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.

Rolled Up My Sleeve for 2nd Shot

 April 16

We woke up to another mass shooting - the 45th one this month! Eight people were killed at a FedEx facility in Indianapolis. Yesterday we heard about yet another victim of a police shooting. A 13 year old Latino boy who had responded to police commands and was not a threat! When will this carnage end?

Globally, the mood is also despondent. Covid numbers are at their highest level worldwide despite vaccination efforts. India now reports over 200,000 new daily cases, triggered by a mega Hindu festival and driven by new worrisome variants. Brazil continues to see around 80,000 new daily infections. Much of the world experiencing vaccine shortages and challenges.

It's a weird reversal to now be in the more advantageous position. A quarter of adult Americans are fully vaccinated. In California half the adult population has had at least one vaccine shot. The road ahead, however, is by no means smooth. The nation's daily new cases hovers at just below 80,000. Michigan's crisis isn't letting up. But California's progress is a thrill. Our region will move to a less restrictive tier next week. Various organizations have started preparing for summer re-openings. Concerts at the Hollywood Bowl will be performed all summer.

April 20, 2021

On April 19, 2021, I received my second Pfizer dose at the DeWees Community Center in Lompoc where a mass vaccination clinic was set up. It was a smooth process, well-organized and efficient. How lucky I am to live in a wealthy part of the world and have access to inoculation just 4 months after vaccines débuted! It was lunchtime so Daryl (who dutifully accompanied me) and I drove out to Industrial Eats in Buellton for wood-fired flatbread to celebrate. 

Four hours after my jab I began to feel drowsy. Then my head began to pound. I lay in bed, listening to NPR. I started to feel woozy, as if I'd just been on a rollercoaster ride. Daryl could hear me moaning. He dashed over to CVS down Fairview Avenue for Tylenol. I didn't take any. My headache vanished after an hour. I developed a low grade fever and felt drained of energy. Four hours later, the bothersome symptoms dissipated. I was hungry, but could only tolerate something bland. Smashed avocado on a slice of toasted sourdough did the trick. By the time I brushed my teeth and turned in for the night I felt more or less normal again. I'm so glad I was prepared for possible side effects. My 4 hours of discomfort didn't worry me in the least. The vaccine was doing its job of revving up my immune system. 

Our relatives in the UK are excited for a loosening of restrictions after months of strict lockdown. New daily cases there now just under 3000 and daily deaths below 50. I was thrilled to see that South Africa has dropped to 20th position of total cases on Worldometers. Their daily infections rose a tad, attributed to Easter activities, but in general, they are maintaining a low infection rate. Thank goodness! My nephews, Cayden and Shrayen, love being able to go to school. Now they are impatient for normal interactions with their friends. Still a long road for them, and one with bumps, I'm sure. In a month or two, as winter approaches, they may not be able to avoid a third wave. Vaccination efforts are moving along. Their senior population has been invited to register online for appointments which will start in May.

Other big news: The Derek Chauvin trial has dominated the headlines in the past 2 weeks. This was the cop who knelt on George Floyd's neck for 9 minutes last May. Witnesses for the prosecution were emotional and authentic. A guilty verdict on all murder charges, much to the relief of many of us, was announced early this afternoon. 

Major accomplishment: A helicopter took off on Mars, flew a short distance and landed successfully. Another NASA triumph!

April 23

Day 4 since my 2nd vaccine shot. As my body builds antibodies I've been dreaming about how my life will change soon. When I return to the gym and dine at restaurants, the world around me will approach normal. California now has the lowest infection rate in the entire country. Even better news, this week's Covid numbers show a nationwide decline in infection rates. Michigan appears to be past its peak. Phew! What makes us nervous now is a decline in the rate of vaccination. Supply has exceeded demand nationwide. The Johnson and Johnson vaccine is available again. The small number of adverse reactions have been analyzed carefully to figure out better treatments. Hey, people, let's do it! Go get your shot!

Outside the USA, the picture is bleak. The situation in India is horrendous. New daily infections at record breaking highs - past 300,000. Hospitals overflowing, oxygen shortages, the healthcare system unable to cope.

April 26

On Sunday, April 25, I went inside another person's house for the first time in 13 months. Premi and Sri hosted Sunday afternoon tea for a group of 7 fully vaccinated close friends. How sweet it felt to sit around the same table and engage in convivial chitchat with people we care about and whose company we relish. We stuffed ourselves with exquisite samosas, fenugreek dokla (an Indian savory bread), scones with cream and jam, homemade cheesecake, homemade baklava, and moist lemon cake (my contribution). Chai tea for the caffeine drinkers and herbal teas for the rest of us kept us hydrated. We hadn't seen Rayann and Marlene for close to two years. Much had happened in that time. Many challenges navigated. It was great to see Monica from the Bay Area again. Conversation was understandably robust.

