Signs of the Times – MidWeek, April 15, 2020

The coronavirus is obviously no laughing matter. But keeping a keen humor sure can take the edge off of these tough times, even if delivered in small doses.

Last week, for some much-needed social connection, I vigorously shook hands with myself (never touching my face), and then I washed my hands… vigorously!

I went for a car ride, pumping up the volume on a great playlist, and went nowhere; just drove around. ‘Twas one of the best (and only) trips I’ve taken of late. Might be a nice idea if you have antsy kids at home. I kept the air-conditioning on “recirculation”, just to be extra safe. COVID-19 paranoia is really not such a bad thing nowadays. Mask up! 

A red, rubber ball had blown into our yard as winds topped 35 MPH. I went to return it next door to our two-year old neighbor. Ahhh, but I’ve gotten smarter lately. Instead of picking it up, I used my finely-honed soccer skills to adeptly maneuver the ball with both feet (gotta use both feet to play good soccer). I washed my hands (and feet) anyway.

I then went to the veterinarian to pick up much-needed dog food (yes, for the dog) and the front door sign there directed me to stay by my car. I gave my name to an employee who poked her head out, and a masked man (never thought I’d be happy to see a masked man in a non-hospital setting) came out with my pre-ordered dogfood. I popped the car trunk, he dropped the goods in, and I drove off. Yes, I sani-wiped the trunk and dogfood bag at home. 

Recently, the concept of a “pop-up” meant a cool, short-term retail shop, like for the holidays or a foodie event. We now have pop-up screenings- but they’re not food or movies- they’re testing sites for COVID-19. Same world, same words, new rules. 

And here’s a novel (coronavirus) thought: what if the first leg of the rail project is really ready to roll in fourth quarter… but the people aren’t?

Think About it…

“Think About It: Ideas And Inspiration For Today’s Hawai`i”, my first book, is available online from Watermark Publishing locally (including FREE shipping) at: https://www.bookshawaii.net, and will also be available at many local bookstores. It covers various highlighted segments of my 19-years of writing/airing “Think About It” on local TV.