Early Summer in Post Quarantine California

June 4, 2021 

New cases: USA 17,800; California 1,168; UK 5, 274 (going up); South Africa 5,360 (going up)

The India variant dominates in the UK and is the most worrisome strain currently.

The White House is going all out to push the unvaccinated to get their shots. The goal of vaccinating 70% of American adults by July 4, though achievable, will require huge effort. Future generations are going to view this period with amazement. How could the public health situation become so politicized? A cluster of "red" states in the South have a long way to go to reach President Biden's goal. Why are so many people apathetic to the situation?

Our region is doing remarkably well. On June 3 I visited my favorite hair salon for the first time in over a year. Everyone wears masks in this transitioning time, but I was perfectly relaxed as my upbeat stylist colored and cut my overgrown, "badly in need of attention" hair. After all these month I smile rather than cringe when I look in the mirror. How wonderful it is to have no anxiety about shopping at stores or dining at restaurants. A week ago we took in the vibe at Hollister Brewing Company over craft IPA and pizza. Last night we scouted out the Funk Zone and settled for craft beer, Impossible burger, and cauliflower tacos at the very popular and atmospheric Finny's. 

This week the fog returned after a one week break. Comforting to see a return of May's typical pattern of grayness which was broken in the last 8 hotter than usual years. On a gloomy, chilly Tuesday morning I sucked in the briny air of Goleta Beach as I jogged on the damp, compact sand. A guaranteed mood booster - a discovery I made under quarantine. Two days later I went on a 20 minute run at Stow Grove (I do miss the beautiful trees and birdsong of this park), and followed that with my gym routine. I'm pleased with my fitness level. 

June 10

A hot sunny day today after a spell of chilly, foggy weather, broken fortuitously on Sunday when we experienced a "before times" day in the company of about 70 people at a wedding. Under a clear blue sky on the coastal cliffs of Dos Pueblos Canyon, Jennifer and David exchanged vows in a magical setting. What a special occasion to usher in our entry into post quarantine life! The reception in glass hothouses that were built to cultivate orchids decades ago added oodles of charm. The guests, too, were loads of fun. Most fascinating were friends of David's dad who had worked on the creation of the Lunar Rover 50 years ago. It was a beautiful day and well deserved since the pandemic forced this lovely couple to cancel their original date. The celebrations continued the next morning at Jennifer's house over a brunch feast prepared by Premi and Sri. What joy to revert to social practices that tether us to community.

That's not to say the pandemic is history. Covid numbers are climbing steeply in the UK and in South Africa where the anticipated winter surge has the country on edge. Here, in the US, experts are beginning to warn about the Delta variant (from India) which appears the most virulent strain currently. Vaccination efforts have stalled and a cluster of Southern states could avoid disaster if they followed the science. Between 15,000 and 20,000 daily new cases in the US recorded this past week. Daily deaths around 300.However, since Florida and a handful of other conservative states have stopped submitting daily reports, it's hard to discern progress.

June 15

A hot spell is upon us. Not welcome in our parched state. We fear a summer of wildfires. But, on this big day in California, everyone is smiling. Our economy is just about fully opened for the first time since March 19, 2020. Good-bye color tier system, mask mandates (except for specific circumstances which are federally mandated) and other Covid restrictions. Hello live concerts, movie theaters, nightlife, restaurants! How amazing to have arrived at this point! Over 70% of adults in the Golden state are at least partially vaccinated. Remarkably, our progress has been steady since January. 

The pandemic story is far from over though. While wealthy countries are well on the road to returning to normal, the rest of the world struggles on. The Delta variant is on a rampage. It's the reason Daryl and I made the decision to cancel our August flights to London. Covid numbers in the UK are still rising. South Africa is back under semi lockdown. India's numbers are coming down, but they are also battling a new disease called Black Fungus.

So, each new day brings good news and bad news.

June 21

For a full week a heat wave scorched the west. Luckily for us on the coast, it wasn't unbearable. Mercifully, the fog rolled in days ago, bringing in cooler weather. Out and about on the weekend - to farmer's market, beach walk, stores - the world looked normal. A small percentage of people still stay masked, but everyone else has reverted to pre-pandemic behavior.

Two big concerns dominate Covid news in our part of the world. One is the challenge of persuading the unvaccinated to get their shots. When President Biden first announced his goal of 70% of adults vaccinated by July 4, it seemed perfectly within reach. Now, nobody expects that goal to be attained. I'm pretty disappointed about that and trying to understand what the government could've done about it. Could they have educated the public better? Should there be daily CDC messages that are broadcast widely? Are they addressing the questions individuals still have?

The other Covid concern is the Delta variant. Experts are now warning that case numbers are likely to go up in regions with large numbers of unvaccinated people. The nation's progress is about to hit another roadblock.