Many parts of the world can only dream of the state we find ourselves in in California. Currently, India is in a crisis. For 5 consecutive days they broke the global record of new daily cases. But the 350,000 reported numbers are an undercount due to inadequate testing. Heartwrenching reports of oxygen shortages, overwhelmed hospitals, and awful deaths point to a situation worse than anywhere else in the world at any time in the pandemic. Immensely relieved to hear that the USA and the EU are stepping in to help. Other countries are lending their support too.

April 30

President Biden addressed congress a day before his 100th day in office on April 28. In a speech equivalent to the State of the Union he described his accomplishments, mainly the heartily welcome pandemic progress, and outlined a bold, ambitious vision for the future. His focus is on the economy, climate change, immigration, infrastructure, Russia and China. Media pundits have compared Biden's aspirations to Lyndon Johnson. The left, for now, is unified in their approval of Biden. We're in good hands for now and that feels tremendous.

As April comes to an end, the Covid picture is mixed. New infections in the USA are dropping. How good it feels to see the trend lines. Daily deaths below a 1000. Michigan now out of its nightmare. Parts of the country are seeing surges, but overall it looks like we're heading toward the exit. On April 27, the CDC loosened mask requirements for the outdoors. For vaccinated people masks aren't necessary unless it's a crowded setting. I noticed masks instantly ditched at the parks and by the beaches.

Now that vaccines are available everywhere at any time in this country it'll be interesting to watch the progress. We have a long way to go. A third of the country is fully vaccinated. The sooner the skeptics trust the science, the sooner we'll reach that light at the end of the tunnel.

Inching toward Normal times

April 10

It's been quite a literary week for me. Both my book groups met up this past week. On Wednesday evening we had an incredibly robust discussion on Zoom. Our selection, The Friend, sparked opinions and musings from everyone, each weighing in from their unique perspective. The book reads like a memoir, but it's a work of fiction covering themes of love, loss, relationships, pet dogs, writers, and the craft of writing. There's much philosophizing and analysis. The Zoom platform kept us disciplined - one speaker at a time - - sticking to the topic. Our next meeting in May will be like normal times at Leslie's home. We'll all be fully inoculated so we'll be sharing potluck contributions, and chatting unmasked. 

I met up with my other group (all fully vaccinated) in a garden under the shade of mature oaks to discuss the biography of Edward S. Curtis. He was a famous photographer of American Indians, and contributed significantly to our knowledge of native traditions. Our discussion was mellow, but it was great to see everyone in this period of transitioning toward normal.

This week I started reading Barack Obama's A Promised Land. I'm loving it. It's surprisingly accessible, and full of stuff that re-affirms my admiration for this remarkable individual that we were fortunate enough to have as a leader for eight years.

April 13

Good and bad news characterizes this phase of the pandemic. Now there's more supply than demand of vaccines. Discussions about when we can expect to reach herd immunity excite us. California may arrive there in mid-June to July. While daily new infections in the US are on a slow rise, California's trend remains good. 

Distressing news is a constant. Today the Johnson and Johnson vaccine has been paused in the US. The first roadblock in the vaccination process since the Biden administration turned the pandemic situation around in the country. Six cases of blood clotting, including a death and a hospitalization is under review to determine linkage to the vaccine. The impact on the US isn't huge, since the government has secured adequate mRNA vaccines for all adult Americans. Europe and South Africa, which also paused use of the J&J vaccine, can't afford any more hurdles after the AstraZeneca headaches.

Overall though, things are looking up. Yesterday (April 12), for the first time in 14 months, Daryl and I spent the entire day on the road. We hoped to capture some of the exhilarating experience we'd had in 2019 on a loop that took us past Ojai through the rugged Wheeler Gorge landscape, the unspoiled Sespe, and then across an agricultural stretch before heading west on Soda Lake Road to the Carrizo Plains. A wet winter two years ago resulted in an explosion of wildflowers carpeting the landscape. Of course, the meagre rain this past winter kept our expectations low. Still, the scarcity of poppies and lupines and total absence of desert blooms astonished us. Clumps of flowering ceonothis on mountain slopes offered some satisfaction, but the already colorless landscape was dispiriting. Nevertheless, the drive out of town marked a change in our psyche. A signifier of a change from a year ago.

Sespe Wilderness as seen from Highway 33

Soda Lake Road is a narrow, unpaved road and for quite a long stretch the landscape is barren. Tumbleweeds provide the main entertainment. Then patches of white appear (salt pans). In a wet year the desert blooms would be at their peak in April. We ate our picnic lunch (focaccia, avocado, cheese, salad, fruit) at what would have been the heart of the area's beauty.

Salt Pan - Carrizo Plains

We gazed at the beige hills framing the plains, willing them to turn bright yellow like we'd seen them on our previous trip. We discerned hints of yellow and a bleak telegraphing of many months of fire threat in store.

