Delta, South Africa's Horrors, and other Disasters

July 11, 2021

High summer in California. Hot days due to a high pressure ridge in our region. In parched California fires are already ravaging forests. And Covid is becoming a problem in our state again. When I read that LA county has had over a 1000 new cases in the past 3 days my heart sank. There are too many unvaccinated people out there and this does not bode well for the weeks ahead. Ouch!

Sydney, Australia reported 70 new positive cases today. South Africa's lockdown has been extended - obviously - their numbers are climbing. In the UK, new daily cases now just over 30,000.

Hogging headlines around the globe today is the Euro 2020 Soccer finals. In a tight match between Italy and England, Italy squeezed out a win in penalties. Gloom fell over the UK, which hosted the game, while Rome partied.

July 12

Biggest news on this Monday is the distressing situation in South Africa. Former "corrupt to the core" president Jacob Zuma was arrested for contempt of court when he refused to appear on a corruption charge. This sparked an eruption of violent protests in Zulu strongholds - KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng. It boggles the mind that such a pathetic specimen could have such a passionately loyal following. Ah yes, the comparisons to Trump are unavoidable. Freight trucks on the main freeway out of Durban were set alight. Cars were stoned. Grocery stores looted. And they threaten to continue until their "hero" is released. Commercial centers in affected cities were shut down. Videos of looters grabbing goods from stores went viral. President Ramaphosa addressed the stunned nation at prime time, assuring an appropriate response. The army has been deployed. Arrests will be made. Vandalism and violence will not be tolerated. When I spoke to Mum on the phone this morning she was in shock and deeply disappointed. My brother too, was shattered. Mainly, he wondered about the future for his two school age boys.

Meanwhile Covid cases in South Africa are soaring. Currently over 20,000 recorded new daily cases. Hospitals are filling up. And now, with pharmacies vandalized, vaccinations are once again hampered. I'm so heartsore about this.

Global Covid news is once again turning bleak as the Delta variant wreaks havoc. In the US we are definitely looking at another wave due to vaccine rejection. For a week now the average number of new daily cases hovered around 20,000. In my county daily new cases have risen from single digit to double digits.

The UK government is sticking with the decision to fully reopen on July 19. Though new daily cases continue to rise - over 30,000 - hospitalizations are expected to be low due to a largely vaccinated population. The mindset now is on how to live with the virus.

European countries have started to see a reversal in their progress. New daily cases now climbing in France, Portugal, Greece, and Spain. It's so disappointing to see this happening.

July 13

Woke up to more horrific news from South Africa. The unrest has escalated to an alarming scale. KwaZulu-Natal is ungovernable. I watched SABC video footage of looters grabbing appliances and all manner of goods from warehouses and stores lining Umgeni Road. Police sirens could be heard but no arrests were made. It looked like anarchy. More video footage of vandalizing and looting in Soweto where again there was no police intervention. By day's end many of Durban's shopping centers and malls were burned to the ground.

Today, much anger was directed at President Cyril Ramaphosa. Why did he not take action? Yesterday he announced the deployment of the army. But the opposition party, EFF, immediately objected strongly. A political problem demands a political solution they declare. The head scratcher is what is that solution? The situation has moved from protesting Zuma's arrest into plain old criminality. When I spoke to my brother today he was absolutely crushed. He said they had heard gunshots during the night. "I've never seen anything like this in my life before," he said. Heartbreaking.

July 14

It was a calmer day in South Africa today. Looting still going on in isolated spots, but a less frightening scenario. Explanations for a reluctance to declare a State of Emergency and restraint from the army were offered by news analysts. Civilized governments do not attack civilians. A bigger concern was whether government could count on support from agencies normally used in lawless situations. The responsibility to quell the violence fell on neighborhood watch communities. At certain hotspots military personnel were deployed to help the police. Thank goodness the worst is over. Now they can return to urgent pandemic matters.

On a brighter note Daryl and I attended our first concert since our time in Sydney back in 2019. The summer festival of the Music Academy of the West is in full swing. Hahn Hall provided an intimate setting for Rachmaninoff's Trio Èlègiaque and Mozart's String Quintet in G Minor which were masterfully performed. Prior to the concert we dined at Oliver's in Montecito. Narrowing down options from their entirely plant-based menu was tricky. Artichoke cakes, jackfruit tacos and a flatbread topped with creative and flavorful stuff made for a truly satisfying meal. The vegan key lime pie for dessert was most impressive. An evening out, which required elegant attire, was such a special thing.

