Covid-19 in ’21

14 November 2021

[Below photo: A poor quality photo, taken with a phone through both glass and screen, of a hummingbird at the feeder on the Island. She provided me with endless entertainment, as did her 4 babies when they learned to fly.]

Thursday I went shopping. I’d cancelled dinner guests for Friday because of my “cold”. I imagined a fish chowder would feel right, given the chill in the air, my symptoms, and being in New England. I bought a piece of cod.

Friday, still coughing my brains out, my nose running like a faucet, and feeling great fatigue, with an abundance of caution I drove to a covid test center. Bingo! “You are my first positive!” said the cheerful nurse practitioner. Going home through driving rain and high winds, I was lucky to find a parking spot in front of my apartment.

Saturday, after some fussing, calls, and emails, my friend Ellen’s daughter, who is head of Urgent Care at Maine Medical Center, arranged for me to get an iv infusion of monoclonal antibodies. Oh, no! I thought. Just like DT. 8 hours after arriving, I left, well-infused.

Sunday, today, I was finally making the fish chowder. First I cooked the bacon. I thought, Some cheap bacon. No smell. Then I put in the chopped onions and couldn’t smell them. I couldn’t smell anything. So I have a fish chowder that is undoubtedly most savory and no way to appreciate it. At least it will nourish me.

One of the issues with ageing is lacking vision in the shower.  I don’t mean metaphysically. It adds to a sense of vulnerability, as well, for being naked and old in front of a bathroom mirror is to learn about collagen failure and wrinkles. But seriously, how to tell, in a hotel, motel, or friend’s home, which is Body Wash, which is Shampoo, and which is Conditioner? There usually are all sorts of words written—‘Lemon Essence’, ‘Lilac Compote’, ‘Creamy Restoration’, etc. Plus, the fine print. I think they should have it embossed on the lid: B, S, and C, so oldsters like me know what we are slathering on where. It could be an Executive Order, since the GOP would likely block it if it came to the floor. The preparations are probably all pretty similar and I don’t expect my hair will fall out or that I’ll break into an exfoliative dermatitis  if I use the wrong one or use them in the wrong order. Still….

Don’t the oil and coal people get it? Do they really think that continuing to burn them isn’t causing significant warming and climate disruption?  Or do they just want to squeeze the last few $ out of their investments before quitting?  The Glasgow Summit results were less than encouraging to me, although I’m not versed in how these negotiations could go optimally.  Only teenagers, it seems, can shout with authority, as did Diana Ross and the Supremes, “Stop, in the name of love!” Love of Earth. Love of Humanity. Love of animals. Love of plants. Love of Nature’s abundance, diversity, and beauty.

I am fading fast. Even this little bit of mental energy—and after reading this I think you’ll agree that not a lot was expended—and finger exercise has exhausted me. Despite this virus, did I mention how lucky I am? Triple vaccinated, able to get the latest—-well, next to the latest—treatment available, rent paid, plenty of food, friends and family calling and writing.  Pretty amazing. In olden days I’d be put in my kayak and eased seaward.

PS: I am in no respiratory distress and am slowly recovering, so no cause for alarm.