On Monday, May 4, I begin the journey back to Washington from South Carolina. By then, I will have been in lockdown for 52 days. To commemorate those days, and the 52 weeks in a year that will likely pass before we see a vaccine, I present 52 Observations in the COVID-19 Era, in no certain order.
1. Carrots are inexpensive and versatile, and people haven’t been hoarding them like onions and potatoes.
2. I guess my convection oven bakes pretty well after all.
3. I finally tried Yoga for the first time, and it really does help you relax.
4. Dogs get bored too.
5. Binge watching isn’t as much fun as it used to be.
6. I didn’t need an email from my data plan to tell me that my usage was higher than normal.
7. I also don’t need to hear from every business and company who ever had my email address about how they are handling the crisis.
8. There are over 1 million full-time RVers in the United States. In response to the pandemic, 46% of RV Parks in the United States closed. Crimine.
9. I now know exactly how long it takes to fill the black tank when I stay home. I also know, down to the square, how much toilet paper I require for a six-week period.
10. Song parodies get old quickly.
11. I already knew from my time in the medical legal profession that healthcare providers are brilliant, selfless and hard-working, and I am more in awe now than ever.
12. I am so thankful for my animals, who provide companionship and a daily routine.
13. Yes, Netflix, I am still watching.
14. Sometimes when I get the latest news I hear Sir Paul McCartney‘s “Hey Jude“ in my head, but the lyrics are, “Take a sad song, and make it sadder.”
15. I was having car problems for months before the pandemic (pesky oil leak with multiple repair attempts), and it was a source of stress and anxiety for me. Now I couldn’t give a shit. Ironically, it was finally fixed right before I went into lockdown. I have driven it twice in six weeks.
16. Complete strangers are kind and generous.
17. Even with shortages, I remain brand loyal for toilet paper and paper towels.
18. I am worried about a CO2 shortage, which could affect governments’ abilities to treat water (macro), and my ability to get fizzy drinks (very important micro). I am way more worried about a CO2 shortage than a meat shortage.
19. There’s nothing like a tornado warning to take your mind off a virus for a little while.
20. Watching Sir Patrick Stewart read a Shakespearean Sonnet every day calms my frazzled nerves.
21. I miss museums.
22. It makes my heart happy that drive-in movie theaters are making a comeback.
23. I find it self-defeating and maudlin to dwell on what I would be doing today had the pandemic not occurred, and I removed all the canceled activities from my calendar.
24. I love and admire my faith-based and religious friends who don’t judge or preach, whose lives are their example and testimony.
25. Circumstances, whatever they may be, can usually be better, but they are far more likely to get worse.
26. I have set new personal records on days between showers.
27. I have worried so much about the well-being of friends acting cavalierly toward the pandemic that I want to punch them in the face, which I recognize is counter-intuitive.
28. Life would be much harder for me right now if I was still living my prior life.
29. A friend phoned and started the conversation with, “Did I catch you at home?“ and that was way funnier than it should have been.
30. While the drugs I take for Crohn’s disease make me highly susceptible to COVID-19, they also make it unlikely that I would have the cytokine storm response that is killing some patients, so there’s that.
31. I don’t ever think of my time as squandered, even when I’m fucking off.
32. I stopped watching the White House briefings on Day Two as a form of self-care.
33. I don’t freak out when I sneeze, but holy shit, I almost panic when I have to clear my throat.
34. Doesn’t anyone know how to sneeze without expectorating? I do it all the time.
35. I hope we never return to handshakes.
36. The pandemic amplified who we already are.
37. When I read what people say they want to do as soon as the pandemic ends, I realize we will learn nothing from this experience.
38. I am a student of history, so my own personal doom is watching others repeat it.
39. I have been taking advantage of every free online Broadway performance, so I don’t need to hear from Stephen Sondheim or Andrew Lloyd Webber for a good long while.
40. Let’s leave concerts from home to the professionals and not make a bad situation worse!
41. I am thrilled to see (most) people relying on science and journalism and the arts to get through these times.
42. I miss Chinese food most of all, but ask me again tomorrow.
43. I watch Dolly Parton read children’s books when I’m in bed at night, so I guess you could say she’s been tucking me in.
44. Leslie Jordan’s Instagram videos make me smile every day.
45. I check in with Jim Gaffigan and his big, messy Irish Catholic family at dinnertime on YouTube (“Dinner with the Gaffigans”), and the money they raise for charities each night raises my spirits.
46. When I get back to Washington I’ll probably be there until a vaccine is available, and I am totally okay with that. I love my friends there, and I want to be with them now. We can help each other get through this.
47. I am getting better at using fewer paper towels.
48. I cry more easily lately, and I’m not embarrassed or ashamed about it. This shit is hard.
49. I am thankful for my friends, who are my family.
50. I am thankful to you, Dear Readers, who share my experiences with me.
51. I wish I had some disposable gloves for getting fuel at truck stops, but I’ll just use dog poop bags.
52. I’m apprehensive about mechanical issues with the rig and dealing with potentially infected people if that happens, but it’s time to go home.
Do you have any observations for me? Leave me a note, and I’ll check in with you from the road!
This Post Has 30 Comments
“36. The pandemic amplified who we already are,” is one of the most truthful statements I have read in a while. I am fortunate that the people I choose to associate with, like you for instance, represent the better part of humanity and are demonstrating their kindness and courtesy during this uncertain time. Safe travels to you and may good fortune be always in your favor.
