France In Full Lockdown…..Again
We seem to be running in circles these days, taking four steps forward and then ten back, the entire world stuck in some crazy 2020 time-loop warp. It’s a mind-boggling period, where time passes and yet contracts in the same moment, or at least that’s what it feels like.
Because once again, France is on full lockdown…..
It was announced Wednesday this week, in a typically flowery speech by Mr. Macron. The whole thing was rather surreal and felt much like a repeat of March, as if time had suddenly whirled backwards ~8 months. And indeed the details are almost exactly the same. We’re shutting down because COVID-19 is out of control, and hospital ICU beds are filling up faster than they are emptying. It’s what happened in March, it’s what we already knew was going to happen this winter and yet, just as in March things progressed SO much faster than anyone predicted. A mere 2 weeks after announcing a Curfew that (predictably) did little to slow the spread, we find ourselves here.
BAM…..in full shut-down.
It’s hard to describe how I feel about all this, to be back in this space, restricted to 1km radius of daily exercise and filling out paperwork to go anywhere for the next month (and likely more).
In some ways it’s easier than the first time. This is all quite familiar, so we know what we need to do to get through it. That’s the positive side. And yet being familiar, we also know how hard this is going to be mentally. Confinement is no easy task, no matter what your situation and there are days it can feel hopeless, no matter how organized you try to be in your day-today. It’s no surprise that the evening before lockdown there was over 700km (~430 miles) of traffic jams in the capital, as Parisians fled the city in a last-minute rush to get to the countryside while they still could. Everyone knows what is coming, and no-one wants to be stuck in the same situation again.
So that’s the theme of today’s post. A week of strange and crazy time-travel, in more ways than one. We have confinement, chocolate, and flowers on the menu, giving us hope, but also questions of where all this will go. And the answers, I do not yet know.
All Of Europe Is Heading Into Lock-Down (Soon)
“How did we manage to get to this point….yet again??”
Ah yes, hindsight is 20-20.
A few months ago France was in the “green”, breathing a collective sigh of relief from the last shut-down. So summer vacays were celebrated en masse, giving the country a much-needed psychological and economic boost. It felt like a fabulous reprieve, but in fact it was the start of another inevitable infection trajectory south. The COVID-19 numbers rose, slowly at first, then exponentially as the natural mathematics of the virus spread evolved. Hospitalizations followed, albeit a bit later than expected, and then finally this week ICU beds hit 60% occupancy nationwide, a critical number that could no longer be ignored.
It was just a sequence of unfortunate events, a mix of inadequate test & trace, too-slow government response, a good summer with open borders, our free-loving Western culture, and just basic human nature. We hoped we could continue life mostly as before (we really did), but it turns out that containing a fast-infecting virus, without a vaccine or proven treatment, is really frikkin hard.
So yes, it’s March all over again, like some kind of horror movie on re-run. It’s frustrating and trying, horrible for those who will loose their jobs or businesses, terrifying for the elderly and immensely difficult for everyone, but if we want to prevent our hospitals from getting over-run (which we must, as the knock-on consequences are too deadly to contemplate), then it’s too late to make any other kind of decision.
We are not alone either…
The rest of Europe are all seeing the same trajectory as France, and are falling like dominos to lockdowns that are IMO soon likely to encompass the entire region. Ireland started early, announcing a 6-week lockdown on Oct 20th. So did Spain who have been doing progressive regional border closures for some time. Then this week it all accelerated. Portugal and Greece announced partial lock-downs, while Germany, UK and Austria all announced nationwide month-long lock-downs. More will undoubtedly join us soon.
My friends in the USA prepare yourself, because if it’s goes anything like it did last time you are mere weeks behind us. Think about winter, think about Christmas, find a spot you can settle down for a while. IMO we’re in for another rough ride….
Confinement In France Will Last Until 1st Dec
The lockdown in France this second time will last until 1st Dec or at least that’s the current plan (I think it’s likely to be extended), and the rules are very similar to the last time with just a few exceptions.
The focus is very simply, to stay at home.
We can only go out for specific reasons such as grocery shopping, doctors appointment etc. or for exercise limited to 1 km radius from our home, 1 hour per day. Every time we go out we have to carry a form, called an “attestation de déplacement” (can be printed, or electronically generated thro’ an app on your phone) and if you’re caught without it or you’re caught breaking the rules you get a fine, starting at 135 € (first offence) ramping rapidly to 3,750 € and 6 months in prison (multiple offences). All shops, except those deemed essential are closed, as are all restaurants and bars.
