So began the gradual response to the growing threat of COVID-19, soon declared a global pandemic. In light of sudden and grim outcomes in Italy, Spain and Iran, the rest of the world scrambled to "flatten the curve" with little time to spare before sharing their fate.
At the time of this post on St. Patrick's Day, Ontario is under an official state of emergency. Canada has closed its borders. Restaurants closed, all major sports leagues suspended, stock markets crashed.
Things look even more dire south of the border, given their much greater population, questionable leadership and some perceived reluctance to embrace science.
We were lucky on so many fronts.
We were lucky that's Jane's surgery was moved up a month, and her recovery was so much further along when the worst of this hit then it was supposed to be.....at least in terms of needing to visit hospitals and clinics. Physio even released her early based on progress and her work ethic at home.
We were lucky that I hadn't been travelling for work nearly as often, largely to due with assisting Jane in her recovery. Accordingly, I had been exposed to far fewer people than my normal routine.
We were lucky that our rural lifestyle literally defines "social distancing" - finally, an upside to being introverts!
We were lucky that we are both able to work from home. We had no upcoming trips or travel planned, at least nothing which could not be painlessly altered or postponed.
We were lucky that a checkup with the surgeon in Windsor afforded the opportunity for a Costco run, a few weeks before things truly got real. No panic over TP or cat food.
We were lucky that Jane had been using Click and Collect for some time now, given two years on crutches, and did a large grocery pick up mere hours before Ontario announced the school closures. Again, just missed the mass panic and run on the grocery stores.
We're lucky that we're both healthy - not even a standard cold or flu this winter, which would be concerning enough in these times - and that friends and family are healthy as well.
Coupled with Jane's improved ability to walk, we thought it was the perfect time to renew our park pass for Point Pelee - a pretty quiet place for a stroll in March - we even managed to get one good visit in for a cool but sunny weekend walk before they closed all national parks.
Now we're hunkered as Spring arrives - no need to go anywhere for a while, and lots of yardwork and artwork (and reading, boardgames and Netflix) to catch up on, as we ride it out and embrace the "new normal".
Someone's driving again!
March sunrise
Drifts linger along the Lake Erie shoreline
National Parks!
New observation tower is going to be great!
A nice albeit muddy stroll to The Point
The Tip of mainland Canada - the only snow we have left!
Lake Erie ramble
Golden Ale and Wee Piper in Banded Goose crowlers
Spring and hope emerges
Burning some brush on a Sunny Sunday
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