Fog City

 The relationship between age, or old age, and current events, the strange and difficult times we are living through, at least I am, is perplexing to say the least. A half a million Americans have died of the Covid virus. Seniors are the most vulnerable but now they are first to receive vaccines. I've received the first of two vaccine shots and feel somewhat relieved. But we are by no means any where near normalcy. Schools are closed and teachers are fearful, and shouldn't they be first to be vaccinated. Businesses are struggling mightily to stay alive. Jobs are scarce and the economy is suffering. Legislators remain stymied by intransigence to provide financial help for all. It's been a long and tumultuous year with many levels of anxiety. The new year and new administration have provided a much needed hope however illusory. 

I zoomed with my granddaughter last evening, a treat, I'm watching golf on TV thinking I should exercise, as life marches on. My point is the fragile conditions for most don't really affect me. Being old I'm concerned about climate change, but only in regards to my grandchildren because I'll be long gone from this world. Since I'm retired with a secure pension and social security, the financial woes affecting the average American aren't a worry. In a self centered way I smirk at the obvious travails burdening most. Only for a moment. I do really feel a deep sorrow, a sadness for my fellow humans affected through no fault of their own. Our democratic system, which we have taken for granted, has been threatened and come under question. All the problems and struggles we face seem less for me simply because of my age. As I near the end of this remarkable journey I linger on all I've been gifted. Needless worry is just that, and I don't have time for it. 

The larger problems of the world dwindle after my coffee takes affect. I cross my legs and stare out into the misty morning. My worry shifts. Will that lady quiet her yapping dog, which is driving me bonkers. Are the neighbor kids playing in the fairy garden going to be nice or destroy? Is my neighbor in the upstairs flat going to use the washer and dryer all day or what? Do I have to remind Christine, who's at the grocery store, not to forget the peanut butter? Am I going to have to go outside and help the nervous driver trying to parallel park? These are my kind of problems, which I personally can deal with if I choose. Ice bergs melting, global virus threats, republican insurrection, however worrisome are out of my league. 

I really have nothing to add, the twenty four hour story tellers and pseudo pundits continuously inundate us with speculation and bias ad nauseam. So I'll bid you adieu until another blog update.