Untitled Pandemic Journal

March 20, 2020
Day 5 of social distancing 19,352 cases in the U.S. 250 deaths in the U.S.
I wish I had started this Monday. Yesterday was the most social day of social distancing:
--Happy hour on the bike path 6 feet apart
--Virtual birthday party for Uncle Joe.
--Facetimed with Rob.
Today:
Worked. Walked on the bike path with Wayne. Had margaritas on the porch after.
News:
IL, CA, MI and NY are all sheltering in place. NJ closes all non-essential businesses.

March 21, 2020 Day 6
25,493 cases in US 307 deaths
Difficult day. Tried to sign my mother up for online grocery delivery. Impossible to do. Clearly the system is overwhelmed. I have a hard time deal with her anger and anxiety. And I’m scared I won’t ever see them again. I spent the day organizing work for Monday. I’m super busy and I should be thankful (I am really) and scanning tax documents. Glad that’s done. Went for a walk.
News: Hospitals can’t get protective gear. 793 deaths in Italy today.

March 22, 2020 Day 7
33,276 cases in US 417 deaths in US
Better day. Made scones. Did a video call with my cousin Annarita. No one in Calitri has the virus – amazing! Walked to Ballston. It was a ghost town. Did a virtual happy hour with Michael, Patrick, Kathleen and her dad, Mark and Roger.

March 23, 2020 Day 8
46,332 cases 610 deaths
It rained so I didn’t go outside. I worked all day.
News: VA schools closed for rest of the year. No graduation. The governor also closed all bars, restaurants, parks, playgrounds and non-essential businesses. The UK is in a national lockdown.

March 24, 2020 Day 9
54,893 cases in US 783 deaths in US
Worked, walked, yelled at the TV.
News: Trump wants the US opened for business by Easter. The 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo were delayed. NYC is the epicenter of the outbreak.

March 25, 2020 Day 10
68,572 cases in US 1,031 deaths in US
Worked, did another virtual happy hour with Michael, Patrick, Kathleen and her dad, Mark and Roger.
News: Prince Charles tested positive for COVID-19. Congress wants to pass a $2 trillion stimulus bill.
March 26
Day 11
85,653 cases in US 1,290 deaths in US
Worked. Met Jeff and Stacy and Carla at their street for a social distancing happy hour. Had a virtual meeting with freelance friends.
News: US now has the most cases of coronavirus – yes, more than China and Italy.

March 27
Day 12 104,463 cases 1,702 deaths
Worked. Filed three articles. Walked, had margaritas on the porch while looking at the wildlife in our yard – squirrels, chipmunks, birds and bunnies. Watched the movie Yesterday.
News: Congress finally passes the $2 trillion economic package

March 28
Day 13 124,377 cases 2,190 deaths
In a different version of 2020, we would be in NYC tonight. We would have had a great meal and went to see the play Six. We would have been excited about our trip to Japan next weekend. In this version of 2020 (the year that wasn’t), I spent too much time on the Internet, Jayna applied for the ACE scholarship and made a pound cake, and we listened to the Six soundtrack. Wayne made chicken and dumplings – it was really good. We watched the movie, The Photographer.
News: Trump threatened to quarantine NY, NJ and Conn. But then backed off.

March 29
Day 14 145,328 cases 2,489 deaths
I made scones, went for a walk and called my Aunt Charlotte, my Aunt Iris and my mom. We did a virtual happy hour with Michael, Patrick, Kathleen and her dad and sister’s family, Mark and Roger. We watched the movie, Ghost World. We also had lots of packages delivered from Amazon – a huge box of Utz, paper towels, bird feed (very necessary, this is our entertainment), and Fever Tree Tonic water. I had my first Japanese whisky and club soda with lemon. Wayne went to the grocery store. Scary.
News: Trump extends social distancing until April 30. So much for opening up at Easter. Thank God.

March 30
Day 15 161,274 cases 3,040 deaths

Worked. Went for a walk. Talked with Charlie and Lin. Watched My Brillant Friend.
News: VA, DC and MD have stay-at-home orders. Trump is accusing nurses of hording masks. ;-(

March 31
Day 16 189,035 cases 4,076 deaths
Worked. Wayne made gumbo. We are flush with food from a Whole Foods delivery. Jayna spoke with Colorado School of Mines disability services and arranged for her accommodations. I’m very proud of how she handled that discussion and advocated for herself. I’m hoping she has a normal freshman year. We have come to the sad conclusion that we aren’t going to Italy on June 22 if the stay-at-home order ends on June 10.
News: Feds are estimating 100,000 to 200,000 deaths in the US. We already had more deaths than 9/11, more than China, and more than WWI, WWII, Korean War, Vietnam, etc.

April 1
Day 17 215,417 cases 5,119 deaths
Worked and walked. We got a tower of boxes delivered. Thank God for Amazon. We had a virtual happy hour with Michael, Patrick, Kathleen and her dad, Mark and Roger.
News: The brother of Wayne’s coworker died for COVID-19, also the lead singer of Fountains of Wayne and Elis Marsalis. Dr. Fauci needs enhanced security because of death threats. Many of the ventilators from the government stockpile don’t work. How is any of this possible in the United States, the richest nation in the world?

April 2
Day 18 245,213 cases 5,983 deaths
Worked than hung out with Wayne and drank prosecco because his work memo was signed and my big report on the Equal Rights Amendment was published. I did a virtual meeting with my freelance/ASJA friends.
News: Wear a face mask.

April 3
Day 19 277,953 cases 7,152 deaths
Worked, walked, did a virtual happy hour with Robyne and Elaine and their friends. In another version of 2020, we’d be packing for Japan. ;-(
News: Wear a face mask but it’s voluntary. Trump won’t wear one.

