be there.

I’ve attended weekly Skype or Zoom parties. It’s not the same as “in person” but at lease you get to interact with friends.

Two of the swimming pools have opened but you must make an advanced reservation in a specific 90-minute time slot. I haven’t even considered going because I realize that for some, the pool and swimming is important.

I should spend some time outside and my lounge chairs are perfect, but it’s easier to stay in, so I do.

I invited a couple friends to stop over and sit at a distance from me on my patio. It’s not like comfy socializing. You don’t offer drinks or snacks since germs could be spread.

Travel is restricted. Will folks ever feel safe enough to fly? I want to visit with my daughter, but at this point, she’d have to be isolated for two weeks coming and going. And most flights have been cancelled. My friend, Evie, is leaving for her northern home in Massachusetts with plans to come back at the beginning of December. It’s possible that the virus will flare up again and she won’t get back. We know some will never return. Borders could close (again). There is so much to fear!

The Emergency Squad where I volunteer has had one worker hospitalized because of the virus. He taught a class at the Emergency Squad Training Center the day before he became symptomatic so the ones he came in contact with are now quarantined for two weeks. He hadn’t worked on an ambulance or van for some time so it’s doubtful that he picked it up there or that other volunteers have been exposed but it’s still frightening. I think a plexiglass shield is being put up in the lobby area where I work so we’ll be more protected. Even with the protection, I’m a little scared. I plan to wear a mask all the time when I’m there and I’ll skip lunch (or take it with me) so I can leave my mask in place. It’s difficult not to fear contagion. I don’t want to get sick!!

I was scheduled to have my six month physical at Dr. Marquez’s office but I cancelled. It’s not that important that I go now since it’s just a routine appointment so I have changed it to July.