July 15

Mopping up operations in a stunned South Africa today. Sporadic looting and destruction still happening. Scanning SABC news clips today the focus turned to an analysis of what really happened and why. Theories abounded - from simple economics to ANC divisions to a counter-revolution. The country was a tinderbox. 

I landed on a piece from an online publication called The Daily Maverick. Professor Jane Duncan posed questions about why government institutions failed to kick in at a crisis moment? How did the Intelligence agencies not prepare for what was a clearly orchestrated attempt to destabilize the economy? She pointed out that ever since Zuma's ousting there've been extreme violent acts such as blocking the N3 with burning tires. This main transportation artery prevents essential goods from reaching much of the country. Other analyses I read pointed out that 9 years of Zuma's corruption and criminality hollowed out the nation's democratic institutions. And this was why the violence of the past days rapidly escalated and devolved into chaos. 

In summary, what really happened was that while Jacob Zuma was under investigation for his many crimes while in office, he planned his revenge. If he was going to be taken down, the country had to go down with him. So, when he turned himself in after refusing to appear in court and then resisting arrest, he'd already lined up instigators to go on the attack. Those who became obscenely rich when Zuma was president (from money meant to feed and shelter a nation) were only too willing to obey their master. Instigators lined up support and off they want, destroying vital infrastructure. The police force and the military stood back. How many of them were more loyal to Zuma than to the Ramaphosa government? And when the warehouses and grocery stores were vandalized the province's poorest helped themselves to all the goodies normally unattainable to them. Expensive sofas, state of the art appliances, TV's, food of their fantasies, etc., etc. News reporters had their cameras on the looters while reporting on live TV. The entire nation watched in horror. Was this their country?

July 19

Monday. The start of a new week. Last week was the week from hell. Awful stuff occurred all over the world. The president of Haiti was assassinated and now this impoverished nation is in chaos. In Cuba the people went on protests against the Communist regime. Germany experienced its worst flooding in decades when about 200 people lost their lives in the area close to Belgium. South Africa experienced its share of catastrophe which claimed close to 200 lives. Indonesia is experiencing a humanitarian crises from Covid and is currently the worst affected country in the world. 

The Delta variant continues on its rampage around the world, leading to new waves in countries that were close to declaring victory. The UK, which fully opened up today, is dealing with a surge similar to winter (over 50,000 new daily cases), except hospitalizations and deaths aren't a concern yet. Here in California we are definitely on our 4th wave. Sigh!!! After months of glee at declining new cases, now we're seeing huge climbs. In the past 3 days the state has clocked over 4000 new positive cases. Daily new cases in the US are now close to 30,000. It's the unvaccinated who are affected. That's half the country. And because there are no longer mitigation strategies it's become a lot easier for the virus to spread. Hopes for that predicted bright summer are on the wane. And who know what awaits us in the fall and winter!

Sydney, Australia still in lockdown. Their vaccination rate has vastly sped up. They'll soon catch up and exceed ours.

I'll end this post with good news. Last week we attended 4 Music Academy of the West concerts. Twice, we had preconcert picnic dinners with our dear friends. The pretty gardens of the academy campus provided a delightful setting for lighthearted conversation. Saturday's concert, performed by an orchestra rather than the mostly quartets and quintets at Hahn Hall, was at the Granada Theatre downtown. This gave us the opportunity to enjoy the vibrancy of the newly designed State Street - now a promenade - on a summer weekend evening. We dined at a new Italian restaurant called Opi'z where standard fare was turned into fine food by superior ingredients and creative cooking methods. At the Granada it really was a special moment to be part of an audience in a big performance hall. Of course, with Covid numbers on the rise again, we aren't entirely at ease in an indoor space with a crowd, so we masked up. Excellent conductor. Communicated with the audience with body and feet in a humorous way. The sublime music of Wagner's Siegfried Idyll and Brahm's Serenade #2 were balm for our battered spirits.

