From New York Times: This Year Will End Eventually. Document It While You Can. Museums are working overtime to collect artifacts and ephemera from the pandemic and the racial justice movement — and they need your help. By Lesley M.…
observer
Wine, music, and virus
We are smack in the middle of summer and in the middle of pandemic chaos. Ten states are now experiencing severe outbreaks, with Florida, Texas and Arizona the worst. The lack of national leadership is appalling. People are confused by…
A wooden spoon
Today I happened to be reading a commencement address given by the Irish poet Seamus Heaney at UNC-Chapel Hill in 1996. Part of it seems particularly relevant for this time: "The true and durable path into and through experience involves…
Endurance
Today we are going back to the farm for a few days. The numbers are still relatively low here in the Valley. The rate of cases for the last month is increasing at between 3 and 4% per week, so…
Venturing out
Two big steps this week: getting a haircut and going to a doctor's appointment. I deliberated a long time about going for a haircut and in the end decided to go at 8 am (first haircut of day) with a…
Solace of nature
Socializing is not getting any easier. Everyone is nervous about getting together. We had been planning a porch dinner with some friends, but this morning they texted and said they just weren't comfortable doing it. I understand that, but it…
Snakes, frogs, and fireflies
We had a wonderful week at the farm and are feeling refreshed. Why am I surprised at the rejuvenating effect of nature? Besides giving us a chance to drop out of the world briefly, being in Syria encouraged me that…
A different country
We crossed the mountain yesterday to my family's cabin in Syria, VA. We brought our disinfectant wipes, our masks, and as much food as possible to avoid trips to the store. Madison county has had very few cases, so generally…
A terrible week
It was a terrible week in the news. The number who have died from the virus topped 100,000, then we had the killing of George Floyd by the police officer in Minneapolis and all the riots that have followed. I…
Squirrels and cats
The governor has put out an order now for everyone to wear a mask inside a business. Some people are unhappy because they feel this is taking away their liberty. Is there such a thing as the freedom to infect…
