Dear Liza,
Our poor country has been calling in sick since mid-March, with no sign of recovering. “Please excuse the country from participating in her usual activities.” We are not just unwell. We are getting worse.

And, like some individual humans, parts of the country doesn’t seem to know what’s good for it. While many of us are resting, masking, distancing and working on self-care, others are out partying, deliberately putting themselves, and everyone in their orbit, at risk.
As happy as I am to be able to watch a baseball game, even one attended by fan cut-outs, I worry for the health of the players. Giant’s catcher Buster Posey, newly a father of twins, has wisely joined other players in just sitting this season out. But many players from soccer and baseball teams are going to crowded venues and parties. What are they thinking?

I can only imagine the horror of managers who are tasked with keeping their players safe. They have developed disinfecting and distancing strategies only to see photos of their overpaid athletes partying like it’s 2019.

Here at home, we trying our best to keep our bodies strong. We are eating right (lots of salads with chicken, lots of fruit), not drinking too much (your portions may vary) and, every day, getting out for a mile walk.

We counter the emotional toll of the news Doom Spiral with art, friends, and kittens. We keep each other focused on the good things.

It isn’t always easy. The Pandemic, Presidential over reach, and racial violence are dark clouds and very real. They are the water in which we are swimming. But we can’t let them squash our will for life and joy.
That’s my soap box for today. Stay well and happy, sweet girl.
Love,
Grandma Judy