April 4
Day 20 312,076 cases 8.496 deaths
In another version of 2020, we’d be on a plane to Tokyo today. But we aren’t. Today we canceled our AirBnBs in Italy. Wayne hasn’t canceled the one in Calitri or Sorrento yet. Still holding out hope though it is hopeless.
These the questions I have daily:
1. Will we ever see our parents again?
2. Will Jayna go to college in August?
3. Will Rachel have her wedding in Rome in September?
4. Will John have his wedding in July?
5. Will we ever go overseas again?
6. Will I ever feel comfortable again in a bar, restaurant, plane or being
anywhere near people other than Wayne and Jayna?
7. When this ends, what will America be like?
8. What will normal look like?
9. How will we all get vaccines?
10. When will get vaccines?
News: Despite a travel ban, 40,000 people from China traveled to the US after the virus infected China.

April 5
Day 21 337,310 cases 9,673 deaths
Watched Queen Elizabeth’s address with Kristen over Facetime. Walked to Ballston. It is still a ghost town. Jayna played D&D virtually with friends and we had a virtual happy hour with Michael, Patrick, Kathleen and her dad, Mark and Roger. We watched the movie 1917. It was incredible.
News: Same depressing stuff.

April 6
Day 22 368,196 cases 10,986 deaths
Monday again. Worked. Walked. Really nothing exciting. Jayna built a Lego VW Bug.
News: Boris Johnson, the UK Prime Minister, is in the ICU. Our president is pushing an unproven anti-malaria drug.

April 7
Day 23 398,809 cases 12,895 deaths
Worked. Had margaritas on the porch while watching chipmunks and squirrels. Watched the movie, Office Space.
News: Someone dies in NYC from the virus every two minutes. Singer John Prine died.

April 8
Day 24 431,838 cases 14,768 deaths
Worked. Walked. It was a beautiful day. We had margaritas on the porch (again) and then enjoyed a picnic of meat and cheese. We watched the squirrels and chipmunks gather peanuts. At night we watched the Masked Singer and Lego Masters with Jayna.
News: The president wants to send ventilators to our allies and non-allies.

April 9
Day 25 465,750 cases 16,684 deaths
Our neighbor died at home today, not sure if it was related to the virus. A fire truck came, then four police cars and eventually two morgue vans. Although we didn’t know him well and he was creepy, he was a human being and I was still shaken. I felt emotionally exhausted tonight but did work and we did our Zoom happy hour with Robyne and Elaine and friends. And we watched the movie Airplane. Silly movie. Just what I needed. Jayna Zoomed with her friends for 5 hours.
News: Less than 1 percent of U.S. residents have been tested for COVID-19

April 10
Day 26 501,301 cases 18,758 deaths Good Friday
Worked, made a crumb cake (for the weekend). Jayna’s friend Casey and his mom came by. I freaked out when someone knocked on the door. They stood at the end of the walk and talked to us. It was fun, amazing and weird to see people in real life. We ordered sushi. Yum! Wayne picked up another case of wine – case number 4 since this started. We watched the Godfather Part I
News: Nearly 6,000 deaths in NYC but Trump insists we need open the country up for business.

April 11
Day 27 529,951 cases 20,608 deaths
Ate the crumb cake I made last night. It was good! Went for a walk. Did a virtual cocktail with Rebecca Clay. Watched Godfather Part II. Watched half of Saturday Night Life at Home. Really not very funny.

April 12 Easter
Day 28 557,300 cases 22,079 deaths
Had an unexpected fun Easter Sunday. Sherry needed us to sign documents for her new job so she came by and we decided to have drinks. She sat outside on the other side of the porch screen by the birdfeeders while we were on the porch, a safe 6 feet apart with a screen between us. We had our Zoom call with Michael, Patrick, Kathleen and her dad, Mark and Roger, and Kathleen’s sister and her family. Then Wayne and Jayna and I made lasagna and homemade pasta. Overall, a good day. In another version of 2020, we’d be coming home from Tokyo today.

April 13
Day 29 581,918 cases 23,628 deaths
I have a few assignments but not much. I feel like the coronavirus pitching frenzy has ended but we’ll see. Mark (of Mark and Roger) stopped by to pick up some lasagna. He left us wine and we talked thru the porch. Thank God for the porch. I was supposed to do two virtual calls today – our writing group and saying hi to Jeanne. I bailed on both. I have total Zoom fatigue. It is crazy that I’m so over programmed with Zoom calls. I feel like I have very little time to myself. Paula and Scott told us in an email that they are done with us. The result of having a disagreement with them over FB about something stupid Paula posted about Joe Biden. Oh well. I am exhausted by their drama. Being stuck at home has made me realize I only want to talk to/Zoom with people who matter most to me and are the most uplifting. All the writing submissions for the writing group were depressing, which is the main reason I bailed.
News: Bernie endorsed Joe Biden! Andrew Cuomo and six governors are coordinating to open the NE, and the CA, WA and OR governors have banned together. Trump is pissed.

April 14
Day 30 608,458 cases 25,992 deaths
Another typical day. Worked, walked, did a virtual happy hour, this one with Jeff and Stacy.
News: Trump halts funds to the World Health Organization. Good luck getting a vaccine. We are doomed!

April 15
Day 31 628,111 cases 30,844 deaths
Worked though I mostly participated in a 4-hour ASJA board meeting. Went for a walk. Did a virtual meeting with Lin, Charlie, Chris, Emily, Jimmy and Karen. Colorado School of Mines is moving all orientation sessions online.
News: Trump urges Congress to adjourn so he can appoint nominees without their approval.

April 16
Day 32 671,151 cases 33,268 deaths
Second half of ASJA board meeting. Exhausted. Followed by virtual happy hour with Robyne and Elaine and friends, where we learned how to make a fat-washed Tom Collins.

News: People in NC, MI and Ohio are protesting social distancing. WHAT? 22 million people applied for unemployment in three weeks.

April 17
Day 33 710.475 cases 37,054 deaths
Worked, did a virtual happy hour with Jeanne. Watched Young Frankenstein. I’m happy it’s Friday even if the weekend isn’t that different.
News: Trump supports the protests against social distancing. We are living in a mad, mad world.

