The View from the Hermitage, Day 345

It's a happy 36th anniversary for the Professor and me, and it's almost as warm as it was on the Saturday 36 years ago. We ended up having an outdoor wedding reception. The photos from the reception are puzzling. No jackets and lots of rolled-up sleeves. It then hits you that there is not one leaf on any tree and the grass is brown. The temperature in Dallas, Texas this afternoon is or was 75F, only 77F warmer than it was a week ago.

I just came in from a short walk with The Family Dog; I'm actually surprised that she wanted to turn around as soon as she did. The rain seems to have washed away the scent from her rodent hunting grounds, so she did not stop there this morning. She's raising her standards and next wants to catch one of the squirrels who taunt her daily.

Random pandemic happenings include Dr. Fauci commenting that "we've done worse that most any other country." That's likely something he wanted to say all along but had to wait until after January 20. England's chief medical officer says that covid will likely be a problem "for the next few winters." That's fine by me if the vaccines become as widespread as the flu ones are. Japan has responded to a rising suicide rate by naming a minister for loneliness. I'd love to see the job description for that as well as how they will evaluate the minister's success. Does the suicide rate have to go down to a certain point? 

Moving to Europe, covid has inspired 1,200 new German words. A team of three people at the Leibniz Institute for the German Language goes through media every year to find words that have come into use. This year's crop includes ones meaning or reflecting "tired of covid-19," "corona hairstyle," "corona angst," "envy of those vaccinated," "cuddle contact," and "distance beer." I've been trying to come up with new pandemic-inspired English words but so far have not thought of any. If you know of some, please leave them in the comments.

POTUS gave brief remarks last night in response to the country's passing the 500,000 deaths mark. He advised against becoming numb to the sorrow of covid. Have we already become numb? Is that why the local university in three weeks has recorded 70 more positive student cases than it did in the entire fall semester? Is pandemic fatigue numbing us? Do we just hang loose until vaccinations become widespread enough to start having a real effect? Do we just ignore the deaths that happen in the time that takes?

I wrestled mightily with Son #2's quilt repair today until I had to take a break or break down. I think more about that than the pandemic some days. I remind myself that the quilt is very special to him and that the repairs matter more than they esthetics. It is not an heirloom to be kept and passed on, but a lovey to keep and wear out a second time. It will be there tomorrow when I hope to be in a calmer, better mood. 

Let's close on the note that Peloton has brought out a "cheaper" treadmill. How does Peloton define "cheaper"? It only costs $2,500.