Today is the beginning of the 8th week of the COVID-19 shutdown. Everything has stopped. We eat, sleep, do what exercise we can. In the absence of the gym, and especially the water aerobics classes, I'm losing core strength. I have to do something about that, because it means my old lower back trouble is acting up again. Walking has been painful off and on for the last 4 days, and I'd give a lot for a personal appointment with a physical therapist, but all that's available are videos. The doctor suggested some exercises, only two of which help at all. I'm living on Tylenol and trying to remember to stand up straight because that seems to help; but if I want to sit anywhere, I have to use the inflatable lumbar rolls I thought I didn't need any more. Well, I do.
I'm reading a lot. I've gone through the 11 detective stories I borrowed from the library just before they shut down, so I'm revisiting my extensive collection of early 20th century mystery authors. Right now I'm reading through all the Ellery Queen I have in hardback; I may have to replace some of the paperbacks with e-books, they're pretty old. A friend has recommended Elizabeth Letts' Finding Dorothy, so I've borrowed the e-book from the local library and will start it soon. But I'd like to have something real to do. I love reading, but I also like to accomplish things, and right now all the things I'd like to accomplish are out of reach.
OK, I'm depressed. I'll admit it. I doubt I'm the only one. I miss my friends from the exercise classes, and my friends from the chorus. God only knows when either of those activities will be available again. And let's not even discuss the small businesses and restaurants I like to patronize. I talk to my friends on the phone and in Zoom, and I email them. It's not the same. I'm glad Governor Newsom is being cautious, but waiting for a vaccine to be able to sing in a group again is terrifying.