April 18
Day 34 735,086 cases 38,910 deaths
Worked, made molasses cookies, had a virtual happy hour with Michael, Patrick, etc. Jayna watched movies with her friends over Zoom for 5 hours. Randy send us sad news that Caitlin’s cancer has spread to her brain, liver, everywhere.
News: The protesters are funded by conservatives.

April 19
Day 35 758,720 cases 40,677 deaths
Made scones, walked, did a virtual meeting with Rebecca, whose mother died last week. As always, sad that the weekend is ending even though the weekend isn’t any different.
News: These stupid protests continue.

April 20
Day 36 486,968 cases 42,308 deaths
Worked, walked to Ballston. It is still a depressing ghost town. Unexpectedly got a invitation to Zoom with Randy from Caitlin’s hospital room. Completely heartbreaking. Lots of us on the call – family, friends, all telling stories, showing photos, showing the artwork she made. It is clear these are the final hours. I can’t imagine Randy without her. At least he isn’t all alone. We can be there virtually.
News: The price of oil hit ZERO. Trump signed an executive order to end all immigration to the United States. TN, SC and GA are open for business. They are all governed by Republicans.

April 21
Day 37 824,889 cases 45,042 deaths
Worked, ordered Indian take out from Urban Tandoor. Spent some time on Zoom with Randy in Caitlin’s hospital room. I’m glad we can support him. We tried to Zoom with my parents with the assistance of their home helper, Diana. Hilarious. Even with her help, it was a disaster. But it was so good to see them. I cried when I saw my dad. I saw more of the lamp behind his head than his face and more of my mom’s left ear and chin than her face but still happy to seem them.
News: Trump is no longer issuing green cards. The senate passed another aid package -- $484 billion.

April 22 Earth Day Day 38 841,556 cases 46,769 deaths
Worked, walked, Zoomed with Randy. Lots of us on the call. Randy had to step away. Caitlin’s temperature was 104 degrees. We tried to keep telling stories but it was clear that Randy should have a quiet moment with Caitlin. She died at 7:25 pm PT. I know Randy is heartbroken and I’m not sure what he will do. His mother in law lives with them. Not an easy time to be socially distant.
In other news, Mines will decide about the fall semester in June. Even if it’s virtual, it sounds like they’re thinking this through. I trust them. That’s a good feeling.
News: Michael Bloomberg is working on contact tracing with Andrew Cuomo.

April 23
Day 39 868,945 cases 49,887 deaths
Worked, was sad about Caitlin. Helped Jayna with her housing video. Had Thursday night virtual happy hour with a brown butter bourbon old fashion. Yum!

News: President Trump suggested injecting disinfectant into lungs to fight COVID- 19. IDIOT! I want a real president.

April 24
Day 40 890,524 cases 51,920 deaths
Worked, was happy it was Friday. Colleen McKenna’s mother died this morning. When I spoke with her she sounded amazingly calm. So much sadness these last 40 days.
News: GA is open for business. CRAZY! Trump is insisting 1,000 West Point cadets return for his graduation speech.

April 25
Day 41 939,053 cases 53,789 deaths
Weekend. Tried not to do much. Walked. I have this urge to buy a bike. We’ll see how I feel next week. I think it taps into this longing for freedom. I woke up this morning and just felt so much anxiety. Freedom and release would be good right now. Did a virtual happy hour with Michael and Patrick, Mark and Roger, Kathleen and Joe.

April 26
Day 42 965,942 cases 54,883 deaths
I think this was the first day in self-isolation that I didn’t do any work at all. It was kind of nice. Made lemon pancakes. Mark and Roger dropped off brownies and banana bread and we actually SAW them in the flesh but from 6 feet way. Wayne and I just hung out, watched the Great British Baking Show (so relaxing), last night’s SNL and drank a brown butter bourbon old fashion.
I’m starting to get to the end of my rope with self-isolation. I want to do stuff, go places and not be scared but I realize that’s impossible. I think about the things we should be doing... sadness.

April 27
Day 43 988,197 cases 56,259 deaths

Back to work. It’s hard to be motivated. I think I’m really bored. There is nothing to be excited about or to look forward to. We went for a walk. That is our big activity each day.
News: Trump was warned about this in January.

April 28
Day 44 1,072,582 cases 58,355 deaths
Worked, did a Zoom call with Mark and Sally. Found out that Randy had a stroke and was in the ICU. He’s having difficulty talking. This is heartbreaking. I also learned by cousin Mary offered to get groceries for my parents but my mother turned her down.
News: Trump insists meat packing plants stay open. Mike Pence appeared at the Mayo Clinic without a mask.

April 29
Day 45 1,039,999 cases 60,967 deaths
Worked. Did a photo shoot at the high school with Jayna for an essay about missing graduation. It definitely seemed to capture the loneliness. Worked with Wayne.
News: Signs of a drug and maybe even a vaccine. Cautious optimism

April 30
Day 46 1,069,424 cases 62,996 deaths
Worked. Did our Thursday cocktail happy hour. Fun group! Getting pretty bored in general, though.
News: Maryland secured 1,000s of COVID tests from Korea and arranged for National Guard protection against the Federal government taking them.

May 1
Day 47 1,103,781 cases 64,943 deaths

Worked. Happy it’s Friday even if the weekends aren’t much different. Jayna and I made a cinnamon roll scone for tomorrow. It’s chilling in the fridge to bake in the morning.
News: The White House won’t let Anthony Fauci testify before Congress.

May 2
Day 48 1,133,069 cases 66,385 deaths
Well that giant cinnamon roll scone was AMAZING. We watched the Blue Angels do a flyover and talked with our neighbors. Then Sherry came over and hung out on the other side of the porch screen. We had takeout from Peter Chang’s. It was really good. Jayna and I went over all the instructions for the AP tests. CRAZY. She hung out virtually with her friends all night. Glad that she does that.
News: Same crazy stuff but add to that “murder hornets,” which are giant hornets that kill people.

