Strange Days Indeed

The classic Monty Python sketch says "Nobody Expects the Spanish Inquisition." Surely none of expected what has become of the world.

Hemingway wrote that bankruptcy comes "gradually, then suddenly." It seems that's how things are going with the Corona virus lately.

We heard about it, and paid some attention. Last week it was, well, maybe avoid meeting as many people as you normally do. By last weekend, my family followed the strict social distancing that has now become the norm: essentially stay home as much as possible, and don't have visitors, even family.

D1 is most on top of things -- our precious grandson just turned 3 months old. D2 worries about infecting her "elderly parents" -- we're 58 and 63.

Yesterday our long time cleaning lady Miriam showed up, with her friend and assistant Vivi. I paid them both and told them not to stay. Same thing with the exterminator -- he said we weren't his only reluctant customer.

My friend Jeff, VERY concerned about the virus given his health history and propensity for asthma and other lung ailments, texted that he needed some papers notarized. He came by, and we met at a long table outside by the pool -- 6 feet apart. I did my work, and we chatted for an hour. I really enjoyed it -- he was the first in person contact with a friend in over a week.

We agreed we thought Hurricane Andrew would be he catastrophe for us, locally. Both our houses were destroyed, and we ended up moving to the same Brickell Key apartment. His wife Lili learned she was pregnant there with their second daughter -- a wonderful young lady awaiting word on where she starts training to become a psychiatrist. It appears she'll be returning to Miami , after 8 years at Yale and Northwestern Med School . Hopefully there'll be a program to train in.

Then, of course, there was 9/11. We thought that would be the signature international event to deal with. Ha. As if. Here comes this virus -- much more significant than 19 psychopaths crashing 4 planes in the Northeast.

There was comic relief. Jeff needed Wifey to witness some signatures. I looked around -- Wifey was nowhere to be found. Her phone was in the kitchen. I called for her around the 4 sides of the house. I wasn't too worried -- Wifey tends to wander around these days.  Jeff left.

An hour later, Wifey came in -- sweating. She heard me calling, answered, and then went back to cleaning out the rock beds. I reminded her of normal human behavior -- when someone comes looking for you -- maybe let them know you are there -- just a response isn't enough. Weird. Life is weird. Jeff texted later -- did Wifey turn up? Yes, I said. We compared notes on wives getting on in years and their changes...

D2 FaceTimed -- out for a walk with growing puppy Betsy. She brings D2 so much joy -- Jonathan, too. Betsy sleeps most of the day, and becomes a "terrorist" in the evening -- Jonathan calls her Betsy Bin Laden.  She misses the dog park -- probably closed, like everything else.

Then D1 FaceTimes -- on a walk to the Bay with the baby and spoiled Spaniel. We talked about friends, and how this world slowdown was affecting everyone we knew.

D1 is wise. Normally a news junkie like her father, she is avoiding much of it -- focusing instead on her beautiful boy, wonderful husband, and happier Netflix offerings . I promised to tell her if things get to the "Secure the perimeter!" stage in Northeast Miami...

Strange days, indeed.