Fourth of July is Celebrated

July 5

It was definitely a very different 4th of July compared to a year ago. President Biden gave us his assurance of this when he addressed the nation on his 100th day in office in early spring. He didn't accomplish his goal of 70% adults beginning the vaccination process by this date  - through no fault of his - but we came close (67%), and the impact has been so tremendous. A year ago leaders were imploring caution as we entered the holiday weekend. Overcrowded beaches and parks were a huge concern. This year gatherings were in full swing. Firework displays were back. 

The 4th fell on a Sunday and we hosted a dinner on all three weekend evenings out in our garden. Rob and Katie on Friday evening told us all about their passion for rock climbing. They took on famous mountain slopes for multiple day climbs. Sleeping on a rock ledge? No thank you! We saw Jennifer and David for the first time since their wedding. Traveling to Tahiti was a big topic. On Sunday evening Katya, Hugh, Bruce and Janette brought potluck contributions and the 6 of us feasted on summer's bounty. We each shared our experiences and impressions of arriving in America after having lived abroad. What a great conversation theme that turned out to be since each of us had such unique perceptions.

Though our day to day lives feel so normal these days, Covid news is far from benign. The Delta variant is delivering a new plot twist, and returning pandemic news to the front pages. Delta is outcompeting the Beta strain in South Africa and has caused a steep spike in cases as the country weathers its third surge and another lockdown. The fragile economy will be crushed but there doesn't seem to be an alternative. Thankfully, Mum is now fully vaccinated. The vulnerable and the essential work force is currently prioritized for vaccination and I'm sure that will translate to a manageable situation.

More surprising is Australia. A cluster of Covid cases was traced to an airport limousine driver two weeks back. When positive cases grew to a total of 128, the premier of New South Wales imposed a lockdown. Sydney is experiencing its first lockdown since April 2020. This is major. Outbreaks in other states followed - including West Australia and a week ago Perth went into a snap lockdown after 2 cases of community spread. Australians, unnerved, are furious at the sluggish vaccination pace in their country.

The UK's surge is of interest to everyone. What impact will the Delta variant have when almost half the adult population is vaccinated? Daily new cases are currently close to 25,000. That number is expected to double in 2 weeks. However, Boris Johnson is determined to open up fully on July 19. Israel, the world's most vaccinated population, has been battling a rise in positive cases for the first time in many months. Today, they released a study showing that Pfizer is 64% effective against the Delta strain in preventing symptomatic illness, but over 90% effective in preventing hospitalizations and death. Here, in California, and in the US as a whole, our new daily cases have started to trend up. LA County's health department is suggesting that the vaccinated wear masks in indoor public settings. Not the news we want to hear after months of progress. The tension doesn't let up.

Just wanted to note that Europe is doing well. In Germany and France new daily cases are below 1,000 and vaccination has sped up. Canada is another bright spot. They now have a bigger percentage vaccinated than us.

The next weeks will reveal a lot. Data from the UK will inform exactly how serious the Delta variant is. Its transmissibility is clear, but is it more deadly? Though India took a beating from Delta, it's harder for researchers to crunch data from there. In an article I read in the Atlantic two days ago, Ashish Jha, an infectious disease expert, expressed certainty that everyone will eventually develop immunity. The unvaccinated will eventually contract the virus. It's a matter of time. 

Other News

Hogging the headlines in the past two weeks was the collapse of a high rise apartment building in Surfside, Florida. The cause, structural missteps, makes this especially tragic. Over 100 people are still buried in rubble despite ongoing rescue efforts.

Then there's the saga of the postponed 2020 Olympics in Japan. For some unfathomable reason, the host country has an overwhelming unvaccinated population. But this summer, despite controversy and concern, athletes from all over the globe will participate in the usual games we've come to expect every 4 years.

Despite the ongoing upheaval globally, life is significantly better for us here in California.

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.

Springing Out of Covid Captivity

May 13 

The CDC stunned us all on May 13 when it announced that vaccinated people can ditch their masks. Everyone's going, "Wha--wha--what?" Sure, we must still cover up in a crowded situation, healthcare setting, or public transportation, but this is a turning point. A year of imploring the nation to wear a face covering has instilled something in us. Somehow, letting go of this tangible piece of fabric feels a bit radical. City and state ordinances have to be heeded, so, in California, we continue to mask up at Trader Joe's and the Farmer's Market for another month. But outdoors - at beaches and parks - we're seeing bare faces again.

Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett, at an MSNBC town hall on May 12, in addressing vaccine hesitancy, dazzled me with her brilliance. I came across this lead scientist of the Moderna vaccine last summer on the CNN website. She was the first bright spark after lockdown, assuring us that an effective vaccine was on the way. I hadn't seen what she looked like until the other day when I caught the second half of the town hall streaming live on YouTube. Dr. Fauci and Surgeon General Vivek Murthy were among the panel of experts available to address concerns. I was impressed at their patience and respect toward the guests who asked questions. Then Kizzy Corbett came on. A striking black woman, young, full of self-confidence, with a sparkling personality. She described the research she'd been working on for years that led to the mRNA vaccine. And I wondered why this amazing scientist isn't splashed all over the media.

The battle to persuade the hesitant to get vaccinated is on. Governors have come up with incentives. Most notably, in Ohio 5 vaccinated residents will win a one million dollar lottery. Businesses are doing their part. Free Krispy Kreme doughnuts. Free beer. McDonald's displaying messages on cups.

May 16

My goodness! The backlash to the CDC's mask guidelines has been something. How to implement this? How to catch unvaccinated cheaters? The pivot has bewildered everyone. Six weeks ago we were told we're looking into the eye of the B1.1.7 hurricane. A month ago, the director, Dr. Walensky pleaded for adherence to safety protocols. Their warnings must've worked. There was indeed a slight surge in April, but vaccination efforts kicked into high gear right then. A steady drop in Covid numbers began, and despite the emergence of another frightening variant from India - the B1.617 - Dr. Rochelle Walensky tells us vaccinated people can revert to pre-Covid times. The decision is science based, data driven. More importantly, Covid numbers are low. On Worldometers today, a Sunday, the USA recorded 17, 834 new infections. The lowest since March 25, 2020. The exit doors are now visible!

Comfortable with outdoor dining

Life out of captivity is super. Leslie hosted our first in person book group on May 14. We were ten people around a table dining on potluck contributions. Socked in by heavy fog in the past 2 weeks, we had to be indoors. A beautiful evening - which felt simultaneously normal and novel. Conversation hopped from topic to topic - our skills a bit rusty. But we relished our moments together and felt so grateful for our privilege as Americans. In fact, Linda's sister, Ann from Florence, Italy, was with us because she had flown here to get vaccinated.

It's great to be relaxed about dining at a restaurant again. For now we opt to be seated outdoors -especially as it's spring time. This week we pigged out on the creative offerings of Masala Spice, an Indian restaurant a mile from home. It felt poetic since this was the last place we'd dined at before lockdown in March 2020.

India is still in crisis mode. Now, an extremely severe cyclone is walloping the west coast of the country. The B1.167 variant on a rampage in that country has become a concern in the UK. It appears to dominate over the B117. What havoc is it going to cause just as the UK is preparing to loosen protocols? Globally, new daily infections are on a decline. Let's hope this trend holds forever.

Eclipsing Covid news is the conflict in the Gaza strip. In retaliation to rockets fired by Hamas, Israel launched air strikes. Two vastly unequal powers militarily. The Palestinians at the losing end.

May 20

The sun appeared this week and today spring warmth has returned. Mum in South Africa received her first Pfizer shot today at the Ladysmith Provincial Hospital. The country opened up vaccinations to its senior population on May 17 and amazingly just 3 days later she was able to show up without an appointment and get her shot. Let's hope things go smoothly and rapidly as winter approaches there.

Just found out that Israel and Hamas have agreed to a cease-fire. Thank goodness! An 11 day nightmare over. But the root causes - ousting Palestinians from East Jerusalem and other places - haven't been addressed and this has to be a priority in the coming months.

At this stage of the pandemic my motivation to keep this blog is falling. So I want to record current Covid numbers. The USA - now in 4th place on Worldometers, below Argentina - recorded 28,500 new infections. In California there were 1,477 new cases. South Africa is experiencing hotspots and they recorded 3,500 new cases. The UK recorded 2,600 new cases - a slight rise due to the B1.617.2 variant.

