A Strange World

It is indeed a strange world that has been thrust upon us these last few days. Social distancing is a new thing for many of us.  I can remember back in the days before the Salk vaccine we were warned about with whom we should play. We were warned that we shouldn’t run through the sprinkler hose because we might “catch” polio. One of our neighbors ended up in an iron lung. We had to travel to Hot Springs to visit him because only the Crippled Children’s Hospital had the necessary equipment to keep him alive.

Now, as then, the rumors are rampant.  The fear of not having enough testing chemicals or even swabs is proclaimed daily by the news media, and not just once or twice but endlessly during the day. 

Currently in Sioux Falls we are sort of in a state of suspended animation (the closest description I can use). What is open, what is not? So many things have been cancelled. We look for things about which to laugh. Anything to break the somber mood. The organist at the cathedral church when asked about his teaching position at a local university told me that Spring Break would be extended for an extra week and then all instruction would go on-line. He concluded by remarking that he currently had no idea about how to conduct band rehearsals on-line.

It is an act of kindness that several cultural institutions have provided material to keep our minds occupied lest we go stir-crazy during our social distancing. The Metropolitan Opera has provided an opera each night from their catalog of works previously presented in theaters in HD format. So far I’ve enjoyed  Carmen, La Bohème (sad to say that Mimi died again), Il Trovatore, La Traviata, La Fille du Régiment, and tonight I’m looking forward to Lucia di Lammermoor. I see they are extending the kindness (or maybe not) by offering a full week of Wagner following this.

I’ve watched church services, penguins, fish in aquaria, in addition to reading a great deal. So far it’s been rather relaxing. I’ve only made a couple of trips outside the house. I was surprised by the empty shelves and the number of people in the supermarket. Then I realized it’s one of the few places open where one can see other people out and about and walking around.  A pleasant reminder that I am not alone in the city.

A couple of days were nice enough to walk outside but I did not. After the first day of Spring snow storm there were ice and unshoveled walks again. The we had the famous winter storm which stormed across the nation.  Not so much snow fell, but  it was heavy and wet. When out the absence of traffic is noticeable and somewhat shocking.

I’ve been feeling better this week. I’ve been hungry and have cooked a little. The oncologist reduced the medication which I complained about last week to once per day which seems to have helped. Wednesday is the day for MRI and CT scans and then an appointment with the oncologist on Thursday to see how things are going. 

The little kindnesses have been amazing. One of my Benedictine sisters gifted me with some Moroccan stew which provided three meals. Another couple brought over corned beef and cabbage for St. Patrick’s Day, which tasted so good.  Friends in Arizona sent a novel set in this part of the world about a Norwegian musician which will be read shortly. All the prayers and messages are wonderful. Thank you so very much. You have no idea what you mean to me.

There is no question about who is in charge here!