As they said on the radio this morning, Sunday is a day to reset, and although this typically applies to students and workers who begin the work week tomorrow, it now is meaningful to all of us affected by the stress of COVID-19. Another week has gone by in isolation, with many more surely ahead until we’re free to live normal lives. It’s time to take a deep breath, reset our spirits, and prepare for what’s ahead. I’d like to say, “ladies and gentlemen” (re)start your engines, but even the Indy 500 won’t have its traditional Month of May. It will have to wait until August unless we don’t do our duties of staying home, keeping our distance, and washing our hands. 

Experts recommend singing “Happy Birthday” twice while washing your hands in an effort to assure a full 20 seconds of scrubbing. We started doing this yesterday to celebrate what would have been my father-in-law’s 100th birthday. He was honored many times throughout the day. Speaking of hands, it’s also Palm Sunday, so keep in mind to wash all exposed surfaces. In addition, a mask can help prevent touching your face, another critical guard against spreading germs. I’ve never been more aware in my life of these invisible dangers. Washing your mouth out with soap suddenly seems like a good idea. Will flavored soaps soon hit the marketplace? How about a whiskey-flavored sanitizer chaser to go with that beer? Make mine, George Dickel! (See Post #1275). After all, Tito’s Vodka is now producing a hand sanitizer that they are distributing for free.

I should be drinking more rather than less if I were a true germaphobe. Instead, I figure there is no need to add to natural depression, saving my toast for when this is finally over. Ding…Dong…The Bug is Dead! Along those lines, it’s hard to believe there are people out there that honestly feel that smoking pot makes them immune from the virus. Where did that come from? No wonder this continues to spread. I just don’t need anything that makes me eat more junk food. When I step on the scale, I’ve already put-on the COVID 5. 

As I now step outside every day, it’s like The Wild West. Everyone is a modern version of The Lone Ranger. Who is that masked man? (See Post #5). Anyone can walk into the bank in mask and gloves without a second glance. Those who use a bandana remind me of the Great Train Robbery. The streets are abandoned like the James Gang is about to ride into town. Even more reason for retailers to hide behind Plexiglas screens. It’s hard to believe that we all thought the Blizzard of ’78 was such a big deal. I’m still waiting for someone to hit the “reset” button so this can all be put behind us.