Looking ahead I'm guessing the wealthiest countries will emerge out of the pandemic within the next 6 months. The developing world will need resources from the USA and Europe to deal with their disasters. After India, Latin America is in bad shape. It seems like they've been in this state all through the pandemic. Outside intervention is badly needed.

Covid Update in Late Spring

 May 10

In the first weirdly wonderful week of May, my daily routine changed to absorb new activities that are now available to me as a fully vaccinated person in a place where Covid is on the wane. Having access to my gym pool again is such a big deal that I made it my first destination every morning after my caffeine fix. A jacuzzi soak before and after a swim never felt so luxurious, especially with the thick fog that ushered in the month. As week 2 begins I must be more disciplined and include cardio exercise. My stamina on the exercise bike and cross trainer the first time after a 14 month pause amazed me. The outside setting works better than indoors at the moment with the weather as cool as it is. We call it May Gray. Almost everyday in the last 2 weeks the sky has been the color of slate and the air crisp, bordering on chilly. Nobody complains. Fire season is upon us and foggy days lower the risk. I gulp in fresh air, listen to a podcast or audiobook, and pump the pedals as hard as I can manage. An unbeatable way to start the day.

A podcast favorite is "Pod Save the World" hosted by Ben Rhodes and Tommy Vietor. This pair of Obama administration alumni deliver informative current news focused on foreign policy. Rhodes impressed me with his political astuteness in his masterful memoir "The World As It Is" in which he describes his 8 years working with President Obama. In fact I found his rendition of key moments far more absorbing than Obama's in his memoir "The Promised Land". On the podcast Ben and Tommy have enthused about Biden appointees and go behind the scenes on issues regarding the Middle East, China, etc. So I exercise both body and mind simultaneously!

Change is definitely the operative word these days. This week we cancelled our CSA farm box. Farmer's market shopping is back on our weekly agenda. Getting out in public means paying more attention to my clothes and appearance. I now have to wriggle back into skinny jeans and dig up favorite tops that have been hibernating in my closet. I'm hoping to have my hair cut later this week - after 14 months!

The house has to be clean and tidy all the time. Two days last week friends (vaccinated, of course) dropped in unexpectedly. Then, on the weekend we had friends over for dinner. Conversations these days are funny. Inevitably, everyone asks whether you had Pfizer or Moderna followed by a sharing of side effects after the 2nd dose. Giddy times. Until you check the news.

Today's Covid live updates on CNN and the New York Times were refreshingly positive for the US. Daily infections continue to decline and the numbers are now as low as they were in September 2020. No state is experiencing an increase in daily cases. Roughly 50% of American adults have had at least one dose of the vaccine. Health experts are saying that when we get to 60% the Covid scene will dramatically change. Exponential decay, one guessed. Wow! The FDA is evaluating the Pfizer vaccine for 12 - 15 year olds and could green light it by Thursday. Most welcome news here in Santa Barbara where outbreaks among high school kids have become frequent.

But it's hard to feel excited. The developing world is struggling with vaccination efforts. India's crisis hasn't abated. Brazil's numbers are still explosive. The variant driving India's numbers has spread around the globe. WHO deems it a VOC. That's something to make us nervous. South Africa is bracing for a winter surge and their infectious disease experts are expressing worry about the India variant. The country has received Pfizer shipments and they're about to begin vaccinating their senior population.

Much of Europe is making excellent progress with vaccinating their population. New Covid infections are finally on a decline in France, Germany and Turkey. Deaths in the UK are nearing 0. On May 17, Covid restrictions will end. Since much of the population is still waiting for their second dose, we're keeping our fingers crossed. If things continue to improve we are likely to spend the month of August in England.

Covid isn't the only topic on our minds these days. There's plenty of other interesting stuff competing for attention. At the moment everyone is talking about a unique species of cicadas found in the Southeast USA. They are periodic cicadas and areabout to emerge from underground 17 years after the eggs were laid. They will trill loudly, mate, lay eggs and die. Then 17 years from now ... Side note: There's also a 13 year periodic species of cicadas.

I'm so looking forward to the sounds of a summer that promises to be bright out here.