The main difference this time? Schools for kids are remaining open, up to lycée level (universities are closed). Also, visits to retirement homes will be allowed and most public services will stay open.
Basically you’re limited to staying at-home, except for essential needs, taking your kids to/from school or visiting an old folks home, and one small outing a day to walk.
Mentally for me, the 1 km thing gets me the most. I dunno why, but it’s the hardest for me to wrap my head around.
We Are As Prepped As We Can Be (& Lucky Too)
I have to admit that in many ways, we are incredibly lucky.
We have functioning septic system, thank the Effluence Gods! I can hardly believe that we managed to get that darn thing approved and installed in the few months we had “off” between the last shutdown and this one. But we did and I’m so, so thankful! If that’s not a minor miracle that makes you believe in good things in this world, I don’t know what is.
Plus we have heat, thank the Pellet Deities! Yet another profoundly lucky endeavor, a bright spot of silver on the lining of our confinement clouds, that was achieved in our mere few months of freedom. We will stay toasty warm this winter and will not have to worry about fuel either. Since we’re about to be spending A LOT of time indoors, that is something to look forward to.
And believe it or not, I’ve managed to stock-up. I’ve had this nagging feeling that we were going to lockdown for some time, so early this week I decided rather impulsively to stock-up and replenish our shelves, getting us back to the multi-week inventory levels we had during the last confinement. I managed to squeeze this in right before confinement was announced, and the subsequent panic-buying that swept the country on Thursday. A lucky break I guess, even though it’s kind of tragically sad that I timed it so well.
Lastly, the weather has been a special kind of spectacular.
The day before confinement was probably one of the nicest days we’ve seen in months. A perfectly sunny, cool, still, gorgeous day that my dad and I took advantage of by going to the weekly outdoor farmers market in nearby Carbonne. It was a wonderfully relaxing day, almost as if nature was lulling us into the lockdown, singing softly so that we would slip into our enclosed sleep without even thinking about it. The few days since have been equally lovely, reminding us that despite everything, we’re in one helluva nice place.
We’ve Got Chocolate
Another rather fortunate upside is that we’ve entered this lockdown period with a decent chocolate stash.
This week our local stores started their much-anticipated “Foire au Chocolat”, the yearly mega-sales of chocolate goodies that typically start a few weeks after the yearly wine sales have ended.
I mentioned this wonderful phenomenon a few blog posts ago, and was lucky enough to catch it during my early-week shop right before the lockdown. A lucky score! You’ll be relieved to hear (I’m sure), that having replenished our wine cellar to Medieval siege-worthy levels in September, we now have an equally impressive stock of dark chocolate decadence to compliment it.
Incidentally, the grocery stores seem to be stuck in a time-warp much like we are.
Halloween decorations are out in force, despite that fact that in France no-one that I know of actually decorates their house or goes trick-or-treating. As a native-born European I don’t really get it as I never experienced anything remotely Halloween-ish until I moved to USA as a young twenty-something. So who buys these trinkets? It’s a French mystery that I hope one day to solve.
On the other hand, Christmas seems to have seeped into the displays, betwixt ghoulish masks and chocolate. I guess the stores don’t want to miss out on anything, and thus have launched a multi-pronged attack of all things past, all things happening, and all that is to be. Not my cup of tea, as they say, but I guess no-one can stop the beast of commerce.
At this rate Christmas will start in autumn in a few years time…
And The Dead Are Being Honored Today
Today on Nov 1st, right after the start of confinement, also happens to be Toussaint, the celebration of all the saints and the day the French honor their dead.
For a little while now chrysanthemums have been on sale everywhere; in grocery stores, at markets and in the garden stores. Beautiful, colorful bouquets at inexpensive prices, but not something to be bought except if you’re taking it to a graveyard (Key French tip: never, ever buy one of these for a neighbor or house-warming, and for goodness sake don’t plant them in your garden either. Seriously….).
This week-end the graves of those who have passed have been decorated with them, in a beautiful and sobering display. And this year it feels especially potent and surreal, as we enter into lockdown at the same time as we’re honoring those that have passed.
Death and times of the living in a pandemic. The circle of life and past, merged into one. It all feels rather apt.
