Waiting For a Hurricane

As a country, we've been at the self quarantine thing for four days, and there's only one way to describe what it's like to be looking at weeks of solitude. It's like waiting for a hurricane. I lived in Florida for many years, and weathered a few severe ones in 2004. 

A hurricane gives plenty of warning of its arrival. People have time to gather provisions and board up their houses. There's a lot of panic buying, particularly on eggs, milk, bread, and wood for covering windows. Once the preparations are complete, there's a period of waiting, as the storm behaves unpredictably. Snacks are eaten, tempers frayed, liquor consumed, all before the storm actually arrives. The storm itself can last a couple of days, followed by days or weeks of recuperating from the storm. There is a tangible beginning and end. 

Not like this. Each day, more people have tested positive for the disease. There are two deaths here in California. The virus is particularly nasty for people 60 and over. Governor Newsom has recommended strongly that people over 65 stay in the house. He's saying that everyone should stay in the house. 

Six counties in the Bay Area have a shelter in place notification, which is more than a strong suggestion to stay inside. In Italy, it is that way now. You can only go out for groceries or prescriptions. He said tonight that schools will probably not reopen for the year. This is serious. 

Our president is not taking it seriously because he is insanely greedy, and is always figuring how this whole thing can enrich him and his family. Watching the briefings is like watching a car wreck. At first, I couldn't turn away, as horrible as it is to watch. 

But now, I have a hard time watching every day, as the lies continue It's a propaganda exercise. The president says that everyone can get tested, but there aren't 330,000,000 tests available, nor is there the infrastructure to support what happens after the tests are processed. Governors are fending for themselves, and being very effective. 

Now there's talk about a bail out for the Airlines, Cruise lines, Casinos, and big businesses. My chest tightens when I read about it. 

There's plenty of time to examine the lies of the president. Now it's time to talk about what life is like during a pandemic. 

So far, except for the loss of income, it has not inconvenienced me one bit. Self-quarantine is my default. I have been training for this moment. Aside from pangs of panic when I think beyond a day at a time, I've been ok. There's no pressure to be out in the world, except to shop for groceries or go to the laundromat. 

But it is lonely. I'm excited for tomorrow because I am doing laundry and visiting Nancy. I don't feel bored, because I am riveted to twitter, for the next breaking news item. It's breathtaking. And i know it's bad for me, but this whole thing is so shocking and overwhelming. I need to know what is coming next. 

Cannabis is legal in California, and I am a devotee, especially in light of all that is happening. Overall, I feel calm, except when I think about going without an income for at least six months. I am going to apply for unemployment, as will every other Californian in my place. My goal is to stay calm. Panic makes bad choices. 

I wake up at 8 and stay in bed until nearly 10, scrolling through Twitter. Then I get up, and turn on the oven and heater for a bit of warmth. I make coffee and get in touch with my people. 

Around 1:00 pm, I get dressed and go out. Saturday and Sunday were rainy days. 

On Saturday, I went to the grocery store, which was very calm. Toilet paper, paper towels, hand sanitizer, and rubbing alcohol were sold out. It had the feel of Russia. The Russia where people stand in lines for food, which has happened in other locations. 

I went to the Whitfields' on Sunday night. Richard and I started watching Succession. It's the perfect way to escape from the madness of reality. 

Yesterday, I stayed in my pajamas all day. My next door neighbor came by, and we commiserated about the craziness. I cooked mushrooms, onions, and barley for dinner. Listened to Rachel and Lawrence. Looked for Stephen Colbert and Seth Meyers, but they're not on for however long this goes on. 

So that's day 4 sheltering in place.