May 3
Day 49 1,158,040 cases 67,682 deaths
Sunday. Read the newspaper, hung out on the porch. Wasn’t expecting to Zoom with Michael, Patrick, etc., but we did for two hours (as usual). I love these people so much. It was Kathleen’s mom’s birthday and she and her dad dropped off food and a cake for her and the other residents at her memory care community. It must be awful not to see her. Will she even know who they are when this is over? Phil let me know that Randy is OK and his sister and brother-in-law are with him, and he’s expecting a full recovery. Thank God!
News: The White House says the death toll could reach 100,000

May 4
Day 50 1,180,288 cases 68,922 deaths
Back to work. Went for a walk. Did a Zoom call with Charlie and Lin. Watched the season finale of My Brilliant Friend.
News: Italy is starting to reopen but it is doubtful we can go anytime soon. In the U.S., the daily death toll is expected to reach 3,000 deaths a day in June.

May 5 Cinco de Mayo Day 51
1,204,351 cases 71,064 deaths
Worked but felt blah all day. Not motivated. Quick, unsatisfying Zoom with my parents. Went for a long walk, then had margaritas and nachos and started to feel better. Watched Money Heist and they finally made it out of the bank and escaped! Then watched Echoes of the Canyon. Ended up being a good night until I got notice that John and Meredith’s wedding in Breckenridge is postponed for a year though they will still get married—so much disappointment.
News: The White House plans to end the coronavirus taskforce, Ruth Bader Ginsberg was hospitalized.

May 6
Day 52 1,228.214 cases 73,418 deaths
I got work done but it was a struggle. I am tired to social isolation and I’m angry at these Republicans who seem to think it will all magically go away when they’re putting us at risk and prolonging the shut down. I just want to go back to normal!
News: We found out that Cor will give the Valedictorian speech at graduation!!

May 7
Day 53 1,257,023 cases 75,662 deaths
Worked, worked and had a moment of unexpected happiness when I called to cancel our Breckenridge reservation and was told the wedding was moved to Aug. 28, 2021 and that I could move my reservation. Finally, I don’t have to cancel a reservation!
We had our usual Thursday night happy hour and Wayne and I got very happy on White Russians and we watched the Big Lebowski, which was great after three White Russians.
News: Trump’s valet tests positive for COVID-19. Trump pardons Mike Flynn. A Trump donor is made Post Master General. We are all screwed.

May 8
Day 54 1,283,929 cases 77,180 deaths

Worked. Blah day. Our June flight to Italy was official canceled and our Paris/Rome flights for September were changed. Expecting those to be canceled too.
News: 20.5 million (1 in 5) Americans lost their job in April. VP Pence’s aide tests positive for COVID-19.

May 9
Day 55 1,309,541 cases 78,794 deaths
Started off blah but then Wayne made a fire, I read, and Jayna and I made another giant cinnamon roll scone. Then we made pasta by hand and watched the Seinfeld special, and Becoming (I cried). I am so so angry about the state of our country.
News: Dr. Fauci, the head of the CDC and the head of the FDA all have to quarantine for two weeks because of exposure.

May 10 Mother’s Day Day 56
1,329,260 cases 79,526 deaths
The giant cinnamon roll didn’t come out right so Jayna made a lemon pound cake. We went for a walk, talked with the moms, hung out on the porch and watched the Great British Bake Show. Got through the day.
News: 4 million COVID-19 cases worldwide and the U.S. leads the pack.

May 11
Day 57 1,347,388 cases 80,397 deaths
Tough night’s sleep and difficult start to the day but somehow I wrote the article that was due. Went for a walk and participated in a Zoom birthday call for Eli (18).
News: Everyone at the White House needs to wear a mask, except for Trump.

May 12
Day 58 1,369,376 cases 82,356 deaths

Worked. Jayna took her AP Calculus BC test and had a difficult time uiploading her answers. But she got it done! Did a Zoom call with ASJA friends. We discovered that Jayna likes Money Heist so watched that together.
News: U.S. death total could be 147,000 by August.

May 13
Day 59 1,390,406 cases 84,119 deaths
Worked. Had two pitches accepted and one assignment so now I’m busy. Went to pick up Jayna’s cap and gown. There were balloons and a big General’s flag. Very festive. We saw Jayna’s counselor, Ms. Wiley. I cried. Colorado School of Mines President said they are working on reconfiguring dorms, cafeterias, labs and classrooms to open in the fall. They are working COVID testing too. Meanwhile, the California State University system won’t open in the fall. When we first stayed home 59 days ago, I don’t think we knew how long it would be.
News: WHO says this will be a long-term threat. Meanwhile, armed protestors in Texas are demanding businesses open.

May 14
Day 60 1,417,774 cases 85,898 deaths
Worked. Jayna had her AP Chemistry exam. We did our Thursday night Zoom happy hour and made whiskey sours. We finally got the masks I ordered weeks ago!
News: 3 million more jobless claims. 36.5 million have applied for unemployment since this started.

May 15
Day 61 1,442,824 cases 87,530 deaths
Finally Friday! Worked. It was super warm out. There are three bunnies frolicking in our yard. We took photos of Jayna in her cap and gown for the virtual graduation, which will be on the local cable station and YouTube.
News: The House passes a $3 trillion relief package. It will never pass the Senate.

May 16 Day 62

1,467,884 cases 88,754 deaths
Saturday! Warm. 80+degrees!
Did a socially distant happy hour with Jeff and Stacy and life felt normal for two hours. Had sushi back at home and watched Graduate Together with Obama and cried. Watched Fast Times at Richmond High, too.
News: There as an explosion in downtown Los Angeles

May 17
Day 63 1,486,757 cases 89,562 deaths
Last day of the weekend. Spent two hours doing a book publishing master class. Did a Zoom call with Michael, Patrick, etc. Watched Derry Girls on Netflix – very funny. Why does the weekend go so fast? Not looking forward to another long, slow, boring week and it’s supposed to rain all week.

