Two Months In and Counting...

It’s been two months since I cobbled together some early thoughts about how the global pandemic might affect society at large and change the world.  My perspective on things has evolved somewhat, but I have decided not to pursue that for this blog entry as it’s a topic that is being covered to death all over social and mainstream media. The only point I’ll state is that there is certainly no truth to the utopian idea that we are all in the same boat together, although we may well be in the same storm together. Some of us are better equipped than others by circumstance and privilege, and nothing in the last 60 days has made that any less obvious. 

What I have observed though is that one’s reaction to all these changes and restrictions is not necessarily made easier by all this privilege, or that all people are reacting with the same frustrations and impatience. Indeed, everyone is going through this differently, with their own struggles and successes. I have seen friends who find “normal life” challenging embrace the slowed pace of this lockdown and thrive in their home confinement, finding the withdrawal from work and society’s usual demands a great relief; likewise, I have seen others complain of utter boredom and a loss of purpose. Still others are working harder than they ever have, as their home office hours never seem to cease. As a retired person on a small street filled with some really cool neighbours, it’s been mostly a positive experience; we share baked goods, are now in the seed-swapping part of planting season, and there are endless curb-side conversations with adults and children about all sorts of nonsense. Tools and other equipment are being loaned out, and I am even “borrowing” a few next-door dogs for daily play dates so the pups can remain socialised. Sure, the yard has holes and patches without grass, but the pooches are having a ball and watching them each afternoon is a joy.

I miss my family and friends both abroad and in the city, and the idea that I can’t just jump in a car or on a plane to go see them is difficult to accept some days. Our May vacation was postponed, and it is odd to dream about going somewhere in the future without a date in mind. That said, I am still waking up most days grateful and happy despite the deep yearning for a swimming pool to make my aches go away.

I have embraced gardening and have, for the first time, gone from germinating seeds to planting (done after today’s new moon on the advice of the wise old Maltese grandfather of a friend of ours); one of my great neighbours built me deep elevated vegetable beds and a sunning deck at the back of the yard, and I believe these two new additions will keep me out of trouble for the next five months. I have revitalized the front garden with new dirt and black mulch, and the late arrival of spring this year meant that tulips and irises have burst onto the scene together to bring colour to the curb at the same time. Today, I brought out all the plants and seeds in a whirlwind of activity designed to create a summer sanctuary and a gentlewoman’s farm: I have broccoli, potatoes, carrots, pumpkin, squash, three types of tomatoes, sorrel, red and green lettuce, all kinds of cooking herbs, a blueberry, raspberry, and strawberry bush, and my first foray into “weed” on top of the flowers and greenery that normally brighten up the space. The idea of getting to spend the next few months watching my food grow and then harvesting it is at once calming and exciting.

I’ve also kept other simple pleasures in the daily routine: exercising, walking to the lake (with or without the dog), reading, writing, and eating two delicious home-cooked meals each day with my Viking. I remember to have ice cream and chocolate when I crave it, to enjoy a great cup of coffee every morning, and to soak my exhausted body in bubbles and Epsom salts each night. The small luxuries are important to keeping my spirits high, as have been the video and phone chats to friends near and far.

The last piece of the happiness puzzle has been music. I have to be more quiet than usual during the day to keep my working husband from distraction, but I have managed one LP or CD spin even with those restrictions on most weekdays and weekends. Many of my favourite artists have also taken to Youtube, Facebook, and Instagram for live gigs from their homes, and it has been so wonderful to spend time listening to more music than I normally get the chance to. While I initially found myself online for long stretches at the beginning of the lockdown measures, the “real” or natural world holds much more interest for me. Technology is a great tool to keep us connected, and I appreciate the ability to see my friends while we chat, but I’ve really gone off typing and texting and I don’t much miss it. Likewise, I’m busy enough most days that I’ve not binged on Netflix or participated in social media games, memes, or list challenges. At the end of most days, I fall into bed physically exhausted and mentally calm. Despite my little aches and pains and the longing for friends and family, I am happy, and for that, I am grateful. I just hope everyone out there that I know and love is also keeping well. Stay safe and healthy until that day comes, because I can’t wait to share laughs and hugs with you.