Tuesday, July 14, 2020

A Streak of Sorts

I have two photos and a few COVID tidbits this morning.

I did return for more blue hour photos with a longer lens. The sky is not what I wanted, but I made a few attempts anyway. What I want is large, looming clouds over town hall. That is not what I got. There was a bit of a streak of sorts to the left, which messed with my composition a bit because I had to shift the camera to the left to get it in the frame. On top of that it only showed up very so-so in the photo.


I then decided to forget about town hall and shift my composition even farther to the left so that the old mill was now centered. While the mill is of historical significance and worthy of photos, I do miss the clock tower. But it's not bad.


I like the photos, just not as much as the previous ones. I do plan to return from time to time to see if I can get that one particular photo that I have in mind.

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Onto COVID snippets and links.

On Friday, much of Ontario will be permitted to enter Phase 3 of the pandemic response. This is good news because it reveals that much progress has been made as testing goes up and new cases go down. However, there is the worry that it is too much too soon. For sure, it's a balancing act between moving forward and staying safe. I think we must continue to move forward but cautiously . . . keep on our toes with our fingers crossed as it were.

Among a few other things, phase 3 means the following.
  • Indoor gathering limits will increase to a maximum of 50 people;
  • Outdoor gathering limits will increase to a maximum of 100 people;
  • Gathering limits are subject to physical distancing requirements.
One of the main joys for many people will be the re-opening of restaurants, within the above guidelines, of course.

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There is some good news in the USA but too much bad news.


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An Italian study indicates that the aftereffects from COVID (assuming that one survives, which most do, thank goodness) are very real and for some time afterward.


I am satisfied just to read the summary, but here is the link for those who would like to delve deeper.

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And here is a link specifically about echocardiograms in COVID patients which reports that one study "found heart problems in 55%, with one in seven exhibiting signs of severe abnormalities." Of course, the tests were given to patients who were already exhibiting signs of heart problems, so the normal percentage wouldn't be that high. It's still a concern, however.

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In other news, there is some thinking that the virus may have already been with us but hadn't activated for some reason. Here's that link, but don't take it for gospel, it's just something else to chew on.


16 comments:

Barbara Rogers said...

I do like that second photo pre-dawn. You may be on to something, since you're awake easily, compared to my sleeping through dawn most days. Interesting (and sad) Covid information. The FL stats are scary.

DJan said...

Both photos are good, but I still like the first one the best. And thanks for the Covid information! :-)

Margaret said...

I like the clock tower one the best; it's more dramatic against the sky. Since I'm in NY, I had heard about their great statistic. I have a couple young former students who are "long haulers" of Covid and it's miserable. Who knows if they'll ever be 100%. (they both live in NYC) Every time I hear the word re-open, I cringe. We did it all wrong in the US, although my state tried to do it "correctly" if there is such a thing. If only people would act intelligently!

Mara said...

I know a lot of 'recovered' Corona patients suffer from kidney problems now. Plus, after being on ic for any time, they have to relearn how to walk, talk, the lot. That cannot have no consequences elsewhere in the body too.

Thickethouse.wordpress said...

I am really afraid of this virus and will not personally be moving forward much at all...My county is one of the worst in Ohio.

gigi-hawaii said...

I love your blue photos. Blue is my favorite color. As for the Covid here in Hawaii, the governor will not allow tourists in until September 1. Bad for the economy, but good for us in terms of health.

Beatrice P. Boyd said...

Enjoyed more of the blue light photos, but not so much the continuing dire news about the corona virus. Thankfully, many NE states are doing better than some places like FL, AZ and CA.

Silver in AZ said...

Very almost Halloweeny photos! Nice!

I worry about your phase 3. I hope it doesn't lead to a backlash in a few weeks to a month. Please stay safe and go slow. -an Arizonan

Marie Smith said...

We were in stage 4 and now we have 9 new cases after more than 2 months. Oh well! We carry on...

Mage said...

I like these. I just wish the pink stripe went all the way down.

Jenny Woolf said...

That pink streak is fascinating and for me it absolutely makes the second photo.

Joanne Noragon said...

My basic plan is to avoid the virus.

Red said...

Our restaurants opened and very rapidly dropped all precautions. I won't go in again.

Jenn Jilks said...

I really like how you plan a shot. I just wander around and hope for the best. My brain is full.

It is a deadly, complicated virus. We're not moving into phase 3 anytime soon. I mean, our family. We've a family funeral and we aren't going. It's too dangerous.

Vicki Lane said...

Nice streak in the sky! The Covid facts are sobering--I'm not tempted to go anywhere.

Rita said...

I like them both. They each have aspects that are compelling.

They are just beginning to learn about the effects of the virus on the people who have survived. I just heard about autopsies where they are discovering that all the organs in the body have blood clots. Very scary!