May Starts Merrily for Me

 May 3

When I looked at Facebook today I was amazed that not a single ad for face masks appeared. Wow, it really is a transition time. Unlike anything I've ever experienced. Now that many in my orbit are fully vaccinated life is different. On the last day of April Premi and Sri dined with us at the same table out on our patio where the light and temperature provided charming ambience for this big moment. Then, after a scrumptious dessert of rhubarb tart from Gypsy Hill Bakery - run by a Londoner out of her private kitchen - when it got chilly, we continued our energetic conversation indoors, in our living room. It felt wildly special. This simple act that we used to take for granted in the before times, deprived of for 14 months, took on new meaning.

Two days later we ferried a meal of Spanish tortilla, grilled zucchini and blueberry cobbler over to our friends Anna and Petar who live a mile from our place. In the past 12 months we visited them weekly, sitting at separate tables spaced out on their deck enjoying wine, chitchat and satisfying mountain views. On Sunday, May 2, we were able to sit at the same table and enjoy a meal together. We sure missed that intimate, convivial social experience.

Another huge moment was when I swam for the first time in 14 months on the first day of May. A warm, spring Saturday morning ensured a delightful welcome. When my fitness center re-opened in June 2020, it was dramatically redesigned for outdoor workouts in accordance with Covid protocols. So, even though Santa Barbara remained in the strictest purple tier through much of the pandemic, GVAC, in limiting its membership, was able to stay open. Gyms were deemed high risk so I kept away. Until now. The pool area is now surrounded by cardio machines and weights arranged under shade awnings. A soak in the jacuzzi followed by pool laps never felt as heavenly as it did on that first day back at the gym. My upper arms hurt afterwards. It delighted me.

California's Covid numbers are as low as they were last spring - below 2000 new daily cases and fewer than 50 daily deaths. In the US the 14 day average of new daily cases now hovers at 50,000, a big decline from 2 weeks ago. A few states are still struggling with increases. Oregon has some hotspots, which surprises me. We've learned and continue to learn that things can change. It is reassuring that health officials are projecting optimism. The biggest Covid concerns in the US are about persuading people to get their vaccine shots. Everyone has an opinion on how to do this, but the general feeling is that a large enough percentage won't budge. Herd immunity may not be a realistic goal.

Every morning we wake up to distressing news of India's crisis. The Modi government celebrated too early and are paying dearly. Election rallies and the Kumbh Mela pilgrimage turned out to be super spreader events that produced the 2nd wave that India had astonishingly avoided until now.

I can't believe a third of the year is over. And what a messy process the global vaccination process is turning out to be. If Americans are more co-operative with health officials, and get things under control here, it would free up the government to provide much needed help to the developing world.

May 5

On NPR's Morning Edition I felt sick to hear a report of thousands of expired AstraZeneca vaccine dumped by a few African countries due to their inability to deploy and disseminate their supplies. This, while an India in crisis is in dire need of these life-saving vaccines! What a tragic situation! And here in the US unused vaccine supplies have to be trashed too due to stubborn resistance. Health officials are scratching their heads, struggling to figure out how to persuade half the adult US population that vaccines are the only exit strategy from the pandemic.

Along with distressing stuff is plenty of good stuff. Daryl and I strolled on State Street for the first time since it was transformed to be pedestrianized. Utterly delightful it was, especially because the Tuesday Farmer's Market lent its vibrancy. Calmly sauntering among masked locals, it was spring's bounty on full display that hogged our attention. Purchasing rhubarb, apricots, Harry's strawberries (the best in the universe), and cherries were as stress free as the before times. The many new and atmospheric wine bars, breweries and restaurants with big outdoor seating areas are reasons State Street will undoubtedly become a weekly ritual for us.

After absorbing State Street's charm we joined Stephen and Jacqueline for a meal at Zaytoons. Our first sit down meal at a restaurant since last March. It's quite the hot spot in town, largely because of their Mediterranean style  courtyard. Tables, each with its own fire centerpiece, spaced out and surrounded by planter box hedges for added intimacy, a central fountain, and gorgeous landscaping provide an unbeatable setting. Stephen and I splurged on their "Spring Fling" cocktail - elderflower, cucumber and vodka - to celebrate this moment. Over a shared Vegetarian Feast( composed of Middle Eastern mezzes) we caught up on all that had happened since we were last together - many months ago.

The first days of May have really exposed how rocky this part of the pandemic journey is turning out to be. In particular, while wealthy countries are hurtling toward normal, the developing world struggles on.