This next month (or months) are not going to be easy. I hope for the future, but also feel rather despondent, wondering where this will all lead. I guess soon I will either be waxing poetic about our little 1km circle, or taking you down some darker mental journeys. I know there will be days of both. Be prepared my friends, for yourself too. We are taking another journey in this crazy year of 2020, and it’s not over yet….
How do you all feel this week, my friends? What do you think of all this? Are you prepared for another confinement or SIP? Where do you think winter will take us? DO share in the comments below.
Well, this was all predictable for anyone who paid any attention to Dr. Fauci and his counterparts around the globe. Assuming the “dung hits the fan” in the US in December we will be ensconced in San Diego, a city with which you have some familiarity ;-). With a Trader Joe’s within walking distance.
We’ve been back on the road for almost a month and are finding it quite easy to maintain the required physical distancing. It’s really not that hard. Almost all the campgrounds along the way had some form of touch free check in (even in Arkansas!) Our first grocery store visit since leaving Ann Arbor occurred in Boulder City, Nevada and I was quite pleased to see 100% compliance with the mask requirement, and everyone was discretely careful to keep their distance in addition to wearing their .
We’ve been doing our daily walks along the shore of Lake Mead with nary another soul in sight, except for the occasional cyclist who whiz by at 15/20 mph. I’m looking forward to once again walking around Mission Bay and Pacific Beach. Then back out into the desert .
Be safe and keep your spirits up (the wine and chocolate should help with that )
We will miss Mission Bay and Pacific Beach this year—staying close to home in Taos, New Mexico……although Puerto Penasco, MX beacons. Because we have no leader at the moment I don’t think we will have total USA lockdown. France is doing it right.
The lockdowns in the US have been state-level throughout this pandemic, so it will depend on the individual states. Those that did lockdowns earlier this year are faring better than those that did not. But the lockdowns are incredibly tough. I don’t know if any US state will choose to do a 2nd one? Wish you the best for your winter in NM. It’s a gorgeous state.
Nina
Lake Mead sounds wonderful (I have great memories of that place) and San Diego will be too. From the latest map/numbers I saw for the US, California was still doing ok, so hopefully no SIP will come your way. And if it does you’ll be in a lovely spot to ride it out.
I’m sorry Nina–we all (some of us) knew it was coming. Montana hospitals are struggling, the numbers have hit record levels and yet their heads are still buried in the sand. Very few people in Montana are wearing masks–it’s against their rights! Here in small town Arizona it’s the same. At the post office there were four other people–only one was wearing a mask and it wasn’t the postmaster! At the local hardware store, no one was wearing a mask. I won’t go back. In the he larger stores in Sierra Vista such as Home Depot everyone was wearing a mask. We are well stocked with food and essentials, it will be interesting to see what winter brings. Hugs to you dear friend.
I am worried for winter in the US. Some states are already struggling with their hospital load. I hope no-one has to do another lockdown in any US state (it’s not something I wish for anyone), but only time will tell. If the hospitals become unable to cope, tough decisions will need to be made.
Nina
As you said no surprises…we are well stocked with the essentials… waiting for the vote and see where that takes us… still lots if people not complying and no one is doing anything about it..can only do our oart and hope for the best… stay well my friend… stay safe
Stay safe and well too Jil. We’ll be thinking of you.
Nina
My Prince and I have been SIP since March, spending our summer cooking here in Southern Nevada near Death Valley, 115′ was the tops. We went head long into gardening and had the joy of eating home grown Watermelon and cantelope along with corn, tomatoes, spiniches, lettuces, beets, cabbage, squash and a lot of other things willy nilly planted. Still have not been in a store since March, doing all on line and no contact pickup in the parking lot. Usually we head up to cool Oregon and horse camping and trail riding for my self while “Prince” holds down the camp. This summer I rode at 5:30am in the treeless Mojave Desert out the back gate with visions of tall trees, mountains, lakes and streams bouncing around in my wishful thinking. Gratitude….became the catch word for the day….finding gratitude for what we had and not being a whiner about what we were not having. It pains me greatly when I see so many complainers and “it’s my freedom rights”….I suppose, to be saying” I don’t care if I cause your death or a loved ones death” hanging heavy from their breath. Thank you…., I am glad to be SIP and making do with what I have while so many are out there trying to “give the gift” of COVID to one and all with out a thought or care except for “their freedom”…I am so ashamed to be part of this time alive to see so many ill mannered, selfish, self centered…”It’s all about ME” attitudes. So…….what is next for this country I was born in….I can’t really say we will ever have the where with all to “LOCK DOWN” as France and other European countries….goodness no, we must not let go of our “FREEDOM” because we are better off dead without it and besides we need to see how many we can kill because of “OUR RIGHTS”….Makes me wish the Mayflower was still at the dock and I could choose to not get off the ship if one could of envisioned where those tramping down the gang plank would bring us to in 400 short years of this quest for the gift of “freedom” in this Titanic country. Be glad your in France enjoying you beautiful scenery.
