Safety measures -

Yesterday I munched my way through a third of a bag - large bag no less - of warmed crunchy, 100% white corn 'Restaurant Style' tortilla chips! Now and then I dipped one in a small bowl of spicy red pepper hummus, but mostly just enjoyed the snap and crunch of the plain chip. It reminded me of the Mexican place where the chips were so good I never bothered with the salsa. . . . . . and I ate so many when the waitperson placed them on the table after taking our order that I didn't really want my meal, most often Combo #4 Vegetariano, when it arrived!

After yesterday's chip binge I felt guilty. I also I wondered if I even remembered what it was like to walk into an eating establishment, sit down with family or friends, order, be served, and actually eat a meal prepared by someone other than myself! I don't recall the date of my last restaurant meal other than it must have been during the last days of March. That's almost five long months ago. I've prepped, cooked, and put together every dinner we've eaten during that time - Bob makes his own breakfast, and we seldom eat lunch.  

I love clothes and fashion. Well I did love them until this past spring. Now fashion appears to have disappeared. Clothing seems to revolve around which mask to wear with which tee shirt to the grocery store, or with a rather more dressy linen blouse to sit distanced in my daughter's large garden, perspiration running down my back while swatting those damned mosquitoes!  If you are beginning to get the feeling I don't like summer, you're absolutely correct, and this particular summer is the worst ever.

After watching far too much TV - how many horrific crime dramas did they make when times were actually good - I thought I'd pass an hour or so last evening checking out Fall Fashions online. My tired eyes were longing to see something pretty, creative, elegant. After five minutes I came to the conclusion there is no Fall 'fashion' this year! I saved money for five long months, not buying a single summer wardrobe item, so I could splurge a little on something new in a warm Autumn shade, soft fabric, new cut, updated design. . . . . . but there's really nothing out there that I don't already have hanging in my closet! Fashion has, like cruise ships, fun weekend getaways to the coast, travel to Italy, visiting family in England, and sitting in a cozy Paris bistro. . . . . . GONE for the time being!  

I don't have safety net for times such as these.  Do you?  I feel sad, old, and somewhat useless. I worry that we may never return to the life we led before Corona virus. How does one plan ahead for days, weeks, months, perhaps even years, without the freedom to do things, go places, be with loved ones, help others . . . . . . . to breathe unfettered and in comfort. 

Safety pins will have to hold it all together and take the place of a net for me!

It's Monday and a beautiful morning with blue sky following a sunless, damp weekend. Things should dry out fast as it will remain hot. Some time in the garden for Bob to mow and me to tidy up a bit will be welcomed. Perhaps supper in the gazebo if the daily late day storms stay away. 

Hoping your week ahead is a good one.