"There's something happening here..."

I wrote the following post before the protests.  Then watched, shaken by what has been going on, not in one state, but all over the country.  I admire the protesters, hate the looting and destruction, and am devastated by the police violence.   

Watching the difference between those who respond to peaceful protesters (not the looters or those attacking the police) with violence and those who have a taken a knee or walked with protesters as they marched should be educational--one invites more anger and the second can keep things more peaceful.   

There are criminals on both sides, but the majority of the protesters are justified in their desire for change and there are plenty of police and National Guard who want to avoid aggressive action.  I know which America I hope will prevail.  The difference is often found in the leaders on the local, state, and national level who decide on what rhetoric to take, who in both words and actions guide the response.

---original post

How odd that the days and weeks seem to pass so quickly.  Weeks seem to begin and end almost before I've realized it.  Of course, it is a bit difficult to keep track of days--one being so much like another.  

In a time so divided by politics and forceful opinions, it is also interesting to note the divide in the way quarantine has affected people.  Almost everyone has felt fear and frustration, but after the initial period there have been gradual changes in attitude.  

So much depends on circumstances:  out of work or work from home (a paycheck coming in is crucial); alone or with a partner and/or family-how much harder for those who have gone through this alone; like to read or have hobbies and are those hobbies the kind suitable for home or those that require being out and about like golf.  City, suburban, or rural.  (We live in the suburbs, and I have access to my small garden which has allowed me to be out whenever I want,  but what if I didn't have that?  Those in apartments would have had a much more difficult situation.)  

 Rainy day last week

Introvert or extrovert.  Both introverts and extroverts have difficulties, but those who have large social commitments and activities that are curtailed or canceled can suffer greater anxiety.  

I can't imagine a job as a key worker who must go to work even if he or she were fearful of contracting the virus and then taking it home to family.
I've been surprised, however, at how well some of my family and friends have adjusted.  After the first phase (for me, that was wandering around the house unable to to do what I normally do), some have appreciated the change from their pre-pandemic schedules.  Not that they aren't still frustrated, anxious, and fearful at times, but they have begun to set a different rhythm to their lives that has its own perks.  The problem for many of us is wondering how long the virus will be a threat, especially if there is a second wave.  And will the changes put in effect (masks, social distancing) be the way of the future.  

 Even as things open up, we won't see the end of the problems Covid 19 created and revealed for quite some time to come. 

---------- I intensely dislike the New Blogger.