NOT OUT OF THE WOODS YET!

Swimming was on the agenda last Sunday.  I strolled down to the pool, and could not believe my eyes.  Someone was in my chair!  Thankfully, because of the 'distancing' policy, the chair that was placed in the space where my chair normally sits, was empty.  Obviously, this person was a newcomer, or perhaps a guest of a resident, and had no idea about my chair.  Obviously, I am joking!  After all, the spot where I like my chair to be was still open!  I must admit, I have been rather spoiled over the past few years with the lack of guests that actually use the pool.  I swam and read.  It was delightful, as if everything was 'normal'.  


Monday seemed to come around a little bit quicker than usual.  I am not sure why, as the weekend was not particularly fast paced!  It was Monday and the usual routine applied.  I got into work and waited for the new era of spam calls, and wondered if I would get someone phoning me from their shower this morning!  I did not!  Storms were on the horizon again, but there was no sign of rain.  The day went by with very little activity, other than the norm.  When the postman arrived later in the afternoon, I knew the work day was almost over and just wanted to go home.  For some reason I was particularly tired, but more to the point, rather lethargic.  This was a little peculiar, as my own routine has really not been challenged, especially not to the degree of a lot of people I know.

I was feeling the same way Tuesday morning, but after giving myself a 'good talking to', I bucked up a bit.  I had a board meeting later in the afternoon, one that would have to be done though 'video conferencing', and I knew that would be rather amusing, if not to everyone else, at least to me!  For instance, I could not open the attachment that held the agenda, and no matter how many times it was sent, I receive an error message.  Of course, I could have asked someone to write me a list, but that would have spoiled the fun!

Before work, I spent the morning in the kitchen, creating.  I had my 'pep' back and was going to make the most of it.  The oven was on, and things were cooking.  I had to replace the batch of puff pastry I had used last week, and so the mess was rather prolific!  However, before I headed out, I managed to clean up and left my laboratory in a respectable state!  "Fashionably late, again", I heard Dana say, as I walked through the door a few minutes after eight.  "My prerogative!" I told him, hoping that he would not ask 'why?'  He knew better.  It would not involve an argument, not even a debate, but he has known me long enough to know that despite him being a great wordsmith, I can 'spin a yarn', so long and convoluted, not only would it take half the day, but the more applause I got, the longer I would go on!  

I left slightly early on Tuesday, as the 'meeting' had apparently been designated a time of an hour and a half.  Not having a copy of the agenda, I had no idea why, but did not want to remain at the office later than necessary.  I had also been asked to take the minutes, if our secretary was called away at the last minute, which apparently was a possibility as her husband had surgery earlier.  I was not particularly prepared.  I had my note pad, and a pen, but I would have to ask for the 'headings', so I knew what we were talking about!  (Yes, it can get complicated!)  I took my computer into my spare bedroom, and set up the video link.  I could see four people, and hear another four.  However, no one could hear me.  I closed the link and tried again.  "She's back!" I heard the secretary say.  I was grateful she was there and that I did not have to take the minutes, as I was having enough trouble getting the link to work.  They could see me, but not hear me.  After closing the link a couple of times, and reopening, I found that the 'microphone' settings were set to 'off', and the only way I could get it to work was to set it before the link started.  I would just have to smile, wave or 'thumbs up', my approval!  As I looked into the screen, I noticed that there was a dress hanging up behind me.  Everyone who had the video link was in an office, or at least it was made to look like an office. No, I was 'holding court' in what appeared to be the 'laundry room'.  Over to the side was a washing basket that I had not taken into the other room.  A large green frog sat on the bed.  I tried to turn the screen, but realised all too late that I really need to put some things away!  I had cleaned the room completely after we had the ceilings done, but I had started to clear out the cupboards when I thought I was going to be 'homebound'.  I did not have enough time to finish!  I could not turn off the video, as no one would see my 'thumbs up', or wave of approval .  Oh well!  The meeting did not last long, as the reason for the length was because we were meant to have a presentation by someone, who had postponed until 'lockdown' was over!  I was relieved!

Swimming was not an option during the week, as the overnight lows were still fairly low.  It was still April, and despite having been swimming several times, it was not quite warm enough for the water to remain pleasant once the sun had departed from the area. "It is all very scientific!" I told my husband, when he asked why I was going for a walk when it was so warm outside.  Like earlier, he declined an explanation!  

The news that Texas was ready to 'open', albeit slowly, received different reactions.  I was excited at the thought of being able to go out for dinner at a restaurant, whereas others thought it was a bad idea.  Some restaurants were ecstatic, whereas some said they would not resume 'in house' services.  The Governor was very clear.  He was issuing an executive order to allow certain establishments to open at twenty five percent capacity, and those who did not want to take advantage, did not have to.  It was an order that gave them permission, not an order to do so!  The library said they were not going to open.  It was not worth it to them to man the facility if they were only allowed a quarter of their capacity to enter.  I thought of the library a few blocks down from our office.  "Twenty five percent of their capacity, or twenty five percent of normal traffic?" I pondered.  Grant asked as to what I meant.  "Well, if it is normal traffic, they would only be allowed one and a quarter people to come in!"  On the few occasions I have been inside, there have been two members of staff and three or four people inside.  Of course, the main facility downtown probably has a greater number of clients.  However, it tickled me!  