I fully respect when other people wear a mask. I don’t often wear one, NOT because of my “rights”, but because according to many studies, they don’t work.
Read this article which was published in a CDC (supposedly the experts) journal and then let’s have an intelligent, respectful conversation:
The reference is: “Nonpharmaceutical Measures for Pandemic Influenza in Nonhealthcare Settings—Personal Protective and Environmental Measures.” Published in: “Emerging Infectious Diseases, Vol.26, No. 5, May 2020.” (That journal is published by the CDC.)
I quote from the abstract:
“Although mechanistic studies [*] support the potential effect of hand hygiene or face masks, evidence from 14 randomized controlled trials of these measures did not support a substantial effect on transmission of laboratory-confirmed influenza. We similarly found limited evidence on the effectiveness of improved hygiene and environmental cleaning.”
I am always open to reading scientific studies on this matter, so that’s why I am approving your comment (although I have edited it for length). However I’m not going to argue excessively about this issue because, from the extensive studies I’ve read the general scientific consensus is that masks do work to reduce virus spread, despite some controversy (which I know there is). Here is an opposing study, covering multiple papers which is IMO very thorough:
Efficacy of face mask in preventing respiratory virus transmission: A systematic review and meta-analysis
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7253999/
” Meta-analyses suggest that mask use provided a significant protective effect (OR = 0.35 and 95% CI = 0.24–0.51). Use of masks by healthcare workers (HCWs) and non-healthcare workers (Non-HCWs) can reduce the risk of respiratory virus infection by 80% (OR = 0.20, 95% CI = 0.11–0.37) and 47% (OR = 0.53, 95% CI = 0.36–0.79).”
Clearly masks are not anywhere close to 100% effective, but they do reduce risk and that is key as people can be infectious with SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) for up to several days before showing any symptoms at all. Right now masks, social distancing etc. are the only tools we have to limit that exposure to others. Once we have a vaccine, we will have more options & choice.
Nina
Why do health care professionals wear masks? Why were they ever made? Isn’t something better than nothing? Did transmission go down when masks were required? I ask myself a lot of questions.
Different masks have different protection qualities. No mask works 100%, except the full-face sealed respirators, but ALL masks protect to some degree. And when we combine masks with social distancing, ventilation, and basic sanitation (e.g. hand washing) we achieve a very good degree of protection not just for ourselves, but for those around us. That is why masks work, and IMO why they are important.
Nina
I, too, understand how important masks are for being the main barrier that stops the [cootie] cycle for any respiratory contamination. The questions I posed seemed to me to be ones we all should start with in our queries to save time and sanity. A diagnostic flow chart, if you will. Will I fare better in a crash if I were a safety belt? If yes, smart thinking would have me wear one.
I am so uplifted by your science-y brain juice you have, Nina, and that it is put into good works on your pages. I visit here for your thoughtful and educated views on whatever you share.
Well put & yes, I agree. It’s a good way to approach it.
Nina
As an amateur gardener (also, thanks to 2020) I am superbly impressed with your gardening skills. What a haul you’ve achieved! And I’m glad to hear you’ve managed to find your grove within the craziness of this year. For the rest I hear you. Lockdowns are such a charged statement, even here in Europe too (understandably folks are tired of it all, of the virus, of everything). Stay strong, stay present. We will all make it through this.
Nina
Thank You for your letters and photos…I always look forward to seeing them in my email and hearing about what is going on in the world–outside of the USA. Please keep writing and sharing your experience with us!
You called this months ago, Nina. France and many countries are doing it right, as hard as it is. Here in the U.S., not so much.
We hope we’ll be able to make it safely back to Cedar Key by the end of the year, where we feel we can continue to safely enjoy & distance, masked. No matter what happens here this coming week, we’ll still be under the same ‘regime’ until at least late January, so I don’t foresee a lockdown, because, you know, Science doesn’t know!
