I got a new passport in January, hoping to see my family and friends in the Old Country after an absence of three years. It turned out to be the most unnecessary expense of the year. Instead, I did not venture farther from home than 40 miles. Spring brought a pandemic and a lockdown, but also wildflowers and migrating birds. When the weather allowed it, my husband and I hit the trails in our local parks while cautiously avoiding weekends and the busiest paths. During the dry summer we kept busy watering our plants and harvesting homegrown lettuce and tomatoes. Of course, I also continued to photograph the wildlife that frequents our native garden. After the work was done, we reread all seven Harry Potter novels. Keeping with the theme I sewed my latest mask with a Harry Potter fabric.
My social life has been relegated to the Internet since March and will remain there for quite a while longer. WhatsApp has become my lifeline to my friends in Germany, deepening our friendship despite the distance.
Luckily for me I have always avoided crowds, so social distancing seems just one step further for this introvert. But I miss going out to restaurants, visiting a museum, or meeting friends at a café. Time will tell if I will ever feel comfortable in those environments again. Was it just last year that we boarded two planes for our trip to Wyoming? How innocent we were then!
No one knows what the new year will bring, whether more disasters or small steps toward a new normalcy. Will I only use my new appointment calendar to jot down routine doctors’ appointments or will I finally be able to make an appointment for a much-needed haircut? Most importantly, I hope that we all stay safe and healthy in 2021!