I did 'post' a comment on social media, when my manicurist asked for opinions on opening, which she cannot do for a couple of weeks.  I put my opinion, and finished saying that I respected everyone's opinion and was open to debate!  I did not get a reply.  I did get a couple of 'likes', but no reply.  I was quite pleased as in the past when I have expressed an opinion in the past, rather than be debated, it has invariably been attacked by someone who does not know me, and whom I do not know.  Hence, I rarely 'post' an opinion!  Dana's sister posted a comment on social media regarding the opening of restaurants, and the possibility of having to wear masks. I responded that due to the fact that everyone has such a hard time understanding me at the best of times, I could just imagine going into a restaurant, ordering 'fish and chips', and being told to leave for being rude and insulting!  She saw the humour! Thankfully, I did not get a response to that, either!  My sign language has improved, immensely, since having to wear a facial covering, as the 'mumbling' effect has intensified, and my normal 'foreign' speak has become more 'foreign'.  

The 'pros' and 'cons' were argued throughout the week.  I have tried my best not to look at, or listen to the news, in general, but have had to keep up with the various 'orders', in order to make sure our guys were adhering to the rules, so that they do not get into trouble.  

Storms hit late Wednesday evening, and the wind howled outside.  I woke up some time during the early hours and my room was as light as day.  I did not hear any thunder claps, but then realised it was a constant rumble.  The rain continued to pour all night, and when Dana left in the morning, it was still rather torrential.  However, by the time I was 'fashionable late', the sun had started to dry up the ground, and before long, the only sign that anything had happened was the small amount of debris that lay across the car park.  It did not cool the temperatures too drastically, although there was a strong breeze, and the smell of spring was stronger.  Welcome to Texas, y'all!

We received a few calls from some people whom we have not heard from in a few weeks, and it was as though the hibernation process was coming to an end.  There was a glimmer of hope on the horizon.  

"Wow, he was rude", I said after Dana had taken a call from a prospective client.  The man was not an attorney, but an individual who had traveled from a far north state to bring papers to serve in Texas.  He could have posted them, but had 'nothing better to do'.  When I had asked him a few penitent questions, he became most irritated with me and refused to cooperate.  (I didn't have my mask on!)  I put him on hold and let Dana deal with him.  Of course, he was most polite once he was talking to a fellow citizen!  "What did you say to him?" asked Dana.  "Fish and Chips?"  

The 'scientific' reasoning stopped me from going swimming on Friday afternoon, even though I really felt it would be better than walking.  We picked up some take-away after work, and were delighted to see that some people were eating out on the patio of our favourite taco place.  We chose to go home, as it had been a very long week.  

I did not feel like going out on Saturday.  Although more shops were open, I knew that if I wanted to get my regular shopping, I would have to stand in line to get into Costco and for some reason I lacked the energy.  Once again, I had to snap out of the doldrums.  Heading out, the traffic was heavier, and it was somewhat exciting to have to wait to get out of our complex, as cars and trucks drove past, 'as normal'.  Costco was busy, but not moreso than previous weeks, and the line moved quickly.  There was no 'Christmas' this week, but lots of bottles of hand sanitizer.  Not my thing!  Edward had enough according to Matnee! I did not need a great deal and was finished in a short time.  As I came to the cash desk, the lady behind the perspect partition asked if I wanted any hand sanitizer.  "No, thank you!" I replied.  "But she had two and you are only allowed one, so do you want it?"  The answer remained the same.  If no one else wanted it, why couldn't she have two?  Did she want me to buy it for her?  "Security!" I could hear being called, should I suggest such a thing!

Filing up my car with petrol was quite a delightful experience, as the prices are still low.  The queues are also not particularly long.  

I met Matnee at Walmart, and we swapped some shopping.  "Good thing you didn't get the extra hand sanitizer.  It smelled terrible!" she said.  Perhaps that is why no one was buying it.  I wondered why the other customer wanted two?  

Swimming was an option and I took the opportunity to do so.  I sat in my chair, and actually fell asleep for about an hour.  I read a bit and then chatted with some neighbours whom I have not seen in a while.  They had been out for dinner on Friday night and were very pleased at the new 'order' having been put into place.  I said I thought we were going to do the same tonight.

Dana had booked a table at a local restaurant, and we headed out a little after six.  It was as full as it could be considering the 'legal' limit, and certain changes had been made.  No condiments on the table.  Paper menus.  However, the meal was delicious and the staff and management were very grateful for our patronage.  It was interesting to hear them thank each customer for 'coming back', but even nicer to hear the customers all thanking them for reopening.  
After dinner, we went to the supermarket and got some ice-cream.  It was as if things had never changed.  Apart from the facial coverings, but then they are not new.  Many have been wearing them for years!  

Another week has come to an end.  Yesterday was my friend, Michele's, 60th birthday.  It made me take stock of things.  I know I should be grateful for every day.  My friend, Anita, messaged me to say her daughter was talking and walking, (albeit the latter with aid, and the former with 'Yes' and 'No', but it's a start, after such an horrific accident,) The 'lethargy' and 'doldrums' experience that I had this week should be placed in a box with 'do not open', and a chapter of a book that is headed, 'Do not repeat'.  There is light at the end of the tunnel, and I am grabbing it with both hands.  How will I be next week?  Well, that is ........... another story!