If, by some fluke, we go into lockdown, we’ll need to make a quick trip down to TJs in Ann Arbor to stock up on Pound Plus 72% dark chocolate. Forget toilet paper, I’ll need my chocolate!
Hugs to all of you!
Chocolate is key to confinement happiness (and I really do miss TJ dark chocolate).
Nina
Wow, such strict rules in Europe, yet the virus came back to high levels? So here in the USA if we had the same strict rules nationwide,; then one could presume the virus would come back to record levels regardless….
Thanks for the heads up.. I really appreciated it back in March when we knew zero about this thing. I truly do…
Not to burst any bubbles, and certainly stay away from political opinions, I’d like to add when I trained in the Army for biological weapons attacks, the only mask that would work was sealed around our face with rubber and had filters that were removable without taking the mask off.
We continue to social distance, wash our hands, not meet in large groups and wear our masks when we can’t social distance. Best I can do for the person around me.
When this thing hit in March and we locked down for weeks I recall the first trip to the store. I felt for the first time in my like I could not fight for my freedom. 30 plus years serving this country in the military and law enforcement and I still felt like a criminal driving to the store. Well, I’ll just say that feeling will not happen again.
Well the first lockdown did work in France, very effectively (same strict rules). Numbers came down dramatically and by May we were in the green. But alas summer vacays and open borders bought it all back. The 2nd wave here started in the younger population (lots of parties over the summer) and then spread to all population levels. It just is what it is. We all love our freedom (me too), so none of this is easy or straightforward.
Either way, the hospitals are the key now, at least here in Europe. I know it’s all different in the US, depending on the state, and as long as the hospitals can handle the load then there’s a good chance everyone will manage as-is, even if infection numbers continue to rise. It’s what I hoped we could achieve here, but alas the hospitals could not keep up.
And I thank you for your service. I truly love the US and it’s freedoms (and value them immensely), even if we may disagree on individual policies.
Nina
Friend in MN sent me your blog and read every word and comments. Have had several on going arguments with my MIDWEST friends, young 40 and old 70. Don’t think any are dumb, but not very smart about what is going on. I have lost one Navy friend and this week Boeing sent a neighbor home till her report comes back. At 85 I try to be careful but who knows.
I’m so sorry for your loss. The virus numbers in the Midwest are terrifying (to me), but I know that politics has become such a huge part of the issue. I hope the hospitals can keep up (that’s the key) and I wish you health and safety this winter.
Nina
Nina, thank you for the update on France. We have been quietly staying indoors, not doing a lot of socializing. I go to Publix for groceries once a week or so. Noticed recently that items like paper towels, toilet paper are becoming scarce. Our town is a snow bird haven and people are coming in droves. Traffic is crazy already and it isn’t even January. We are praying that election results will be to our liking but who knows? Life is not simple any more. We still have our motorhome but trying to get reservations anywhere is almost impossible. Reading stories about campers going wild has us not wanting to venture too far. Stay safe. Sounds like you have made some good decisions.
RVing is certainly not as simple as it used to be. I know many RV friends who’ve stayed mostly stationary this year, although some have managed to get out. Kinda scary that TP & such is starting to become scarce again (more panic buying?). Either way, I wish you the best for your winter.
Nina
Thanks for another beautiful essay and splendid photos! You asked how we are. We are 48 hours away from having some idea if we still have a (form of) democracy and for many of us the anxiety levels are extremely high. I have a permanent knot in my stomach and have had for weeks. Difficulty sleeping etc. and I’m reading on several platforms that I am one of a very large group of similarly inflicted people. Chocolate and really good Gin have been great friends ; )
Hang in there, cross your fingers for us on Tuesday and see you on the other side.
I too am very anxious about the US election. I think the whole country is, no matter which way you are voting. This election may be the most divisive we’ve ever had. I hope that no matter what, it goes smoothly and we have a clear winner by the end.
Nina
Ferrero Roche! Piles of it! My favorite! I can never find it close to home since we’re so small.
Covid, UGH! Spreading here too like it didn’t in the spring. Sure there’s no approved treatment, so why not try the unapproved ones? Who knows when something will work if Drs. are too afraid to try it. And waiting until someone is very, very sick to try a medication? Early treatment of anything is key.
I love Ferrero Rocher too. Did you know they have a dark chocolate version here?
And yes, I really hope new treatments will be used too. The anti-viral drug cocktail that the president used seemed to work well? So I think there’s hope these will become available to all? If we have a treatment that works well it would change the entire trajectory of this virus. It would be huge!
