One of our local columnists wrote recently about an experience he had with some people wearing and some people not wearing masks.  He described a situation where he was waiting for a carryout order outside a restaurant.  He and the other two people in line were wearing masks.  During this time, a person without a mask walked into the store, picked up his order and left.  Those standing in line were apparently incensed by – not the idea of the guy cutting in line – the fact that the guy was not wearing a mask.

The writer opened his post by stating that “There are plenty of ways to divide us into two types of people.  I think the newest way is this: Those who wear masks when they go out and about, and those who don’t.”  He closes his article by stating: “if you’re wearing a mask, it shows that you’re thinking about others. And if you don’t, it feels like it’s all about you.”

My reaction to his statement is that we already have way too many ways to divide people like us and people who aren’t like us.  The mask thing is just something else for people to be divided and self-righteous about.  We were already harboring an overly-reactive state of suspicion and paranoia before the virus arrived.  We don’t need to be thinking up new ways to judge people.

A month or so ago, the “experts” were telling us that masks weren’t necessary.  But now, a different set of “experts” is telling us that wearing a mask “can’t hurt” or something to that effect.  And yes, I understand that a small percentage of the population might be “carriers” and not know it.    Both approaches are right, neither of them is wrong.

My concern with masks is that they give people a false sense of security.  Just like someone taking a cholesterol medicine rationalizes that he/she can eat anything he/she wants, wearing masks makes people think they are “safe” when the safest thing to do is to stay the f*** home.

Because we are dealing with incompetent, ineffective and inconsistent leadership at all levels in this country, particularly at the national level, no one really knows who or what to believe.  We as a society act like a flock of sheep.  Where the crowd goes, we follow.  When it comes to knowing what to do in a crisis, we tend to follow the one with the loudest voice.  Right now that voice is hollering about masks.

We missed out on the so-called ‘Super Pink Moon’ last night due to cloud cover, but of course due to unfortunate timing awoke this morning to perfectly clear skies and are looking forward to a temperature in the 80s.  The pollen count has been quite high, which makes it challenging for spending a lot of time outdoors.  We’re hopeful that a cold front passing through tomorrow will give us at least a little relief.

I’ve got a lineup of mostly kitchen gadgets coming this week, but have some ideas for shooting other interesting things around the house.  I’d better, because I need to be prepared for at least a few more weeks, possibly more!

One of the “miracles” of our modern time is home delivery from all kinds of stores.  It is proving to be especially useful now, as a way to minimize trips to public places like Home Depot and Target.  There is little point in risking exposure for hummingbird nectar or Roundup, but you can have it delivered!  Delivery does have a bit of a downside, however, as things don’t always get delivered at the same time.  I purchased some patio cleaner and a pump sprayer to clean some mildew off our patio.  The cleaner will come today, but the sprayer isn’t due to arrive until Friday.  Good thing I’ve got plenty of time to wait.  I’m not in a hurry to do chores! 😉

The saga continues, and Nero fiddles.

Fortunately some beautiful spring weather has made it pleasant to be out and around the neighborhood.  We find our screened porch to be a great daily source of peace and solitude.

One of our bartender friends dropped off a bottle of his homemade Old Fashioned Syrup the other afternoon.  But he just left it on the porch then emailed me later to tell me it was there.  I replied to object that we had been hoping to say hello – and to pay him.  His reply to me was moving and I wanted to share:

“I know me too.

I’ve been a social distance steward.

Plus it’s really hard seeing people and not hugging them.

It hurts my heart.

Hope you guys love it and it makes quarantine a little bit bearable!!!!

Cheers!”

Cheers!

Nota bene: this is not my opinion, only a thought I’ve been pondering.  Keep that in mind when you read it.

One of the things I wonder about as this virus thing chugs along, is whether the long-term economic impact of all these closures will ultimately be more devastating to a larger portion of the population than the health impact.  In U.S. alone in the last two weeks, 10 million people filed for unemployment, vs. (as of 4/5/20) 311,536 confirmed cases and 8,499 deaths.

It sounds crass to suggest the possibility that the lives saved are not worth the cost, and I’m not actually suggesting that to be the case.  But there has to be a breakeven point in terms of cost/benefit.  We’re doing all this quarantining to stave off a capacity crisis in our healthcare system.  I get that.  But at what point does the long-term economic cost – that is impacting everyone, not just the ones who get sick – outweigh the lives saved?  And perhaps more importantly, if the same thing happens again in a few years, then what?

To apply the medical terminology to the economics, isn’t this a bit like infecting everyone with the virus, then depending on the strength of our personal immunity and an overwhelmed healthcare system to cure us?

What’s better than 20% off a case of wine?  20% off TWO cases of wine!  When our grocery store offers their case sale, we often stock up.  Our new Harris Teeter has a really nice selection of wines under $20.  James The (Retired) Wine Guy will recognize some of these old friends!

I’m a bit puzzled by this whole thing about masks.  Many health experts have been saying for a long time that they aren’t necessary.  Now all of a sudden we are being “encouraged” to wear them in public, while health care professionals who desperately need them still can’t get them.  Yeah, you can make your own or have someone make one for you.  I’d like one in red flannel plaid, please (don’t you dare).  The rationale for recommending them seems tenuous.  One doctor was quoted as saying “it’s better than nothing.”  OK, perhaps.  Another person stated that “the effect is greatest when masks are used along with hand hygiene and social distancing.”  But isn’t that like the claim on a health food product that says it promotes weight loss when combined with sensible eating and exercise?

Over the last few days the weather has improved and started to warm up.  I’ve seen a number of our neighbors – many that I never see outside the house unless they are in their cars – out walking around the block.  I know that a lot of folks are going stir crazy sitting around  the house and getting outside is a good way to overcome that.  But I tell myself that maybe I’ve inspired a few of them by my own walking.  Except that most days I’m out and about and never see a soul!

I had an interesting email exchange with a friend yesterday.  He commented about how Kathy & I always seemed to find the silver lining in things, even when the outlook seemed bleak.  We do consider ourselves to have a positive outlook, and I’m often surprised when others’ comments seem to reflect the opposite.  Sometimes the silver lining can be hard to see, but there is almost always something to latch on to.