The drive west to Santa Margarita was remarkably windy with steep climbs and descents. A coffee stop at the sleepy hamlet jolted our spirits for the simple reason that it was the first time in over a year that we were consuming coffee from a cafe. We were back in the world of people!

We hit the highway, crossed Cuesta Grade and exited at Shell Beach for gas and cake from our favorite Deli. Lemon bars and more coffee deserved to be enjoyed with a seaview. On this fine sunny day there were tons of people of all ages around us, but we were completely relaxed a safe distance away on a park bench with an unobstructed view of the blue expanse and iconic cliffs. 

Next, we headed to Pismo Beach. It's become quite the la-di-da beach town, thrumming with visitors. 

Pismo Beach Pier

We strolled to the end of the finely constructed pier, took in the views and then the wide stretch of sandy beach tempted us. It was low tide too and since we'd been in the car all day, a long, long walk in this gorgeous setting was the obvious way to round off our day's excursion.

Our minds are already on the post-pandemic future. Plans for the summer of 2022 already in nascent stages.

Covid Diary in Mid Spring

April 2, 2021

The good news is that over 3 million vaccine shots are administered in the US each day. A third of the nation has received at least one shot. Close to 20% are fully vaccinated. In my region there's definitely the sense that the end is in sight. After a traumatic January in California I've noticed more responsible behavior regarding face coverings and distancing. Now our local Covid picture looks more promising every day.

The bad news is that the virus mutants of concern have gained a foothold in parts of the US, leading to a 4th wave in these regions. Though the experts are passionately urging caution and patience, it's obvious that this wave won't be as serious as the winter surge. There's an expectation of things getting worse in parts of the US through April. More deaths, hospitalizations and Covid headaches. Humans, we've learned, are impatient, obstinate and selfish. Ultimately, vaccines will win the race. The month of May will be merry.

Outside of America the pandemic rages on. Europe's 4th surge. India at almost 100,000 daily new infections. Brazil a disaster. But South Africa is doing surprisingly well, with new infections hovering around 1000 a day. In fact, no new restrictions were imposed over Easter weekend, much to everyone's surprise. However, their vaccination program hasn't really kicked into gear yet.

It's Good Friday today - a normal day in the US. I made hot cross buns yesterday. The spicing and fruitiness were perfect, but the texture much too dense. I used a combination of whole wheat and white flour and I should've allowed more proofing time. But right out of the oven with tea, they were a treat. And then for breakfast this morning what could be better than warmed, buttered hot cross buns? In the afternoon Premi and Sri showed up with hot cross buns that Premi had made. They were huge, airy and conventional looking. We munched them with tea on our patio. I was too embarrassed to offer them any of the ones I'd made!

April 5

Another quiet Easter weekend. A highlight was a 6 mile beach stroll on Saturday morning right after breakfast (more hot cross buns). Thick fog, cool temperatures and low tide provided the incentive to head out to More Mesa. Delightfully quiet, we just kept walking until pressing home chores forced us to turn around. The fog dissipated and the sun became brighter and more intense on the stretch across the unshaded field. A perfect spring day.

In the early evening Bruce and Janette joined us for a convivial meal on our patio. Fine champagne, rosemary flavored cauliflower soup, a roasted beet salad, falafel, chocolate cake and pleasant conversation. Bruce's book Switched is launching this week. Particularly exciting because he took on a new concept and because his beloved departed Riley, inspired the story. What a timely tribute to his adored dog!

April 6

Caught this iris before it vanishes

Clivia - one of my favorites

Gardens in our area are at their best in the spring time, regardless of how little winter rain we've had. The long dry stretch from May to December is considerably less colorful!

Tomato plants are taking root in our vegetable planters, and in a week or two the seeds we've sown will emerge into seedlings and will need thinning. I'm loving the extra daylight after dinner for garden chores. Now I have more daytime hours for reading and writing.

The Covid landscape out here where we live is almost as bright as spring blooms. California now has the lowest positivity rate (1.7) in the nation! We were the global epicenter of the pandemic in January, so this is a drastic improvement. Now every adult is eligible to receive a vaccine. Today, Governor Newsom has announced that the economy will open fully on June 15. Of course, unpredictable factors could mar our progress. However, on May 4, I'll be two weeks past my 2nd shot and sufficiently inoculated to venture out into the world.

April 7 - Today the CDC informed us that the B117 variant, as expected, is now the dominant strain in the US. Depressing! 

The latest on the AstraZeneca vaccine is that it likely linked to rare instances of blood clotting. Mostly women under 60 were affected, but risk factors haven't been determined. Now, in the UK, under 30's will be offered an alternative vaccine. It's unlikely that the US will use this vaccine since we have more than adequate supplies of Moderna, Pfizer and Johnson and Johnson. Thank goodness!

I'll remember this phase of the pandemic as one of disorientation arising from the mixture of daily optimistic news coupled with distressing news.