Nina
I am so sorry to hear that you are once again, living the life of a hamster. Round and round in a 1 km cage.
Here in Canada we are seeing also a resurgence of cases and each province deals with it slightly differently. I live in the province with the second highest number of cases and the city in that province with the most cases. We are not in lock down but we do not have the freedom others in the province enjoy. Having said this, we not nearly as constrained as you and some other parts of Europe.
Frankly my biggest worry here (and I mean no offense) is that Canada will fail to do all it can because its’ citizens will feel that our leaders are doing a fantastic job because we are so aware of the failings south of the border.
Our biggest fear is that we will open our border between us and the U.S.
I can’t help but wonder, if the world had all gone home and shut down for a month, would we be here now? Certainly the failure to act worldwide must be viewed as detrimental. However, watching the U.S. and even to a lesser degree here, the insistence that our personal freedoms must take precedence over short term sacrifices for the good of all, makes imagining all countries pulling in the same direction, a foolish pipe dream. When did personal “freedom” replace pride in being a good citizen?
In the meantime, I personally am holding my breath for the election Tuesday. Can’t wait till that is over. I make no comment on how most Canadians hope it will go. Heaven knows I don’t speak for my entire country. The father of our current prime minister, Pierre Trudeau, was also a prime minister and once described living next door to the U.S. like a mouse in bed with an elephant. We just hope they don’t roll over carelessly.
Stay well and think like Polly. She doesn’t think about the circumference of the walk, she just enjoys the process.
Politics aside, I do think this time period will be reviewed and analyzed by so many in the years to come.
There have been so many different approaches. The nations who have fared well through this (e.g. Taiwan), the nations who chose a hands-off approach (e.g. Sweden), those that chose to effectively close their borders (e.g. New Zealand), those that tried an in-between approach.
There will be much written and studied about this, and analysis of deaths vs economic impacts, at least I hope so. If one good thing comes of all this, I hope it’s that we are all better prepared for the next pandemic (because there will be one).
Nina
We are stocked with Merlot and Reisling and as long as Mc Donalds stays open, we will be fine. Plenty of taters and beets, and onions in the cellar. Just my mental state that is a concern to others. Hang in there, guys.
I’m with you on the mental state. We are good on food, wine and views…but the mental thing…that’s tough. Hang in there. You are not alone.
Nina
You can do this!
I had finally started to branch out a bit when the virus numbers picked up again. I am so glad to be an introvert these days.
Just recently someone we actually know wound up hospitalized and just reading about him was scary. He’s home again now but getting daily nursing visits so stil not doing as well as I hoped.
Hang in there. This too shall pass.
Hope your friend recovers soon. I now know several people who’ve had it. Most have done ok, although one person did become a long-hauler and is still having lung issues many months later. And sadly I do know some (through extended friends) who have passed. It’s just so hit and miss. But as you said, this too shall pass.
Nina
The next couple of days will tell a lot as to whether or not the U.S. is willing to politically stomach a lockdown. Michigan is a prime example. The governor turned horrible numbers around, only to have a band of thugs make plans to kidnap her. Common sense, unfortunately, isn’t very common these days over here.
Funny story about early Christmas buying: We needed to stop at Camping World in Jacksonville, Florida for an essential part. Diana asked the cashier if they had any Christmas cards this year, as we like to get the RV related ones they offer. The cashier was responsible for decorating the store and had been hesitant to do so, as she wasn’t sure if it was too early. She hurriedly ran to the stock room, returning with two boxes each of the two styles they carry, all the while singing Whitney Houston’s Dance With Somebody and dancing in the aisles. Diana, by asking, had given her permission to begin Christmas decorating and she was thrilled at the premise of doing so. 🙂
We are full-time in our bigassbus…. and normally travel summers and winter in Orlando. This March, we made the tough decision to stay in place and not travel this summer. In our resort, all was closed, clubhouses, bars, golf and activities. They all slowly opened with Florida guidelines, but the 50% of winter Canadian residents won’t be here this winter….sad! Our summer was boring, but safe with only a couple cases of covid in our resort. Now, our summer travelers are trickling back, but with them comes Covid that they picked up somewhere….. *sigh*. I think you’re right, we will be back in lockdown within weeks…..but at least we know how to do it now!
Do you and Paul still have bicycles? Is there a hill within your 1k circle? I find that doing hill repeats, while exhausting, helps release the stress and increase the endorphins. It also helps negate the wine/chocolate calories.
