One of the hardest parts about the pandemic are the long periods of isolation in-between conversations online and face mask to face mask. Chance encounters in the outside world with neighbourhood acquaintances, even a quick chat with my favorite cashiers up at the Metro are a welcome diversion from the mindless routine...and now the fear...again. The loss of two close friends last year hasn’t helped either. Jason’s half-brother, Dean’s visit last fall, and Joe’s cottage this past summer were great for the mental health.

Although purposely a hermit for the past few years, I miss going out to the occasional poetry reading or book launch, or any number of other outings, social gatherings. With Omicron spreading like wildfire, I will stay away from my local (favorite) restaurants for now, and avoid taking public transit if at all possible. As if a cab is any safer. Overall, I guess it’s that loss of control to choose, unless one wants to live dangerously; free will’s a bitch sometimes.

The latest advice from on high is that one cloth face mask may not be enough to stop Omicron, and now are recommending 2 or 3 face masks in layers. Also suggested, is the use of the N95 surgical mask, available at every corner store – NOT. Despite this advice, I will stick with my cloth mask, but as suggested above, isolating more than ever now. As I’ve said before, don’t know how I would have survived this pandemic alone, without my son, Jason. He feels the same way about me.

Meanwhile, the hunger games have started up again. People racing all over the place trying to obtain testing kits and the booster shot, with Christmas only 3 days away. I’m now eligible for the booster (3rd shot), but there’s a shortage because the frigging provincial government opened availability up to everyone, 18 and older, rather than gradual descending age groups, at times overloading the provincial electronic portal. I’ll check at my local pharmacy, but for the most part am willing to wait until January, and the Christmas rush over, before getting the jab. I’m just wondering though, are we going to have to get inoculated every time there’s a new variant???

I have a Dentist’s appointment in January, so I’ll be riding, or better chancing lol the LRT. An MRI for my knee next month also, but that one’s at night, so I’ll be taking cabs.

Christmas will be quiet for us. Maybe order takeout one night. I have that small roast also to cook. Overall, we’re well stocked for food. We’ve decided to pass on the movie, Christmas Day, in light of recent developments.

I don’t see another diary entry coming right away, so I’ll take this opportunity to wish you all a very Merry Christmas! As always, thanks again for your readership and support!!

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12/21/2021

Posted on 12/21/2021
Copyright © 2024 Chris Sorrenti