On the bright side Daryl and I will be on vacation for the entire month of August. Vacation! Something we could only dream about a year ago. This year we have the opportunity to do something unusual - domestic travel, specifically, a road trip up the Northwest, all the way up Highway 1 to the Olympic Peninsula, then turning back south through the Cascades on our return. Nature and scenic wonder are the focus of this vacation, which is why we won't stop in Seattle or Portland even though they are on our route. We spent 3 intensive days planning a route and booking accommodation. National Parks are already fully booked through the summer months. Our lodgings for the month will be a combination of friend's homes, tent camping, hotels, lodges, cabins and an Airbnb. Though I can't wait to get started, I'm just as eager to enjoy summer at home. Al fresco summer fare with friends, daily swims, evening strolls, beach walks - so much to enjoy.

Post Quarantine Times

May 25

Santa Barbara recorded only 3 positive coronavirus cases on May 24. Single digit daily cases all week, but LA county, in the yellow tier, has been doing better than us for a while. 

During the week of May 16 to 23 the USA dropped to an average of 25,000 new positive cases. Today 50% of the adult population is fully vaccinated. 

The UK is still seeing around 2,500 new cases. South Africa is hovering at just below 3000 new daily cases. Still unsure about traveling to England in August.

May 27

Today's leading Covid news addressed the lab leak theory. US experts are exploring the possibility of a virus escape from the Wuhan Coronavirus Research Lab as the cause of the pandemic. However, they feel more strongly that the origin was zoonotic (from a bat to an intermediary host).

Cases continue to decline - now hovering between 20,000 - 25,000 new daily infections. But it's still a struggle to convince people to get vaccinated. The anti-vax movement is robust and the large percentage who receive information through their network aren't budging. Confirmation bias hindering our progress.

Over 3,000 new cases in the UK - 70% due to Indian variant. South Africa's numbers climbing - they recorded over 4000 on May 26. India's recorded numbers on a decline, but rural areas where the virus is spreading rapidly aren't equipped with testing facilities. Global daily cases on a decline largely due to Europe's excellent vaccination progress. Situation in Latin America still out of control.

On a different note - Brood X, the 17 year periodic cicadas have emerged in the North East of the USA. Photos and videos of their mating cries are everywhere.

June 1

It's the Tuesday after Memorial Day weekend. What a contrast to last year! Before the start of the holiday weekend there was a tone of excitement and optimism. Newspaper photos of the crowds waiting to board flights at airports were portrayed as a celebration. No finger-waving and head-shaking like last year. 

We, too, were swept up by the mood. We had our first overnight guests since March 2020. The joyful presence of our LA friends, Rayann and Marlene, elevated the weekend to something special. We shared special meals, heartfelt conversations, and went on a jaunt to Lake Los Carneros. The highlight was Saturday dinner on our patio. Premi and Sri joined us. Premi's vegan ceviche kicked off the meal. A chilled Rosé teamed well with it. My zucchini tart, the centerpiece, was matched with a robust Paso Robles red blend provided by Rayann. Dessert was Premi's fragrant, creamy carrot halwa. Indeed, it was a celebration of so many things.

On Monday we joined Stephen and Jacqueline for lunch at their new home in a residential compound. We hadn't experienced their legendary hospitality for a good, long while. What a delight to sit out on their shaded patio (with a view of a green cliff) and over a multi-course meal - in the traditional European style typical of them - hit as many current topics as possible! Four hours of conviviality reinforced this new, exciting phase we've entered.

Before the weekend ended Daryl and I worked off the calories we'd stuffed into our bodies on the pleasant San Antonio Creek trail which starts at Tucker's Grove. The last hours of daylight were ideal for this trail. Lots of shade, perfect temperature and a fair amount of elevation gain. Quite an endorphin rush.

Before going to sleep I surveyed the Covid landscape. The USA recorded just 8,100 new cases on Memorial Day. Yes, it was a holiday weekend when fewer tests are conducted, etc. Still. The UK recorded close to 4000 new cases. The India variant is stirring up trouble everywhere, especially in previously successful Asian countries like Vietnam, Malaysia, regions in China, Taiwan. Also learned that WHO has started assigning Greek letters to name the recent variants of concern to prevent stigmatizing countries. It appears that India has past its peak and is now on a decline. Same is true of Brazil. Europe is on a successful path - like we were months ago. I'm hopeful that they're on a one way road to success.

Last week Governor Gavin Newsom joined the lottery offer bandwagon as incentive to energize vaccinations in this state. Cash prizes of large sums of money will be awarded to individuals selected in a random drawing of all vaccinated Californians. Will it work? I haven't yet come across information on what effect the announcement has had. I'm guessing much thought had gone into this and maybe we'll have enough excitement to push the percentage up enough so that we can stabilize this comfortable situation we are currently enjoying.