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Social Distancing, High Level Navel Gazing

No matter how many of my friends and family call to check in on me and I do appreciate their efforts, and despite the length of those calls, I do have considerable time alone in the quiet of my apartment. It's surprising to me how quiet it is in my building Considering, and this is based on the unreliable polling information of noticing doors opening and closing in the hallway, it seems like a lot of my neighbors are staying home also.

So, I think to myself, this is solitary confinement? Not really. I have my internet service, books and I've graduated from doing pencil sketches to watercolors. Not what you'd call the mental duress of four walls and no sunlight.

I try to walk every day. I get some fresh air and a couple of "Hi "how are you doing" encounters. My uniform de jour is not sweatpants and ragged t-shirts. I have my regular hygiene habits requiring regular shampoo, showers, and fresh clothing. I'm using hand soap and hand sanitizer. I wipe down my food surfaces and keep the bathroom clean.

But I do miss people. I had to cancel a long ago planned visits, coffee, breakfast, lunch, and dinner get-togethers with some friends. I've erased meeting plans from my calendar that Common Ground, Transit Services Advisory Committee, and The Zeidler Group canceled.

I notice in my conversations with people, we all seem to be going through various degrees of introspection. During phone conversations, I hear different versions of 'I'm glad we have social media. It helps to keep me in touch with everyone.' If threats are followed by action, there will be a hell of a lot of blow out big parties when the all-clear is sounded. So here are some of the better mood enhancers I've received.



Special Note: In Milwaukee "early voting" option is canceled, but the opportunity for absentee voting has been extended. For everything, Milwaukee voters need to know about this situation (click here).

Going Batshit Crazy Online.
My apartment building has a Facebook page. One resident has asked if anyone had old board games or any ideas about how to pass the time. We need a game that keeps people six feet apart during the play? I'm thinking of using common hallways for a mini-putt competition or cornhole. It would get people to participate with safe contact rules.

  1. No hi-fiving unless you've used hand sanitizer.
  2. Do not attempt to chest bump unless your teammate agrees verbally and loud enough for witnesses to hear.
  3. Don't bring a dish to share.
  4. One sneeze, guarded or not, and we all go home.
  5. No huddling to strategize.
  6. Do not kiss the trophy (It will be a traveling trophy)
I'll think of more.

One more laugh from my friend, Pam Frautchi. (Proving once again that not working in your garden exposes you to new possible addictions.)

If you don't think we can laugh about this situation, one guy begs to differ. (Click Here) Besides It's Broadway Show Tunes kinda stuff


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