Looking Forward

Ruth and I discuss the current health situation on a daily basis.  We, like I expect most, are not happy with all the orders.  We follow them and accept that we’re all in this together.  We’re washing, masking and social distancing as required.

During our time in Florida everything available to us ,except golf,  was canceled through “stay at home” orders.  The courses were still open and we played almost every day.  It got us out of the house.  Ruth’s game improved.  I was adjusting to my new knee, so we made the best of it.

We watched what was happening in Michigan and delayed our return for the summer by more than a month.  We had good weather in Florida, something to do, and didn’t want to sit in the house all day when we returned to the lake.  For a time Michiganders were fined for putting in their dock, having others mow their lawn, and buying paint to spruce up their homes.  David and Lindsay couldn’t travel to their own cottage without the threat of a $1,000 fine.

Now that we’re back at the lake, we’re enjoying the weather, golfing a bit, working around the house and watching Florida.  It seems our eyes have been looking  somewhere else since the trouble began in March.

When the “wear a mask” orders were issued, I went on-line to purchase some disposable ones.  As I prepared to hit the “buy” button I noted the box of fifty wouldn’t be shipped until late June.  I thought that would be a waste since the virus would be behind us by then, so I didn’t push the button.  I was wrong.

The thing I find most frustrating are the constantly changing orders.  New information brings new challenges.  I get that.   But there should be some method to the madness.  On Wednesday our Michigan governor signed two new executive orders.  While I’ve disagreed with many, the newest are particularly perplexing.  She’s closed all bars for indoor service and opened the Detroit casinos.  How does that make sense?  Pull people out of some establishments and put them into others.  Both are designed for entertainment.

Ruth and I live a simple life.  We’re retired and don’t have to do anything.  Our children and grandchildren do have responsibilities.  They are making the best of a difficult situation.  We don’t get to see each other as we’d like, but everyone still has a job and they’re moving forward as best they can.  They’ve become a nimble group of individuals.

The thing I miss most is looking forward.  We’ve always been blessed with that gift.  We had things on our daily schedule, future trips on our calendar,  and the opportunity to plan new adventures.  That’s what retired people are supposed to do.  That’s all ground to a halt, and I don’t see that changing anytime soon.

I hope I’m wrong.