It seems like we’re turning a couple of corners. Early May had been raining and a little cool. But this past week the weather has turned summer-like. I saw a weather forecaster say that mid-May is often when the Spring takes on a different character; it gets warmer and drier. That sure seems to be the case now. It feels good. I’ve been drawn outdoors and am going on long walks more often. It makes me look forward to the summer more.
I anticipate the summer for another reason. The excellent vaccination program is making a measurable difference. With the pandemic shifting into another phase, life may be closer to normal this summer. I’m reminded of a blog post from April 2020 by a member of our group, Dimitri. It was called “The Day that We Get Out” and he anticipated the activities that he really missed doing and would immediately do again once the pandemic restrictions were lifted.
Well, yesterday (5/17/2021), Massachusetts announced that the restrictions will be fully lifted on 5/29/2021 and I can similarly look forward to things that I’ve missed and can resume SOON.
My favorite activity that I stopped doing during the pandemic is eating at restaurants. I used to go once or twice a week and really liked going to higher-end ones on special occasions. In the past 15 months I ate at a restaurant just once. I look forward to getting back to my favorites and dining at a nice one for the next birthday celebration.
I’m not a big shopper anymore so I was a little surprised that I started to miss going to local stores. I simply have not gone to anything other than a grocery store during this period. I just bought things online or deferred the purchase, sometimes denying myself the enjoyment of spontaneous buys. I’m looking forward to going to the Apple store to see their latest stuff in person, and then buying some running shoes to replace the ones that are falling apart.
I used to go on trips every year or two. During the pandemic, I’ve missed planning for, anticipating, and going on the next trip. Even though air travel has been considered safer in recent months, I didn’t want to chance it. I finally scheduled a trip in the Fall. Feels good.
I don’t go to beaches a lot, but when I do, I like it to be relaxing. Last summer it was not. Beach parking lots were operating at a much-reduced capacity and it was an ordeal to find a parking spot. And the beaches were still sufficiently crowded that it was hard to maintain the right distancing. Eventually I stopped going. I look forward to this summer being back to normal.
I guess those would be my favorites.
The Spring is starting to feel a lot like Summer, and the pandemic restrictions are soon to lift. What a nice couple of corners to turn!
Thanks for the idea, Dimitri. It was a pleasure copying you!
I’m right there with you, Ron!