August 21, 2020 These are unquestionably the dog days of August. Not because people are rushing to find pups for companionship, often acting on impulses that both humans and pooches will regret. (Hint: Be sure you're not dealing with a puppy mill, and if you don't like early-morning walks, you'd best forget the whole thing).… Continue reading A pandemic diary: Dog doldrums
Category: coronavirus
A pandemic diary: Blue’s gone
August 13, 2020 One Saturday in 1972 I walked out of the dorm where I’d lived for a couple of weeks, joining some new friends and what seemed like the whole town on the way to my first college football game. It was a clear, bright September day, nippy enough for a jacket, but even… Continue reading A pandemic diary: Blue’s gone
A pandemic diary: Watching and waiting
August 7, 2020 As you might know, Michelle Obama has said she’s dealing with low-level depression over the pandemic, racial strife, and the Trump administration. She's far from alone: more than a third of us are believed to be suffering from mental distress, but numbers are abstract, impersonal. It's different when it's you and me.… Continue reading A pandemic diary: Watching and waiting
A pandemic diary: Now it’s personal
August 4, 2020 In less than 24 hours last week I learned that two friends have the virus, one in a hospital, the other recovering at home. I worry about these good people and can't do much for them except hope. I knew it was only a matter of time before the monster struck inside… Continue reading A pandemic diary: Now it’s personal
A pandemic diary: Sex and violence and then some
July 29, 2020 Six feet apart beats six feet under. Apart: Good. Under: BAD. Repeat until you're saying it in your sleep. Want to liven up a Zoom call? Say, “Raise your hand if you’re wearing pants!” Those who reject masks, vaccines, and science should be required to wear tinfoil on their heads at all… Continue reading A pandemic diary: Sex and violence and then some
A pandemic diary: Falling dominoes
July 22, 2020 My shoulder hurts again. Dammit. It’ll be fine for several days, then stab me with no warning. This time, all I did was reach around to scratch my other shoulder, and it pulled too much or stretched too far. The pain flares out from the joint, up the side of my neck,… Continue reading A pandemic diary: Falling dominoes