Sunday, October 25th, 2020

Chores

Today was a typical October day, 10C, grey in grey with a constant drizzle, hence I did not meet my friend for a walk, but rather indulged in reading throughout the morning. At noon, when the rain stopped for a bit, I spend the better part of an hour raking leaves in my front garden. I never did get to the back garden, which is carpeted by a combination of leaves my gorgeous old oak sheds and those of the dogwoods.

I then proceeded to look through the items we had put on the curb for people to take which were left behind and I made several bags. One with only art supplies, one with books, one with only bags and one with water bottles. Now I am left with a box of random toys. I am not sure what to do about those.

Despite the drizzle I made my way to the pool. As the locker rooms are closed I typically put a tent of a dress on so I can change out of the wet suite. Today it was a bot fresh with just a dress. As winter approaches, I need to think about adding layers.

Finally, there was the date of course. What I enjoyed most was dressing up, putting on make-up and putting my heels on before I headed down to Alexandria. On the web the restaurant looked as if it was in an open airy hall, which up arrival turned out to be their covered outside space now enclosed by a tent. Since there were more people in the tent than the establishment itself, which was a combination of lounge, shisha bar and Lebanese Taverna, we opted for inside. The policy of the establishment was no mask, no entry and all staff were wearing masks, not so the shisha smokers (there were six) and the three old men by the bar at the far end of the place. My mask stayed firmly in place, except to eat. This is probably the most risky thing I have done since March and it was outside of my comfort zone. The company was okay. Not outstandingly entertaining, but nice enough. The food excellent. We shared four mezze and a salad, none the less I feel like I overate. After two hours we said our goodbye. Not sure yet if we shall meet again. He is a nice man, just not terribly interesting to my brain.

And as if he has a sixth sense for these things my brilliant friend texted while I was out; first text in I think four or so weeks. Seeing I reset my i- pad all his saved texts are gone, funnily only those. All others were still there. I shall think long and hard before I respond. Now I am sitting by my fireplace with a nice glass of red wine, contemplating life and tomorrows agenda.

Meanwhile the world reports 42.8 million case with 8.85 million in the US 230k of whom have died. The virus is yet again spreading among the administration. This  time a number of staff members of the Vice Presidents’ office have tested positive. So Corona has established itself firmly in the WH. There was an attempt by the administration to cover this up; fortunately, that did not happen and the information was leaked to the NYT. As per CDC guidelines close contract tracing and quarantining anyone who has spent 15 minutes with any of these creatures over a 24 hour period is in order. Am so hoping that this will include a number of GOP senators, prohibiting them from showing up in person to cast their vote for the justice nominee. But of course this will not happen as the GoP senators have refused to get tested since the super spreader event in the WH for fear they may test positive and would have to isolate; so unless by some miracle three or four fall ill overnight, I am afraid the US is settled with the most backward thinking justice imaginable. A woman who has benefited from RBG and others who have fought for equality and who will no go and undo it all.

At the same time the WH is trying to control CDC messaging. Rather than science based guidance the narrative is changed to what the WH wants. This is more than frustrating for staff and could lead to a mass exodus if the moron is re-elected. Dismantling America is the current administration’s primary objective.

Also a few months ago, the administration installed a communications director in the department of health with zero knowledge of anything health related, but great loyalty to the Covidiot. Without input from knowledgeable people Mr. Caputo devised a nationwide TV campaign to be aired in the last months before the election and awarded a US$250 million contract to a company to develop the campaign. When the contract became public this was widely seen as use of tax dollars for the presidential campaign. Mr. Caputo has been on medical leave ever since ( 60 days now), it is unclear who is paying for this. Here is the story of the (failed) campaign. Celebrities and Santa’s were supposed to endorse the health response of the WH in exchange for being given the (to date none-existent) vaccine early.

As the election campaigns are coming to an end, less optimism about a vaccine is spread. It is increasingly clear that results on safety and efficacy tests of the candidates will not be known until the end of the year at best. Even if approved in December, it will take months until the vaccine becomes widely available. This news comes alongside case spikes in the USA ( today 39 less new cases than yesterday) and sadly also Europe, with Spain today declaring a national emergency, including renewed lock downs to contain the spread.

Finally, I found a list of what not to touch (other than your face, which immediately makes my nose itch) rather useful. It, among other things includes rails, door handles, public sanitizer dispensers, elevator buttons, washrooms and other items being frequently touched by many people in public spaces. 

So keep washing those hands my friends!