It’s amazing to me that people can’t behave better. It’s just not that difficult to wear a mask, it’s not infringing on anything. While correlation does not suggest causality, it should be noted that when masks are worn, cases go down.
Here in my little cave located someplace in the Southwest I flipped the rock over heard about all the masks and the virus is coming so I went back in started to watch Reruns put on a little coffee and pulled the door shut for the rock as I should say rolling up in front of the cave hole so to all my friends out there see you in spring I’m too afraid to go out I am so depleted in lungs for air and have at least three out of the four major other determining factors for not making it so I’m going to keep up my streak haven’t talked to anybody since February 27th 2020 that is face to face and don’t plan to until next year springtime maybe even summer. Maybe I should start writing my virus novel will keep reading the blog and staying away from people you all have a fun time for the holidays and I’m going to sit here with my little scrub oak tree and enjoy it.
Great to hear of your updates but understand the frustrations of dealing with the Pandemic once again with full lockdown. At least, you have national leadership that recognizes the problems and cares about the medical outcomes. Here in the USA it’s more like a crapshoot. Hopefully, all of this will start changing this week when we have a new administration take over. (Can’t imagine waiting for January but I suppose that is the way. Thank God we have Dr. Fauci who is willing to standup for science and medicine against our confused president.)
Fortunately, my wife and I are still traveling about the outdoors of Oregon through kayaking, biking, walking, and van camping. More and more National Forest campgrounds are closed both due to the change in season but also due to Coronavirus, so we are taking shorter trips to the coast or the mountains although we still plan to spend February camping in Arizona. But who knows? Last week we started seaching for mushrooms and learning about the science of mycology. I wish you and Paul well during this challenging time of year. Thanks for sharing your lives with all of us wannabe travelers, also stuck in place more or less.
Yep. I assume that Biden and Harris will win. Everything is about politics at the moment. Wish us the best!
Just think of your dad. It will help you get through this next lock down. As an 80 yr old, I appreciate the sacrifices the younger people are making. Since March, the only public building I have entered is the post office to check my P.O. Box. Yes I’m tired of it. I get really frustrated when I can’t run to the store and get that loaf of bread or a dozen eggs when I run out.
My motor home is languishing in the driveway. I only take it out for exercise every few weeks. That certainly doesn’t feed my soul.
But— if I comply with the rules, I may live to enjoy another day! Hang in there. This to will pass.
I’m very thankful that we can be together with my dad during this time (so thankful), but of course I worry constantly about him, and the spread of the virus. This is an anxious time for all. But yes, this too shall pass.
Nina
At least you have a leader who understands that we AREN’T rounding the corner and this is not a hoax and will not be going away on Nov 4!!! It’s so sad that people don’t get it. Wearing a mask is SO simple. I am pleased that people here in Boulder City are being great about wearing masks. Of course, it is a state wide mandate. Sounds like you are well supplied with the proper items for survival til whenever.
Effluence Gods ! I love it! Perhaps they will show us the way out of this mess!
Indeed. Some days I feel they’re the only Gods listening 🙂
Nina
So sorry that you will be confined to such a small area again. I don’t mind wearing a mask, social distancing, avoiding gatherings, and all that, but I would hate not being able to take long walks or ride my bicycle outside. These are two activities that kept me sane during our first lockdown in the spring/summer timeframe. Here in our area in the Piedmont of NC, people have gotten very good about wearing masks, stores requires them, so we don’t freak out about grocery shopping as we did in the spring — most people didn’t even own masks in the early going, including us. Now you can buy them everywhere, even at the grocery store! COVID cases continue to rise daily in our state, but our county has been better than most. We stay careful and are glad we are introverts. Cooking, reading, nature time, walking the dog, some TV, and virtual networking with friends/relatives is how we get by right now. Take care, and I hope things improve in France before too long!
We’ve noticed a few things getting thin in the grocery stores again over the past 48 hours. I suppose as a nation we are getting prepared for the country to shut down again without having to be told it’s going to happen. I just came from the grocery a few hours ago and the people there seemed a little on edge. Maybe it’s just our long drawn out divisive election process this year or maybe they are just worried about losing their jobs again after only recently returning to work. Either way the increased stress around the holiday’s concerns me more than all they why and what ifs, as it can be a bad time of year for some no matter what’s going on in the world around them.