Trying to Keep Things Normal

It's hard to remain normal in these abnormal times, isn't it? But we do what we have to do. And since most folks agree I'm rather abnormal, I'm going with the flow quite well.

The number of COVID-19 cases in Tom Green County has grown to 24. I'd say right now we have generally the same number of cases as other West Texas towns of our size (Abilene, Midland, and Odessa). Lubbock has over 100 cases.

Once we saw cases starting to appear in West Texas, Donna and I began self isolating. In the past two or more weeks, we have only left the house to pick up groceries using the curbside service at H.E.B. and Market Street (United). When we see the delivery folks approach our car, I pop the hatch on our SUV and they load the groceries in and we take off for home. Once home, we sterilize everything, wash thoroughly, and isolate until our next order. Yeah, self isolating ain't too difficult for anti-social folks like me and the old woman.

Other than self isolating, we try to remain normal. I still walk several days a week. However, I avoid contact with anyone, even to the point that I cross the street if other walkers are approaching. We sit out on our patio as much as we can. Unfortunately, a cold front blew through early Friday and stayed until Sunday, so we spent most of this past weekend inside.

On a recent walk, I saw this lovely yucca in bloom. 

This tom turkey was showing off his plumage one morning.

I looked out on our patio Saturday morning. It was pretty chilly out there. The temp was hovering around the mid 40s, and there was a mist in the air. I noticed something on the top wire of the cage on one of Donna's patio tomato plants. Upon closer inspection, I saw that it was a hummingbird. He was all hunched up as if he was cold. The little fellow stayed on our patio much of the morning, going from that spot on the cage to one of the feeders.

Our new tenant.

His second home.

Donna found a couple of shows on the Animal Planet channel for us to watch. The first one she found is The Zoo. Most of the show is set at the Bronx Zoo in New York City, but there are a few scenes filmed at other zoos. Of course, both Donna and I love animals, so we enjoy watching the show just to see them, but I'm amazed at what is done behind the scenes to keep a zoo running. Basically, the same can be said for The Aquarium, which is set at the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta. If you get a chance, tune in to these great shows.

One of the positive side affects of this situation we are currently in is some folks may be rediscovering some simple pleasures. I've noticed people walking in our neighborhood who I have never seen walk before. Now, admittedly, some of these folks may be new to Rio Concho West. We do have a steady turnover out here. But some folks I recognize; they just haven't walked before. I guess they're getting a case of cabin fever and are looking for something to do. That's good. And I've read that gardening is being rediscovered. I wouldn't mind a good plot of land myself to do some serious gardening. I do miss it. It was therapy for me during my work years.

I hope all of you are staying safe out there. Best wishes to all.