May 18
Day 64 1,508,308 cases 90,347 deaths
Monday again. Cold and dreary. Nothing interesting to report today. One month until Jayna’s virtual graduation.
News: Trump says he’s taking hydroxychloroquine, a drug he is pushing to treat COVID-19 that doesn’t work and could actually cause harm.

May 19
Day 65 1,528,568 cases 91,921 deaths
Worked. Jayna got a cool care package from her adopted Mines family, which is such a cool tradition. I found out someone I knew from high school is on a ventilator because of COVID.
News: We saw the Colorado governor on MSNBC. Sounds like they plan to open colleges in the fall.

May 20
Day 66 1,551,853 cases

93,439 deaths
Worked. I’m tired of working. It’s all mundane. Walked. Then Wayne and I had cocktails to toast 5 years since his major surgery to put him back together.
News: Trump is looking for doctors who will agree with him. If we had locked down sooner, 36,000 Americans would have lived.

May 21
Day 67 1,577,147 cases 94,702 deaths
Worked. Did our Thursday night Zoom with beach cocktails.
News: Jobless claims reach 38.6 million in last 9 weeks. Thinks just really suck.

May 22
Day 68 1,601,251 cases 95,979 deaths
Friday. Memorial Day weekend. Worked until 4 pm. Got takeout ribs. Had a very long Zoom call with Charlie and Lin. Went out for the first time to a public place – Target! It was 9 am, raining and very empty. I was so nervous about going that I woke up in the middle of night and couldn’t sleep. But it was empty and everyone wore a mask and stayed apart. It was quite enjoyable to do something normal.
News: Despite people still dying, Trump is insisting churches need to be open. Meanwhile, DC has one of the highest infection rates.

May 23
Day 69 1,622,670 deaths 97,087 cases
Finally the weekend but it took me awhile to settle in. I want to DO something, see something different. In another version of 2020, we’d be seeing Robert Plant tonight in concert. Instead, Jayna and I spent 2 hours making cut out cookies dipped in chocolate. It was more than a bargained for but it was fun. Wayne made margaritas and at night we watched Backbeat and Help. Jayna hung out virtually with friends. There was a surprise in the mail – Kathleen and her parents sent Jayna $50 (taped in a card!) for her graduation.

News: Tomorrow’s New York Times front page – US Deaths Near 100,000, An Incalculable Loss. The entire front page is the names of the people who died and a short obit.

May 24
Day 70 1,634,246 cases 97,720 deaths
I read all the names in the New York Times article. Just 1,000 – 1 percent of 100,000. Sobering. We went for a drive. Saw lots of people without masks and not social distancing in Old Town, Alexandria. Did our 6 pm Sunday Zoom. Tara Hoot, Patrick’s drag queen identity, showed up! Watched Flower Fight with Jayna.

May 25 Memorial Day Day 71
1,662,302 cases 98,220 deaths
Last day of long weekend. Walked and saw three beautiful deer on the bike path. Sherry came by for a social distancing drink. We watched more Flower Fight with Jayna and finished the Derry Girls.

May 26
Day 72 1,680,913 cases 98,913 deaths
Back to work. Muddled through. Went for a walk. Finished watching Flower Fight with Jayna.
News: Northern VA begins phrase I of reopening on Friday. What does that mean? Not sure. Starting Friday facemasks are mandatory in all public places.

May 27
Day 73 1,699,176 cases 100,418 cases
Worked. Did all the usual stuff. Mundane.

May 28
Day 74 1,721,753 cases 101,616 deaths

Another workday. Went to the post office and CVS. So weird to be out! I like driving around but being in public places is odd. We had our Thursday night Zoom happy hour. Theme: Beer cocktails. The amazing and cool orientation camp for Jayna’s college was canceled.
News: Lots of unrest in Minneapolis after a police officer killed a Black man (George Floyd) but putting his knee on his neck. Jobless claims passed 40 million today.

May 29
Day 74 1,746,019 cases 102,809 deaths
Finally Friday! Today Arlington County moves into Phase I of reopening. I won’t be rushing out anytime soon. People posted photos of people sitting shoulder to shoulder at outdoor restaurants and bars. Not for me!
Meanwhile, across our country people are protesting police brutality against Black people. I don’t know how we got to this place of unrest, sorrow, death, etc., but we need a way out.
News: Trump continues to incite violence. He also says we are withdrawing from the World Health Organization.

May 30
Day 75 1,770,384 cases 103,781 deaths
Saturday! Beautiful day—read, walked, had a socially distance happy hour with J eff and Stacy. Ate a picnic dinner on the porch than watched Lovebirds on Netflix.
News: The protests rage on. All over the country, it is clear that violence as these protests is caused by people looking for fan the flames (white supremacists).

May 31
Day 76 1,790,172 cases 104,381 deaths
Sunday. Another beautiful day. Spent the day on mostly on the porch. Walked, Zoomed with Michael, Patrick, etc. My cousin in Italy (Rachel) plans to go ahead with her wedding in Rome in September. We shall see. I realize the time we have been in lock down has been longer than the time between now and when Jayna leaves for college. Unsettling.

News: Unrest, protests and violence (mostly caused by people looking for start trouble) is erupting across the country. Most protestors are peaceful but a faction is looking to cause a war. There are curfews in every city, including DC.

June 1
Day 77 of COVID-19
Day 7 of nationwide protests for George Floyd 1,811,360 cases
105,165 deaths
Monday. Back to work. Difficult day to get anything done. So much unrest. Jayna found a college roommate.
News: Trump declared he will turn the US military on US citizens if the protests don’t end. Then at 6:40 pm, the National Guard attacked peaceful protestors ahead of the 7 pm curfew. There are curfews in every city as peaceful protesting by day and looting by night continues. It is as if there is no coronavirus, though we know there still is.

