Two Years Into the Pandemic

Some delights that have come out of this awfulness

This is my favourite mask made by my sister

A lot of really terrible things have happened in the last two years, but some good things have happened as well.

The biggest change was immediate: less traffic. This was a result of all non-essential workers being placed into lockdown for two weeks. The streets were quiet and reminded me of my childhood. Back then, stores weren’t open on Sundays and the streets weren’t clogged with cars on weekdays in the mid-afternoon. What a delight it was to take a walk and hear more birds chirping, to smell sweeter air without exhaust billowing about, and see other people out strolling just to enjoy the fresh air.

The six feet / two meter rule was a relief. No longer did I have someone breathing moistly on my neck in the checkout lane, or pushing me aside at the prescription counter. I loved, and still love, how it’s not considered anti-social to cross the street to avoid another pedestrian, or walk on the boulevard to put some space between me and another walker.

And masks! How wonderful these are! People look like delightful muppets with their muzzles covered. Just like any other article of clothing, so much personality comes through in their choice of masks, whether medical or patterned fabric, and it’s fun to see new styles and colours pop up. I also adore knowing that nobody…