May 2020 a year from my last post- propping up an idea that I have always had, that my memory works from the same cues, Autumn here, in Australia reminded me to see if I could still view this blog. I was surprised that I could actually still see my entries.
I seemed to have lost all my photos from my computer, I didn't want to upload to a server somewhere- and I was using a program that was not the one that came with my computer.
These days, the app Instagram serves as the visual diary of my life.
I have thought to do some posting here, for myself- as my social circle has caught up to me, and especially these days, I get to talk to people directly.
Gone over the past decade are limitations on data, resistant to texting or phone call apps.
Where once, I had to navigate each persons accessibility to send a single photo, often having to re-size them, now I can text them directly to their phones- instantly.
I, have, of course been thinking about feelings of being connected, and impressions of being isolated as Tasmania is still closed to non-essential travel.
We luckily, had changed our flight to return to the island about 36 hours ahead of the government telling citizens to come home.
When I first moved to the island, I joked a lot about the likelihood that we would last on any global calamity (this turned out not to be true), and that we were pretty self-sufficient and sustainable even if we had to pull back to this hemisphere only (this feels true).
I am still typing slightly in jest- but I find it difficult not to feel very fortunate compared to many other countries that are dealing with the pandemic.
I also have to acknowledge that in recent history, I have wished to be able to stay off a plane for an entire year (which I had done, almost, with ten months between trips)- and I have wondered many time, when and if my partner would ever be here for winter. This looks like it will be his first. As he needs to travel for work- we don't speculate beyond one month at a time. Our state could ease restrictions in the next week or so, but that is far from the airport opening up.
I have gotten up twice, while trying to type this to spot birds from my yard. I think, because in the early years here, 2006-2009 all I had for connection was the computer. I even listened to my podcasts from my computer- pre-iphone.
I have over the years, gotten in the habit of not being on my computer, and not using my phone needlessly, if I can do anything else. Now, at a time my friends are questioning how much they are using phones or looking at screens either computer, phone, or T.V.- I've already let go of that habit. This is an excellent time to look for birds, and I am fortunate they come to my yard. My sense of "urgency" is I think, much higher than most people here. I listen to a lot of news from Europe and the U.S. - and although I understand why people here are not worried- I can't really join in.
When restrictions ease, my only goal is to hike, in areas I hope will not be even 25% as crowded as the neighborhood has become. Each week, since our fourteen days of mandatory house stay ended, I have taken a walk that is normally not crowded and seen at least twenty-five to thirty-five people. The stores are the same way. It is hard to see a difference. I am keeping to errands like getting our flu shots, donating blood / plasma. I don't think too far into the future, because they idea that we might not get to leave the island for an entire year is hard.
Meanwhile I am my usual 50-50. I'll do an online yoga class, or exercise dvd. Eat a salad or something healthy- but then make a margarita at 2 p.m. Which is my plan...now.