Hi Tammy.
So very good to see you pop up! I have been wondering about how you are getting along.
Safe travels home.
YOU lift my spirits. Thanks.
Be well.
😘
Aw, thanks, Vanessa. You too!
Tammy, today is my birthday and you just sent the best present!!!! Always entertaining, you are. Thank you. I couldn’t agree with you more on these various topics; Netflix, emails, song parodies, bored animals, on and on. Geeze! I, too, have found strangers very friendly. I certainly hope that sticks around forever.
Thanks again, Tammy, and as always, safe travels!
Happy birthday, Jane!!!
Tammy – you are such a strong woman and it is a joy to get your emails! I too look forward to your writings. Safe travels home to Wash. and then RV ing once we all can get back to it. ACORN TV is good company too – British TV – Doc Martin, Vera, DCI Banks, Deadwater Fall – humor, suspense, mystery, etc. (subtitles on is always a good thing for me anymore!).
Take good care – safe travels and safe everything!
# 31 is inspirational to me !
if you could provide a mailing address where you may be in the near future I would mail you a box of disposable gloves. I use them all the time at fuel stations.
Larry, you are so kind; thank you! I will PM you.
I thought all along – and still do – that #31 was a prerequisite for retiring and traveling …
Safe travels.
I am so shaking your hand next time I see you!
We have been in a 55+ park since this all started. The public buildings are all closed. My biggest surprise is that the seniors seem unafraid of catching the virus. They are still having karaoke night and dances with the change of being held in the streets. I have not seen anybody wearing a mask in the park.
I love reading your blog. You have seen more sites in your Motor Home in the last few short years than I did in the three decades traveled around the country.
Take your time driving back to Washington.
Safe travels Tammy!
Good to hear from you Tammy! Johnny and I was talking about you this week about all the plans you had when we saw you in August at the state fair. Glad you are heading North take care and hope to see you again soon! Love your blog!
Thank you. I always enjoy your perspective. Please tell me what cytokine is – just not getting that one. There is probably something dreadfully wrong with me; I’m not upset, worried, or overly afraid. I am cautious and staying put. Wishing you joy, laughter, safe travels, health of body, and peace of mind.
Hey there, great post (as usual). If you are going home via I10 and coming through Texas before 5/9, please let me know. I would be more than happy to give you a decent supply of latex gloves to get you the rest of the way home. We are also going to WA to ride out this situation for the long term. Glad we will be in good company.
Thanks for the offer, Laura! I’m headed north to Wisconsin, then West. Larry is putting some gloves in the mail for me! (See comments) Have a safe trip!
Thanks for writing. I live vicariously through your always interesting and thoughtful descriptions of your travels. Safe journey to you!
Dang! That’s a great list! My thing is “Don’t ask me to join ANY photo challenges.” Did you say that already? LOL, I forget. 🙂
Have a safe trip, It will probably feel good to get back on the road once again. May your trip go smooth and easy.. like the rider.
Thank you for your inspirations. Have a safe trip back to Washington though I can’t imagine why you would go there with so many less sickly areas on the way. It is hard to resist the pull of familiar, friends and comfort so I can’t fault you. Stay well.
It’s quite simple, really. Washington has gone from a state with the most infections to WAY down the list due to the sane, logical, and scientific decisionmaking of the Governor and local authorities. Many places in this country are going to experience a surge in infections this summer and fall, and I want to be in a state that is taking this seriously. My healthcare must also occur in the state of Washington because I have ACA medical insurance. I’d hate to get this virus out on the road somewhere and have no security net.
These are awesome. It’s so funny, a few days ago I started my own list like this. Like others I loved #36. It definitely amplified who we are. Have safe and fun travel days as you make your way west.
Glad to see your hanging in there and have found a unique was to share your thoughts. The 52 ways was a great read.
Number 39 and 35 were my favorites. As always thank you for being you and brightening up my day.
51. I wish I had some disposable gloves for getting fuel at truck stops, but I’ll just use dog poop bags
I know you’re home now (or going home) but as an over-the-road trucker, I suggest you get yourself a pair of work gloves. Leather, fabric, chemical resistant rubber work great. My husband uses these to fuel and just tucks them at the base of the driver’s seat when done.
I just found your blog today while looking for information on full-time RVing. I’ll be checking back from time to time to see what you’re up to. We are on the road and have no plans of slowing down during the pandemic. We are in our little floating cocoon (we have a 132″ custom sleeper – set up like a small RV inside) and don’t interact with many people other than checking in at customers when picking up and delivering. We have our masks with us for those occasions.
Hope to see you back on the road soon!
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I just stumbled upon your blog (linked from the RV daily tips newsletter) and am very impressed and excited to read what you’ve written about. 52 ways is fantastic. 31, 32 and 36 especially. Thank you for writing this. Be safe out there!
Welcome, Jay! Glad you found me!
I think you are a funny lady. I scrolled back in time to reread this excellent post now that most of the people I know are fully vaccinated and life goes on. I am commenting to ask if you are ok. I miss your blog
Glenda, thank you so much for checking in! Do you subscribe to email updates? I have new content! I’m currently camp hosting on the coast in California. Lots more to come!
Thanks for letting me know all is well in your world. I am back on the email list.
Glenda