Playing for Time

Self-Quarantine Day 6 – 03/18/2020

We woke up to wet skies this morning and a hint of claustrophobia settling into the corners, but the rain has stopped for now at 7:45 and Legs is out there steppin’ ’em off. My beach bum isn’t used to being under a roof ’round the clock and I’m watching him wind a tad tighter every day, although I’m the only one who could tell so far. Warmer weather will help… he can ride his bicycle on the river levee, or anyplace else people aren’t. And we’ll be able to use our roomy 4th-floor balcony again, above the fray, thirty feet from any other overhang – that’s gonna be a big deal.

Not a lot has changed for me so far. I’m used to living in my head and my peaceful loft, and my books and writing are company enough for long hours. But even I’M starting to feel the effects of necessary distancing – it’s the knowledge that this is REQUIRED for the good of our social agreement as humans – I see I have to guard against feeling that my preset willingness is now being demanded of me. The human psyche is… endlessly revealing.

The weather’s been gray here – fitting for encroaching dystopia, but sunshine would feel like a gift right now. Light. Open skies. Warmth. Maybe a tease tomorrow, so guess I’ll hang in. Forecast shows a high of 73º (!!) and a peek of sunshine, but an 80% chance of continued rain, so… Kansas, yeah.

A few observations, not quite a week in:

• The laundry sorter fills up very slowly now. Mostly underwear and towels.
• The spa tub continues to be the best spot in the house.
• Time is starting to slip its moorings a little. Easy to sleep later, crawl into bed earlier, eat when hungry rather than by the clock.
• Dealing with the unknown takes everything humans can muster, so even though I’m not fearful, it requires energy to stay on top of this as it oozes forward, and I’m tuckered out by evening. Not a bad thing, just a notable part of the landscape.

And on we go.