Jack By Darryl
Apres Diem
Valentine's Day
2021
President Biden now lives in the White House. We live in a different world from the past 4 years. Georgia has two Democratic Senators, a black and a Jew, Warnock and Ossoff, each an historical first for the state. Kamala Harris is the first Vice President who is a woman, an African American, and a South Asian American. Pete Buttigieg is the first married, confirmed gay Cabinet Member.
Covid 19 is still rampant, infecting millions. On the other hand, millions have been vaccinated, including Darryl and myself, though we both await our second dose in a few weeks. The effects of this virus on health and the economy are dramatic and, in some respects, devastating.
Climate disaster continues even as a polar vortex brings cold to Druid Hills. Sadly, no snow yet, a complete waste of cold temperatures. We sit indoors, listening to World Music on Radio Paradise. We watch films and series, including great classics like Rashomon and Casablanca. We read. We occasionally venture outside to Apres Diem where we have our meals outdoors with heaters overhead keeping us warm.
For a year now, I have been teaching online, now via zoom. Philosophy and Astronomy occupy my work days, 3 classes a day, 5 days a week. In March, when both doses of the vaccine are activated, I shall return to BFA, keeping my old schedule of school hours 10-2, 3 days a week. Will we ever get back to an approximation of normal?
We shall spend the first week of March with Starr in Cloudland Canyon. We somehow manage to keep in touch with friends, with the hope that we can be together and hug again.
