home

Home > Dispatches > Daily Dispatches 2020 >Daily Dispatch #71

March 12, 2020: The Sun Shines Brightly

For three days now, the sun’s been shining brightly. We could be being lulled into a sense of false complacency. Tomorrow we could get another dumping of snow. Then again, it could all start to melt.

It’s beginning now to feel like we are beginning a series of snow days. The first case of the Covid-19 virus has been identified here in Alaska. It is called the Corona Virus, as in corona, like the sun. This does not bode well for any of us, physically or mentally.

I have always envisioned societal collapse, and my computer writings later being found and deciphered. So this dispatch may be one in which future inhabitants may get a clue as to what became of all of us. Future inhabitants may be cockroaches, who having evolved, became a more literate life-form. I can see them all avidly pouring over Kafka’s Metamorphosis.

Heartperson & Heartdog
Heartperson & Heartdog


I have not at all been concerned about this virus until today, when the first case was diagnosed, and the red alarm was sounded. Pete gets off next week, in order to prepare for online courses. Then he will teach online. This may be harder on him than contacting the virus because he really enjoys interacting with students and his fellow workers. He can’t get enough of everyone. And communicating online isn’t going to do it.

Me, I have been spending far too much time at the recycling center. I suspect that I’ll cut back on my hours and finish a few book projects. And my horses will again get the attention that they deserve.

I have very little love of humanity. There are a handful of people who I love and respect, most notably Pete and my sister. But I will not spend my time mourning the fact that others may drop like flies. There are just too many people in contact with one another. For some time it’s been a very unhealthy situation.

We human beings do not have much in the way of forethought. Everyone is talking about how the economy is taking a nosedive. Few are talking about how we can, now, make changes in how we do things. Maybe we will become less dependent upon mechanical transportation, plane, train, automobile included. And maybe we will see the folly in cruise ship travel. And maybe we will see the problems inherent to conspicuous consumption.

Tomorrow Pete and I are going to go through our kitchen cupboards and see what we will need to purchase, just in case stores become virally unsafe places. Then we will hunker down at home.

Well, I have plenty of books on hand and numerous writing projects that need to get done. I passed If Wishes were Horses on to Pete, and while I’m waiting on him, I’ll will work on If You Come to a Fork in the Road Pick it Up. With people dying off, readership may plummet. This is a chance that I’m going to have to take. I’ve also decided to do some cartooning. I want Little Vector to meet Little Rototiller Bacon. I’m determined to have a good time, no matter what.

Next: 72. 3/13/20: A Conversation with Hrimmi and Raudi

Horse Care Home About Us Dispatches Trips Alys's Articles