The warmth of spring

Among all this chaos with the fast spreading of the coronavirus, spring has finally decided to arrive in full force.  Susan and I met at 1:30pm at our usual spot at the San Pedro River and noticed the cottonwoods fully leafed out, with gypsy moth webs high in the canopies.  It was 82F out, and the dogs were panting in the full sun until we got to the shade of the river.  We did our usual 1.7-mile loop.  Minnie was in heaven.  The river is back to its usual clarity and speed.

It was my last day with the semester.  Q3 grades are in and now we wait to see how long school is out of session.  Experts say that we haven't reached our apex with this Covid-19 yet, that we have another month of social distancing to endure.  I can't make any summer plans, or even think of making any plans, as no one knows if we have to make up the lost weeks of school during June and July.  Trump wants the economy up and running again by Easter.  I think this virus will be contagious far longer than three more weeks.  Today was our deadliest day yet with this virus: 223 people have died , most of them in New York.  Italy (7503), Spain (4089), China (3287), Iran (2234), France (1131) and the US (1046) are in the lead with fatalities.  The global death count is now at 22290 and climbing fast.

Restaurants and other non-essential businesses are closed until at least April 10th and animal clinics are forcing clients to wait their turn while in their cars and not in the waiting rooms.  Most are doing only essential services.  All my dogs need their annual vaccines in March and April so that means I'm getting antsy to get them up-to-date on all their shots.

The high school reunion in Charlotte, NC has now been postponed until June 2021, a full year from the original date of 25-28 June 2020.  So much can happen in that time with Carol, Kevin, or any of the dogs.

The US Senate passed a $2 Trillion (!!!) aid package to help businesses and workers affected by the coronavirus breakout.  Every tax payer will get around $1200 within three weeks.  I'm sure there are requirements (must earn under $75,000) so I doubt Kevin and I qualify.  But what if this pandemic lasts longer than May and more aid is needed?!  At least stocks are on the rebound.