Time NOT Lost

March 20, 2020:  In our lifetimes, we have not seen a virus affect our daily comings and goings the way this one has. Since the World Health Organization (WHO) declared this pandemic on March 11, our daily routines have completely changed. Doug and I would ordinarily have a busy schedule this spring, even though we are retired. I would attend my weekly women’s curling league on Wednesday, knitting group at a coffee shop on Tuesday afternoon, writing group every other Wednesday, step aerobics classes on Wednesday and Sunday mornings, and a couple of monthly genealogy meetings. In addition to two curling nights, Doug would have orchestra practice on Wednesday nights, head the Granite Curling Club Finance Committee at twice-monthly meetings, and attend clarinet lessons with his teacher.  We regularly meet our good friends, Bob and Phyllis, for dinner on nights we all volunteer as ushers at the local ACT Theater and Doug and I attend performances at other theaters.  Everythi...

March 18, 2020:  At the end of February, in response to the first reported U.S. death from COVID-19 in the Seattle area, the Granite Curling Club sent out instructions to all members to clean the handles of our curling rocks before and after our games. The club, where my husband and I have been members for more than 35 years, provided disinfecting wipes for that purpose. Club members did so for 2 weeks of regular league play, until King County made the following recommendations on March 10: Employers should encourage and enable as many employees as possible to telecommute and follow other guidance for businesses. Avoid bringing large groups of people together, and consider postponing events and gatherings. Stay home when you are sick. Do not go out in public when you are sick. If you are ill in any way call your doctor's office first before going in. Based on these guidelines, the next night the club Board of Directors decided to close the club until further notice. That was the l...