Perhaps kind thoughts reach people somehow, even through windows and doors and walls. Perhaps you feel a little warm and comforted, and don’t know why, when I am standing here in the cold and hoping you will get well and happy again.
~ Frances Hodgson Burnett
(A Little Princess)
Last week was a little tricky. My gut pain flared up after a relatively good spell and I was pretty down in the dumps about it. I’m trying to learn to live with the fluctuations between good days and bad days and how unpredictable it all is.
By Thursday I was well enough to attempt a walk at the beach, thinking a familiar place would be better than a new adventure. But it was disappointing to see too many people there, many of them not respecting the social distancing obligation. Friday we tried again and I was so disheartened to find cigarette butts on the rocks and a big pile of dog crap on the lawn. No smoking is allowed on the beach property! And dogs are supposed to be on-leash and their poop scooped. I suspect some people are coming to the beach to visit with their friends because their usual hang-out places are closed. I was also depressed not seeing any gulls, although the brant geese seem to be making the beach their new home.
Saturday we sadly decided to take a walk somewhere else and found Moore Woodlands, on the other side of town. We encountered a friendly family of five on their bikes near the entrance and we all respected the 6-foot social distancing protocol, much to my relief.
As we were leaving we came across a couple looking for a nearby cemetery and had a nice conversation with them across the stone wall from a safe distance. Another family came by and also gave everyone a very wide berth. It made me feel so much better about people after the distress I felt at the beach.
It was a lovely cloudy day and the mood in the woods was tranquil, with many birds singing. It was good to get a walk in before the rain came later in the day. It was as if nature was kindly whispering the comfort I needed so badly.
Such beautiful photos, Barbara. I’m sorry you have been up and down with your health. Walking DOES help, and I’m finding most people are considerate on the social distancing here in the Boston area (suburbs). We’ve been hiking for an hour or so every day if it’s not raining/snowing/super cold. :-0 Most of the wooded trails are narrow, but everyone on them stands to the side to let others pass. And all dogs are leashed. Sorry you came across some “bad actors.” Unfortunately, there are always a few.
Stay safe!
Thank you, Pam! I find it interesting that people in the woods are respecting social distancing but people at the beach, not so much. Along the Connecticut shoreline they are starting to close the beaches or the beach parking lots because of this. Lucky for me, I find a walk in the woods just as soothing as a walk by the sea. (These days I am less concerned about ticks than coronavirus!) And there are lots of trails and preserves around here we’ve never explored. We’re making the best of it! I’m happy to hear that you’re getting out for walks, too, and soon the weather will be even more inviting. 🙂 Take care, my friend.
I’m sorry you had a flair-up, Barbara. Hopefully you’re feelng better now.
There are still people here who are ignoring the rules (which are now laws), but thankfully there are others who don’t. How nice to be able to go for long walks. Here a law has been passed that we can each go out once a day only for essential shopping, emergencies (including healthcare), or exercise, but the exercise has to be close to home and there are rules about that too.
Thank you, Val. I am feeling better.
I’m glad we can still drive somewhere to take a walk because Tim doesn’t want the car to sit without running for too many days. It’s interesting how different places have different rules. Our governor just issued an executive order that no short-term rentals can be offered to vacationers but should be made available to health care workers who need a place to stay so they don’t have to go home after work and put their families at risk. We live in a tourist area.
It’s such a difficult time, especially for the sensitive folks, trying to find a quiet place of solitude amidst the masses of displaced people. I really enjoyed hearing how you found solitude, Barbara, and wish you the best during these peculiar times.
It is a difficult time, having culture shock finding ourselves in this strange new world. It’s funny how different things seem to stress us out and nobody knows when or how it will end. Even the experts aren’t sure which way to go. Blessings to you and your loved ones, Jet, as we all muddle through.