June 2
Day 78 of COVID-19
Day 8 of nationwide protests 1,831,821 cases
106,180 deaths
Only Tuesday? But a better day. Got some work done. Did a social distancing happy hour with Jeff and Stacy, Carla and Annie, and Jayna came too. Take out from Bangkok 54. The protests, so far, tonight have been more peaceful. There are 23 cities with curfews but none of them are being enforced. It almost feels like people have completely forgotten that there is still a pandemic. Concerts, sporting events, etc., have been canceled but people are coming out by the 1,000s to protest. It’s amazing.

June 3
Day 79 of COVID Day 9 of protests 1,851,520 deaths 107,175 cases
Only Wednesday. Obama addressed the nation (via his webpage) about the protests. All 4 officers involved in killing George Floyd were arrested today. Protests continue across the country.
News: Former Defense Secretary James Mattis criticized Trump for being a divider and threatening the Constitution.

June 4
Day 80 of COVID Day 10 of protests 1,872,660 cases 108,211 deaths
Worked. Did our fun Thursday night Zoom. Finished watching Money Heist. This last season was great! Lots of surprises and backstory.
George Floyd was buried today. These protests are not ending any time soon. DC is full of unnamed military-like policy guarding Federal property. Our country is at a breaking point. And the virus is still out there.

June 5
Day 81 of COVID Day 11 of protests 1,897,380 deaths 109,132 deaths
Finally Friday! I finally went for my second Shingles shot.
News: COVID cases continue to rise – 20,000+ daily. Somehow 2.5 million jobs were added to the economy in May. Unemployment dropped to 13.3 percent, which is still high. DC painted Black Lives Matter on 16th Street.

June 6
Day 82 of COVID Day 12 of protests 1,919,430 cases 109,791 deaths
We got up early to go to Ballston for a protest. People walked from Columbia Pike to Ballston, read the names of Black people killed by police and then walked to Courthouse and then DC’s Black Lives Matter. There were close to 1,000 people. We just participated in the Ballston part but it was moving. And the police were supportive, handing out water and snacks with Ashlawn elementary students.
Afterward we went to Good Co. Doughnuts and sat outside and ate and drank coffee. Our FIRST outdoor dining experience. It felt good to go to somewhere I used to go before COVID. Then we went home. I was wiped out. I didn’t feel 100 percent from the Shingles vaccine so I watched Downton Abbey and chilled. Then we went to Jeff and Stacy’s for two hours. At night watched BlackKKKlansman. It feels like these protests won’t end. Maybe 2020 is the year everything will change for the better? Fingers crossed.

June 7

Day 83 of COVID Day 13 of protests 1,941,978 cases 110,513 deaths
Ugh, wanted today to be better. The weather was great and, in some ways, that was just a reminder of how trapped we are. I am SO bored! Went for TWO walks and did our Sunday night Zoom thing. Had take out sushi. Feeling a bit trapped.
June 8
Day 84 of COVID Day 14 of protests 1,960,642 cases 110,990 deaths
Monday again. Spent much of the day trying to get a new refrigerator for my parents in New Jersey. They ordered one March 3 and it still hasn’t been delivered! We think we found and ordered one from Home Depot. Jayna and I also listened to a presentation about college—what to expect with social distancing and classes, labs, dorms, etc. It’s a whole new world but at least it sounds like they can go to college in the fall.
News: A recession started in February. Protests continue. Lots of calls to restructure the police, take some of the budget and put it towards mental health support, create database of cops accused of violence. All good ideas. Meanwhile, COVID isn’t going away. There has been an increase in cases in the U.S., across the globe and in Arlington. But people are acting like it’s gone.

June 9
Day 85 of COVID
Day 15 of protests
George Floyd’s funeral was today 1,979,411 cases
111,989 deaths
Is it really only Tuesday? The number of COVID cases isn’t going away and enither are the protests. Tonight Mark and Roger, and Robyne and Elaine came over (in person!) for drinks! Then we went and got Pupatella and sat in the open patio area to eat. Super fun! Almost normal, except it is all still so scary to be near people. Rose, from our Thursday Zoom group, found out her brother died at home.
News: George Floyd’s funeral was today. Despite VA moving to Phase II and things opening up, including our fun night, the virus continues to spread. 21 states have seen an increase in cases. We have virus and Zoom fatigue.

June 10

Day 86 of COVID Day 16 of protests 1,999,900 cases 112,924 deaths
Another workday. At night we did Zoom with Mark and Sally, then watched a live streamed concert from Austin.
News: VA enters Phase II of opening on Friday. Unemployment is expected to stay at really 10 percent all year. The virus is still spreading.

June 11
Day 87 of COVID Day 17 of protests 2,023,385 cases 113,818 deaths
I went to Whole Foods for the first time since March 10. It isn’t easy to social distance there so fortunately it wasn’t crowded. I listened to a webinar on reporter’s rights and learned a lot. At night we watched a New York Times celebration of Broadway’s 2020-2021 season, which was cut short by the pandemic. It included a performance by Six, the show we were supposed to see in March. It was canceled because of COVID on opening night. Jayna also found out that she was accepted into the Visual and Performing Arts Themed Learning Community at Mines.
Jayna’s graduation is one week from today. Very different than what we had planned but thankfully more than what we thought it would be when graduation was first cancelled. And no trip to Italy two days later. 2020 is so different than we expected.
Day 12
Day 88 of COVID Day 18 of protests 2,048,986 cases 114,669 deaths
Finally Friday. Went for a walk, had margaritas on the porch, watched The King of Staten Island. Tomorrow we are going to visit my parents. I’m a little nervous.
News: New York bars chokeholds. The Trump Administration ends civil rights protections in healthcare for transgender people.

June 14
Day 90 of COVID Day 20 of protests 2,093,508 cases 115,732 deaths

Missed Saturday’s entry. We drove to New Jersey to visit my parents. It was weird to pack and leave the house overnight. But it was important to see my parents, especially my dad who is losing his memory and his ability to communicate and understand. But can still play poker. We played cards for two hours and got takeout from his favorite Italian restaurant. Even though he didn’t talk, he sat with us while we talked to my mom.
News: In the midst of these protests about police violence, police in Atlanta shot and killed a Black man outside a Wendy’s last night.

