No hot water. No heat. Covid. All three of these things descended on our household at one time, on Thursday morning. What is the likelihood? It began with my husband Peter feeling lousy on Wednesday evening and deciding he didn’t feel like going to his swim practice at the County Pool. After dinner, I suggestedContinue reading “What Happens When Three Bad Things Happen at Once?”
Category Archives: Coronavirus
Trading Places as a Literary Device on a Freaky Friday
See the world, if only for a few moments through someone else’s eyes, and you gain both empathy and knowledge.
How Many of Us are Paying Attention to What is Happening Around the World?
If you repeat a lie over and over again, will some people start to believe it is true?
Take Nothing For Granted, Not Even Winter
The contrast of the white snow on the dark tree branches is a beautiful sight as is the dusting of white on the evergreens.
Masks Required and No Smoking– What’s the Difference?
No smoking laws protect 62.3 % of the U.S. population from the dangers of second hand cigarette smoke. But many are resistive to measures such as temporary mask mandates to protect public health.
Covid Confusion; Misinformation and Wishful Thinking
When the word coronavirus became part of our everyday vocabulary, back in February 2020, I stumbled over its pronunciation. The idea, that something invisible could travel so quickly and infect millions and cause death was scary. For many of Americans it was an easy decision to retreat, shut our doors and wait it out untilContinue reading “Covid Confusion; Misinformation and Wishful Thinking”
Delta Blues Summer
How was your summer? A friend asks a seemingly innocuous question and then it hits me, summer is over. Fall—as soon as the air in Maryland begins to turn crisp—is about to commence. And how was my summer? I ask myself. Sort of okay, nothing bad, but disappointing, I think. The build up towards theContinue reading “Delta Blues Summer”
In Search of an America Willing to Stand Together
We were under attack, and we needed each other. We remembered that together we stand. But today America is divided.
Travel Challenges, A Changing World and a Quest for Space
Space. I’d like a little more space around me, standing in line waiting to board the plane. At the grocery store, they suggest customers stand three feet apart while waiting to check-out at the cash register. Socially distance is the catch phrase. But to load an airplane with passengers, time is measured with dollar signs.Continue reading “Travel Challenges, A Changing World and a Quest for Space”
Avoiding Death By Practicing Kindness
It is how we handle the onset of a pandemic as a society that determines how many of us will survive.
Is it Work If You Do it From Home?
“Just because I work from home, doesn’t mean I don’t work,” I said. “I just have to work around my children’s schedule.”
Why It May Be Too Early to Throw Away Your Masks
We’re moving through a fuzzy moment in time. Pleased to socialize, but warily looking over our shoulders.
Safe or Not? USA Celebrates Independence Day
All ages and sizes, they gathered to watch the first local parade in the state capital since the St. Paddy’s Day festivities of 2020. They smiled, waved, and hugged. I saw only one person wearing a mask.
Summer in the USA— With or Without a Mask
Everyone wore masks at the National Aquarium in Baltimore, Maryland. If you didn’t bring a mask they gave you one before you were allowed to enter. Simple. No decision on mask wearing required. Other situations require you to use your own judgement. The sign on the door outside the supermarket says, ‘”No masks required ifContinue reading “Summer in the USA— With or Without a Mask”
Why We May Not Be Safe
Waiting at what appeared to be the shortest line at the supermarket, I began to wonder what was taking so long. Then I noticed the clerk was confined to a wheelchair and he was wearing thick yellow rubber gloves, the kind I wear for scrubbing pots. He appeared to struggle, just to push the buttonsContinue reading “Why We May Not Be Safe”
Nadja Maril, Writer & Author 