Friday Plans, Janie and Cowboy Bob Going to Texas and Catching COVID, Your Body Your Choice, Free Expression

“When someone comes along and expresses him or herself as freely as they think, people flock to it. They enjoy it.”

— Joe Rogan

Well, Friday, we made it, we are down the mountain, it was a good hike, eh?  The trail was beautiful; the company was too, let’s take a couple of days to rest and begin our climb on Monday morning. We can spend today cleaning our gear, putting everything away, organizing for our next adventure. We can take tomorrow and Sunday to rest and recharge, the hike up the mountain is a weekly hike we all take together.  

How’d you sleep? I’ve been sleeping better than usual, bed at 9:00, up from 5:00 to 6:00; I don’t need an alarm clock, the sunrise is a good indicator of the time to rise. It’s another gorgeous day; a hummingbird is flying over my right shoulder. It’s a sign of good things coming our way.  Omens, you know, the right kind, not the bad, although I do understand there are bad omens.

Meetings today, I’ve got to wrap up a couple of projects, do some planning for next week, wrapping up in the West to go back East for a spell. It will be good to see our family and friends. We left March 13th with the idea we would return on March 20th, but then the world changed, and we had to pivot our lives. It was not a lousy pivot; a pandemic was not in our strategic plan.

It’s 6:03 a.m., it’s quiet here, the hummingbirds are active, it does not hurt, there is a feeder over my shoulder. I am watching them in the reflection of my computer come and go; it’s one of my morning shows like Janie or Cowboy Bob when I was a child. That’s a reference only my Indiana friends will understand, and I like that.

I watch a few podcasts; it’s how I glean some of my knowledge. One that I catch occasionally is The Fighter and the Kid; it’s Brenden Schwab and Bryan Callen, two comedians. It’s societal commentary with some humor; they have guests, it’s funny. They have been a little critical of the COVID restrictions. They have been poking fun at the silliness of our situation.  And maybe the overreaction of some of our officials. They are both comedians and have been unable to perform for the last few months.

When Texas opened back up, they booked a couple of shows, they flew to Texas, had their shows, and returned to CA to learn the had contracted the virus. They are both in Quarantine, and yesterday reflected on their callous and lax approach to the pandemic. They apologized for their past statements sharing; they were too cavalier, putting their families and friends in danger.

Healthwise, they are both doing well, they are a little achy, but able to do the podcast via Zoom. Both are in good physical shape but are now in Quarantine. They talked about how they should have taken the virus more seriously, but also they had to get on with their lives. Knowing what they know, they would not have gone to Texas; a hot spot erupted as they landed. They took precautions; they took everyone’s temperature, masks were not worn, I wonder how many attendees to the show contracted COVID. I wonder how much the performers own their part in spreading the disease.

But here is a question, do we all agree to stay inside, avoiding a second wave, or do we know catching the disease is a possibility. When do we get back to living, working, and engaging in a functioning society? Our grocery store is an exciting place; today, 95% of all shoppers are wearing masks. It’s unusual to see someone without one; you can look at them and assume they are a rebel with a cause.   People do distance socially, “don’t get so close to me” is the song of the week.

Our kid did a session of hot Yoga yesterday after work; they made her wear a mask the entire time. She said it was uncomfortable; she won’t go back until they remove the mask restriction.  Companies are trying to do their best to function with the new rules and limit the spread, kudos to Core Yoga, and their approach to minimizing the spread.

Our lifestyle fits nicely with our current situation. We can work virtually; we don’t need to see folks in person. We can hike in the open spaces of our hood and surrounding trails, most folks that hike are not wearing masks. We do keep our distance, maybe that’s a mistake, although we always have our buffs on if we see someone else wearing a mask. It’s an easy “pull up, pull down” maneuver that would have sounded insane just four months ago.

I think my last appointment today is at 3:30; we will pack up, head down the hill, find another good hike, and get some exercise. We will head to one of our watering holes to get a celebratory drink and then head home and cook together. Last night we had pounded pork loin on the grill with green beans and bacon. We used our air fryer to make stuffed bacon wrapped jalapenos, a tasty appetizer. We’re cutting carbs out, trying to get a little leaner for our daughter’s wedding. So far, so good, it’s amazing how the weight falls off if you remove carbs from your diet.  

I wonder how it is in your world. I know I have folks all over the world that occasionally stumble into my free internet soup café. What kind of restrictions do you have in your community? Are the restaurants open, and if so, are they at 50, 60, or 75% capacity.  Are masks prevalent, or are people taking a laissez-faire approach to this pandemic?  Is the infection rate up in your area? What’s the death count? 

My thought is that this is something that will be a part of our world for the next couple of years. The idea of large crowds scares the bejesus out of some while others are willing to risk their health for sport or music. There are two camps; I’m in the middle, I want things to return but do worry about those with other health issues.  It’s a personal choice but with a societal impact.

Just got a note from a friend in Texas, he shares his forecast, 105, 106, 108, 109, the next four days. I guess Denver is pushing 100, but up here at 8232, it stays about 75 most of the time. I got up this morning and grabbed a pullover; it’s a little chilly out, brisk some might say, and it’s lovely.  How’s the heat where you are, is global warming a thing?

Live your life as you see fit, think of others, but you are free to live as you want, and you perceive the data and the risks. Don’t judge others for their choices; they like you are trying to live their best life. Wear a mask or if you choose, do not wear a mask, but understand your decisions have consequences. We are now in a time where your choice can impact others, be aware. Don’t tread on me, and I won’t tread on you.

“When someone comes along and expresses him or herself as freely as they think, people flock to it. They enjoy it.”

— Joe Rogan