Pandemic Dilemmas

Dilemma One

We have been to the cafe a few times and felt fairly safe. But those few visits began when the virus was pretty well under control around here. Now it isn't.

But we went because I wanted to update my gallery by adding a few autumn images. We sat and drank our coffee but couldn't get at my pictures because people were seated by that wall. As we sat and waited for an opportunity, I began to feel apprehensive. There were only a dozen of us in the place. We were seated at appropriate distances, and the ceiling is high, so the danger really was minimal. 

But who knows in this situation? I was beginning to feel uneasy. A part of me realized that the situation was almost assuredly safe, especially since our particular region is not exactly rife with the virus. But it is that almost that got to me. Suddenly, almost didn't seem almost good enough.

So we left, returned near closing time, and did what we had to do in an almost empty place with just one worker present behind plexiglass.

It will soon be time to consider putting up winter photos. I'd hate not to, but I just don't know. An additional consideration is that we have wanted to support this proprietor through all of this. I think she has been hit hard, both mentally and financially.

Dilemma Two

The next day, yesterday, I experienced yet another pandemic-related dilemma.

I had an appointment to have my snow tires installed. This is normally easy. Drive the few blocks, sit in the waiting room for less than an hour, pay the man, and leave.

But in these times, I didn't want to hang about in their small waiting room for up to an hour.

It was cold out, so I didn't want to sit outside. There is a bench, but waiting for up to an hour in below freezing temperatures was something that I couldn't bring myself to contemplate.

I could have walked home, but you know about my foot thing. It would take an effort. It would be one thing if it were only a one-way walk, but then I would have to do it again later to pick up the car. For sure, I could do it, but also for sure, being a wimp, I would rather not.

At about 5:30AM, I decided to message Bob to see if he would pick me up and take me back home. He agreed.

Why text so early at 5:30, you ask? Because I had been up for two hours already (sigh), and the problem was gnawing away at me. Knowing that Bob is an early riser, I decided to settle my mind.

Bob is very accomodating. I knew he would want to help unless he had another commitment. That greatly relieved both my mind and my body.

Easy things ain't so easy in the pandemic.