Nadine and I are self-quarantining. I decide to go for a 2-mile walk to get some exercise and see what it is like "out there". The winds are picking up and whipping the palm and eucalyptus trees around; the sky darkens; rain is coming. For me, it is always welcome. Nadine insists that I take an umbrella.
Streets and sidewalks, especially the sidewalks, are just about deserted. You could shoot a cannon down 3rd Street and probably not hit any one. It is surreal.
Ambulance rushes by on 3rd Street, headed west to Cedars-Sinai, siren blaring. My imagination says that it is someone in distress from coronavirus, headed for the hospital.
I walk thru Pan Pacific Park. Practically deserted. A few people out walking their dogs. Two homeless men sitting under one of the few shelters in the park. At least they have shelter from the coming rain.
Into the Grove. The parking valets are standing around, nothing to do. Some stores are still open, some are closed. Few people. Feels eerie. Frank Sinatra still singing the old favorites on the outdoor speakers. Apple Store is closed.
Into Farmers Market. All the outdoor tables and chairs have been removed. Some of the food stalls are still open: ice cream, donuts, pizza. But it’s take-out only. Few customers, few strollers.
Pass by CVS and Whole Foods, and look in the windows. They were so crowded over the weekend. The parking lot is half-full, but the lines are very short, and I do not see any empty shelves. For now, the panic seems over. Will it return? I think about all the workers who are the chain that brings food items from fields and farms to our markets; how long can they work; will they get sick.
On my final leg walking home. One block from our building, the rain starts. Up goes the umbrella. The gym, theatre, activity center and spinning room are all closed. The cafe is open, but take-out only.
I’m home. On CNN, a reporter asks Trump how he would rate his response to the coronavirus epidemic. He gives himself a “10”….of course. No surprise there.
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We are getting good with pressing buttons without using our hands. Door knobs are harder.
Social distance. Wash your hands. Stay in touch.
Coleman
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