June 15
Day 91 of COVID Day 21 of protests 2,113,488 cases 116,319 deaths
Back to work. After work, we had drinks with our neighbor Nancy. In a different version of 2020, we’d be getting ready for graduation and Italy.
News: The Supreme Court ruled to protect gay and transgender workers.

June 16
Day 92 of COVID Day 22 of protests 2,137,707 cases 116,962 deaths
I ventured out to DC for a hair appointment! I feel much better. I literally had about 5 inches of grey hair! And it was super frizzy. But now my hair is smooth and all one color. Does wonders for my self-esteem but I worry about my exposure. I was there for hours and close to people at times though everyone wore a mask, and for the most part, social distanced. Today was Eli’s graduation so we had a Zoom call to celebrate.
News: Florida, Texas and Arizona set a record for the most COVID cases in one day.

June 17 My dad’s 88th birthday Day 93 of COVID
2,163,290 cases
117,717 deaths
Our last day of work this week. Graduation (in isolation) is tomorrow. In a different version of 2020, my parents would be here (and it’s my dad’s birthday), Wayne’s mom and Charlie and Lin, and it would be stressful, and we would be so excited

about leaving for Italy on Saturday. But it will be OK and honestly is a lot LESS stressful and we have some fun things planned.
News: John Bolton’s book is damning. Trump asks China to help on re-election. The Atlanta officers were charged with murdering Rayshard Brooks. The virus continues to spread in the south.
June 18 Jayna’s graduation day! Day 94 of COVID
There are still protests 2,189,056 cases
118,421 deaths
Graduation day was not as we envisioned it in fall 2019, at the start of senior year. But it also wasn’t how sad and lonely we thought it would be when the governor cancelled graduation in March. We got up early and I made scones, and we decorated the downstairs. At 10 am, we watched the graduation on Channel 41. In many ways, it was so much nicer that we were together and Jayna could point out friends. We didn’t have to get to DAR Constitution Hall at 7 a.m., we didn’t have to herd grandparents. We just watched and enjoyed.
Around 2 pm, we decorated the car, which was lots of fun. We went to the school at 2:45 for the car parade for seniors. The parade didn’t start right away so we got out of our cars and Jayna found her friends and they hung out while we waited. The parade was awesome! We drove around the school and teachers and administrators waved and cheered. Her friend Casey and his mom were there too. It was fun.
Cor’s valedictory speech was the best too.
We went out to dinner—outside dining at good social distance at Sweetwater Tavern and then watched Knives Out. That felt full circle because the day before Thanksgiving we did the same thing and we talked about how Thanksgiving would be the first time Jayna would come home from college.
News: The Supreme Court says Trump can’t end DACA. Facebook removed Trump ads with Nazi symbols.

June 19 Juneteenth Day 95 of COVID More protests 2,221,079 cases 119,112 deaths
This morning we went to Black Lives Matter Plaza in DC. We got there early to avoid crowds but it still had a celebratory feel and there were tons of handwritten protest signs to read. Things were peaceful and celebratory. I had to finish writing an article when we got home. We were all tired. I think we aren’t uses to this much activity. We Zoomed with Charlie and Lin to celebrate Jayna’s graduation and Lin’s retirement.
News: WHO warns about the pandemic as 20 U.S states continue to see cases rise.
June 21 Father’s Day Day 96 of COVID More protests 2,279,306 cases 119,969 deaths
Last day of the weekend. I don’t understand, if I have endless time, why it feels like there is never enough time. I got up earlier than everyone else and organized my to- do list for Jayna before college. There is A LOT to do. Plus, she might have a job, which is great, being a Dungeons and Dragons dungeon master at a summer camp. We made our flight reservations for Denver in August. Just two months from today Wayne and I would be flying back here alone.
Even though it was Father’s Day, we didn’t do much. Last night we watched the Belmont Stakes, then a Preservation Hall live stream and then Stone Hedge’s summer solstice live stream. Today we started to watch Spike Lee’s Da 5 Bloods.
News: Trump was expecting 1 million for his Tulsa rally last night. He got 6,200 people. TikTok uses and K-pop fans said they registered for tickets as a prank.

June 23
Day 97 of COVID Protests continue 2,310,798 cases 120,393 deaths
Back to work! But Kathleen called me this morning and we talked for an hour and made plans for Friday. Jayna is definitely working as a dungeon master this summer. Our microwave died over the weekend so we went to buy a new one while Jayna was at her job interview. Jayna had a Zoom call with the 17 students in her themed learning community. Wayne and I finished watching Da 5 Bloods. Hard to watch at times but worth seeing.
News: Trump suspends VISAs allowing foreigners to work in the US. Protesters try to topple an Andrew Jackson statue in front of the White House.

June 23
Day 98 of COVID Protests continue 2,346,937 cases

121,224 deaths
Worked though I noticed concentrating on stuff is getting increasingly harder. Jayna and I went to Annie and Carla’s to celebrate graduation. After dinner, we eliminated two things from the to-do list – ordering her laptop and ordering her linens. Despite people going out more and things opening up, it seems the virus is definitely not under control. I do wonder if Jayna will actually go to college in person.
In another version of 2020, we’d be arriving in Italy today, staying until July 9.
News: The EU is considering banning U.S. visitors. Dr. Fauci says the next two weeks will be critical in controlling the virus.

June 24
Day 99 of COVID Protests continue 2,380,490 cases 121,969 deaths
Worked but tried something new—the Pomodoro Method (25 minute sprint and then 5 minute break). I felt more productive. We walked to Ballston and even stopped for a beer! Signed up for Disney+
News: Florida, Texas, Oklahoma and South Carolina have the largest single day COVID totals.

June 25
Day 100
More protests, more statues pulled down 2,421,134 cases
124,402 deaths
Worked. Used the Pomodoro Method again and got a lot done. Did our Zoom happy hour.
News: None of it good – Texas pauses reopening because the ICU is full. Another 1.5 million apply for unemployment. That’s 47.3 million since March.

June 26
Day 101 2,467,404 cases 125,039 deaths
Finally Friday though the Pomodoro Method failed me today. I have a bunch of edits and work to do next week and I want to take Friday off. I’m just not going to think about it. We had a social distancing happy hour with Mark, Roger, Michael, Patrick

and Kathleen. So great to see people though I am not used to seeing people that long and I’m exhausted after an hour!
News: The EU has decided to ban U.S. travelers. Texas and Florida are issuing at stay-at-home orders and closing bars, restaurants and beaches. Trump signed an executive order to protect monuments.

June 28
Day 103 of COVID
Protests continue – it’s been a month 2,548,143 cases
125,803 deaths
It’s been a very different weekend. Charlie and Lin came to visit. We figured we have all been wearing masks and social distancing. Plus, we kept our distance here in the house and used different bathrooms and didn’t hug. Fingers crossed no one gets sick. They arrived yesterday afternoon. We hung out, talked, etc. Today we went for a walk and then Jayna, Charlie and Lin made props for Jayna’s D&D campaign and we all made fresh pasta. It was so weird to see people and to have people inside our house. I am exhausted.
I have lots of work to do this week. Two stories I wrote really missed the mark. I need to fix them. Plus, I have other stuff due and I want to take Friday off. Tomorrow will be painful.
News: In southern states, this virus is out of control. Mississippi lawmakers voted to retire the state flag.

June 29
Day 104 of COVID More protests 2,588,022 cases 126,131 deaths
Charlie and Lin went home this morning. Jayna went to work, just for a half day, but seems to like it.
News: Trump was briefed in February that Russians paid a bounty to kill US troops. The Supreme Court ruled against a harsh Louisiana abortion law.

June 30
Day 105 of COVID 2,627,372 cases 127,322 deaths

Suddenly everything is stressful and broken. The microwave is broken—we ordered a new one. We have an ant invasion in the kitchen. We’re waiting for the exterminator. Our kitchen sink is backed up. We need to call a plumber. COVID cases are rising and I’m seriously wondering if Jayna will actually go to college or if it will be online. Meanwhile, I’m having a difficult time staying focused on work. Nothing brings joy. There is nothing fun and delightful. We should be in Italy now but we’re not. A month ago, it felt like there was light at the end of the tunnel, that maybe the fall would be closer to normal. Now I think it’ll be worse.
News: Dr. Fauci says at the rate we are going, the infection rate could be 100,000 per day. New York and Massachusetts is making people from states with high infection rates quarantine on arrival.

July 1
Day 106 of COVID
Protesters in Seattle were cleared out 2,685,806 cases
128,061 deaths
Worked. Had the maids in for the first time since March 11th! Also had a plumber here to fix the sink. Everyone wore masks.
News: The infection rate rose 80 percent in the US in the last two weeks. We are doomed!!

July 2
Day 107 of COVID 2,739,092 cases 128,742 deaths
Last day of work this week for me! Three-day weekend! Had our Zoom happy hour with patriotic drinks. We’ve been watching Gravity Falls with Jayna every night.
News: We set another record for COVID cases. The Texas governor urged people to wear masks.

July 3
Day 108 2,793,435 cases 129,432 deaths
We all took the day off—even me! But I got up earlier than usual to go to Whole Foods and there was still a line when I got there. I tried to relax and do things I wanted to do. I listened to my audiobook and I walked. I didn’t do work.

For lunch, Wayne and I had an Italian picnic with wine. Then we all watched Hamilton on Disney+ and I cried a lot. It reminds me of better times, more hopeful times. I really don’t know if Jayna will go to college in a month. There’s a new housing contract that really outlines all that will be expected and all the uncertainty. There is no parents’ weekend or Thanksgiving break. Freshman year is hard enough. It feels like it will be really difficult this year. But taking a gap year is hard too and I see how much happier and engaged Jayna is with her job and having something to do.
News: COVID cases continue to rise. Trump holds a rally at Mount Rushmore with no social distancing.

July 4
Day 109 of COVID
Lots of protests today for Black Lives Matter 2,839,436 cases
129,676 deaths
The strangest July 4 ever. Got up relatively early. Trying to make the most of my time. Walked, listened to my audiobook and then hung out on the porch and read. Mark and Roger came over at 6 pm with pizzas. Before they arrived, we drank Mark’s Lemoncello and that put me in a better mood. They left around 9 pm so Wayne and I walked on the bike path to see if there were any fireworks. There were tons! It was the first time in about a dozen years that Jayna didn’t want to do fireworks.
After watching some neighborhood fireworks, we went inside and about 15 minutes later Robyne and Elaine texted to say they were outside! That was a super fun surprise. It’s hard to feel hopeful or patriotic but I love our family and friends.
News: Trump hosted fireworks in D.C. Arlington County texted us to remind us to stay home to stop the spread of the virus.

July 5
Day 110 2,888,586 cases 129,946 deaths
Last day of the weekend. We hung around as usual. Jayna met her friends at the park – first time since March in person! Sherry thinks she has COVID but it might be a tick bite. She’s having a test tomorrow.
News: A number of scientists are saying the virus is transmitted via air.

July 6 Day 111

Major protest blocked 14th Street Bridge in DC tonight 2,935,008 cases
130,284 deaths
Today was Jayna’s birthday. She had to get up early for work but she was home before noon. It was a quiet for her. But we had filet mignon, cupcakes, Macarons and some presents. It was a very different birthday than birthdays past. I still don’t see/understand how these kids will go to college and live in dorms. What seemed possible last month now seems impossible.
News: We’re back to a shortage of COVID testing supplies. Dr. Fauci says we are just still in the first wave of COVID.

July 7
Day 112 2,993,759 cases 131,455 deaths
Worked. Somehow I have more assignments. Suddenly I’m super busy. We were supposed to have happy hour with Jeff and Stacy but it rained so we Zoomed instead.
News: Trump is insisting all schools must be fully opened in the fall regardless of the virus. We are doomed!